If you saw my Paula’s Choice giveaway post last week, you would know that I’ve been getting into a new skincare routine thanks to my friends at Paula’s Choice. I’m always bouncing around from skincare line to skincare line, mixing and matching products, and I figured this would be a great chance to get into a real routine that will target my issues! Side note: want to try any Paula’s Choice products out after? Shop through this link and save 20% off any product of your choice with free shipping!
Anyways, a few weeks ago I had a chance to chat with one of Paula’s experts to help find the perfect routine for my skin type and its needs. We talked about what my skin is like, what concerns I have, and where I would like it to be so that she could put together a selection of products that would work together to get results. Personally, coming out of this brutal winter, my skin is absolutely parched (I’ve been no stranger to flakiness this year) and it just seems to be lacking the brightness that I’m used to. These were the main areas that I wanted to target with this new routine, and I soon received a 7 step system to help me out with this.
After 2 weeks, I must say that I’m very pleased with the results so far. Granted, I’m fairly new to the routine and am expecting to see more noticeable results as time and usage continues, but I’m definitely off to a good start. My skin feels more hydrated, my skintone is starting to look more even and it really does look brighter, which is perfect as I want to look and feel refreshed now that the warmer weather is – allegedly – on its way. But I have to say the most noticeable result for me at this time has to be the feel of my skin. It’s already smoother, softer and more supple. If it keeps going this route, I’m going to have some sort of Benjamin Button situation going on (which I’m ok with).
Want to learn more about my routine? Read on.
Step 1: Cleanse – Of course, any skincare routine starts off with clean skin. I use the Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser (for normal to dry skin) in the morning and at night to get rid of any dirt, oil and makeup that I may have on my face and to prep the skin so that all of the other products can do their job. This cleanser is really lightweight but does a great job of removing my makeup at the end of the day and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight and dry.
Step 2: Tone – This next step is essential in any skincare routine. It helps to remove any remaining makeup from the skin while softening and smoothing. I’ve been using the Moisture Boost Essential Hydrating Toner (for normal to dry skin) afterwards. It’s really gentle on my face which is something that I need right now when dryness is at its highest.
Step 3: Exfoliate – This was my first time using a leave on exfoliant. I’m used to using one that acts as a scrub, so it was pretty new to me. This Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment uses 4% BHA to remove old skin cells so that new, healthy skin is revealed. I’ve been using this as part of my night time routine after cleansing and toning.
Step 4: Treat – Once my skin has been prepped for special treatments, I like to apply my serums. These can also be mixed in with moisturizers but I prefer to apply them beforehand so that they have a better chance to penetrate the skin and to act faster. I use the Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum during both my morning and night routines and add in the Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum at night since this is the time that the skin really repairs itself, giving it a better chance to work it’s magic. These two help to balance out my skin, repair sun damage and prevent wrinkles from coming in.
Step 5: Moisturize – Last but certainly not least it’s time to give my skin a real dose of moisture. For mornings I love the Resist Youth-Extending Daily Mattifying Fluid. It has SPF 50 so I know that my skin is going to be very protected against sun damage every single day of the year, and love that it has an extremely lightweight, oil-free texture so I don’t feel shiny after applying it. Night time calls for a moisturizer that can repair my skin while I sleep, and I turn to the Resist Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator, which leaves my skin feeling soft and firm, while helping to brighten. I’ve also started adding in a couple of drops of the Resist C15 Super Booster, which contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid to help brighten and smooth my skin – this might be my favourite product so far!
I’m really happy with the Paula’s Choice routine I’ve been using and I can’t wait to try a few other products – I currently deal with Keratosis Pilaris on the backs of my arms and I’ve heard amazing things about the PC products that were created to help deal with this!
Have you ever used any Paula’s Choice products? Let me know if you have, I would love to hear which products you love!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Pretty In My Pocket and contains products that were received for review, but as always all opinions are 100% my own!
