ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Review

10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a lightweight fragrance-free cream.  The formula features azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and licorice to help smooth, brighten, and clarify skin.  The silky formula spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a non-greasy hydrating finish.  The booster leaves skin softer, brighter, and more even with regular use.

Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel Review

Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel is a lightweight gel-cream with a cooling metal applicator.  The formula features peptides, niacinamide, antioxidants,
anti-irritants, and lightweight hydrators.  The gel-cream glides easily over
the skin and absorbs to a soft matte finish.  The formula leaves the eye area soft, refreshed and hydrated, but it may not be emollient enough for dry skin types.  This product is fragrance-free. 

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner Review

Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is a hydrating water-like liquid. 
The fragrance-free formula is enriched with green tea, willow herb, grape seed extract, sodium hyaluronate, and other skin conditioners.  The toner absorbs without residue and leaves the skin clean, soft, and lightly hydrated. 

Paula’s Choice Resist 1% Retinol Booster Review

Retinol Booster is a yellow serum-lotion with a distinctive retinol scent. 
In addition to retinol, the formula also includes apple extract, peptides, and several anti-irritants.  The booster can be used alone or added to a moisturizer.  The booster goes on easily and absorbs to a lightweight, slightly tacky finish.  While the formula is quite gentle for a high-strength retinol product and can be used daily, it does little to improve the skin’s overall appearance.

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner Review

Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner is a water-like liquid without added fragrance.  The formula combines niacinamide, ceramides, anti-irritants, antioxidants, and other skin conditioners.  The toner absorbs quickly and provides lightweight hydration.  The formula leaves skin clean and balanced.

Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum Review

Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum is a weightless water-based gel. 
While the serum is rich in anti-irritants, antioxidants, and other skin-repairing ingredients, it feels somewhat drying even when paired with a moisturizer.  The serum works quite well around the t-zone, keeping it clear and balanced.

Paula’s Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser Review

Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is a silky white cleanser enriched with sunflower oil, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and other skin conditioners.  The cleanser creates ample lather that dissolves makeup and grime without stripping the skin.  The formula rinses easily and leaves the skin feeling clean.  This product is fragrance-free.

Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Fluid SPF 50 Review

Resist Youth-Extending Daily Fluid SPF 50 is a non-greasy sunscreen with a milky liquid texture.  The formula combines chemical sunscreen actives, multiple antioxidants, and anti-irritants. The sunscreen spreads easily and absorbs to a weightless finish without stickiness or shine.  The sunscreen alone may not provide enough hydration for drier skin types.  

Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment Review

Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is a silky yellow lotion with a potent dose of retinol.  The formula also contains antioxidants, peptides, anti-irritants, and other skin conditioners.  The lotion goes on easily and absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and lightly hydrated.  The formula improves skin texture and softens fine lines; however it can cause irritation and dryness if used too frequently. 

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask Review

Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask is a silky clay mask enriched with antioxidants and anti-irritants.  The lightweight formula goes on thin and dries quickly without overdrying the skin.  The clay removes excess oils and dirt from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.

Paula’s Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment Review

Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment is a nourishing lotion enriched with retinol, shea butter, plant oils, and antioxidants.  The formula feels silky going on and it absorbs without a greasy residue.  The lotion provides instant and lasting relief to dry skin, leaving it velvety soft and hydrated.  The retinol in the formula helps to smooth the skin without redness or irritation.

Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA Review

Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment is a water-like liquid with 2% salicylic acid to treat clogged pores and breakouts.  The formula is further enhanced with peptides, anti-irritants, and other skin conditioners.  The liquid dries quickly on the skin without a trace of residue.  The formula gently exfoliates and adds a touch of hydration.  This product is fragrance free.

Paula’s Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths Review

Clinical KP Treatment Cloths are pre-moistened with an exfoliating liquid that combines 2% salicylic acid and 8% lactic acid to treat keratosis pilaris (also known as chicken skin bumps).  The cloths are neither too wet nor too dry and deposit the formula evenly over the skin.  The formula leaves the skin hydrated and slightly sticky, but the stickiness eventually dissipates.  The clothes smooth the skin and help reduce the bumps with continued use.  

Paula’s Choice Clinical Instant Calm Advanced Redness Relief Review

Clinical Instant Calm Advanced Redness Relief is a toner-like liquid with a soft fruity scent.  The formula is enriched with multiple anti-irritants and antioxidants.  The toner absorbs quickly into the skin and provides a touch of hydration without stickiness.  The formula feels gentle on the skin, but it provides little relief from redness or irritation.  

Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster Review

RESIST C15 Super Booster is a clear liquid treatment formulated with 15% stabilized vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid.  The formula also features vitamin E, ferulic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and peptides.  The liquid absorbs into the skin immediately, but it feels slightly sticky upon application.  Once completely absorbed, the treatment leaves the skin lightly hydrated and free of residue.  The vitamin C gives the skin a noticeable glow and smoother texture.  This product is gentle enough for daily use.  

Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review

Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense is an ultra-light mineral sunscreen with a subtle natural tint.  The silky lotion contains zinc oxide and multiple antioxidants to defend against UV rays.  The sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin and sets to a nearly weightless matte finish.  The formula’s sheer tint evens out the complexion. 

Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream Review

Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream is a silky cream without fragrance.  The formula is enriched with jojoba oil, multiple emollients, antioxidants, and other skin conditioners.  The cream glides over the skin and absorbs to a soft, nourishing finish without feeling heavy or greasy.  The cream instantly quenches and soothes dry skin while keeping it hydrated all day long.  

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense SPF30 Review

Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense SPF30 is a milky liquid sunscreen for normal, oily, and combination skin.  The formula contains an effective blend of chemical sunscreens, powerful antioxidants, and lightweight hydrators.  The sheer liquid feels slightly gritty going on, but it rapidly absorbs into the skin without white residue, excessive shine, or stickiness.  The formula leaves the skin with a smooth semi-matte finish and just a hint of sheen.  This product is fragrance-free. 

Paula’s Choice RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum Review

RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is a silky yellow gel.  The silicone-based formula contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, multiple antioxidants, anti-irritants, and other skin repairing ingredients. 
The lightweight serum glides over the skin and absorbs without a greasy feel.  The serum leaves the skin with a sheer veil of moisture and a semi-matte finish.  This product is fragrance-free.  

Paula’s Choice RESIST BHA9 for Stubborn Imperfections Review

BHA9 is a clear liquid spot treatment that targets acne and other skin imperfections.  The formula combines 9% salicylic acid, soothing plant extracts, and other skin conditioners.  The spot treatment feels oily and tacky going on, but it absorbs completely within a few minutes.  The formula gradually reduces blemishes and refines pores without irritating the skin.  Unfortunately, the pump dispenser releases excessive amounts of product.  

Paula’s Choice Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15 (Nude Illusion) Review

Nude Illusion is a brownish nude lipstick with rosy undertones.  The lipstick has a lightweight, creamy texture and a subtle shimmer finish.  The lipstick has good staying power and gradually fades to a rosy tint.  This product is fragrance-free.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer Review

Barrier Repair Moisturizer is a lightweight, silicone-free cream without added fragrance or color.  The formula is enriched with emollients, retinol, antioxidants, and other skin conditioners.  The moisturizer quickly absorbs and hydrates the skin without stickiness or shine.  The formula may not be moisturizing enough for dry skin types.  

Paula’s Choice Earth Sourced Antioxidant-Enriched Moisturizer Review

Antioxidant-Enriched Moisturizer is a lightweight white lotion with a soft nutty scent.  The moisturizer blends natural plant oils, cocoa butter, shea butter, botanical extracts, antioxidants, and amino acids.  The lotion spreads easily over the skin and absorbs within minutes.  The formula leaves behind a lightweight moisturizing film that nourishes and hydrates the skin.  This product is free of fragrance and colorants.

Paula’s Choice Earth Sourced Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel Review

Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel is a translucent, unscented cleansing gel.  The formula is a blend of mild cleansing agents and lightweight skin conditioners.  The gel works into a silky, luxurious lather that quickly removes makeup and grime.  The cleanser rinses without a trace of residue, leaving the skin exceptionally clean but slightly dry.  This product would be suitable for normal to oily skin.  

Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Purely Natural Refreshing Toner Review

Purely Natural Refreshing Toner is a watery gel without added fragrance or colorants.  The toner is rich in antioxidants, anti-irritants, plant oils, amino acids, and other skin conditioners.  The lightweight gel glides easily over the skin, and it absorbs without leaving a sticky residue.  The toner refreshes the skin and provides lightweight hydration.

Paula’s Choice Slip Into Silk Body Lotion Review

Slip Into Silk Body Lotion is a lightweight yet emollient body lotion.  The formula contains natural plant oils, shea butter, antioxidants, and other skin conditioners.  The lotion feels silky going on and absorbs without a greasy residue.  The skin immediately feels softer, smoother, and hydrated.  This product is fragrance-free.

 

Paula’s Choice All Over Hair and Body Shampoo Review

All Over Hair and Body Shampoo is a clear cleansing gel without added fragrance or colorants.  The formula includes cleansing/lather agents, wheat protein, mango butter, cocoa butter, and shea butter.  The shampoo lathers nicely and it cleanses the hair and body without overdrying.  The lather rinses off easily, leaving the hair and skin soft and refreshed.  The shampoo can leave fine hair a bit flat.

Paula’s Choice Redness Relief Treatment Review

Redness Relief Treatment is a clear liquid toner without added fragrance.  The formula’s key ingredients are aspirin, vitamin C, willow herb, and green tea.  The aspirin, willow herb, and green tea help to diminish redness and calm irritated skin, while the vitamin C provides antioxidant protection.  The toner absorbs quickly, leaving a silky veil of moisture on the skin.  This product is particularly effective at soothing the skin after shaving.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Review

Daily Smoothing Treatment is a beige serum-lotion with 5% glycolic acid.  The formula also includes a multitude of antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin conditioners.  The treatment feels moist going on and quickly absorbs to a sheer natural finish.  The glycolic acid smoothes and softens the skin without irritation, but it stings a bit when you first apply the treatment to the skin.  This product has a “plasticky” melon scent.

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Toner Review

Skin Balancing Toner is a clear lightweight liquid without added fragrance.  The formula is enriched with niacinamide, antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin conditioning agents.  The toner helps to remove traces of cleanser, dirt, and makeup from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.  The toner dries without stickiness or residue.

Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 45+ Review

Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 45 is a milky fluid sunscreen for all skin types.  The formula protects the skin from sun exposure with a potent blend of chemical sunscreens and several antioxidants.  The lightweight fluid goes on easily and quickly absorbs to a non-greasy, non-whitening finish with a hint of shine.  This product is formulated without added fragrance, but it has a chemical sunscreen odor. 

Paula’s Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish with Microsponge® Technology Review

Shine Stopper is a lightweight white lotion formulated to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface.  To apply, you gently dab a small amount over oily areas before or after makeup application.  The lotion quickly disappears into the skin, leaving behind a colorless, silky powder finish; however, the skin can appear streaky if too much product is applied.  This product blurs the look of pores and keeps the skin shine-free for a few hours. 

Paula’s Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Review

RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment is a translucent, toner-like liquid with 10% glycolic acid, antioxidants, and anti-irritants.  The nighttime treatment applies like a regular toner, but it stings the skin while it dries.  The formula leaves the skin lightly hydrated and with minimal stickiness.  The treatment can be left on overnight or, if the skin is not accustomed to glycolic acid, rinsed off after 10 minutes.  The glycolic acid in this product leaves the skin soft, smooth, and glowing after just one treatment.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 Review

RESIST Cellular Daily Defense Moisturizer is a moisturizing white cream with a whipped, airy texture.  The formula contains a mineral-based sunscreen (titanium dioxide) and several antioxidants.  The cream glides on easily, but it looks pasty as you rub it into the skin.  The cream absorbs with only a trace of white residue; leaving behind a moist, dewy finish that may be too heavy for normal and oily skin types.  This product is fragrance-free.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion Review

Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion is a lightweight lotion with 1% salicylic acid.  In addition to salicylic acid, the formula contains anti-irritants and skin conditioners.  The lotion feels moist when applied to the skin, but it quickly dries to a weightless matte finish.  The formula gently exfoliates the skin and leaves it smooth and even-toned.  This product has a somewhat unpleasant “sour cucumber” scent that quickly fades away.

Paula’s Choice Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15 Review

Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen is a lightweight white lotion designed for normal to oily/combination skin.  The oil-free formula combines chemical sunscreens (avobenzone and others) and antioxidants to protect the skin from sun exposure.  The lotion applies easily, but it leaves the skin shiny and a little tacky.  The formula is free of fragrance and colorants.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner Skin Remodeling Complex Review

Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner is a milky liquid without added fragrance.  The formula is enriched with a multitude of antioxidants, anti-irritants, emollients, and other skin conditioners.  The toner gently cleanses the skin while adding a boost of moisture.  The formula softens, soothes, and refreshes the skin without stickiness or greasy residue. 

Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA Review

Weightless Body Treatment is a lightweight body lotion with 2% salicylic acid.  In addition to salicylic acid, the formula also includes antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin conditioners.  The lotion glides on easily and quickly absorbs to a matte, non-greasy finish.  The salicylic acid minimizes the rough patches and bumps on the skin for a smoother appearance.  The formula is fragrance-free, but it has a plasticky melon scent that quickly fades.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser Review

RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser is a non-foaming lotion cleanser without added fragrance.  The creamy formula combines gentle cleansers with skin conditioners.  The silky lotion glides over the face, dissolving makeup and grime.  The cleanser rinses well, leaving behind just a trace of moisture that comes off after toweling.  The cleanser leaves the skin feeling clean and not too tight.

Paula’s Choice Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator Review

Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator is a beige gel-lotion without added fragrance.  The silicone-based lotion blends vitamin C, niacinamide, and lactoperoxidase to help fade acne marks and prevent future breakouts.  The lotion spreads easily over the skin and quickly absorbs to a natural, semi-matte finish.  The formula moisturizes the skin and leaves it soft and smooth. 

Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner Review

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner is a clear hydrating liquid without added fragrance.  The toner is enriched with a host of antioxidants and skin conditioners.  The formula tingles upon application, but the sensation only lasts a minute.  The toner quickly absorbs into the skin and leaves it clean and lightly hydrated.

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner Review

Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is a water-like liquid free of fragrance and colorants.  The formula contains green tea and grape seed extracts, anti-irritants, and light hydrators.  The toner cleanses and refreshes the skin while adding a touch of moisture.  The formula dries quickly without a sticky or greasy residue.

Paula’s Choice Clear Targeted Acne Relief Toner Review

Clear Targeted Acne Relief Toner is a clear, water-like liquid.  The toner is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to treat acne and exfoliate the skin.  The formula also contains anti-irritants and light hydrators that help fight redness and inflammation.  The toner absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves it feeling clean and refreshed.  This product is fragrance- and alcohol-free.  

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Toner Review

Skin Recovery Toner is an ultra-light, milky solution with no added fragrance.  The toner contains water, silicone, water-binding agents, plant oils, antioxidants, anti-irritants and other skin conditioners.  The formula dries without stickiness or shine and it helps to soften, soothe and lightly moisturize the skin.  This product is suited for normal to very dry skin.

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Carbon Mask Review

Skin Balancing Carbon Mask is a lightweight gel-paste with a charcoal tint.  The mask combines bentonite clay and carbon to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin.  The formula also contains glycerin and several anti-irritants to soothe the skin.  The paste tingles upon application and dries quickly on the skin.  The mask rinses easily and leaves skin feeling comfortably clean and soft.  This product is fragrance-free.

Paula’s Choice 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Gel Review

This unscented clear gel dries quickly and without a residue.  The formula contains 8% glycolic acid to exfoliate and smooth the surface of the skin.  The gel is also formulated with chamomile, aloe, green tea, sodium hyaluronate and panthenol that help to calm and lightly moisturize the skin.  This treatment is relatively gentle and can be used daily.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product. 

Paula's Choice One Step Face Cleanser Normal to Dry Skin Review

This one is a favorite of mine.  This basic cleanser is silky, creamy and lightly foaming.  It removes all makeup, rinses clean and is not too drying.  The formula is fragrance- and colorant-free, and it contains soothing chamomile and aloe.

Paula's Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel Review

This lightweight gel is a great choice for people battling minor blemishes and blackheads.  It contains 1% salicylic acid (BHA) to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.  This formula also contains several good anti-irritants.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.