My First Impression to Paula Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel

If you're an interested in Paula Begoun's product, then you might have heard about BHA and AHA. For facial use, Paula offered several kind of BHA, including 2% BHA Gel which i've tried in sample size (yes, they have official sample size product!)

First, some introduction from paula choice :

What makes this product unique?
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant is a water-based formula that exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining to unclog pores and improve skin cell turnover rate. This creates a dramatic improvement in the skin's appearance, feel, and function especially for blemish-prone skin. There is a great deal of research indicating that BHA (beta hydroxy acid) increases collagen production and drastically smooths the surface of skin. Additionally, BHA has anti-bacterial properties that attack blemish-causing bacteria. The silky gel base of this exfoliant is similar to the texture of the Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant but has twice the amount of salicylic acid to combat stubborn blemishes, including blackheads and white bumps.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.5-3.9. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents.
Who is this product for?
All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to very oily skin prone to blemishes.
NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

 I usually use 2% BHA Liquid with cotton ball (thats my method, and i feel enjoy with it), but i wanna try something else and there's gel type coming in. Please note that i'm only using sample size (1.5 ml actually), so it's just my first impression, okay?

What it does :

creates radiant, even toned skin

reduce redness & builds collagen

unclogs & diminished enlarge pores

Direction of use :

apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a dime sized amount over entire face, including eyes (avoid lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or higher.

My way using it :

this sample size is enough for 3 days of use, twice a day.

i use very little amount and spread all over my face (avoid lower lash line and eyelids) right after cleansing because i'm rarely using toner this days.

2% BHA Gel is clear, has medium thick gel consistency.

Once applied, it feel much more sticky than liquid one and makes my face appear brighter than usual (not that i'm complaining).

Scent is stronger than liquid, but still acceptable. And it's not fragrance smell, it's chemical and gone after few seconds.

For me, it's more practical to use since i'm not using cotton ball here, but apply directly using my finger. My finger feel a tad drier than when i'm using liquid one but if i wash it properly after use, it's okay.

While combating acne, it perform worse than liquid.

I don't know it's just me or what, since Paula said liquid and gel type BHA are basically the same, with different texture only. But i think Liquid works better on me.

PRO's :

Clinically proven non irritating

BHA (for me, it's always a plus)

doesn't causing me break out

easier to apply

makes my face appear brighter

CONs :

 Stronger scent

Doesn't perform as good as liquid type BHA

 makes my fingers drier after application (need to wash properly)

However, if i can't get Liquid BHA, Gel type is much more better than none at all.

Have you tried Paula's product?

I'm still reading her book and hopefully, trying her AHA in short time :)

instagram @taniaasvs

selling beauty stuff and everything in between @Primafacie_Corner

 

 

 

My Favorites in 2014

My blog was started in 2012, and since established, I haven’t do any real “Best Product of the Year” kind of post. Sorry for being late, but here it is :

Tania’s favorite Beauty Product in 2014!

Looking back, in 2014 my skin has up and down journey. Been sorrow and joy, these are my favorites :

SKINCARE

Holy Grail : Paula Choice Clear Anti Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid

My absolute favorites. DOES clean my skin and makes it way much much much better. Now I am just using it like 2-3 times a week to maintain the clearness. The only cons is just price. But well, I’d go for it.

Second, also from Paula Choice : Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide

Hey, I’ve just said my skin is much much much much better, then why do I need another treatment? Because I still get acne during my period. Amount vary from 1 silent acne to 4 horrible acne. This product helps. Cons? Price and sometimes it’s sting.

Third is Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.

Mine is in sample size (and I keep buying sample size because regular size cost a Fortune, no joke).

I have oily skin and mostly, cream moisturizer wouldn’t work. This one works, and could be function as moisturizer, night cream, eye cream (no cream bleeding) and has anti oxidant that help with spot.

Fourth, Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Foaming Face Wash (also the one in tube. I run out of it so no picture)

Thanks God I’ve found this. It’s considerably expensive compared to another drugstore brand here, but only fraction compared to Korean Facial Wash. Plus, it’s free from Parabens, SLS/SLES and Phthalates. It’s helps prevent acne and cleanse well. This one is my second foaming bottle and I’ve just finished my second tube.

Fifth, Evian Natural Mineral Water

I know it's said to be far less amazing than Avene Facian Mist, but it's far more affordable here in Indonesia and i think for me, it's done the job very well.

Last, also from Paula Choice is Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum

It has Retinol and help to fade my acne scars. 2% salicylic acid does the job quite well but it works faster with SBSACS (gosh, what a long name!).

MAKE UP

 

Since I’m not wearing make up much, I only got 2 super-favorites :

Urban Decay Naked 3

No introduction needed, I guess?

Well, first I don’t think I could pull the Rose Gold theme but thankfully, it turn so good. I rarely wear my naked 2 now. Naked 3 ROCKS!

Coty Airspun Translucent Extra Coverage Loose Powder

Maybe it’s too fast to say it’s favorites in 2014, since I just bought it about end of November but I found nothing work as great as this one, even the ingredient is out of my usual picks, but still. I’m in love.

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Vanilla Bliss Body Polish

I’ve praised it so high in my review post (click here to read) and this one is my second tube of vanilla. Faves.

Nivea Daily Protection Sun Lotion Light Feeling SPF 25 PA ++

Remember how I always complained why there’s no good sun lotion? They’re always feel heavy on my skin. Those that lights, has no SPF. No wonder my skintone getting darker and darker.

However, thanks Nivea to bring this cute blue tube to Indonesia. It’s really feels like on my skin. And SPF 25 is enough too. Bought 5 bottles when it launching sale for IDR. 15,000/100ml each. CHEAP.

Have you tried any of these? Does them impressed you?

Check my instagram @Primafacie_Corner (selling beauty stuff, ready stock) and @taniaasvs for beauty reviews :)