While it’s rare for me to get excited about skincare that aims to “calm and soothe” (I’m more of a “if it’s red or slightly burning, then it must be working” kinda guy), the brand new Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief collection tops the list of my beauty surprises this year. Consulted by my phenomenal in-house contact, I was convinced that texture alone would have me weak in the knees.
Silky, creamy, and all sorts of K-beauty-like dreamy, my introduction to the new serum and moisturizer has been a skintastic success. Now, onto the tricky part. Long time loyalists may shoot daggers at this newcomer as it replaces both the Hydralight and Moisture Boost lines. Don’t panic though, change is good. Keep Calm and use Paula’s Choice.
Possibly the most elaborate Paula’s Choice launch to date, the Calm Redness Relief line is a comprehensive skincare system with options suitable for everyone, including those considering to hoard what’s left of the Hydralight and Moisture Boost stock. The meticulously paired offerings include a Repairing Serum and 1% BHA Lotion for all skin types as well as skin type specific formulas that include Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer, and Mineral SPF Moisturizer for the face. In short, if you’ve been using the Hydralight range, pick up the Normal to Oily variation of Calm Redness Relieve. If Moisture Boost has been your go to, opt for the Normal to Dry.
Known for its clean, pure, and remarkably effective approach, Paula’s Choice complexion perfecting solutions range from mild creamy cleansers to potent retinol fusions. The new Calm Redness Relief lineup, however, is a great fit for absolutely anyone, including those with hypersensitive skin.
Soothing, hydrating, and anti-aging, these latest additions belong on everybody’s Spring skincare wishlist. Even I, who enjoys a pleasant aromatherapy component to my skincare, find Paula’s Choice to be the only fragrance free line to be exciting. My current routine includes two new PC items in rotation from this brand new line: Repairing Serum and Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin.
Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum
Extremely lightweight, this thin but not runny serum is like a much needed compress for your skin when it really needs a break. Though I hardly have sensitive skin, my recent travel involved a jetlag, mucho wine tasting, late nights out, and a richer than usual diet, which cumulatively triggered some deep seeded issues to resurface. Literally.
Hydrating and balancing, this fast absorbing formula is packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Sea Whip, Willow Herb, and Licorice Root Extracts. This total fixer calms and reduces redness and inflammation upon application. If you experiment with products, like to try new lines, or often indulge in peels or various acid driven toners, I recommend keeping a bottle of this serum on hand. $34 (30ml)
Calm Redness Relief Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin
Basic in the best possible way, this facial moisturizer is no doubt going to be my go to nighttime option when the weather warms up. The elegant gel texture has a subtle slip to it (totally personal, but I do love me a hint of Dimethicone), feels incredibly silky going on, and delivers the perfect amount of moisture without clogging my often congested pores.
Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate, Licorice, Willow Herb, Burdock, Green Tea, Algae, and Grape Seed Extract, this impressive potion repairs, calms, and smoothes angry, battered or overly temperamental skin. Very flexible, it slots great before or after your retinol treatment if you use one. I’ve been mixing mine with a tinted moisturizer to soften the pigment intensity with great results. $29 (60ml)
Available at PaulasChoice.com
