Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant review

Known as the holy grail for most skincare enthusiasts, and perhaps the product that got you to research and know about Paula's Choice, this Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, leave on skin exfoliant is one of the best skin care products you can get for your skin. 

I am no less, but also in the same boat. I have not heard of Paul's Choice till this product. It is listed as step three (There are five steps: 1. Cleanse, 2. Tone, 3. Exfoliate, 4. Treat, and 5. Moisturize) so this is step is placed after your toner and before your serum. 

 Impressions:

• no scent, but there is a very very light acidic smell
• leaves your T-zone (and any part of the oilier areas of your face) oily
• makes your skin very very soft (since it is an exfoliant)
• must use twice a day (to see and maintain results)
• causes your more sensitive skin (e.g. acne-prone, eczema, etc) with a slightly uncomfortable irritating tingly feeling
• consistency is slightly thicker than water, a bit similar to toners
• they recommended using this on the face and neck, but I didn't feel any significant changes to the skin on my neck after using it for 2 weeks...

I love this product! My skin loves it... and I saw visible results within days of using it. Please be aware that your more sensitive skin (acne areas, eczema, and thinner skin areas) will have a slightly irritating tingly feeling (but that should go away within a few minutes). Also, be aware that it will leave the oilier parts of your face (e.g. t-zone area) much oilier. The oiliness doesn't produce acne or anything concerning, it just looks very shiny.

Make sure you use this product twice a day to see results... there were days where I only used it once and my skin did not see as good results (as in, my skin wasn't as smooth as it would have been if I had used it twice a day).

Also, since you are exfoliating your skin, it will definitely be more sensitive to the sun, so if you are using this in the daytime, make sure to follow up with a moisturizer and some sunscreen.

score: 9.5/10
website: https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201.html

St. Ives fresh Skin Apricot Scrub exfoliant review

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

So, a little while ago, I posted on my Facebook (add me if you haven't already ;)) the negative effects that exfoliate micro plastic beads have on our environment. 

I have been using St. Ives' Apricot Scrub for over 10 years now, so I can confidently recommend this product to you! It uses walnut shell powder to exfoliate and it does wonders to your skin.

this is what the product looks like

The Tagline is: Exfoliates toreveal smooth, radiant skin.

It also advertises as non-irrirating, dermatologist tested and uses 100% Natural Extracts

Product Benefits (according to St. Ives)

• 100% Naturally Derived Exfoliants 
• No Sulfate Cleansers 
• Paraben Free 
• Oil Free 
• Dermatologist Tested 
• Hypoallergenic

Impressions:

• Smells really nice and natural
• Made of natural ingredients
• Very creamy
• Perfectly exfoliate dead skin cells

Directions: 

1. Moisten face with water
2. Dispense product onto fingertips and massage over face
3. Rinse with water
4. Avoid direct contact with eyes*

*in case of contact with eyes, flush thoroughly with water.

INGREDIENTS:

AQUA, JUGLANS REGIA (WALNUT) SHELL POWDER, GLYCERYL STEARATE, GLYCERIN, SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE, ZEA MAYS (CORN) KERNEL MEAL, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) FRUIT EXTRACT, CETYL ACETATE, POLYSORBATE 60, CETEARETH-20, ACETYLATED LANOLIN ALCOHOL, CARBOMER, PPG-2 METHYL ETHER, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE, PARFUM, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891).

Where to buy

Honestly, I have been to drug stores in different parts of the world and have found them, this product is affordable (CAD $7; USD $5-6; HKD $45)

This is my always-go-to product because it works, it gently exfoliates all dead skin cells from my face leaving is nice and smooth (remember to apply moisturizer, serum on after though). This product is one of the best, I have sensitive skin and had absolutely no problem using it ever and to put things into perspective, I have tried the $50 Mary Kay exfoliating products and they do not work as well as this one. To date, I have not found another product I can use other than this one (for exfoliating). 

Score: 10/10

Website: http://www.stives.ca/product/detail/775907/exfoliating-apricot-scrub