A few of my favorite products recently. Close to emptying

This is definitely not a dupe situation. These two formulas are only similar in the fact that they contain the same amount of niacinamide (as well as some texture and preservative agents). I’ve been a longtime user of The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and it does work, but I felt after my first bottle I wasn’t getting any continued results. I was also left unimpressed and looking for a different option due to the fact that this is a very tacky formula that can be difficult to work with. TO includes zinc in their formula which they state can reduce acne and can be anti-inflammatory. At $6 you’re getting your 2 active ingredients; niacinamide and zinc. PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Niacinamide Booster includes the same 10% of niacinamide but doesn’t stop there. They also add vitamin C and a BUNCH of calming, hydrating and restoring products that your skin needs (see attached ingredient list). It’s been a controversy whether or not vitamin C and Niacinamide can be used together, even The Ordinary suggests that their Niacinamide not be used at the same time as vitamin C. Many brands and consumers have disagreed. Paula’s Choice adds the protective ingredients to ensure you’ll have less of a chance of irritation. Paula’s Choice serum is a lightweight watery formula that leaves no residue and I find easy to work into my routine. I wasn’t quite prepared for the thin formula as The Ordinary has more of a tacky texture. I found it best to add it directly from the dropper to my face, versus my hands then face. When it comes to the price difference it does seem that The Ordinary would be the obvious choice. I’m not one that believes that quality skincare has to cost more. But Paula’s Choice formula offers much more than Niacinamide. You’re getting several ingredients that are not found in The Ordinary, hence the price difference. Once I’ve emptied my bottle I’ll be better able to determine if spending 4x’s the amount is worth it. I could choose to use a less expensive option and add the antioxidants and other skin-replenishing ingredients found in Paula’s Choices formula, but I have to admit, I do like the simplicity of fewer steps in my skincare routine. 😉 There are also several other options available that I’ve not yet tried. I have tried The Inkey List and it is just a tad bit less tacky than The Ordinary. Other brand options I’d be open to try are: Good Molecules $6 - formula looks similar to TO and TIL with the only active ingredient being niacinamide Naturium $16 - 10% niacinamide and 2% zinc Good Molecules $14 - similar again to TO and TIL I LOVE how Paula’s Choice lists their ingredients. Behind each one you’ll find out how it benefits the skin. This saves me a TON of time and effort when doing my reviews! Individual reviews on The Ordinary and The Inkey List Niacinamide can be found on my page. What’s your favorite Niacinamide to use? ❤️🍒

This is one brand I’ve been stalking and I’ve finally got my hands on the highly raved, much talked about PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator I’d say what really draws me to this particular brand is its commitment to highly effective, well tested products. I feel they really listen to their customers and value their feedback. Well, imagine my surprise when in pops an email from a Paula’s Choice social media team member asking for my address to send me some products just for being me?!? I couldn’t respond fast enough with a...., “YES!” I’m not sure why I’ve been sleeping on this brand for so long. I follow so many diehard fans that swear and have visual proof of the changes their products have made. I have a feeling it’s all going to change after this... Just a little about PC if you haven’t heard of the brand (taken from the website) : Did you know that the founder, Paula was actually fired from her job working at a cosmetic counter for explaining to a customer what products could and couldn’t do for their skin? (This is what we need more of!! I was immediately drawn to the brand when I first heard about that!) Our Philosophy Science & Truth Highly Effective Formulary Excellence Non-irritating & Fragrance Free Multi-faceted Formulas Cruelty Free Packaged for Potency Environmentally Conscious On the website you can find Skincare Quizzes that can help you develop a Instant Routine or develop a more in-depth Routine at no cost! You can also find Expert Advice Articles on just about any subject you’re curious about. Have a question about ingredients? They have every ingredient known in the beauty industry—-a go-to resource for everyone! Everyone needs to use this! With Paula’s Choice you can choose individual skincare products or you can have an entire skincare routine developed from start to finish! I’ve had on my wishlist, along with the exfoliator I just received, their PAULA'S CHOICE - Resist C15 Super Booster PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Azelaic Acid Booster PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Niacinamide Booster PAULA'S CHOICE - Peptide Booster PAULA'S CHOICE - Anti-Aging Eye Gel Honestly, I want to try it all! I’d probably start swapping out some of the products I currently use for similar items. For instance, I am looking for a replacement vitamin c so I’d trade mine out for theirs. Then the Niacinamide and Hyaluronic and so on. I’m definitely going to do the skincare quiz and see what’s recommended for me! Do you use any Paula’s Choice products? What’s your favorite? Please share! 😘 I’ll be back in a few weeks to tell you what I think of this exfoliator! ❤️🍒