Consult any impassioned skincare enthusiast both IRL and on your TikTok FYP, and you’ll hear them name-drop Paula’s Choice. Fine-tuning its range for nearly 30 years with personal experience treating us eczema and acne girlies, a bottle of their lauded 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant sells every six seconds—that’s how you know a brand has the goods to back up its claims.
So when we got the news that from 1 August, us Aussies and New Zealanders can speed to a nearby Sephora and shop Paula’s Choice in person—we beauty lovers (and acne strugglers) at Urban List collectively lost our minds.
"We know customers want to touch and feel the textures in our products to determine if they are right for their skin type as well."
—Erika Kussmann, CEO of Paula’s Choice Skincare
This marks the first time we can sample the prized skincare items in person before buying them, and there’s nothing quite like reading the label to analyse ingredients IRL.
What We’re Adding To Cart
Famed for doling out wisdom by the bucketloads—the staff at Sephora will be able to guide you to your desired skincare routine, like the knowledgeable and oh-so-cool older sibling we all begged for as teens. To kickstart your journey to healthy skin, though, there are a few Paula’s Choice products that should be a staple product in your cabinet.
For anyone who's looking for a serum that’ll put the hard yards in while you snooze, Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment should be the first item in your eager hands. This potent concoction contains the strongest over-the-counter retinol formula available. It’s the key ingredient used to target soft lines before they become deep-set wrinkles by increasing skin cell turnover and encouraging collagen production. This has all been scientifically proven, too—we’re not just spouting buzzwords willy-nilly.
Another we’re buzzing to get our mitts on has to be the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, this holy grail treatment for many strives to minimise the appearance of pores and uses a blend of beta hydroxy acid to shed skin layers for smoother-looking skin. Slide this product into your everything shower before bumping into your ex and they’ll rue the day you left.
Early noughties roms coms were filled with lies, our least fave being that adults don’t have skin issues. Whether it’s your luteal phase kicking you while you’re down or stressful time of year, Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster is a no-brainer. The gentle formula packed with 15% vitamin C ready to give you that glow from within look.
Overwhelmed? Paula's Choice Beautypedia, developed by founder Paula Begoun can help you instantly analyse the ingredients in any skin care product. Revealing how the ingredients rate based on cited research, you'll be able to get the science-backed facts you want on skin care products, ingredients & everything in between.
What To Expect In Store
It’s crucial to know everyone’s skin works differently and consulting the Sephora staff will help to narrow down exactly what you should be trying.
What works for some might not work for others, so the best first step is to speak to professionals who can see your face and know the Paula’s Choice range like the back of their hand.
See you at the counter! May your skin look fresh and your confidence skyrocket.
Paula's Choice will be available in Sephora Australia/New Zealand instore and online from 1 August 2024. For the full range of products, visit Paula’s Choice online or Sephora Australia and NZ in person.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Paula’s Choice and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Supplied.