First Picture: After months of Clinique Acne Solutions.
Second Picture: After 3 weeks of Paula’s Choice CLEAR.
A picture is worth a thousand words. After months of using Clinique, my skin was dry, flakey and still had acne!
But after just 3 weeks of Paula’s Choice CLEAR regime, it is soft, clear and hydrated.
In the video, I said that the two benzoyl peroxide lotions are similar. Well now that I’ve stopped using the Clinique lotion and started on the Paula’s Choice I would have to retract that. I hadn’t tried it yet and was just going by the information on their site and the fact that they’re both 2.5%. I don’t like the Clinique lotion as much as the Paula’s Choice – it doesn’t absorb into skin as well or something. Somehow it’s not as effective for me – maybe my skin is tired of it.
Clinique’s Acne Solutions facewash contains peppermint and other potentially irritating ingredients that don’t really help your skin clear. You can’t get it around your eyes where you might be tempted to try to wash makeup off because it is very drying. $19.50 for 4.2 oz.
Clinique Acne Solutions Toner contains alcohol – a very drying and collagen-killing ingredient. $15.00 for 6.7 oz
Clinique Acne Solutions Benzoyl Peroxide Clearing Moisturizer contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and is a good solution for clearing lotion. $19.50 for 1.7 oz
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser is safe for use around eyes, completely dissolving dirt, oil and makeup. It’s basic gentle formula leaves skin really clean and soft. I like to use it with the Olay exfoliator (kind of the like the Clarisonic but for a fraction of the price). 6oz for $10.95 on sale for $9.31
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Anti Redness Exfoliating Solution is a non-irritating PH balanced deep cell exfoliant (salicylic acid) that really clears infection deep down in your skin. 4 oz for $19.95, on sale for $16.96
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment is an effective 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide daily treatment that doesn’t cause dryness or flaking. (Both Clinque and PC are good for the Benzoyl Peroxide treatment, but I prefer Paula’s light gel like texture and feel it blends into my skin more easily). 2.25 oz for $16.95, on sale for $14.41
Paula’s Choice CLEAR kit price: $47.85, grab it right now for $40.67 – it’s on sale! 🙂
In addition to the above routine, I would highly recommend Paula’s Choice. RESIST Anti-aging Clear Skin Hydrator! I think the effectiveness of my skin care regime also depends on this product. I’ve reviewed it here, and you can find more information on all of the above in the video below! 🙂 Happy Wednesday!
Marisa Porter 
WOW! What a difference a brand makes!
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Paula is the WOMAN! For seriously amazing skin, Paula is the only way to go. You’re skin looks amazing! I’m so glad you did the comparison. I think you should post this to Paula’s FB page. They love honest comparisons from their customers. I’m waiting for my newest shipment. I took advantage of the 15% off the whole site and got the 10% AHA body cream, 8% AHA face gel exfoliant and…I think an antioxidant serum. I’m all about burning off my pores and wrinkles!
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Thanks! That’s a great idea. 🙂
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Pores and wrinkles suck! I’m SO in your boat! I seriously think we may be long, lost sisters. Do you want to be my roomie? I will check Paula’s FB page out.
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Hi Marisa. Did you have an initial “purge” breakout when you started the Clinique system? I find it way too drying and harsh, and have been breaking out way more than usual after only using it for a week. They warned that this would happen, but I just can’t keep using it. I think I might get Paula’s Choice. Did it irritate at all at first?
Thanks for yor review!
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Hi. Yes I did with both systems. However, with the Paula’s Choice, it cleared my skin more quickly and it did not dry out or irritate my skin. With Clinique, by the time my skin was almost clear it was also very dry, which was unattractive. I am still using the CLEAR by Paula’s Choice and love it.
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Thanks for your review of Paula’s CLEAR system. I have been a fan of Paula’s approach to skin care for a long time (decades). Alas, my experience with her products has not been as good as yours. I have realized thru trial and error that I am sensitive to not only sorbic acid (preservative) but niacinamide and the silicones in her products. So was quite amazed to find this line with none of these ingredients. Will give these products a try based on your review. (PS I am not a cat but use her picture as my FB pic, I love Russian Blue cats!).
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Hi Carol! Saw this comment today. How are things going? What are you trying now?
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