Dear Paula Question of the Month: April 2012
Dear Paula,
I have been following your advice and using some of your products for 9 years now. Recently, I was highly insulted when visiting a M.A.C. make-up store. The saleswoman told me that my choice of moisturizers with SPF is horrible and that I needed something much better.
Based on your reviews and advice, I have been using either Neutrogena or Aveeno moisturizers for daytime. Up until a year ago I have had near flawless skin, and then I started breaking out. I changed my routine to include your CLEAR Acne line, but it still has not helped with the breakouts and uneven skin tone.
I just turned 35 and I am at a loss and a crossroads. I know expensive isn't always better, but I'm leaning toward leaving your skin cleansers and breakout serums. Can you please help me? I have an oily T-zone along with some breakouts. If paying more for higher end brands will give me better results, then I'm willing to do it. But right now, I'm looking older than my age and I need a change.
Desperately seeking worthwhile skincare, via email
Dear Desperately,
I'm sorry you had such a negative experience shopping at the M.A.C. store. Despite the salesperson's unfortunate response, my 30 years of reviewing skin-care products has shown time and again that you do not need to spend a lot more money to get better products or better results. The truth is there are good and bad products in all price ranges, and there are great products that will address your concerns.
Breakouts can be an issue at any age, even if you've never struggled with them in the past. I know from personal experience that whenever they occur, it can be stressful and frustrating trying to find the best products to get things under control. My Paula's Choice Customer Service Team is familiar with the struggle women with breakouts are dealing with and I invite you to contact them at (800) 831-4088 for assistance, letting them know I responded to your letter. Before you contact them, here's what I suggest:. A gentle yet effective skin-care routine to balance your combination skin while treating breakouts and uneven skin tone. Beautiful results can be achieved with the following Paula's Choice products:
Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser (used morning and evening)
• Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner (used morning and evening)
• Skin Perfecting 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel (used morning and/or evening after toning)
• Skin Balancing Daily Mattifying Lotion with SPF 15 (used every morning)
• RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator (used at night after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating)
These should really turn things around for you and my Customer Service Team can help you fine-tune this as needed plus answer any questions you may have.
Finally, the next time you find your choice of recommended products challenged by a cosmetics salesperson, remember this: The cosmetics industry is not one where "you get what you pay for," an adage that is better applied to automobiles and computers, not moisturizers. Believing expensive equals better, which many cosmetics salespeople perpetuate, guarantees you'll be spending more and not necessarily getting better results.