Dawn Siler

Is Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 a moisturiser or a sunscreen?

As long as you’re applying the recommended amount to get the SPF stated on the bottle (1/3 of a teaspoon for the face and neck), it’s a sunscreen.

And it’s freaking phenomenal. I rarely praise a skincare product to the skies, but this is holy grail material. I lost count of how many tubes I went through. I just can’t imagine being without it. If Paula ever discontinues it, I’m screwed.

Here’s what makes it so special:

Key Ingredients In Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Zinc Oxide To Protect Skin From UV Harm

Zinc oxide is my fave UV filter. A white mineral, it protects – ON ITS OWN – from the entire UV range. Compare that to synthetic UV filters that protect from either UVA or UVB rays. No wonder you need 3+ to get the sun protection job done..

You can use zinc oxide alone. This matters cos zinc oxide is super gentle. Unlike synthetic UV filters, it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. Heck, it’s so skin-friendly, even six months old babies can use it!

The catch? It tends to be thick and leave a white cast behind. I don’t know how they did it, but Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 has none of these issues.

It has the most lightweight texture I’ve ever come across in a product with zinc oxide. Plus, a sheer beige tint that neutralises the white cast. I’m blown away.

Related: 3 Reasons Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Better For Sensitive Skin

Silicones To Enhance Texture

Don’t hate. Silicones aren’t the devils they’re made out to be.

For starters, it’s not true they suffocate your skin. You can’t suffocate something that doesn’t breathe (your skin doesn’t have lungs!).

Silicones create a protective barrier on the skin. But this barrier isn’t impenetrable. Due to their particular molecular structure, silicones leave gaps in between each molecule. This means your skin can still perspire, and active ingredients penetrate skin, through these gaps. Phew!

So, what are silicones doing in Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30? They give slip to the texture and make sure it glides oh-so-smoothly on your skin. Super important when you’re trying to layer foundation evenly.

Related: Are Silicones In Skincare Bad?

Antioxidants To Fight Premature Aging

It wouldn’t be a Paula’s Choice’s product if it weren’t loaded with antioxidants to keep premature wrinkles at bay. Here are the highlights:

Related: Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate The Best Form Of Vitamin C?

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

You know all the reasons you avoid mineral sunscreens like the plague? They’re thick, greasy, leave a white cast behind that make you look like a corpse…

Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is proof you can formulate a mineral sunscreen that has none of these drawbacks.

Its texture is so incredibly lightweight, you won’t believe there’s any drop of zinc oxide here, let alone 13%! It’s not as runny as that of Asian chemical sunscreens, I’ll give you that.

It’s more a very lightweight, non-greasy, silky lotion that spreads like a dream and dries to a matte finish.

The catch? This isn’t moisturising. I don’t know why Paula’s Choice calls it a moisturiser with SPF, when it barely provides any hydration even to oily skin!

If you’re oily, you can indeed just use this as 2-in-1 moisturiser and sunscreen in the AM and call it a day. Everyone else, layer your moisturiser and/or hyaluronic acid serum underneath.

What about the white cast? Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 has a sheer beige tint that works with most skin tones.

It doesn’t provide any coverage at all, so you’ll need foundation afterwards. But it does neutralise the white cast. If you don’t like to wear makeup, you can just use this without looking like you’ve just met a ghost!

The icing on the cake? It’s loaded with antioxidants that enhance sun protection and help keep wrinkles at bay for years to come.

You see now why I can’t live without it? If only all mineral sunscreens were so pleasant to use…

Available at: $33.00/£33.00 at Dermstore, Feel Unique, Nordstrom and Paula’s Choice

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Have you tried Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30?

Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 13%,Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Chloride, Trihydroxystearin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Adenosine, Bisabolol, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Polysorbate 80, Hydrated Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Iron Oxide (CI77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Phenoxyethanol.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

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Disclaimer: I’m Italian = biased.

I was raised on olive oil. In Italy, it’s the only oil you use for cooking. You drizzle it on everything. Salads, bruschetta, pizza…

Don’t even get me started on people who use canola oil or vegetable oil. Like, no. Please, get yourself a bottle of olive oil. It’ll change your life.

Plus, it does double duty, too. If you run out of conditioner, makeup remover or moisturizer, olive oil will do the trick.

Here’s what makes olive oil one of the best oils for all your skincare needs:

What The Heck Is Olive Oil?

Olive oil is derived from pressed olives. The greenish yellow liquid is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and oleic acid, all goodies your skin loves (more on them later).

But, not all olive oil is created equal. Most olive oil out there is crap. Olive oil is often contaminated with cheaper refined olive oil, which ruins the fun for everyone. Poor olive oil doesn’t do much good to your skin. It may irritate it, too.

You want the real deal. That’s extra virgin olive oil. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s worth it. EVOO comes from the first pressing of the olives and has NO refined oil. This one is full of goodies and unlikely to irritate your skin.

Here’s what EVOO does for your skin:

1. Olive Oil Is An Excellent Moisturizer

Olive Oil is loaded with fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. Fatty acids are super moisturizing. They make even the driest of skin soft and smooth again.

You can use EVOO on its own or mix a few drops with your fave eye cream for an extra moisturizing boost. The only problem? EVOO is on the thicker side, so it doesn’t feel too good when you slather it all over your skin. It takes a while to sink in, too.

You’re better off adding a few drops in your fave moisturizer or buying a ready-made cream with olive oil.

2. Olive Oil Makes You Younger

You know what else olive oil is loaded with? Antioxidants. Just to name a few:

Basically, it’s a wrinkle-buster. With all these antioxidants, your skin will stay younger for longer.

3. Olive Oil Takes Off Stubborn Makeup

Olive oil is one of my fave makeup removers. It works according to the likes attracts like principle. The oil acts like a magnet, attracting the oils in your makeup and sunscreen and then rinsing them away.

Plus, after its done its cleansing job, it stays around to moisturize your skin. That makes it one of my fave oils for the OCM (oil cleansing method).

P.S. If you use the good kind (EVOO), you shouldn’t experience breakouts.

Related: What Is The Oil Cleansing Method?

4. UVB Boosts Your Sun Protection

One more thing. Olive oil protects skin from UVB damage.

Mind you, it’s NOT an alternative to sunscreen. It can protect you from some UVB rays but most of them will still get through.

A moisturizer with olive oil can give your sunscreen that extra boost. But don’t just slather olive oil all over and then spend hours in the sun. That’ll turn you into a fried lobster.

Does Olive Oil Has Any Side Effects?

If you have super sensitive skin, olive oil can cause contact dermatitis and irritation.

For everyone else, olive oil is harmless.

What Are The Best Skincare Products With Olive Oil?

I recommend Olivella. They didn’t pay me to write this post (but I am making a small commission – we’re literally talking cents here – if you buy from the links below).

I’m giving Olivella the exclusive on olive oil because the kind of olive oil you use matters. It’s very difficult to track down what kind of olive oil a skincare company uses. Olivella uses 100% EVOO from Italy. That’s why we get along so well.

Here’s what to get:

• Olivella Body Cream ($8.98): EVOO + glycerin. Available at Walmart.
• Olivella Hand Cream ($5.94): EVOO + glycerin. Available at Walmart.
• Olivella Nourishment Cream ($15.59): EVOO + shea butter. Available at Walmart.

The Bottom Line

Olive oil is awesome. Cook with it. Drizzle it on cold dishes. Slather it all over your skin. It’ll keep you younger for longer.

How do you use olive oil in your skincare routine? Share your tricks in the comments below.

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Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Right now, I’m all about milk cleansers. But they weren’t alway my fave pick.

Back in high school, when my skin was shinier than a frying pan and my nose and cheeks littered with blackheads, I turned to foaming cleansers to rid me of all that gunk.

If your skin still plays those tricks on you, I recommend you give Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel a try. Here’s why:

Key Ingredients In Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel

Surfactants To Cleanse Skin

Ever wondered what’s the stuff in foaming gels that makes them clean and foam so well? Surfactants.

They’re a family of ingredients that help water mix with oil and dirt so they can be easily rinsed off your face. The catch? If they’re too powerful, they do the cleansing job too well and strip your skin of all of its natural moisturising oils.

Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel uses Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, two gentle, medium-strength surfactants.

They remove dirt, impurities and the extra sebum oily skin produces BUT still leave a little bit behind to keep it naturally soft and moisturised (that’s what sebum is, your skin’s natural moisturizer).

Sugars To Hydrate Skin

A good cleanser doesn’t just cleanse skin. It also makes sure it stays well-hydrated during the stripping process.

Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel uses a bunch of sugars (Mannitol, Xylitol and Rhamnose) to hydrate skin. They work by attracting moisture from the air and binding it into the skin.

FYI, sugars aren’t bad for skin. Sure, eating too much candy and processed fruits can make you age faster. But when topically applied to the skin, they hydrate it without side effects. Phew!

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Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

Since I’ve moved to London, my skin becomes considerably drier during the cold winter months. But as summer’s around the corner, and my skin’s upping its sebum production once again, I thought it’d be safe to try Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel.

Light blue in colour, the gel texture conjures a little foaming action that removes everything it finds in its tracks. That includes dirt, makeup and even sunscreen.

I haven’t tried it around my eyes (I prefer to use a separate remover for that). But this forming gel works against long-lasting foundation, bronzer, blush… You name it.

On my oily t-zone, it worked like a charm. Once I rinsed it off, my skin was both clean and soft. My cheeks felt a little tight, but the skin there has always been drier…

Then, again, this is a cleanser for oily, NOT dry skin, so that was to be expected. That’s why it’s so important your cleanser is suitable for your skin type, ladies.

But can Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel decongest skin? Sort of. While it can’t remove impurities lodged deep inside your pores, it can and does get rid of any excess oil before it has a chance to clog your pores.

When you reduce the amount of oil on your skin, you won’t be so prone to blackheads and pimples anymore.

The only thing I could do without is the scent. It’s clean and fresh, but has the potential to irritate sensitive skin. Mine’s pretty resistant so I had no problem with it.

Available at: $14.90/£10.80 at Dermstore, Escentual and Feel Unique

Have you tried Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Methylpropanediol, Disodium EDTA, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate, Lactic Acid, Laureth-2, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

I know I keep saying you don’t need a toner. And you totally DON’T.

But a lot of you like to use one, anyway (old habits die hard). If you must, you may as well use the best, right?

I recommend Paula’s Choice toners a lot because they go the extra mile. They finish off the cleansing job, hydrate skin and help your face stay wrinkle-free for longer.

But with 9 to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s the complete guide to Paula’s Choice Toners:

Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Toner For Normal To Dry Skin ($21.00)

What it is: A hydrating toner with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

What it does: It’s loaded with every soothing ingredient you can think of (like allantoin and carnosine) to calm down redness and irritations. It hydrates skin, too.

Texture: Thick and creamy.

Who should use it: Sensitive and dry skin.

Who should NOT use it: Oily skin.

Available at: Feel Unique and Paula’s Choice

Related: 9 Ingredients That Soothe Sensitive, Irritated Skin

Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Toner For Normal To Oily Skin ($21.00)

What it is: A hydrating toner with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

What it does: It’s loaded with every soothing ingredient you can think of (like colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan) to calm down redness and irritations. It hydrates skin, too (but not as much as the dry skin version).

Texture: Lightweight liquid.

Who should use it: Sensitive and oily skin.

Who should NOT use it: Dry skin.

Available at: Paula’s Choice

Related: Are Oats The Secret To Calmer Skin?

Paula’s Choice Earth Sourced Purely Natural Refreshing Toner ($24.00)

What it is: An antiaging toner with 98% natural ingredients.

What it does: It’s loaded with plant-based antioxidants to fight premature aging. Plus, it has a mix of hyaluronic acid and plant oils to deeply moisturize skin.

Texture: Liquid gel.

Who should use it: Anyone who’s into natural and organic beauty.

Who should NOT use it: May be a bit too rich for oily, acne-prone skin.

Available at: Look Fantastic and Paula’s Choice

Related: What Are The Best Natural Skincare Products?

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner ($21.00)

What it is: An anti-aging and hydrating toner with a lightweight texture.

What it does: It’s loaded with antioxidants to fight premature aging and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin without oils.

Texture: Lightweight and liquidy.

Who should use it: Mature oily skin that’s also dehydrated.

Who should NOT use it: Dry skin.

Available at: Paula’s Choice

Related: Common Antioxidants Used In Skincare: Which Ones Are Best?

Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Essential Hydrating Toner ($21.00)

What it is: A hydrating and soothing toner with a bunch of antioxidants thrown in the mix.

What it does: Antioxidants prevent wrinkles, while fatty acids deeply moisturize skin.

Texture: A rich and creamy liquid.

Who should use it: Dry and mature skin.

Who should NOT use it: Sensitive skin (it can sting).

Available at: Paula’s Choice

Related: Do You Really Need A Toner?

Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner ($24.00)

What it is: An antiaging and soothing toner loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids.

What it does: The fatty acids moisturise skin and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, making it more resistant to irritations and environmental aggressors (like harsh winds). Antioxidants (including ferulic acid and quercetin) destroy free radicals before they can give you wrinkles.

Texture: Milky texture, heavier than most toners.

Who should use it: Mature and dry/sensitive skin.

Who should NOT use it: Teenagers, young adults and oily skin.

Available at: Dermstore, Feel Unique and Paula’s Choice

Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Aging + Dry Skin

Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner ($24.00)

What it is: An antiaging toner for oily skin.

What it does: It has antioxidants to fight premature wrinkles, Niacinamide to even out the skintone and reduce pore size, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin.

Texture: Lightweight liquid.

Who should use it: Mature and oily skin.

Who should NOT use it: Dry skin.

Available at: Dermstore, Feel Unique and Paula’s Choice

Related: What The Heck Is Niacinamide And Why Should You Use It?

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner ($21.00)

What it is: A lightweight toner to keep oily skin under control.

What it does: It uses Niacinamide to refine skin’s texture and make pores look smaller. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates skin without adding more oil.

Texture: Lightweight fluid.

Who should it: Anyone with oily skin who isn’t too concerned about antiaging yet.

Who should NOT use it: Dry and mature skin.

Available at: Dermstore, Look Fantastic and Paula’s Choice

Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner ($21.00)

What it is: A soothing, hydrating toner with antiaging properties.

What it does: It’s loaded with natural oils to moisturise skin and combat dry, flaky patches. It’s also enriched with antioxidants to neutralise free radicals before they wreak havoc on your skin.

Texture: Milky and thick.

Who should use it: Mature and dry skin, especially if prone to flaking.

Who should NOT use it: Oily skin.

Available at: Dermstore, Look Fantastic and Paula’s Choice

Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

What’s your fave Paula’s Choice toner? Share your pick in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Stop the press! The Ordinary has finally come out with its first cleanser – and it removes makeup, too!

It’s the news we were all waiting for. I love having my pick of exfoliants and retinoid serums, but a girl needs a cleanser to complete her skincare routine, know what I mean?

I knew I had to get a tube ASAP. But when I put it to the test, something was off…

Don’t get me wrong. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a great cleanser. I’m just not sure it leaves up to the hype. Here’s what I mean…

Key Ingredients In The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Squalane To Cleanse Skin

Squalene is a natural component of human sebum. It’s super moisturising… and super unstable. It goes badly quickly and makes you breakout.

But hydrogenate it (ie, turn it from a liquid to a semi-solid using hydrogen gas) and it turns into squalane. It’s way more stable and 100% non-comedogenic.

Squalane’s main job is to moisturize skin. But In The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, it pulls another trick. It melts away makeup, excess oil and other impurities from your face.

Sucrose esters them trap this dissolved gunk with water and rinse it away down the drain.

Related: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Squalane Oil In Skincare

Glycerin To Hydrate Skin

The more hydrated skin is during the cleansing process, the less likely it is to get all dry and tight.

Squalane goes a long way in keeping skin moisturised and cleansed at the same time. But it doesn’t play alone. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser has glycerin, too.

It’s a moisture magnet that attracts moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it soft and supple.

Related: Why Is Glycerin In All My Skincare Products?!

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser has a balm-like texture that’s supposed to turn into a clear oil when you rub it between your palms. I’m not sure that’s happening to me…

No matter how much I rub, the cleanser never turns into a full-on oil. It’s alway stays a little thick and sticky, and you feel like you don’t have enough product on your hands to cover your entire face. It’s just weird.

You’ve guessed it, it doesn’t spread that well on the skin. While it does a great job at removing everything, you need to work at it.

Its low spreadability means you have to massage it for a few minutes to get waterproof mascara and sunscreen off. But off they do come – and without leaving a greasy residue behind. Once I’m done, my skin feels both clean and soft.

I’m impressed by its cleansing power, but I feel the texture needs some improvement. That’s the problem with The Ordinary products isn’t it? The brand values performance over elegant textures. Can you blame them? They have to keep the prices low somehow.

If that’s what you value, too, this cleanser is a great option to consider. Me, I want the whole package. It costs a bit more, but for now I’ll stick to Clinique Take The Day Off.

Available at: £5.50 at Beauty Bay,Cult Beauty and Feel Unique

Have you tried The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients: Squalane, Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Laurate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.