One of the things I am constantly aware of when I review products, especially skincare, is ingredients. Sometimes you feel like you need a BS detector to separate out stuff that is actually known to benefit the skin, and things that just seem to be manufactured by advertising bods to part us from our hard earned cash.  Is it just me, or does the feeling that you are maybe, just maybe being conned, take the fun out of choosing products?

This is basically also the thinking behind the line Paula’s choice, which was created by Paula Begoun, who has over thirty years in the cosmetics industry. The line aims to take out the guesswork behind skincare, as only scientifically proven ingredients are involved in the products, and from what I can gather it’s already a well established brand in the US, and is now available in the UK HERE.

The Paula’s Choice line is focused on both basic skincare, as well as targeting problems in the skin. One thing that impresses me about the website for the line is that there is a huge section in which she reviews other ranges, recommending them or otherwise based on the efficacy of their key ingredients. Having read through a few of her reviews, I like the way the site just seems to offer an objective opinion rather than just dissing poor products and pushing their own line.

Two new “hero” products which sound interesting have recently been launched in the RESIST, anti-ageing line. First of all the RESIST daily smoothing treatment with 5% AHA combines glycolic and salicylic acids to clear blemishes and stimulate collagen production. There is also the RESIST super antioxidant serum which supports the action of the smoothing treatment and boosts the level of antioxidants in the skin, reducing the speed of ageing.

There’s also a great contest running at the moment, so if you’d like to meet Paula “The Cosmetic Cop” Begoun, in London for a spot of afternoon tea ( during which you will have the chance to ask all the questions about skincare you ever wanted to), then all you need to do is subscribe to her newsletter HERE, before 31^st May 2011, which will mean you are both entered into the draw and you’ll also be kept up to date with any new products in the line.

Paula Begoun

The prizes on offer are;

1st prize: Three people will win afternoon tea sessions with Paula Begoun (including transport to London). 

2nd prize: Two people will win Paula’s Choice skin care sets (worth £135 per set).                                         

3rd prize: Ten people will win a personally autographed copy of Paula’s best-selling book ‘Don’t go to the cosmetics counter without me.’

Winners will be informed via email by 01/06/2011. Please note this draw is restricted to UK citizens only.

Find out more about the Paula’s Choice range HERE

Find out more about the contest on the facebook page HERE and on the Paula’s Choice site HERE.

Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post in association with Paula’s Choice and Handpicked Media. This is NOT  a review, and should not be taken as such.