Paula's Choice • HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion • Moisturizers

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tatcuya114 on 4/22/2013 9:39:00 AM more reviews by tatcuya114

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I always apply this after Paula's BHA 2 liquid. My face always experience some sort of burning/stinging for a while afterwards and I always thought it was because the BHA liquid was a little too strong for my skin. No, it is because of this moisturizer. I grabbed something else today as my moisturizer (La Roche-Posay's toleriane fluide to be specific) and my face was fine. Clearly something in the ingredients does not make my skin very happy...Bad new is that I got two tubes of this, one as a free gift that came with my ordering...I'm almost done with the first tube. Maybe I'm going to use the second tube on my neck area or somewhere else where my skin isn't that sensitive...

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folieadeux37 on 2/18/2013 5:50:00 PM more reviews by folieadeux37

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have sensitive, acne-prone oily skin, so it's a challenge to find good, affordable moisturizers that won't break me out. This lotion does a great job at keeping my skin moisturized in the winter without causing extra oiliness. In fact, I think my skin's gotten less oily from using this. I can't say much about anti-aging effects, since I'm not old enough to get wrinkles, but my acne scars have significantly lightened after two months of using this and the 1% BHA lotion. It absorbs quickly, and leaves a smooth, slightly matte finish. The smell isn't bad (somewhat fresh and herbal), but I can see it being a slight problem for sensitive noses.


The only issue is that Paula's Choice lotions are a little expensive if you're on a budget: $20 (plus shipping) for 2 fl.oz. It'll last me about 2.5 months, but I also don't use it everyday at night. Otherwise, if price isn't an issue for you, I'd highly recommend this product if you have oily skin.

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SweatpantsMoney on 12/28/2012 10:14:00 AM more reviews by SweatpantsMoney

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

The smell of this is absolutely awful. I can't get over it, I had to wash it off.

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minervajulia on 11/16/2012 3:32:00 AM more reviews by minervajulia

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Grey, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Nice, light moisturizer ~ unfortunately doesn't work for my acne-prone, oily skin, even though it's supposed to be formulated for that. My skin reacts to weird things, though.

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judibean on 11/7/2012 10:09:00 PM more reviews by judibean

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I can't get past the smell from the sample I got. It is like cucumber, but *off* in some way, and it lingers on the face to the point where I want to wash the lotion off just to get rid of the smell! What I do like about it is that it soaks into the skin and doesn't make my face shiny. However, I can't see myself buying the full size tube because of the scent. I am also going to try the skin balancing moisture gel and hope that one has no scent. Will post a review soon.

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bumblebee770 on 9/24/2012 10:46:00 PM more reviews by bumblebee770

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I'm on my third tube of this so it must be working as I am always ready to move on to a better product. I use only in areas where needed, not over my whole face. The fragrance (or lack thereof) seems to have been solved as my last 2 tubes were just faintly herby-medicinal but not bad at all. Occasionally in winter I may use something a little heavier (Cerave) but this generally works year round. It doesn't cause any irritation at all. If I ever try something better I'd switch but for now this is a daily use product.

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Masia927 on 7/28/2012 4:28:00 PM more reviews by Masia927

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

First off, the smell. The sample I got had a horrible, disgusting, gag inducing smell. I was pleased to find that the actual product when I bought it did have this same smell but it was greatly reduced. I only noticed it when I applied it right under my nose. This moisturizer did a really good job of moisturizing my combo skin. I was using it as a daytime moisturizer. I had some dry patches still that I had to dab a heavier moisturizer on but the rest of my face was shine free! It definitely provides a matte finish. It didn't break me out but it didn't really help my skin much either. It felt like I didn't have anything on and makeup applied fairly well over it. However, it might have been a little too matte for me. It made my skin look really dull. Everytime I looked in the mirror I cringed--I looked lifeless. My face looked so blah. After a while it seemed to emphasize my fine lines as well. But if you have very oily skin or hate the feeling of anything on your face, it might be worth trying out.

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Cieleste on 7/3/2012 2:45:00 AM more reviews by Cieleste

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

this product save my skin!! it works for my sensitive skin and not clogged pores. non greasy n light, suitable for tropical country or summer

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sweetiegracie on 6/30/2012 7:22:00 AM more reviews by sweetiegracie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

After dismissing this product initially when I first purchased it, I realize I was mistaken. I returned to this (mostly just to get rid of it) and used it over the winter in Boston and although it was a mild winter this year, it helped me get through it without a hitch. The trick for me was to use it like a serum (the product itself is quite runny) and layer it with a thicker moisturizer. I used Cetaphil cream over it, and it really helped prevent breakouts due to excessive dryness, and I got many compliments for my skin. Love it!

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chunki on 1/24/2012 3:39:00 AM more reviews by chunki

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I like this moisterizer and always come back to use this one. Its light but hydrating (I have combination skin). Smell isn't that great, but it works to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day.

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justcallmed on 12/31/2011 5:55:00 PM more reviews by justcallmed

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

So glad that PC finally did something about the bottle and it's now in a squeeze tube!

This is a decent moisturizer for oily skin. I use it because it has many beneficial ingredients in it and it does make my skin feel smoother and softer with use. I can't say that it does anything beyond that even when I pair it with other PC products but I do like it.

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lucygirl on 11/30/2011 9:57:00 PM more reviews by lucygirl

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

LOVE this, and love the fact that the lid is on the bottom of the tube. That said, the tube is way too small. 2 oz? Come on. I need 4 or 6. Please?

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sellabella on 11/10/2011 8:42:00 PM more reviews by sellabella

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I used to have very dry skin around my nose, eyebrows and cheeks, but now I have absolutely no dryness thanks to this moisturiser! I was using an eye cream to dry and prevent the dryness but this stuff is so great i dont need anything else! I use this morning and night - at night with the Super Antioxant serum and during the day with an oil free 30+ sunscreen.

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yorkieluvr on 9/27/2011 4:38:00 PM more reviews by yorkieluvr

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I would HIGHLY recommend you give this a try if you have combo or oily skin. It sinks in like a dream and leaves NO greasy residue. It smells a bit like cucumber to me which I found pleasant. The only reason I wouldnt repurchase is because I got serious about sunblock and use Neutrogena Dry Touch and don't need moisturizer on top of that. Otherwise I would definitely buy it again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lindsayloohoo on 8/12/2011 12:08:00 PM more reviews by lindsayloohoo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I am the target consumer for this product (normal, combo, oily) and I will never buy a full-sized version. I prefer the Resist moisturizers for light moisturization, which are packed with more good skin ingredients anyway. I tried a couple sample packets and really disliked this - it just didn't work for me. I did like it marginally better than the Skin Balancing Gel, though.


Background: I have normal/combo (slightly dry/slightly oily depending on season) acne-prone skin that has dramatically improved since I've been more diligent about potentially irritating ingredients (ie alcohol). I don't have sensitive skin in the conventional sense - my skin is very tolerant of products. However, I would breakout consistently using anything even just remotely not suggested for acne-prone skin. Before buying a product I refer to beautypedia.com, the cosmetic ingredient dictionary (on same site), and MUA! My acne used to be the painful bumps under the skin that would take weeks to surface. Since using Paula's Choice products I only get the occassional spot. My current skincare regimen is used in tandem with regular workouts. For me, this alleviated all hormonal breakouts (because working out balances your hormones, and sweating changes the PH of your skin - don't know if the PH part matters for acne though).

Usage: I tried this in the spring time at both day/night but found I had no real use for it. During the day I always use a moisturizer/sunscreen so find this isn't really necessary. At night I use a lighter treatment moisturizer (Resist moisturizers - prefer the Clear Skin one), serum, and/or heavier moisturizer like Skin Recovery for treatment/prevention of dry patches. This just didn't leave my skin looking or feeling as great as these other products.


Results: The moisturization is so light that it didn't take care of dry spots or flakey patches. This is a light cream, as opposed to the Skin Balancing gel. This didn't leave my skin looking as soothed from inflammation/redness, or as clear and plumped as the other products I've mentioned. I felt like it left me shiny but eventually did sink in. Also, I did breakout a bit while using this stuff. It could have been coincidence, and it wasn't a really bad breakout. I didn't like it enough to bother buying more product to figure out if this was the cause, though. It's just a possibility.

For the record, I also dislike the Skin Balancing gel (same skintype target - but I dislike that one A LOT more), and had similar results (possible breakouts included) plus a lingering filmy feeling.

This is $18.95 for 2oz. I buy my PC products on sale (the website always rotates new ones) and in multiples. Also, check online for discount codes. I've doubled up my discounts that way.

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earok on 7/31/2011 8:17:00 PM more reviews by earok

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This is my second time around for this product. I quit using previously due to the moldy smell. The smell issue has been solved and this really works for me as a summer moisturizer. I use it for daytime under Bobbi Brown Face Foundation. While this isn't mattifying it does allow the makeup to go on smoothly and doesn't seem to start shining until late in the afternoon. Not heavy enough for winter use.

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*TOP REVIEWER* MsVengeance on 7/20/2011 9:53:00 PM more reviews by MsVengeance

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I actually liked this stuff--it was one of the few moisturizers that the didn't break me out--but I had to quit using after about 3 weeks when it started causing a slight burning sensation in my skin (I don't really blame this stuff; I just started meds that seem to be making my skin overly-sensitive). The texture of this stuff reminds me of glue, but it applies really nice; it sinks in fast, feels weightless, and doesn't even cause a slight sheen or anything. I didn't like the nasty cucumber smell, but I didn't really think it was that big of a deal either (it doesn't linger at all). That's just what you get when they don't add fragrance. I think this one's worth trying if, like me, you have acne-prone combo skin and can never find anything that doesn't break you out.

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Avonnah on 7/6/2011 1:41:00 PM more reviews by Avonnah

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased this lotion for it's ingredients. By the description, it seemed like a perfect fit for my combination/acne-prone skin. I'm sorry to say that I couldn't really give it a chance; I found the scent to be unpleasant and distracting. I know it's unscented, but I just couldn't stand the "natural" scent of this potion - it's like rotten vinegar; a smell you can't escape when the product is on your face and around your nose! I know I can find a light moisturizer out there of comparable price and quality which doesn't have a nauseating smell! The search continues.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LizWords on 3/29/2011 9:46:00 PM more reviews by LizWords

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

UPDATE: I'm still really liking this. Now that the warmer weather is here I alternate between this and the moisture balancing gel. LOVE IT.


I like this very much. I use this more often than not. It's got a good, moisturized finish but not greasy or shiny. I have oily combo skin, and this imparts the perfect amount of moisture for my skin, and it has fabulous ingredients, what more can you ask for. I think it's a bit pricey and try to stock up when there's a sale. I too think it smells a bit weird. I agree there's an herbal undertone to it that isn't unpleasant, but there's also a bit of weird smell that is not so great. I find that a lot of PC products have slightly weird smells that disappear shortly after application. I'm okay with this because I know it's a result of her inclusion of antioxidants without additional fragrances to mask their natural scents. I'm happy to deal a temporary weird smell for beneficial, fragrance free products.

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*TOP REVIEWER* luloo on 2/4/2011 10:35:00 PM more reviews by luloo

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Other    

I used a sample of this. I liked how light it was, how it absorbed quickly, and cleared up dry patches. It left my skin matte, but it also made my complexion look kind of dull. I did not have a problem with the smell of it at all. It just smells kind of herbal to me, not a big deal. However, my sensitive skin didn't seem to react well to it. It seemed to irritate, causing some clogged pores to become more red and noticeable. Maybe my skin didn't like some of the extracts in it. It's hard to say because it was only a sample, but it just didn't feel right, so I won't consider buying a full size.

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