Makeup - General
Do your makeup colors (foundation, blush, eyeshadow, etc.) look exactly like they appear in your catalog and on your Web site?
We make every effort to represent Paula's Choice makeup colors as accurately as we can. However, there are some variances in how colors are displayed in computer monitors and how they look in print, resulting in slight differences from how the actual colors appear. Furthermore, how color "reads" on your skin and personal preference also influence the way any given shade of makeup will be perceived.
Paula's Choice offers samples of many of our makeup colors in limited supply. If you are unsure which shade would be best for you, please request samples so you may try the color and examine it in natural light before purchasing the full size.
Also, please keep in mind that Paula's Choice stands behind every product with our 100% guarantee, so if you purchase a shade that does not work for you, please return it to us within 60 days from the date of purchase and we will be happy to provide a refund or exchange (minus the cost of shipping).
What is 100% Color Confidence?
"100% Color Confidence" is the Paula's Choice guarantee that you can shop with certainty for makeup colors on our site. Computer monitors tend to display colors differently, but if you order a color and find it does not suit you, simply return it within 60 days and we will refund you the full purchase price (not including shipping) or provide a replacement, whichever you prefer.
Please contact Customer Service with questions about specific colors and we will respond as quickly as possible with additional information. You may also want to read our FAQs or view our "Choosing Colors" articles for additional assistance.
Should I choose makeup shades based on my hair color?
No. This is too limiting and a person's hair color generally has little to do with what makeup shades will work best for them. Even redheads can escape from the coral, orange, or peachy colors and look beautiful in other color tones. Exceptions to this occur when a person has a more extreme dyed hair color, such as burgundy or blue-black. In those cases, it helps to choose makeup colors in the same tonal family as the hair color. For example, someone who dyes their hair a rich burgundy shade should stick with cool (pink, rose, or plum-toned) blush and lipsticks shades. Someone who dyes their hair a blue-black may want to balance this intense color with striking red lipstick or a more vibrant blush.
I have Celiac disease. Which Paula's Choice makeup products contain the wheat or gluten ingredients I should avoid?
All but one of Paula's Choice makeup is gluten-free; however, a list of products that do contain wheat and/or oat ingredients is below. Please keep in mind that we always advise you to consult with your physician if there is any doubt about using a cosmetic product that contains gluten ingredients. Some people with Celiac disease can tolerate a mild amount (which would be the case with cosmetics) and topical exposure is obviously different from ingesting gluten in foods such as bread or pasta.
top
Concealer
Which Paula's Choice concealer color should I choose?
For help determining which Paula's Choice concealer colors will look best on you, please see the concealer section of our Choosing the Right Paula's Choice Face Makeup for Your Skin Tone chart.
What is the difference between the Soft Cream Concealer and the No Slip Concealer? The two Paula's Choice concealers have completely different formulas, textures, and finishes. Soft Cream Concealer is a smooth, creamy formula that glides over the skin and sets to a satin finish. In contrast, No Slip Concealer has a liquid texture, requires slightly more blending, and sets quickly to a matte finish. Both come in neutral shades that coordinate with a variety of skin tones, provide medium to full coverage, and can be layered when additional coverage is needed.
Which Paula's Choice concealer should I use to cover blemishes?
The No Slip Concealer's formula and matte finish is preferred for use over blemishes. It is extremely unlikely that it will clog pores or exacerbate blemishes.
Foundation
Which Paula's Choice foundation color should I choose?
Foundation color should match your skin exactly. For help determining which Paula's Choice foundation colors will look best on you, please see the foundation section of our Choosing the Right Paula's Choice Face Makeup for Your Skin Tone chart. However, the only way to know for sure is to try the product on your skin and check the color in daylight.
What are the major differences between your tinted moisturizer and foundations?
They all provide ample broad-spectrum sun protection, but the major differences are texture, amount of coverage, finish, and the skin types they are best suited for.
All Bases Covered Foundation SPF 15 is the best choice for those with normal to dry skin. Its moisturizing formula provides a natural soft matte finish and broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection using titanium dioxide as the sole active ingredient. This is also the preferred foundation for those with sensitive skin or rosacea.
Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20 is recommended for all skin types. This lightweight, slightly moisturizing tint provides sheer, subtle coverage, just a hint of color (sheerer than the coverage you would get from either Paula's Choice foundation), and a natural matte finish. It also contains a range of water-binding agents and antioxidants, along with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad-spectrum sun protection.
Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 15 is the ideal foundation for those with normal to oily skin. It has a fluid, very light texture that feels weightless and provides a long-lasting matte finish. This formula contains a blend of synthetic and mineral sunscreens for broad-spectrum sun protection.
Can your foundations/tint be used in conjunction with a regular sunscreen?
Yes but be aware that while layering sunscreens does provide longer and to some extent, better protection than wearing only one, how much extra protection you gain is unknown. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen worn with an SPF 15 foundation may or may not create an SPF 30.
I have oily skin that breaks out. Can I use Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 15 or Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20 without making my breakouts/blackheads worse?
It is impossible to say with certainty that this (or any other) product will not cause or exacerbate breakouts. That's because many factors are at play when it comes to the formation of blemishes, including those you don't have much (if any) control over, such as hormones, genetics, and the other products you are using on your face. The best you can do is experiment with any foundation and see how your skin responds. It is also important to avoid using moisturizers that may be too rich or thick for your skin.
Do I need to use a separate moisturizer with Barely There Sheer Matte Tint?
Unless you have dry skin or dry areas, Barely There Sheer Matte Tint can be used comfortably on its own. It is designed for all skin types, but someone with dry to very dry skin may prefer to apply a moisturizer first for additional hydration. Those with normal to oily skin will likely appreciate the light feel and natural matte finish Barely There Sheer Matte Tint provides, though for this skin type a lightweight moisturizer can be applied to dry areas if needed.
Powder
Which Paula's Choice powder color should I choose?
For help determining which Paula's Choice powder colors will look best on you, please see the powder section of our Choosing the Right Paula's Choice Face Makeup for Your Skin Tone chart.
Other than the fact that one is loose and one is pressed, how is Skin Perfecting Loose Powder different from the other Paula's Choice powders?
Skin Perfecting Loose Powder has the lightest texture of all Paula's Choice powders. It also provides a sheerer coverage and a satin-matte, rather than traditional matte, finish.
Do I need to wear powder over my foundation?
In some cases, yes, especially if you have oily or combination skin. Powder helps set foundation and prolong its wear time while offering a polished finish. It also facilitates smooth application of other powder-based products, such as blush and eyeshadow. The exceptions to this would be if you have dry skin and prefer the satin or dewy finish your foundation provides, and/or if you are using cream or cream-to-powder blush.
top
Cheeks
How do I know which blush colors to choose?
For help determining which Paula's Choice blush colors will look best on you, please see our Choosing Paula's Choice Blush Colors article.
Is Paula's Choice blush oil-free?
Yes
Which Paula's Choice lipsticks will look best with my blush color?
For help pairing Paula's Choice lipstick with Paula's Choice blush, please see our Cosmetic Combos: Pairing Paula's Choice Blush & Lipstick article.
top
Eyes
Which Paula's Choice Mascara is right for me?
It depends on your personal preference. If you want a mascara that lengthens and defines lashes, the Epic Lengths Mascara is an excellent choice. If you want to lengthen and build thickness, consider our Lush Mascara which quickly dramatizes and defines lashes without clumping. Both mascaras last all day without smearing or flaking, are safe for contact lens wearers, and are easily removed with a water-soluble cleanser.
Are Paula's Choice eyeshadows oil-free?
No.
Which Paula's Choice Soft Matte Eyeshadows go with my particular eye color?
If you have blue eyes, these shades will accent them beautifully:
Beige, Chiffon, Hazelnut, Nearly Nude, and Pale Suede.
If you have green or hazel eyes, these shades will accent them beautifully:
Cream, Granite, Malt, Nougat, Pale Suede, Shell, Stone, Tan, and Twilight.
If you have brown eyes, any of our shades will accent them beautifully. Choosing shades within our Classic Browns range provides subtle enhancement of brown eyes, while choosing from the Mauves/Plums or Taupes/Grays adds extra emphasis.
How do I know which combination of Paula's Choice eyeshadows to use?
For Paula's Choice eye design combination suggestions, please see our Choosing Paula's Choice Eye-Design Combinations article.
Which Paula's Choice colors are best for filling in my brows?
For help determining which Paula's Choice powder eyeshadow, brow tint, or eyeliner colors are best for filling in brows, please see our Choosing the Right Color to Fill In the Brows article.
I am having difficulty applying your Constant Color Gel Eyeliner evenly. Any suggestions?
Applying a unique, water-resistant product like the Constant Color Gel Eyeliner does take some practice before it becomes second nature. We recommend following these steps to achieve a perfect application:
- Gently stroke the flat side of a Paula's Choice Eyeliner brush over the gel. It only takes a small amount to line the eye.
- If you get too much eyeliner on the brush, use a tissue to carefully wipe off any excess before applying as too much may cause flaking.
- For the upper lash line, begin at the inner corner of the eye, placing the brush against your lash line as close to the lashes as possible. Move the brush from the inner to outer corner in one fluid motion.
- If you miss a spot, go over the area immediately. Do not wait for the product to dry. Once the eyeliner has set into place, applying more may cause flaking.
- Do not layer the Constant Color Gel Eyeliner. Too many layers may cause flaking.
- Follow the same application technique for the lower lash line, but start with even less product on the brush (the lower lash line should appear thinner and softer than the upper lash line).
top
LipsWhich Paula's Choice lipsticks will look best with my blush color?For help pairing Paula's Choice lipstick with Paula's Choice blush, please see our
Cosmetic Combos: Pairing Paula's Choice Blush & Lipstick article.
Besides sunscreen, what is the difference between Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15 and Soft Cream Lipstick?The two main differences are the amount of coverage and the texture. Soft Cream Lipstick is a more emollient formula that offers medium to full coverage and a creamy finish. Sheer Cream Lipstick offers sheer to light coverage and a glossier, shimmery finish. Every Sheer Cream Lipstick shade has shimmer, while most Soft Cream Lipsticks do not.
Why did Paula use avobenzone instead of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide in the Sheer Cream Lipstick?Paula chose avobenzone because both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are rather opaque mineral sunscreens and it is difficult to create aesthetically pleasing sheer colors with them. In order to achieve an SPF 15 rating, the percentages of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide required would have created a fuller coverage lipstick whose colors would be dulled by the matte finish these ingredients have.
Will it affect the sunscreen if I apply lip gloss over Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15?Yes, it will, but how much the sunscreen will be affected is unknown. Applying lip gloss over Sheer Cream Lipstick will not cancel out the sunscreen, but it will dilute it, just as applying moisturizer over a facial sunscreen dilutes that. If you do not plan on spending much time outdoors and want a glossier finish while wearing this product, it is OK to apply a light layer of lip gloss. However, if you want sufficient sun protection for a long day (more than two hours) outdoors, it is best to skip the gloss and apply extra Sheer Cream Lipstick to obtain a shinier finish.
Should I apply my lip balm before or after applying Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15?It depends on whether or not your lip balm contains an effective sunscreen. If you use Paula's Choice Moisturizing Lipscreen SPF 15, it does not matter if you apply it before or after Sheer Cream Lipstick (though afterwards will dilute the color). If you use a lip balm without sunscreen (or without UVA-protecting ingredients), it is imperative to apply it before Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15.
Will the other Paula's Choice lipsticks eventually have sunscreen too?At this time, there are no plans to reformulate our other lipsticks to include sunscreen.
top
Nails
What is toluene, and why is your nail polish toluene-free?
Toluene is a solvent used in many nail polishes (including major professional and drugstore brands). Toluene's function is to help nail polish go on smoothly, adhere evenly to the nail, and give nail polish its unique characteristics (Source: emedicine.com/derm/topic507.htm). While toluene helps nail polish perform beautifully, it is considered a strong sensitizing agent, a toxic inhalant, and has a high risk of causing severe contact dermatitis and eye irritation. There is even risk that overexposure (which can occur if you are using nail polish with toluene in an area that is not well-ventilated, a concern mostly for manicurists) can result in central nervous system problems (Source: Handbook of Cosmetic and Personal Care Additives, Second Edition, Volume 2, 2002, page 1,571). Since 1991, Toluene has been recognized by the state of California as a chemical known to cause reproductive toxicity (Source: prevention-news.com/1997/calif.htm). Clearly, this is not an ingredient to take lightly, and one that is no longer essential to an effective nail polish formulation. I am pleased to have worked with a knowledgeable team of chemists who specialize in nail polish formulation and who produced a product that I believe performs every bit as well as the brands I have experienced in nail salons and from major cosmetics companies such as OPI, L'Oreal, Revlon, and Sally Hansen.
Note: Toluene may also appear on ingredient labels as benzene, methyl-methylbenzene, or toluol (Source: International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, Ninth Edition, 2002, page 1,724). Toluene is also used with formaldehyde (another problematic ingredient that functions primarily as a preservative) in the form of toluene sulfonamide/formaldehyde resin.
What is dibutyl phthalate?
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been a very common nail polish ingredient for years. It is used as a plasticizer and is a key component in giving nail polish its unique properties. But a lot of women (and a lot of companies selling nail polish) are giving their nail polishes a second look since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, http://www.cdc.gov) published the National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals—Results for Mono-butyl phthalate [which is] (metabolized from Dibutyl phthalate). Basically the CDC found measurable levels of phthalate in the urine of the participants in a study looking at the issue of phthalates. However, the CDC stated that "Finding a measurable amount of one or more phthalate metabolites in urine does not mean that the level of one or more phthalates causes an adverse health effect. Whether phthalates at the levels of metabolites reported here are a cause for health concern is not yet known; more research is needed" (Sources: CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/report/results/Mono-butylPhthalate.htm; Environmental Health Perspectives, December 2000, volume 108, issue 12).
For more information, read Paula's full article on dibutyl phthalate here.
Why are there restrictions on air shipment of your nail polish?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) restricts air shipment of certain items that could contribute to an on-board fire or other hazards. These include products with flammable chemicals that have potential to explode in flight, such as nail polish. Therefore, we cannot ship it internationally, via Rush method, to PO Boxes, or to Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada.
top
Brushes & Accessories
How often should I wash my brushes?
If you use the same basic colors and reserve your makeup brushes for your own use, washing them once every 2–3 months should suffice. Washing natural hair brushes too often can break down the shaft. Also, frequent washing can loosen the glue in the handle that holds the bristles together and keeps them in place. When cleaning the brushes, concentrate your effort on the bristles, not the handle. The exception to this is our Eyeliner brushes when they are used with Paula's Choice Constant Color Gel Eyeliner. You must wash the brush gently with a cleanser and water after every application to be sure you've removed the product from the brush. If not, the gel will harden on the brush making it difficult to use again.
What should I use to wash my brushes?
Use an inexpensive gentle shampoo instead of pricey brush-cleaning solutions, which are just shampoo anyway. The shampoo shouldn't contain any conditioning agents, which can build up on the brush just like they do on the hair. Paula's Choice All Over Hair & Body Shampoo is an excellent option. Conditioner is not necessary when caring for your brushes.
Exactly how should I clean my brushes?
Here's a step-by-step guide to brush care:
- Gently but thoroughly wash the brush with gentle shampoo in tepid water.
- Meticulously rinse the brush with tepid water, until water runs clear.
- Carefully press out excess water from bristles and dab the brush dry.
- Arrange the bristles back into their original shape.
- Let the brush air dry on a towel without the help of a blow dryer (blow drying can damage bristles).
How do I clean my eyeliner brush after using Constant Color Gel Eyeliner?
A liquid makeup remover such as Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover works beautifully to remove product from your eyeliner brush and keep it looking new. Simply pour a small amount of makeup remover onto a cotton round and swipe your brush across the round until clean.
When should I replace my brushes?
Replace them if they become misshapen, frayed, or start shedding excessively, or if the brush handle becomes loose or splintered.
How can the brushes be high quality yet so affordably priced?
The fact is even the best, most luxurious makeup brushes are not costly to make. Our brushes are customized for us from a major supplier and we buy in bulk, which keeps the cost to you down.
What are Paula's Choice brushes made of?
The handles are wood and our brushes feature natural hair, except for the Concealer Brush and Precision Liner Brush, which are made of synthetic material.
How big are the brush heads on the Mini Brush Set?
The brush heads on the Mini Brush Set are comparable in functionality, shape, and density to the brush heads on our regular-size brushes. Specifically, the Powder and Blush brushes in the mini set are approximately half the size of our regular-size brushes. The remaining 4 brush heads are the same size as the regular brushes.
Do the Oil-Blotting Papers have powder on them?
No. Blotting papers with powder tend to unevenly distribute powder on the skin making it looking choppy and uneven.
What are the Makeup Application Sponges made of?
Our sponges are made of synthetic latex. Synthetic latex lacks the plant constituents found in natural latex that are believed to cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis.
Makeup Miscellaneous
My makeup won't stay put in the summer. What can I do?
First, avoid moisturizer. On oily skin (or oily areas) and in hot, humid weather, nothing will melt makeup faster than moisturizer. Apply a matte finish foundation with sunscreen over bare skin, and set with loose or pressed powder for the most longevity. Carry Oil-Blotting papers with you and use throughout the day to absorb any excess oil or perspiration, then touch-up with a dusting of pressed powder.
Will Paula be coming out with new color choices?
Yes, Paula is continually evaluating her makeup line to be certain that the colors she offers are not only beautiful and easy to use, but also broad enough to satisfy the needs of a wide variety of skin tones and tastes.
top
Animal Testing/Animal By-Products
Do you test on animals?Paula's Choice has never tested on animals and never will. We also support many animal-centered charities like the Humane Society, ASPCA and NAVS.
Are Paula’s Choice products vegan, or do any of them contain animal by-products?The majority of Paula's Choice products contain no animal ingredients, but some do contain beeswax, lanolin or lanolin derivatives, cholesterol, and ceramide.
The following products contain lanolin (which is extracted from sheep's wool) or a derivative of lanolin: Lip & Body Treatment Balm, Moisturizing Lipscreen SPF 15, and Soft Shine Moisturizing Lip Gloss.
The following products contain beeswax: Brow/Hair Tint, Epic Lengths Mascara, Hydrating Treatment Cream, Lip & Body Treatment Balm, Lush Mascara, Moisturizing Lipscreen SPF 15, Slip Into Silk Body Lotion, and Soft Cream Lipstick.
The following products contain cholesterol: Hydrating Treatment Cream, Lip & Body Treatment Balm (contains an ester of cholesterol), Moisturizing Lipscreen SPF 15, and Skin Balancing Toner.
The following products contain ceramide: Hydrating Treatment Cream and Skin Balancing Toner.
Our makeup brushes, except for the synthetic Concealer Brush and Precision Liner Brush, are made from animal hair.
top
Have any questions about Paula's Choice products or need to talk to a real person?
