Paulas Choice Review: What my mother DID and DIDN'T give me

I am so thankful for the things my mother gave me, either by genetics or by her choice in raising me. I am sharing about what I am thankful that she DID and DIDN'T give me. 

Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls

OUTFIT DETAILSDRESS c/o | WATCH | BRACELET one, two, three

SKINCARE: Clear Set | Resist MoisturizerNiacinamide Booster | Clearing Treatment

Pauls Choice Review Coupon Codes: 20% Off One Item with code MOMSCHOICE until 5/16Clear Collection available for $19.95 (reg. $58) 5/15 - 5/21! 

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My mom is someone I look up to. She is the strongest person I know. From raising 4 kids in ages only 5.5 years apart to driving me all over the place for extracurricular activities and sports. She is a rock star and doesn't get the credit she deserves. 

Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls

I am thankful for what she has given me:

Creative mindMy love for coffee.Thick hair genes. (yes, my locks came from my mama!)My health and outlook on life.That I look just like her.

I am thankful for what she has taught me:

CompassionSelflessnessGentle spiritFaithLeadershipHow to shop frugally.Clean....efficiantly and quickly!Organize (you know the three piles: throw away, keep, and give away)To shave my legs when I was self-conscious. (This seems strange,but when you are in 4th grade and everyone calls you monkeywoman, she taught me to shave and to stand up to the bullies because of it).Doing MakeupCreate lasting friendships.The love for reading and learning.PositivitySelf-esteemA persevering attitude.The love for people.

I am thankful that she DIDN'T give me:

A difficult childhood. I grew up surrounded by love.A need for attention, she was always there.

Lastly.......

My terrible acne prone skin.

Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and PearlsPaulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls

I NEVER had acne in high school or even college, it was when I turned 21-22 that I began to have the skin I have now. I am so thankful I never struggled with this when I was younger, it would have reeked havoc on my self-esteem. Don't get me wrong, I still have moments where I am ashamed but I now have balance in my life and self-worth that isn't dependent on my skin. 

Since my skin didn't come from my mother, I have had to fight this battle semi-blindly. When your mom or dad have experienced something you are experiencing, there is an expertise that comes from it. My mother has had to walk through this with me and help support emotionally as I have tried to find solutions. This has been HUGE for me during this battle. 

About 4 weeks ago, I started to use a new line of skin products. I was hesitant at first because you never know how your skin is going to react but I had already been using a product from this brand so I thought I should at least give it a go.

I have NEVER seen these results in such a short period of time from skincare.

Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls

Paula's Choice has answered my skincare needs. I started using the Clear kit, Niacinamide Booster, Resist Barrier Repair moisturizer, and Clear Clearing Treatment 4 weeks ago (my terrible before pictures on IG stories!). After the first 3 days, I was ready to throw in the towel. I was breaking out so bad, my skin hurt. I sat down next to my mom all teary eyed expressing how badly I wanted to give up on the products. She encouraged me, like she always does, to keep trying. That love and support are what I needed because 4 weeks later my skin has never looked better since my adult acne hit. 

This is the routine I have been using:

ONE: I use my oil and hot water method to take my makeup off. The jojoba oil breaks down the makeup.TWO: I use THIS cleanser from the kit to wash my face. About 2 times a week I use the Clear cleanser with my Clarisonic to be sure I am still exfoliating.Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and PearlsTHREE: Next, I use THIS toner. I started using THIS toner from the kit but it dried out my eczema too much. If you don't have eczema, this toner would be perfect for you![symple_column size="one-half" position="first" fade_in="false"]Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls[/symple_column][symple_column size="one-half" position="last" fade_in="false"]Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls[/symple_column]Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls   FOUR: Then I take THIS moisturizer and drop 3-4 drops of THIS serum in it. I put this all over my face, chin, and neck. This serum is called Niacinamide Booster which helps to reduce pore size, help with anti-aging, and brightens your skin tone! This has been a miracle product for me. You can use it like I do, by mixing it, or you can use it by its self. I'm currently giving one away, enter at the bottom to win![symple_column size="one-half" position="first" fade_in="false"]Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls[/symple_column][symple_column size="one-half" position="last" fade_in="false"]Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls[/symple_column]Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and PearlsFIVE: Next, I take THIS spot treatment and treat my entire neck (I have bad cysts under my neck from hormonal imbalances) and small dots on large breakouts.Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls SIX: In the morning, I cleanse my face with hot water and use THIS moisturizer before I put my makeup on.Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls

I am giving away THIS set of the Clear line along with the Niacinamide Booster serum! Enter the raffelcopter or on Instagram to win! The giveaway will last until Saturday, May 20th at 11:59 pm (PST). I will announce the winner on my blog on May 21st! 

Paulas Choice Review by popular Portland style blogger Topknot and Pearls

This routine was the shake up my skin needed! I am so happy with the results that I went out and bought more of these products so that I won't be without.

If you suffer from mild to severe acne, you need to try the Clear line by Paula's Choice and I am so excited to give you the chance to WIN a set!

<a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e6b6595f4/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="e6b6595f4" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_1aubjdlp">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>

For a Limited time, get the CLEAR Collection for Acne for $19.95 (a $58 value) at Paulaschoice.com!

20% Off One Item With Code MOMSCHOICE! Mom Gets What Mom Wants at Paulaschoice.com.

Thank you Paula's Choice for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% my own.Thank you for supporting the brands that make T&P possible.
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