Paula's Choice RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25

Yesterday I reviewed a day cream, Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF-30. It's a really good and efficient product with two major drawbacks: the scent and the less than hygienic packaging. I promised you a   decent alternative, which is this Paula's Choice RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25.

I love that Paula's Choice cream comes in a squeeze tube (all of Paula's product have a cooties resistant packaging). It also protects the integrity of the antioxidants (an important feature of the RESIST range). The cream is unscented and promises to be suitable for very sensitive skin and for those suffering from rosacea. I can't vouch for these claims, but I do find it excellent even on days my skin is less than happy. The cream is a very good moisturizer, though I do find that it doesn't provide hydration for a full winter day unless I use a good oil serum and apply a dewy foundation.

I've gone through three tubes of Paula's Choice RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 by now, but I do wish its SPF was higher (at least 30). I always supplement because I don't feel protected enough with a single layer of SPF 25. The other issue I've had is that I find that the cream tends to separate, even in brand new tubes. I squeeze it onto the back of my hand and mix it back together, but it makes me wonder about effectiveness. Obviously, Paula's Choice products are low on preservatives and other stuff that doesn't need to be in the creams, and that's a good thing. But the trade-off is consistency problems.

Bottom Line: not perfect, but between the excellent price and gentle formula this is a very good product.

Paula's Choice RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 ($24.95, 2oz) is available from paulaschoice.com.

Photo: life.com