Brands I’ve Lost Interest In 🥱 Stale, Smelly and Stealing

[@vvs9992003]

Paulas choice is definitely a brand that is designed to be and is successful because people repurchase the same product(s) again and again. It doesn’t need to rely on constant new releases to keep up sales numbers. Which is probably why they barely release anything new

[@Baconatorza]

Wait what? They’ve been releasing more products than most other skincare brands! The body care, the new vitamin C5 line. I feel like they release quite a lot

[@angelinebiswas7611]

Yep! I have 2 things on a constant subscription with Paula’s choice and they’ve been the same product for years

[@mrt_942]

I totally agree! I have 2 or 3 products that I always repurchase from them because they are that good and those few are the most repurchased products on my skincare shelf, just because I don't ever feel the need to look for a better alternative.

[@naxp42]

This!!!! James' job is to review new things so I can see why Paula's Choice isn't that interesting to him haha.

[@ZeynepC1]

I have their retinol 1%. Its my baby. This will last me 6 months at least.

[@sarahwithstars]

When you said "if I wasn't on their PR list, I probably wouldn't use their products" I realised this was exactly the question I want influencers to answer!! Thank you xx

[@willeon23]

Using Paula's choice products feels exactly like going to the doctor with a condition and getting the quick fix I need. Simple and effective. I am satisfied. 😌

[@MephistoAngel]

It makes me look 100 years older than I am at a high price. I tried a few PC products and I may have tossed them they were so bad. I never got the hype

[@winternacht535]

I guess it also depends on the product? Which ones have you used? I only tried the retinol booster and think it was too expensive and not better than others.

[@ReflectingShadow]

tbh i'm still a big fan of the bha aha exfoliant, this liquid works miracles for my skin

[@celineboonex]

@@ReflectingShadow I am gonna try & introduce it to my skin too, if I may ask, what kind of products do u use after ?

[@ReflectingShadow]

@@celineboonex firstoff i'll only use it in my evening routine (because no sun exposure while its working) about once a week. Then follow up with a simple cerave moisture cream. For cleansing in the morning i use cerave foam cleanser, apply a vit c serum and just sunscreen. The other fancy things are for different days of the week. Hope this helps :)

[@marketfresh]

Honestly any brand (especially Western brands) that has been capitalizing on the skincare trend of recent years by selling simple ingredient products at ridiculous prices makes me really uninterested in their company as a whole

[@EMILY4DAYS]

@@Jess-737 that's absolutely insane! 👀

[@amymarxer6559]

I love Paula’s Choice and I trust the brand. They’ve just gotten a little too pricey for what I like to pay for every day skincare.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

I hate stores where people glue their eyeballs on me the moment I walk in , MAC and Kiehl's are the worst in my place here doing that. Even if the products are top notch if you treat me like a potential criminal and less like a customer, I'm not buying anything from you again.

[@gloriakoger6609]

You had me laughing at glue their eyeballs on me. Good line

[@PhuongNguyen-cp7gd]

Same in my case. I tend to wear casual but well-put together clothes. However, brands and stores very much stare at or even ignore me when I check out the products. Little did they know that I am using much better and even more expensive products than what they have to offer.

[@tonjamarshall4842]

That’s why the Internet is getting “this black person’s” business!

[@SykoMuffin]

i must look sketchy as hell because i’ve had a couple stores ask me to leave my bag at the front with them 😂😂😂 idk, maybe the largest criminal demographic is petite white chicks and i’m just uninformed

[@eurodara]

Sephora!!!

[@monipui]

Paula's Choice is one of the few brands I am excited to try new products from. The no nonsense marketing and quality of the products meet my needs. The lip serum is great. So is the wash off exfoliant. No reason to disregard them just because they aren't trending. I like the discoloration serum, the spf moisturisers, the retinol boost serum, and many others. No idea why people get stuck on the BHA exfoliant and don't try other things from the brand. They offer way more. Not to mention that Bryan Barron, their research director, is doing live chats on KZbin and answers questions about skincare issues. He really knows what he's talking about.

[@benjibenz3199]

Tbh Paula choice is a boring brand but i keep repurchasing their 1% clinical retinol because i know i get something worth my money. And i also just discovered their BHA lotion which really BLEW me away, i used to only use the bha toner, the lotion is 100 times better

[@angelinebiswas7611]

I love the super antioxidant it’s has some fantastic anti oxidants in it and just sinks in. It’s like a cream/oil at first then just disappears. Love the retinol too

[@Raevarie]

Which bha lotion?? I must know? 😂

[@sup8668]

hii, would you mind giving me more info on your experience on the lotion? I’ve currently used their toner for about 2 years, how is your experience with the lotion?

[@ohffsnoway]

@@Raevarie I'm guessing, but I think they meant the 2% BHA lotion, a sister product to the 2% BHA liquid, and I believe there's also a 2% BHA gel - their BHA/AHA products usually come in those choice of formulations, deepening on customer preference. I've also been using the liquid forever, and am tempted now to try the lotion 😂 PC might be about to experience a rush on this product - Benji Benz needs a commission

[@brigitte9999]

Just get an actual tretinoin and sandwich that way you know it will actually do something.

[@tapefiend]

Cookies and Clean felt weird because ELF did a very similar launch last year, and while they have some good products, I tend to view ELF as far more of a beginner brand who might do cutesy launches than I do Fenty.

[@jimnist10]

I've used so much Paula's Choice since I first discovered them 15 years ago. I think that what makes them a staple is that they have products to address skin issues at every age. The specific products I used when I was 27 are mostly not the same products I use now. Same categories, just different formulations, textures and concentrations. I think that's what is brilliant about PC. I really appreciate how thoughtfully they've expanded the line. 2% BHA liquid and body cream, 1% retinol, all the antioxidant serums, RIDE OR DIE.

[@stellab3269]

Great video! When it comes to black skin/ makeup Iman (IMAN) actually paved the way for Fenty and subsequently Fenty Beauty. The fact that it took so long for someone to successfully build upon IMAN’s proof of concept is mind boggling.

[@BarbaraT.]

I remember seeing Iman counters many years ago. Being myself white, they obviously didn't cater to my needs and don't know their products in detail, but I thought it was absurd how it was the only real choice available for dark skin tones. Iman's brand eventually disappeared, didn't it? Long before Fenty came out.

[@jaemoore7881]

Iman had hair care too. I remember everything being beautiful.

[@ohffsnoway]

Boggles my mind too that brands can be so hesitant and afraid of failure to explore new markets. Corporate myopathy, no one wants to stick their neck out in case they lose their head, then when someone eventually makes inroads, everyone else jumps on he bandwagon, usually with rushed, poor thought out, inferior junk. I'm the opposite end of the spectrum than you - pasty white who blisters & looks flayed after minutes in the sun, and endured there era where everyone thought you must be dying of cancer if you weren't tanned. I suppose we had to wait until we had women in the industry with enough authority to demand "GET US SOME MORE COLOURS, FFS!!!"

[@65NART]

And long before Iman’s range, there was Flori Roberts and Fashion Fair which were based in USA but sold here in U.K..

[@jaemoore7881]

@@65NART Fashion Fair is relaunching

[@laikanbarth]

I get tired of these huge corporations buying out smaller brands and then changing the ingredients to save money!! They do it to indie brands with makeup too!!

[@natalieciftciogullari6057]

Fenty has always been great with make up and I had such high hopes with their skincare line. But I totally agree. Since the mask, I felt like they can't really work out where they want to go. You're not going to love every single product a brand releases but they just ain't consistent enough

[@BarbaraT.]

I enjoy Fenty Beauty, but I've never tried their skincare line. I feel it's difficult for a brand to do both things well. And because I first knew of Fenty as a make-up line, I never saw their skincare as credible. But hey, maybe I'm missing out 🤔.

[@naxp42]

They have such a wide reach and influence that I feel like they could use that to bring more skincare basics to the masses e.g. cleansing balm/oil, gentle exfoliating liquids

[@dzingunyte]

Actually some make up of Fenty is real crap. Although I liked lip gloss

[@BarbaraT.]

@@dzingunyte I only tried the blush and a contour stick. Which ones didn't you like? P.S. I'd like to try the lip oil for sure!

[@dzingunyte]

@@BarbaraT. highlighter and foundation.

[@maulanam3]

i’m gonna get so much hate on saying this, but just because she’s RIHANNA, doesn’t mean every product/item that she launched is always the best and works… sometimes people just letting this go bcs she’s rihanna

[@rjjacob95]

i love rihanna, she's probs the celeb u could say i "stan" (lol) and i loved fenty makeup in the beginning. their dual highlighter thing is probably my favorite makeup product ever, and in the beginning all their stuff seemed so beautiful and unique and high quality, but i was not a fan of the skincare at all. i bought a little mini kit of the three initial launches to try and it was pretty meh. i haven't been a fan of her latest makeup products either tho, i feel like the brand isn't putting out the same quality of products it was when it first launched

[@spaceinveda7408]

People over-hype her and a lot of other celebrities. A big reason anything sells is because of the name behind it. So many celebrities are making makeup brands and it's kinda upsetting bc a lot of them don't even know much about it they're just jumping on the bandwagon. If you're not passionate about it you should just leave it alone imo.

[@florencembah2626]

Why would you get hate for stating the truth, it's not like you disrespected her.

[@olavihekandjo2928]

But the cookie and cream mask is actually good. They hated on the marketing but didn't mention how the product itself performed.

[@isthatjackson]

I want my skincare to do something. Before packaging, aesthetics, or marketing I want results. Paula’s Choice provides that. In this market of extreme over-saturation it’s refreshing to have a brand that just makes quality staples.

[@SAYoung15]

Paula’s choice FOREVER their borage seed recovery toner is the MVP it’s like the I’m from rice toner but 10x more moisturizing

[@kendallfullenkamp860]

👀 adding to my cart

[@SAYoung15]

@@kendallfullenkamp860 you won’t regret it! 🙂

[@tressssah]

Fenty Fat Water opened my eyes to the fact that a viscous skin product doesn’t mean it will break out your skin. I love love Ordinary and Good Molecules serums. I took your advice on the Watermelon toner and love it!! TY!!

[@holyhellitsautumn]

Watermelon toner?

[@vickiecoles8214]

@@holyhellitsautumn maybe she's thinking of Glow Recipe?

[@amyeve4214]

Farmacy’s Honey Halo ultra hydrating ceramide moisturizer is amazing on my Sahara Desert skin. If they ever stop making it, I will enter into a period of very dry mourning.

[@TheTcmgirl]

Me too!

[@kayleighshaw3203]

James your skin is GLOWING. I means it always is but your rosecea is non existent. Wish I could say the same for mine. I, and many other I think, would love a full rosacea skincare routine video!! ❤❤

[@ReflectingShadow]

doesnt he already have a few videos regarding the subject? i think you'll find some via the search bar on his channel

[@shaynbt]

Kiehl’s ultra facial cream is EVERYTHING. I literally have not found a moisturizer that could dethrone it

[@acebase555]

I used to have a full routine on Kiehls products. I’ve replaced ever item *except* the ultra facial lotion. That stuff rules.

[@KGG2]

Tested on animals

[@ItsKevin07]

Farmacy used to be THAT girl for me. They used to have a patent pending on Echinacea GreenEnvy that really made their products stand out, unique, and so effective. After they were bought by Proctor & Gamble, the formulation changed and their direction changed. There’s absolutely nothing from that brand that stands out and separates them from the crowd and it makes me sad.

[@happydayz7857]

They were bought by P&G?!?!?! 😒

[@marinam.2293]

I didn't know they were bought out! That explains it...

[@OneBlueField]

That's like Burt's Bees. Years ago their products (especially hair & the baby balm) were just so lovely & unique, I didn't mind paying for them. Then they got bought by some huge Bleach company & overnight everything changed. Prices stayed they same but the products just became run of the mill with a million new lines added. I don't even glance at it now.

[@leighannsbeautifullife]

Their Filling Good Serum, Honeymoon Glow Serum, Deep Sweep Toner, and Niacinamide Night mask are staples for me!! I love them!!

[@coffeebeforemascara]

@@happydayz7857 I had no idea

[@catherinebell122]

Great update - I love products from each of these brands, only select products from each. No brand is 100% perfect. Thanks for the update! ❤

[@justelle_1]

I love Kiehls products. They completely cleared and smoothed out my skin. The Milk toner is soo hydrating. Circle back around to Kiehls… you might like it

[@ahsu0208]

me too, its the brand that changed my skin for good years ago!

[@KGG2]

They test on animals so i had to ditch them

[@susanmcf1]

The Paula's Choice 10 minute AHA/BHA peel improved the effectiveness of my other skincare products. I use it once a week.

[@ginipeyton7821]

As a 25 year old who started to get fine lines kiehls powerful strength line reducing serum is a staple. I’ve seen significant improvement in my lines

[@KGG2]

I also used that serum but then discovered they test on animals - no way i will buy them again

[@thebucyrusmom]

I agree I have some all time favorites for skin care but using the same thing over and over again gets old I love switching it up and seeing what new things are out🥰

[@idaliagonzalez7945]

Agree with Paula’s choice on being iconic. I love the exfoliating products and those for older skin, but a draw back is the cost

[@hopehrl1]

I loved this video, especially the ending of paulas choice, given that they just released a new calm line, that I feel is very james welsh-y , like they'd be products you'd try.

[@juli3ram0s]

I actually like Kiehl's calendula line (facial wash and toner). The scent is very mild and my skin feels really good after I use them. I can't say that they're the best I've used though, and the main downside is that the brand is pricier than most Korean brands offering more amazing skin care.

[@EMILY4DAYS]

The face wash is so drying on my face. It becomes "squeaky clean" every single time. I'm used to hydrating cleansers so gave it to someone else. I used to always use facial cleansers like that, but I think it's not great for the skin barrier.

[@KGG2]

Its tested on animals

[@redcherry2098]

James, your skin is shining bright like a diamond 💠💫

[@florencembah2626]

Agreed, he makes me so jealous

[@florencembah2626]

Agreed, he makes me so jealous

[@metulj]

Paulas choice is amazing...CHANGED MY SKIN..10% aha, 1% rerinol product, calm serum, omega complex serum, 10% niacinamid serum still the best on the market, azelaic acid- one of the eat on the market.....

[@renuens]

I actually love Kiehl’s, although I do stay away from their stuff with EO’s, but I absolutely love the Ultra series, especially the toner and the overnight mask.

[@KGG2]

Tested on animals

[@ayydubs987]

i use the kiehl’s ultra facial toner and i’m honestly obsessed with it. i prefer a bit thicker, milkier toners and this one is perfect for me as it truly keeps my combo dry skin hydrated, soft, and healthy looking. i know absolutely nothing about the brand so was very interested to hear your thoughts about them lol

[@sjpink99]

I love that toner!!! I have more normal/dry skin but damn it is so good

[@renuens]

Same here, it adds so much hydration to my skin. Their Ultra overnight mask with squalane is also great!

[@KGG2]

Its tested on animals, ive stopped buying

[@juliabazanska]

Revolution actually make one of my holy grails, which is a moisturiser with an SPF50 that acts like a moisturiser even though you use the amount you need for an SPF (the Daily Defender). Normally if I use a moisturiser under my SPF it's too much for my skin and I end up looking shiny as hell, but if I skip the moisturiser my skin end up feeling tight after a while. With the DD I apply as much as I would of an SPF, my skin isn't overloaded with product and I'm not shiny. Paula's Choice also make one of my holy grails, the Enriched Calming Toner. They're both brands from which I repurchase the staples and expect nothing more than that. They're not exciting. They're not meant to be.

[@leopardface1]

Stale smelly and stealing? Okay you got me I'll watch 😌

[@Quinnbot]

Same 😂

[@heybizzle]

Me 😂😂

[@user-jk5jo3xc5v]

my favorite kiehls product has been their creme de corps body butter for literally years. it’s so moisturizing and smells sooo good.

[@KGG2]

They test on animals

[@derrickjackson1887]

I'm a subscriber to the PC Omega+ Complex serum. It's really good. Also, although I haven't bought it in a looooong time, the Kiehl's Ultra Repair moisturizer is great for people with dry skin during the Fall/Winter months.

[@Lisa85]

Fenty has done some “out there” releases through the years - I think most recently the ketchup/lip gloss thing- it’s so weird and I don’t know why they do those quirky releases. It’s odd

[@larinadorca5781]

I'm late but I discovered Paula's Choice like 10 months ago. I had adult acne and tried so many products for so many years..used to spend a lot on creams from Sisley, Shiseido..always breakouts. But everything I've tried from Paula has been just amazing for my skin. Such a big, great, change.

[@maggiemacaskill1037]

Kiehls clear lip balm is a holy grail for me. also their only product I can bear to pay full price for!

[@TheWordN3rd]

Honestly, I think for most people having one or two products you know works for you is the goal. I don't use Paula's choice for everything, but I know they're a good place to start if I want to incorporate a new step into my routine and o have certain things that I only get from them.

[@KourtneyBrooke]

I love Kiehl’s 😢 Please give them another chance! I love their ultra facial cleanser and toner, their 12.5 % vitamin c serum, and their retinol. My skin has honestly never looked better. And I’m an esthetician!!

[@Liitebulb]

They're too expensive. But now I'm curious to try the serum

[@KGG2]

Absolutely not. They test on animals. I would never buy a skincare product that’s made by torturing animals in cages through experiments, its wrong

[@Soleils]

Paula's Choice is probably doing fine. Repeat buys of the same product is probably good business, I know it works for Benefit for brow products. I have so many different beauty products but one brow pencil alway from Benefit

[@erinviera9635]

I co pletely agree with you in terms of Kielhls products, however I happened to find one product from them that I absolutely love. It's called the Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence, and I would love to get to see you try it on your channel and see what you think!

[@erobin93]

I loved the Kiehl’s midnight oil (not sure the full name). It smelled so yummy and felt luxurious to me. But it was also super expensive so now I stick with the Ordinary’s rosehip seed oil at like 1/4 of the cost

[@anoziraflaminghot]

i'm the same way with Paula's Choice. i like a few stuff, and they're great, but i don't feel compelled to try everything from them. that's interesting. must be in the way they advertise? they don't really make you feel like you NEED to try/have everything. they split their skincare into categories based on skintypes/concerns so it makes it easy to just pick what you actually need.

[@katyp.2495]

I'm not usually into 'celebrity' brands of skin care and make-up, but the Fenty Skin moisturiser and Pro Filtr hydrating foundation suit my skin perfectly. Cleanse and tone etc, have been Caudalie for years. Being of a, cough! certain vintage 😏 I'm a teense stuck in my ways, but 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. I do love to know what else is new though, just in case something peaks my curiosity, and James has done that.

[@watchcloudspassmeby]

I clicked on this because I was so nervous about what you were going to say about Paula’s Choice, but I ended up agreeing with you completely. I think their prices are also a bit steep, so if I’m splurging on a unique skincare product, I don’t really tend to go for them for some reason. Maybe it’s BECAUSE they’re so tried and true? Like if I’m buying something new I want to have a new experience and see how new ingredients work on me. With PC, we know the ingredients. And they work! But they aren’t unique. The only thing I will say, is that they have one of the best lip sunscreens and I really wish it was sold in stores instead of just online.

[@JeanEst]

khiel’s is a brand i love to hate but hate to love… 😔 when i give in, i love their clearly corrective dark spot serum, ultra facial cream and their cucumber gel cleanser 🫢

[@KGG2]

They test on animals. I think its wrong to enjoy a product that has been made by torturing an innocent animal in a cage through experiments. These animals go through hell and die in pain. Really?

[@ameshartl3672]

I haven’t tried any of Keihl’s skincare range, but I swear by their hand cream for winter.

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi James I have to say that for someone like me (with hyper reactive, rosacea and eczema prone skin) Paula's choice is a really good brand. I have NEVER had a bad reaction to anything I've tried from them and that's unheard of with every other brand. Now I do have my favourite products from them that ARE worth the money, but I've also had a couple I haven't really liked that much (although still without a huge adverse reaction to them). Here in the UK it's unusual to be able to return skincare you can't use or don't like, but you can return stuff to them. My skin is EXTREMELY dry and at 50 fully menopausal, so I really struggle to find moisturisers that keep my skin comfortable all day or all night. Most moisturisers targeted at dry skin just aren't rich enough for me and I've tried so so many. The clinical ultra rich moisturiser is the only day cream that has kept my skin comfortable in cold weather and yet sinks in to where I can apply my spf (ultrasun). Their soothing body butter is a bit richer and I use that as my night cream, but still soaks into the skin without a massively greasy layer overnight. I like the calm range, the omega range and some of the dry skin range too - that's a lot of products to like from a single brand. It's not an affordable brand overall, so I buy my favourites (and use other things from other brands with those) however I could buy my whole routine from them and be happy with it. I think that's probably the only brand I could say that about. For me it's a brand I look at the new releases with interest, but will only try those if I think they either fill a gap in my routine, or might be a replacement for something I no longer really like. Best wishes.

[@mari-bella]

ooooh I love the new intro and outro songs! don't know why but they remind me of bubblegum and diamonds haha. btw James! I watch all of your videos because I really like your personality. I feel like you could make a video about literally anything and I'd be there to watch it

[@cindypalumbo7503]

I do love the Paula's Choice 2% BHA. That's is great for when I have a zit as a spot treatment or if I feel a bit more oily and my pores need a good shakedown. They also have a good variety of retinol at various levels in different forms so if you'd rather a cream or more of a gel you have your pick. I went way too hard with retinol at first and took a break but was able to use PC at a very mild level and it really helped me get accustomed to it. I agree with the cookies and cream by Fenty. It feels very juvenile. More like something you'd see in a teen skincare line and not adult. I love Fenty but this product does not make me think of Fenty at all.

[@MadAboutSkin]

Great video James... Your skin is looking gorgous too xx

[@AyaaAcademia]

I love Kiehl's gel moisturiser (the blue tub) but it is rather pricey so since I;m in Asia and have access to Asian skincare, I found that a lot of Asian skincare can also deliver the same thing for a fraction of the price.

[@JordanCobblah]

Kiehls Avavado eye mask and their crème body lotion are the only ones that I use. Omg works so good! The creme smells like vanilla, dolche de leche, and pure whipped cream.

[@gretchenlynn89]

I have an answer for Khiels! Their best product by *far* is their intensive hand cream. In the winter, my hands get raw and cracked and it's pretty painful. Their hand cream is unscented so it doesn't sting, and somehow sinks in within a minute or two and lasts for hours. I was told it was developed for nurses who wash their hands all the time and it strips their skin. Give it a try!!

[@Sanza-om8zj]

Agree with most of these, except I’m never dropping Paula’s Choice. They’re my safe brand! When my skin is f’d up, I know their products are what I can trust.

[@adafihj6439]

I feel you on everything you said about fenty as much as I love rihanna

[@happyteaching7064]

I just bought my first Farmacy product recently and didn't know about their balms! I will say that I am already adoring the Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner with Azelaic Acid; my skin feels amazing, and I am excited to clear up some of the unevenness and blotchiness I have had for a while. 😀

[@lisaduchateau]

I have to agree with Kiehl's. I have tried their products and they have all been meh for me. My daughter however loves their Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. As far as Paula's Choice I have only tried one of their products, the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA exfoliant and I could not get past the smell. I really hated it! Great video as always, James!

[@tofflondon]

Paula's Choice is just a nice reliable brand. I find I go back to it a lot when I'm not finding what I want from other brands because I can trust that they'll have a well-formulated product. I do wish they would lower their prices a bit though. Thank you for calling our brands that just release a bunch of copies & nonsense constantly. I have a lot more faith in brands that actually take their time to create something unique and high quality than I do the ones what just do tons of quick launches.

[@naxp42]

I've been wanting to try Fenty's fat water. It seemed like the perfect product because I love essences and I need oil control in my am routine but I hate mattifying products. But I'm so sensitive to fragrance that I didn't try it initially. I recently found out they released their main 3 products fragrance free, rushed to get the fat water AND I LOVE IT.

[@SaReLaMo]

I love Kiehl's Ultra facial wash (soap bar) and their moisturizer. The rest is full of scented ingredients and I'm stay clear from anything scented. Paula's choice; I agree. I have my staples, and I stick to them. But I have a lot of issues with PC products because they pill like crazy on me. I guess it's because of their very long lists of ingredients. Because of that I don't want to try anything other than my favorites. Majority of tried products pilled on my skin, and I expect new products will too.

[@SaReLaMo]

And the price has increased so much for me to even be bothered with PC.

[@theresiasingleton7055]

Hi, James! Hi James hair solar panels!🤣 I love your videos.❤❤

[@ThatCho]

Paula's Choice stan here. To answer your question, yes I do think Paula's Choice has 1-2 products that are HOLY GRAILS in their routine. I get 100% what you're saying.

[@Quinnbot]

I use the Kiehls super multi corrective eye zone treatment and I really like it. I will buy something different next time but that’s only because I get bored easily and want to try other things. It really is nice though.

[@sylmaerie]

these are some of my fav videos from you because all the other ones tempt my college student 2 job working ass to blow my paychecks 😂

[@angelinebiswas7611]

Same!

[@xbrokenxdreamsxmanix]

I totally agree with your comments about Paula's Choice. I have literally four products I repurchase from them: the BHA 2%, a Glycolic serum thing, the retinol and the SPF 50 for my body and face when I'm on a retinol routine. And I have NO interest in getting anything else bc these work so well and remain foundational in my routine. I don't need 3 BHA exfoliants and 4 AHA ones, and then 2 moisturisers. Love that about Paula's Choice. Timeless products that just work, no fluff. I introduce the fun with cleansers and moisturisers and occasionally masks and sunscreen from the other brands that I feel won't stick so I can switch them in and out every season lol

[@heyboi_]

Paula’s Choice is my favorite brand and very impactful in the industry. I just hate that it’s gotten more expensive lately. I still buy certain items but have replaced a couple with more affordable and convenient items. But I still love the brand and trust their formulas.

[@lauracarnesecca6503]

I mostly agree with you, but I have to say Kiehl's is my "guilty pleasure". There's nothing from them I actually consider necessary, but there are a few products I keep on buying like the Ultra Facial Cream, the rare earth mask, the calendula line etc... Revolution skincare is not as good as their makeup sector, but I admit I sometimes purchase their copycats when I'm on a budget but still want to try new actives or formulas

[@KGG2]

They test on animals. I think its wrong to enjoy something that was made by injecting so much suffering into an animal in a cage.

[@Capricorn152]

I love all things Fenty but aside from the key products (the moisturiser, Fat Water, cleanser), a lot of the extra products I've not felt a draw to at all, so I get where you're coming from.

[@kirstenrox234]

He’s not even bashing the products but the “brand” of products they are pushing out which is weird. Cookies and clean face mask is AMAZING.

[@fnkychldsreturn]

kiehl’s is ac my fave skincare brand. their products really work for my skin esp their ultra facial moisturizer! it provides me w a lot of moisture without making my acne prone skin breaking out. omg revolutionary! i kid you not gut their moisturizer helped brighten my skin. you have to try their products james before u judge. you’ve only tried their eye creams. come on now!

[@miajessicaramgopal9672]

Exactly thank you!

[@KGG2]

They test on animals. I think its wrong to enjoy a product that has been made by torturing an innocent animal in a cage through experiments. These animals go through hell and die in pain. Really?

[@MDev617]

The Kiehl’s multi correction eye cream is fantastic!

[@ElenKarin]

I used a Kiehl’s cleansing oil a little while ago, worked well enough but the smell was very old fashioned and too strong. Beautiful dark blue colour on the bottle tho, that was my favorite thing about it😆

[@kellycraig3256]

Farmacy is one of my favorite brands, though they feel a bit more luxury and I don't love them quiiiite as much as Glow Recipe. I do love some of their more recent launches like the lip balm (far outperforms La Neige and even the Glow Recipe plum plum for me as an overnight balm) and the Honey Milk hydrating essence. I'm trying their tranexamic acid serum and the clean bee as a second cleanser soon so we'll see if those enter my holy grail rotation, but I definitely agree that they lean too hard on the Green Clean limited editions (which also create false scarcity to encourage impulse consumerism... not my fav lol). Love your takes as always!

[@rinitruong]

Omg I love Farmacy, they’re one of my favorite brands. The Honey Halo is my holy grail moisturizer! I also love Honey Savior, Honey Grail, and Honeymoon Glow. Their body care is also amazing. Their BHA is great as well! Their cleansing balm is actually the product I care for the least!

[@jenn8179]

I've never tried Paula's Choice "Do you know what I mean?" 😆 I love listening to you! I have the CosRX sunscreen and I'M IN LOVE! It's the best I've ever used! I owe it all to you!

[@Ktqtpie16]

Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew is amazing ! A must try

[@Raevarie]

James you are ABSOLUTELY missing out on the Khiels Calendula range!!! I am a die hard fan of the face wash and toner (loved the moisturiser when I was younger). It is ALWAYS my fall back when my skin is not happy. It's so calming and gentle I have not strayed from those two products and never needed to try any others. It's also their best selling range! I'll be honest the other stuff is all kind of meh for me tho

[@miajessicaramgopal9672]

Same. I think Kiehl's is one of the best accessible skincare brands out there...

[@KGG2]

They test on animals. I think its wrong to enjoy a product that has been made by torturing an innocent animal in a cage through experiments. These animals go through hell and die in pain. Really?

[@tibsy2000]

I love the products I buy from Paula's Choice. I found a few great products that work for me and I have explored their other options of toners, cleansers and serums. However, as for their 2% chemical exfoliant, that's the only one I use. I don't feel the need to branch out within their brand or in other brands for an exfoliant. So I understand your feelings on that the superior quality of a product makes it hard to want to discover new things.

[@hectormorrison4235]

I love how he giggles. It’s so sweet

[@antontronbon]

i like the fenty fat water milky! and the cleansing bar! both smell great and make my dry skin feel good :)

[@theDuchessQ]

I agree with your thoughts on Paula's choice. I love the aha and bha. About ten years ago I ordered a few other things, but it's only those two I reorder. I'm in Canada so I pay a fortune in shipping, exchange and duty. When I get low, I order a couple bottles and that's it until I'm out again. I do however gift the bha to any of my kids friends who tell me they're struggling with acne, and the fact that the packaging is not descript and clinical looking means even the guys in my life are happy to give it a try. Love the bha. Would I buy a good dupe to save money? Hmm. Maybe?

[@kitten1122]

im so guilty of collecting the farmacy balms in all the new scents but i LOVE the niacinamide night mask. i find its a nice alternative to using a petroleum product at night.

[@annechenchar7601]

I agree, I like the cleansing balms, and recently ordered the green moisturizer and the formula changed so much and I HATE it. But the retinol is fine and I agree, I LOVE the niacinamide night mask

[@kitten1122]

@@annechenchar7601 i've tried 2 of their honey moisturizers and i'm not really a fan of either. they also tend to use comedogenic ingredients in a lot of products which probably doesn't help their case. i absolutely HATE to hear about reformulations, especially when they don't tell you!!!!

[@modernmonologue]

I agree with you on Kiehl's. So much lavender oil! Have you tried their new retinol serums? One is micro-dosing and one is fast-releasing. Would be interested to know your opinion on those!

[@fashiondiva99]

Hi James! Thanks for another great video! Happy weekend ❤

[@nadiahassan5307]

I genuinely would like to know your view on Kiehls retinol, because it looks interesting. I genuinely swear by PC pore defense serum, I have never seen my skin look so clear. But I also get what you mean, why should I try something new from them when they already make something really good, but at the same time I really like that there is still variety.

[@DeidraBeee]

Their micro dose retinol is the best I've ever used for my acne. Obviously everyone is different, but my skin loves it.

[@carolhabicht]

I've been trying out a lot of Paula's Choice products lately and have been pleasantly surprised by most of them. I personally hate the 2% BHA in the grey bottle - it feels oily and uncomfortable on the skin and I just didn't want to use it. Whereas I tried the regular strength BHA in the blue bottle and was blown away by the lovely watery formula and how impressively it works. I really don't get why the grey one is still their bestseller. I'm also a huge fan of their body products, specifically the AHA and BHA body lotions. They're the only lotions I use now and I love the formulas so much! I highly recommend trying more products from Paula's Choice and letting us know what you think :)

[@lachatnoir1127]

Ever since kiehls was bought by loreal the packaging got more expensive and the price increased. It used to be unscented or mildly scented with very simple packaging.

[@stephaniepifer1619]

I feel exactly the same about Paula's Choice! I buy my 3 ride or die products. I always add a random one to the cart...but remove it before check out! LOL!

[@KristensMusicCorner]

I clicked on this specifically for your comments on Paula’s choice because I noticed I stopped buying as much from them recently, too! I stick with their BHA salicylic acid in my routine, but for anything else I could find in their catalog, I feel like I’m able to find cheaper alternatives that work just as well. I think they’re a little overpriced for how much you get & their formulas, which are good, but not always worth the money imo

[@SymphoniaYT]

I absolute relate to your Revolution opinion. As a teenager they were my way to go: supercheap and reliable! But already in their makeup department they had a little too much choice… when I discovered they had skincare products, I’ve bought something just to honor the “good old days” but had such a hard time because it was just too much… overwhelming and honestly, for what the world market offers today at the same price, not really that convienient anymore. Also ueah, they don’t really have an identity of their own, which recludes them to “that dirty cheap brand you find in any mall”

[@meatysheep]

Paulas Choice reintroduced me back into skincare a few years ago. I've had a korean skincare routine 10 years ago already when I got really into kpop but back then that stuff was really hard to get here lol and then I was into ''organic'' and ''natural'' skincare for a few years, but my skin was reaaaally bad so I came around Paulas Choice. And it was nice, made my skin instantly better but it was sooooo pricey for me at the time. And I think then I started to discover your channel which reintroduced me into korean skincare and thats where I'm at now lol. Way cheaper and does the same thing. So yeah, also lost my interest in that brand. But maybe I will look at some of their products again.

[@ctran1955]

Glad to see people fighting for Paula’s choice in the comments. Haven’t even watched the video yet but I like boring good skincare. Boring means it doesn’t need gimmicks to get people to buy it. It’s reliable. Sure I could probably have a better skincare regimen but I like consistency too

[@mimziemimz]

I don't agree about Paula's choice - I always found it quite lazy how bigger "influencers" always kept talking about the same 5 or so products from the brand, while smaller channels provided me with way more info and I found other things I loved way more. For example the 2% BHA - they have another one from the Resist Anti-aging line (in a blue bottle) that I preferred a lot more than the Skin Perfecting one which always felt too oily.

[@ifoldinhalfsoeasily]

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is far and away my favorite oily lip moisturizer, but I've never been even remotely impressed with any of their other products.

[@haris4499]

Please do make a video on hair care products (for silkiness, straightness, smooth, shine, conditioners, oils etc) also for the grey hairs on the beard and a good hair dye.

[@SakuraPinkPeach]

I was expecting to be upset with James's comments about Paula's Choice (which I love), but I actually 100% agree with what he said. I also tend to feel disinclined to purchase their other products after finding the ones I love and know work for me. IMO, the reason for that may be because PC's products are similar to medicine; something to be used to resolve a specific issue because of its science-backed, no-nonsense quality. The brand's pulling power doesn't come from novelty but from product reliance, and people generally don't go swapping out their medicine just for fun. This is why I think once you find a good product from PC, you don't feel inclined to check out any others.

[@NadezhdaLiaskovskaia]

I feel the same about Kiehls in general, moreover their stuff is overpriced. But they got me with their samples. Creme de Corps is the best body creme I’ve ever used. It’s not cheap, but they have 1L package, and you can buy it on sale and forget about their shop for half a year. And the fragrance is subtile, for me it smells like almonds. For Revolution, they have a nice calamine blemish drying lotion. It dryes pink, doesn’t leave any residue on my silk pillowcase, I just wake up with funny pink spots on my face. It also has a salicylic acid in it. If you don’t mind the mess, it can be a good solution for breakouts. What about Paula.. I love when they give you full size product as a gift with a purchase of the specific amount, there are also 20% sales quite often. But even with a 20% discount their products are heavily overpriced. Unfortunately I haven’t found any replacement for their Azelaic acid yet, but I’m intrigued about the new launch from The Inkey List, maybe it would be the hit. By the way, the Oat cleansing balm from them was a miss for me, the stuff in the tube has separated, and it was a big mess in my bathroom every time I’ve been using it. But the Omega cleansing balm from Paula’s choice was definitely a hit-very nice on the skin, almost no separation. It has coconut oil in it, so it smells accordingly, but it hasn’t any fragrance. It costs twice as much as he one from the Inkey, but it’s possible to get a deal in their online shop. Me personally, I’ve got it first time as a gift.