Review: Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Treatment Gel

This Clinique treatment is also really popular. The sales people at the Clinique said it is one of their best selling products and that it "really works". I purchased it after my breakout madness in the hopes that it will help with my break out. Here is what it looks like:

I've used quite a bit of it. A little really goes a long way with this product. the tiniest amount covers a large area.

This is the opening, pretty sanitary.

It's just a clear gel. Can you spot it on my hand?

It smooths out really easily but leaves a sheen on the skin.

Let's read the claims again: "This fast-drying gel is applied directly to blemishes to help diminish their size while promoting quick healing. It works immediately to soothe visible redness and irritation. Formulated to remain invisible, apply either under or over makeup."

Onto the review. This little tube costs $17.50 CAD or $14.00 USD which is really inexpensive for acne treatment. I'm pretty sure this will last at least 4-6 months, just look at how much I've used in one month! However, I feel that it does little for my acne. =( I really wanted this treatment to work since the people at the counter made it sound like a miracle worker but it has proven to be a disappointment.

When this product dries on the skin, it leaves a tightening feeling which I really liked and saw it as a sign of it "working". However, I've noticed no reduction in pimple size OR redness. If anything it caused a little bit of added redness on my skin. Keep in mind though, I have a LARGE area on my face covered in acne, it might have worked on some small pimples but overall here is no visible result. It's not all bad though. Since it dries to a thin film, I do like this treatment for acting as a barrier between my acne and the environment, especially after I just squeezed the pimple. I feel that it kind of protects it from bacteria.

This product claims to be good to be applied under makeup but that is completely not true. When I apply makeup over this gel, the concealer and foundation separates on top of it making the spot even more visible. I would definitely NOT recommend applying it over makeup.

Overall it's not a treatment worth purchasing but I won't be returning this either since I feel like it does have a bit of function as a barrier for my acne. Definitely not a miracle worker. However, Clinique does have a very good return policy so if you are interested in the product, you can always just go purchase it and try for yourself. If you don't end up liking it, you can always return it to Clinique. Again, this is only my personal opinion it might work for other people!

Overall Impression?
Quality: 5/10
Price: 8/10
Packaging: 8/10
Overall: 6/10

MakeUpAddict

Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask

This is one of the most popular masks in the beauty community. I have owned this long before my break out. Here is what the bottle looks like.

As for the product itself, it's just a mint green clay-like mask:

It's pretty easy to smooth out on the skin:

Claims:

"Mint Julep Masque is the original natural home treatment developed by a dermatologist that helps dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. Simply apply Mint Julep Masque to your clean face and neck. Within minutes it firms and hardens , drawing out impurities from your pores. After the masque is removed, your skin will feel clean, refreshed and smooth. Even for individuals who are fortunately free of skin problems, Mint Julep Masque is a refreshing facial treatment that helps relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck. "

On to the review. So, this mask feel super soothing, it has a very refreshing scent and gives you face a tingly feeling like it's being cleansed. It does live up to it's clam to help you relax muscles and feels super great on the face. This is definitely an enjoyable treatment for the face. However, I DO NOT see any visible reduction in the size of my pimples or the size of my pores. In the first month and a half of my break out, this is the only treatment I used religiously three to four times a week. After a while, I realized that it is not really improving my skin conditions. Sure, it feels great on my face, but it did NOT live up to it's claims of "drying up pimples, rinse away blackheads, and shrink enlarged pores". I do, however, have to give it credit for being a great acne prevention treatment for those with good skin. Before my breakout, I rather liked this product since it helped me even out my skin tone and prevented pimples. Even then, i didnt notice any visible reduction in the size of my rare pimples but I felt like it did clean my pores pretty well.

Even though the masque did not help my current acne problems, it did not do my skin any more harm either. I don't have too much to complain about the masque especially since it's very inexpensive (only a couple of bucks in the drugstore) and one tube will last you forever.

Bottom line, this is a great masque for those with good skin. It will help you prevent or even treat small pimples but perhaps it is not "strong" enough to treat acne porn skin. Great everyday mask for acne prevention but sadly not nearly good enough to clear up my break out situation. (Keep in mind that this is just my personal opinion).

Overall Impression?
Quality: 6/10
Price: 10/10
Packaging: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

MakeUpAddict