Review: Clinique acne solutions clinical clearing gel

While acne isn't a everyday problem for me, it definitely is a problem when the blemish appears--they're big, red, and painful! :( Because of this issue, I really want to find a product that could help alleviate this problem when it comes up. Since Clinique has always been a trustworthy brand--in my opinion--I wanted to try one of its acne solution products. I picked up the product in stores at Ulta for a hefty $25 for 1ml. The Clinique acne solutions clinical clearing gel can be applied all over the face or used as spot treatment. The product claims to clear blemishes upon application and prevent new ones from appearing. It contains the following ingredients:

• salicylic acid - clears away dead surface cells (acts as exfoliator)
• laminaria saccharina - control sebum production
• sea whip extract - reduces redness and inflammation

MY OPINION

The first thing I noticed was that it smells VERY strongly of ALCOHOL. In fact, there's no other scent besides alcohol...and because there is so much alcohol in this product, when you squeeze out a little bit of the product, it dries up very, very quickly. Sometimes, so quickly that you don't have enough time to apply it on the blemish! Sadly, I didn't see much difference after using this product--even after using for four days straight. However, I didn't use this product more than twice a day.

Luckily, there are a few pluses I've noticed is that this product. The clearing gel will last quite a long time (if used as a spot treatment), as you only need a little to apply on your blemishes. The packaging is also very convenient and sanitary. You can't contaminate the solution inside and you only need to give a gentle squish for the product to come out. The product is also small enough to be carried inside your purse or backpack!

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Where to find this product?

Clinique - $25.00
Sephora - $25.00
Amazon - $22.99 + free shipping over $35

Review: Origins united state balancing tonic

Origins is a great skincare line formulated without parabens, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals. I've seen this brand so many times in Macy's and have always wanted to try some products. While these products are on the pricier end, I believe that their products—or at least their balancing tonic—are definitely worth the price!

I've been using the Origins united state balancing tonic for a little over a month now (ever since middle of December). My parents bought it for me because I didn't have a toner during the winter break, as my Etude House toner was over the liquids limit and I wasn't planning on checking in my baggage... I'm definitely thankful for my parents spending over $20 for this one skincare product!

When I was in Macy's, the saleslady helped me choose this product. At first, I wasn't quite sure that I had combination skin, but she was very patient and helped test what skin type my skin was! She said the united state balancing tonic was great for those with combination skin, so I decided to give it a try.

 

According to its description, this toner contains "state-of-the-art exfoliators [that] slough the flakes, sweep pore clogging debris, and smooth rough spots." Wow~ Sounds cool doesn't it? Continuing on, the toner should de-shine T-zones without being too drying. The toner will reinstate the skin's pH and keep the skin refreshed and moisturized.

MY OPINION

I really enjoyed using the toner. The product has a nice and calming herbal scent. Like I mentioned earlier, I've been using this toner for a month already—actually I’e been sharing it with my sister. We still have about 1/2 the bottle left! The toner isn't drying and is a great addition to my cleanser. It removes excess dirt that the facial cleanser missed. I'd have to admit that I don't always wash my neck well--I have a huge pet peeve about water dripping down my neck and onto my clothing. However, after using this toner on my neck, the cotton ball is noticeably dirty! That's how well the toner works in removing dirt!

However, there are a few negative points about the toner that are worth noting. First, the packaging is very cute and simple, but there's no top-filter on the bottle (as you can see in the above image). I usually don't cap the bottle until I'm finished, so that means the bottle can easily tip over! I'd hate to waste any product...especially on the floor... Second, alcohol is one of the ingredients used in this product. Fortunately, this product doesn't smell too much like alcohol and it isn't drying. Third, the price is definitely on the higher end...this 5fl.oz costs $21.50 at Macy's!

Overall, though, I quite enjoyed this product and would definitely love to try other products by Origins!

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Where to find this product?
Origins - $21.50

Sephora - $21.50
Amazon - $33.50 + free shipping over $35