Where I got it: I got this as a sample 7 day trial from Clinique counters when they were doing a promotion. I just rocked up to the counter and asked for it. The lovely lady at the Farmers Botany explained to me how to use it and I was also given the treatment gel. This 3-step system is available at all Clinique counters nationwide.
What I got: This is the Clinique’s Anti-blemish 3-step system and it contains a 15g Anti-blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body, a 15ml Anti-blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion and a 7ml Anti-blemish Solutions All-over Clearing Treatment.
Clinique Anti-blemish Solutions 3 – Step System
How I find it:
Anti-blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body: I pick up the cleansing bar and I put it in running water for about 3 seconds then try to get a good lather. The image below it the type of lather I would need for cleansing my face, you can work it up even more, but this is good enough for me. Then I put the cleansing bar on a soap dish and massage the lather on my wet face. I can use it with my Clarisonic Mia 2 or even the Clinique Sonic Brush – just put the lather onto your skin directly. The cleansing bar is a bit drying, so after washing, make sure you follow with step 2 and 3. The alternative to this cleansing bar in the Anti-blemish range is the Cleansing Foam.
Anti-blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body
Anti-blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion: The famous exfoliating toner from Clinique – this is the second step which helps to remove dead skin cells and any remaining makeup and residue on the face. Shake well, then I use a cotton pad with an adequate amount of the lotion, then I wipe my face gently with outward motions, avoiding eye area. Usually, there will be residue on the cotton pad mainly around my nose and hairline area which I tend to miss out while cleansing. The lotion however, does contain alcohol which is not my favourite ingredient. I have used Clinique’s 3-step system (#2) before, but the exfoliating lotion tends to break me out everytime I use it. I love the feeling of it on my skin and the fresh scent, but my skin just doesn’t like it.
Anti-blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion
Anti-blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion wiped off residue
Anti-blemish Solutions All-over Clearing Treatment: This is step 3 – the moisturiser. After the exfoliating lotion, I immediately use the moisturiser because it tends to dry out my face. This Clearing Treatment is white in colour and has a fresh creamy texture. I do need a decent amount of this to cover my face without feeling tight and dry. I really like this moisturiser, that’s why I bought the full sized product (NZD$40 – very affordable for 50ml moisturiser)! I really like the fact that with continuous use, this moisturiser will not only remove my blemishes, it also prevents blemishes from forming. It also helps to reduce oil production by hydrating my skin. I would apply a more hydrating/moisturising cream on top during winter and at night where my skin needs more moisture.
Anti-blemish Solutions All-over Clearing Treatment
Clinique Anti-blemish Solution All-over Clearing Treatment
Anti-blemish Solutions Treatment Gel: This tiny little tube of treatment gel is quite heavily laden with alcohol – you can smell it and feel it on your skin. However, you only need to apply the very smallest amount directly onto the blemish. I would apply this under the Clearing Treatment and any moisturisers. This treatment gel contains Salicylic acid so it helps to clear sebum and dries out blemishes. You only need a little bit so a 15ml or a 30ml will go a very long way.
Overall: This 3-step system from Clinique is a good idea – the 3 basic skincare items you need if you are a person of minimal fuss with skincare. Otherwise, you can add the treatment gel, serums, masks, etc. Personally, I would not be interested in the Exfoliating Lotion because I have had too many bad experiences previously. However, I really like the Clearing Treatment because of its texture and how it balances out my skin. I also like the Cleansing Bar because it cleanses so well, especially when I have been wearing makeup or during summer. I believe Clinique has lowered their prices for this Anti-blemish line (or maybe becuase it is smaller in size?) A moisturiser fro $40 is pretty good. I think the Foaming Wash is around $39? If you have blemishes, definitely try it out because there are many raves and good reviews from many other people – this might for wonders for you even if something doesn’t work for me. :>
Tell me if you think this 3-step system is hot or not!
