Laura Mercier Eye Canvas Review

I posted my first ever Space NK Haul a few days ago where I showed a sneak peek of the Laura Mercier Eye Canvas. Spoiler Alert: I absolutely love it and I am very tempted to buy a back up. Before I purchased it, I had never heard about it and I was quite curious because it was not particularly marketed as an eye primer but more as an eye canvas which seemed different to me.

Packaging

It comes in a dinky little jar/tub which contains quite a good amount of product and I don’t see this finishing any time soon. It contains 4.8g of product which may not sound like a lot but a little goes a long way. I only hope it does not dry out so I can use it till the very end. I know some people are not fans of dipping their fingers into little pots/tubes/jars like this but I assume many people wash their hands before applying makeup or even touching their faces. I personally don’t mind the packaging and I think it’s pretty cute and easy to travel with. I got the shade EC-5 (Tawny) which is a good match for my skin tone.

What does Laura Mercier say about the Eye Canvas?

Laura Mercier says the Eye Canvas aims to transform your eyelids into the perfect canvas for eye makeup application. I cannot agree more with this description because it does exactly what it says on the tin and I have used this every single day since I purchased it.

Formula/Texture/Coverage/Application

According to the Laura Mercier website,  the Eye Cancas has an oil absorbing innovative formula which acts like a foundation for your eyelids by neutralizing any discolouration. Again, I completely agree with their description. If you suffer from oily eyelids and your eyeshadow keeps sliding off after a short while, you may want to try this product. The formula is really light and applies like a dream. It is not heavy at all and you can barely feel it on your eyelids. The coverage is very thin and I think that’s the best kind of coverage you need for the eyelids. It is definitely thinner and lighter than any eye primer I have tried yet I dare say it works better. I apply this with my ring finger which warms it up a little and blends it in perfectly. You can use a flat eyeshadow brush but I find that my finger in this case is the best for applying this. If you want the best results, use a thin layer as a little goes a long way.

Results

When I first got it, I was worried it may be too light for my eyelids but it was not at all. It is a perfect match and it helps neutralize any discolouration on my eyelids which, in turn, helps my eyeshadows appear more vibrant. As mentioned earlier, I have used this consistently for a few weeks and the results are amazing. It helps my eyeshadows last much longer and appear more vibrant. It helps control my slightly oily eyelids which is amazing because the last thing anyone wants at the end of the day is shiny eyelids. It also prevents creasing of my eyeshadows all day but if you don’t apply a thin layer, your eyeshadows may be difficult to blend in. I have to mention that if you have dry skin or dry eyelids, this may be a little drying for you. I say this because once it is on, it feels a little bit matte which I guess is due to its oil free formula. It is not dehydrating but I don’t think it has any extra hydrating properties. I even attempted using it as an under eye concealer but the coverage is super light and the consistency is too thin to work well as an under eye concealer.

Cost

I think the original price was £18.50 or something in that line and I know I would never have bought it at that price. Thankfully, it is still on sales on Space NK for £5.50 and I think it’s such an incredible bargain. It comes in various shades but I think EC-5 (Tawny) is the darkest shade available so if you are darker than me, you may struggle to get a good shade. I think it is being discontinued from Laura Mercier because I could not find any direct links on their website but it is still available in other stores.

Personal Thoughts

I absolutely love it and I never thought I would. It works amazing on my eye lids and I have not tried any product that comes close to it. The best thing is it does not interfere with other gel textured eyeshadows or paint pots like the Maybelline Color Tattoos in fact it helps them last longer and appear more vibrant. I can’t sing its praises enough and I am so pleased I got it. I would not say it’s a necessary product because you can always use a concealer to neutralize dark eyelids and as a primer but even the texture of the lightest concealer you an think of cannot be compared with the Laura Mercier Eye Canvas. It is truly incredible!! Have you tried the Laura Mercier Eye Canvas? TGIF (do people still say that?*shrugs*)...what are you up to this weekend? I am off to Scotland......yahhh!! See you in my next post...xx

RAVPower Luster 3000mAh Gold Lipstick Charger Review

I was recently contacted by the lovely team at RAV Power to ask if I was willing to try out their new Luster Gold Lipstick Charger* and I said yes because it looked very pretty and I was keen to see how it compared with the Anker one which I had previously reviewed here.

Packaging

The packaging of any product, even if it is not a beauty item, just makes me happy and it makes me feel like the manufacturers actually care about their customers. It has an outer packaging which shows what product you receive, the colour and the specs. Inside the packaging, it has the warranty card, some instruction of use and other details about the product. Apart from the paper work, you also get a cable for charging it, the power pack itself and a clip which is a lovely touch especially for guys who don’t carry bags.

Luster Gold Lipstick Power Pack

Don’t you just love how attractive it looks? It’s just really pretty. There are other colours as well so if you are not a gold-y girl or guy, then you can choose from a selection of black, pink, blue, etc. I prefer the gold colour because it really stands out.

Specification

It has a capacity of 3000 mAH and an output DC of 5V/1A. It is really compact with a height of 4.33 inches and a width of 0.9 inches. Its weight is 2.57 oz which is pretty portable and it won’t weigh down your wallet or purse although it is described as a lipstick charger, it is definitely heavier than a lipstick. According to RAVPower, its external battery is LG grade A cell with premium chips to ensure consistent high quality.

What phones/devices are compatible?

It is compatible with virtually any device that uses a USB cable which is very handy. It works on all generations of the iPhone and iPads although you need to have your lightning cable as the USB cable attached will not work on it.  Other devices include HTC: One X, S, V/Sensation XE XL/EVO 4G/Radar 4G/Inspire 4G/ ThunderBolt  Samsung: Galaxy S4/S3/Note 3/Note 2/S2 /Nexus/Galaxy Note/Focus S/Infuse Google: Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Google glass Motorola: Droid Razr, Bionic/Atrix 2/riumph - Other cell phone, MP3, MP4, digital camera, and other with DC 5V input.

How does it work?

It works in a pretty straightforward way. When it is charging,  it shows a red light and once it is fully charged,  it shows a blue light.  Once it is fully charged, you attach your device and it charges it straight up. If you take off your phone, it automatically stops charging so you don’t have to worry about wasting the charge which is really good because many times I just take my phone off in a hurry..lol.

What else does it offer?

This is where things get as little more interesting. Would you believe this also doubles as a flash light? I know, I was surprised and the light that comes off this little device is really bright. It’s almost unbelievable! It has a small button to switch on the flash light and it has 3 settings. If press the button once, you get a bright consistent light which can act like a torch light, press the button twice, you get a dimmer light which is ideal if you hate sleeping in the dark and press it thrice, you get a strobe light which can also double as a disco light...I kid, I kid!! This means you can take this with you for camping, riding a bike at night and going to dark places and that’s really I think cool.

Comparison with Anker similar model
I thought it would be interesting to compare the RAV Power model with the Anker one. They are very similar as expected but the RAV Power one is slightly longer but weighs about the same. Of course, the added flash light gives it an edge over the Anker model. However, in terms of lasting power, I think I prefer the RAV Power model because it takes a shorter to time to charge and holds a good charge for my phone as well which is why it is my go-to power bank. I still love my Anker model but I find myself reaching for the RAV power model more these days for all the above reasons.

Cost

It is sold on Amazon which is brilliant so you can read other reviews on there by people who have purchased it. Also, it is sold both in the UK and USA and I believe they ship to other places. If you are in the UK, you can purchase it for $19.99 here on Amazon and if you live in the UK, you can purchase it on offer for £10.99 on Amazon UK. I think it’s an absolute bargain for the quality you get especially with free delivery on Amazon UK. I honestly can’t think of anything bad to say about this device but I have listed a few things which you may want to be aware of.

Cons

1  1. When you use the clip, there may be some scratches if you are not very careful.

2  2. It is slightly longer than the other power packs.

Personal thoughts

I have to say that I really like this charger because it charges my phone throughout when I am at work and that’s for a period of 8 hours which I think is brilliant. I only have to charge it in the evenings when I get home and it does not take long to charge which is even more brilliant! I particularly like the added flash light feature because it makes it a really practical device which can be used in a variety of situations and it shows that the folks at RAVPower took extra time to think about a product that will stand out against the other power banks that have flooded the market.  The clip which is attached makes it suitable for guys as well who are always on the move and it means you can never forget it as it’s clipped to your clothing. See you in my next post...x

*PR Samples: I was kindly sent this product for review but all opinions are mine as always!

Estee Lauder Stay-In-Place High Cover Concealer (5N Deep) Review

I am slowly beginning to fall in love with Estee Lauder as a brand. For some reason, I just think it’s for older women and I am not sure where that came from. My Holy Grail MAC Studio Finish Concealer finished and I was in dire need for a new one but there are no MAC Counters very close to my work place or even at home. I went into Debenhams and I saw their lovely Gifts With Purchase enticingly displayed and I decided to try the Estee Lauder Double Wear  Stay-in Place High Coverage Concealer which I had heard good things about.

Packaging

I really like how sleek and compact the packaging looks and I think the characteristic Estee Lauder  Navy Blue colour works really well with this packaging. Once you open it, you also have a small mirror which is a really good touch especially if you want to touch up on the go.

Shade

I am in the shade 5N Deep (Neutral) and I know it looks unnaturally dark in this picture and even in real life but it’s actually the best shade for me when I apply it and blend it in. I and the Sales lady were pretty sure it won’t match but when we tried the shade above this it was too light and we tried this and lo and behold! It was a perfect match.

Application

Applying concealer depends on your preference. I use concealers to hide my dark blemishes from previous acne and spots. I usually apply my concealer after my foundation because I prefer it this way and I know a lot of people apply it the other way round. I feel applying it after foundation saves more time for me especially when I am rushing off to work. I use my fingers sometimes and other times I use a concealer brush to apply and blend it in.

Coverage

As the name implies, it is full coverage which means it really hides any pesky blemishes and it actually stays in place especially when you set it with a powder. I find that it can be a little drying when applied which is fine for me but if you have dry skin you may want to moisten your concealer brush before application. I would say the wear time is between 6-8 hours which I think is fair. Depending on how you much expertise you have, you may not need to touch up before the day ends but I do occasionally and other times, I can’t be bothered.

Cost
It costs £21 which is not the most expensive concealer out there but it is quite pricey and if they did not have a free Gift With Purchase (already reviewed here) and a 10% discount, I highly doubt I would have bought it. The packaging is so pretty though with a small mirror so I am guessing that's where the extra cost went to.

Cons

1.       It may be a little drying if you have dry skin which can also make it difficult to blend.

2.       It is quite an expensive concealer but you get a good amount of product and a little goes a long way.

3.       There are not a wide range of colours unlike the other Estee Lauder Concealers.

Personal Thoughts

I really like this concealer and I aim to finish it. It looks classy, compact and does the job really well. I am not sure I would repurchase only because I feel the MAC Studio Finish Concealer is better suited to my skin and more blendable than this but seeing that Estee Lauder owns MAC I guess the formulation may be the same. But MAC is cheaper than this so it’s a total winner...

Nanshy Professional Makeup Brush Set Review

Hey My Lovelies,
I hope your week has had an exciting kick off. When it comes to makeup, I love to use brushes. Gone are the days when i used my hands to apply makeup and i have never really enjoyed it because it could get very messy especially if you are like me and you have very little time in the morning to makeup before heading out to work. My default mode is to reach for my favourite brushes which are always at hand. I may use my hands to warm up the product but I mostly use brushes. 



Finding the right kind of makeup brushes is another kettle of fish altogether as the good quality ones are ridiculously expensive and the cheap ones are bad quality. However, a few brands have been able to bridge the gap of producing high quality brushes which are affordable and easily accessible. Nanshy Brushes, although new comers to the market, are one of the few makeup brush brand that ticks all the boxes when it comes to producing soft high quality, affordable and cruelty-free brushes. I was very excited when i received the Nanshy Professional Makeup Brush Set* because i had read many good things about them. In the set, you get a 5 brushes which include a Flat Top Buffer Brush, Flat Angled Buffer Brush, Round Buffer Brush, Angled Buffer Brush and Tapered/Pointed Brush. Let's get started..



Brief Background on Nanshy Brushes
Nanshy Brushes are a UK-based Makeup Brush company and their brushes were launched in 2012 after some years research to ensure they produced high quality brushes that provides a seamless and flawless finish of makeup products on the face. According to the Nanshy Website, they strive to bring products that have been researched extensively to ensure only the best quality is produced. Apart from that, they have gone the extra mile to ensure their brushes are vegan-friendly, have not been tested on animals and are PETA approved. I think that's amazing! Nanshy brushes promise high quality brushes with a price you can smile about which i will agree with but don't take my word for it...Let's find out together if they back up their claims well.Meanwhile, be sure to follow Nanshy Brushes on their Twitter and Facebook as they always have exciting discounts especially for this festive season.



                                               The Nanshy Brushes at a glance
The Nanshy Brushes have white pearly handles which is really different to all other brushes i own and i like that because it makes them stand out against the rest. White is a beautiful colour and it just makes the brushes look more expensive than they are. The handles are quite chunky which makes for a good grip and better control of the brushes. Although they are chunky, they are actually really light so there is no stress when using them. I have read a few reviews where people were a little concerned by the white colour because they felt it will get dirty which may be true, however, the pearly glossy finish to the handles makes it really easy to clean and they would only be dirty if you probably don't take care of them or clean them regularly. Cleaning your makeup brushes should not be compromised at all because your skin will not thank you for it. At All. 



                                                                Packaging
I love the packaging; it's nothing too fancy but it is realistic. The outer packaging is black with some instructions at the back on what brushes you receive, how to use the brushes and contact details of Nanshy Brushes. All the brushes are well protected individually with a clear packaging which helps preserve its shape although I don't think the shape can go amiss because the brushes are very densely packed.





                                                    The Flat Top Buffer Brush
The Nanshy Flat Top Buffer Brush is my favourite brush from the whole set hands down. It has a flat top as the name implies which means it has a large surface area to work on and blend in makeup products easily and flawlessly. I use this for both foundation and powder because i really like how smooth it caresses my skin..(did that sound dirty?!!)..lol but seriously, it really blends in my foundation really well. I also use it for my powder and it helps deliver a flawless finish. This brush is very multi-tasking for me which is why i love it although I have reserved it for powder because it picks up more product and spreads it really easily.





                                                 The Nanshy Round Buffer Brush
The Nanshy Round Buffer Brush really reminds me of the Real Techniques Buffing brush because they both have the dome shape which helps in buffing makeup products like foundation into the skin for a smooth finish. This is what i use for my foundation because it is really easy to use and the finish is always amazing. At first, i experienced a little difficulty in buffing my foundation on my face (no thanks to the tiny hairs on my face) but i realised this because I was applying a lot of pressure on the brush. All it needs is a light and easy application and the foundation sinks in smoothly and seamlessly. It can also be used to apply cream blushes as well.





                                            The Nanshy Pointed/Tapered Brush
This would be ideal for applying foundation for some but i prefer round or flat brushes for foundation because i feel they give a better finish. I reserve the Nanshy Pointed/Tapered Brush for concealers and some areas with foundation that are hard to reach by the other brushes like the corners of my nose and near my eyes. At first, i was thinking its pointed tip appeared big/large for concealer but when i tried to use it, it was actually fine. You can even get away with using it for blending for your under-eye concealer but you should have applied it with your fingers first (which by the way seems to be the best way for under eye concealer to avoid creasing) as the pointed tip seems to big to pick up concealer.

                                                  The Nanshy Flat Angled Buffer Brush
I use this for my bronzer and contouring. It really hits all the right angles of my face nicely and we all know contouring is all about getting the right angles of your face. For bronzing, it works like a dream and really gets the precise angles of your face while you can blend it out with the soft bristles for an even finish.





                                                The Round Angled Buffer Brush
I use the Nanshy Round Angled Buffer Brush for applying my blush and it is one of the brushes in the set which holds a special place in my heart. I really can't get over the softness. It really picks up the product really well but it may retain some instead distributing it. After a while, i discovered, it is best to use a light hand and build it up as you go along (or may be it was the blush i used). Its angled shape really helps in getting the apples of your cheek and cheekbones as well which is why i love it.



                                                      The Brush Hairs/Bristles
They are made of synthetic material which are very densely packed in a Kabuki-like form which really helps in even distribution of your makeup product on your face. I love that they have white tips like many brushes are going for these days because it helps you know when the brushes need a wash and it also allows you see that they are clean after they have been washed. It always comes in handy! The brushes are by far one of the SOFTEST brushes i have ever used. I dare say they may be softer than the ever popular Real Techniques Brushes. HonestlyI tested the brush on my my friends and they were so shocked at how soft these brushes were; it's the most amazing feeling and if you are lazy to put on your makeup, trust me the softness will ginger you to do it. 



                                                             Application
I find that they pick up the product really well since the bristles are densely packed easily which is very good so you don't have to worry yourself about wasting your makeup product. It really helps blend out the product really well and provides a flawless finish. To be honest, i don't blend in too much when using these brushes because i find that they do the job with minimal effort. However, I noticed with my blush that it picked up the product really well but it did not distribute as well as i would have preferred but it was fine with all the other products like foundation, powder and bronzers.

                                                             Shedding
So far, I have experienced no shedding which is really good because i would have expected some stray bristles to come loose especially with how densely packed they were. To my surprise, it did not happen even after washing which i think is really amazing. I have to say i have had them for under a month so time will tell and i will be doing a comparison with other brushes after a few months have passed.

                                                            Washing
This is extremely important to me when i am looking out for brushes because i like brushes that wash easily and dry quickly as well. I had some fears with this because i was thinking these bristles are tightly packed and may take ages to get dry. I washed them with some baby shampoo and water and they all came clean in one wash...I was excited :-)) although I still washed it a second time due to my OCD ways. Drying time was really fast as well and it was almost the same time as my Real Techniques drying time which is definitely one of the quickest drying brushes i have come across. Again, i did not experience any shed hairs which is music to my ears. The handles have not come loose and the silver finishing that holds the brush parts together has not rusted or changed colour which is brilliant.



                                                         Cost and Stockists
Although, I was sent this for a review, I would definitely buy this in a heartbeat for many reasons. Firstly, they are classy and beautiful!  I mean just look at how pretty they look..Apart from the aesthetics, they are very good quality for the price being paid and they can definitely be classified as professional brushes which is what they are in the first place because they deliver a flawless finish to the face. The Nanshy Makeup Professional Brush Set* retails for £34.95 which may sound steep compared to the Real Techniques Core Collection but you are getting 5 brushes instead of 4 which are of very high quality and it almost works out the same. Alternatively, you can buy the brushes separately which is wonderful especially if you just need one particular brush or you want to test it out before plunging into the whole set. There is also the Nanshy Eye Brush Set and the Nanshy Luxury Set which is so beautiful and comes in a classy white clutch which you wish can just be converted to a clutch but alas! it's a makeup brush holder. Honestly, it's divine!! You can buy the Nanshy Brushes from Ebay, Amazon.co.uk, BeautyStore4U, Madame Cosmetics (Italy), Amazon.de(Germany), Amazon.fr (France) and they are working on shipping worldwide. 

                                                              Cons
Of course, we all know everything cannot be 100% perfect as everything still needs to be continually improved to always achieve excellent results.
1. The brushes are not individually named so it will be a bit difficult for beginners to know what brush to use. For the pros out there, it may not be a biggie but i think it will be brilliant if brushes had their individual names embossed on it just like Nanshy Logo is.
2. They are only available online for now which means you can't walk into your local beauty/drug store to buy them. I am one of those people that want to see and if possible touch the brushes before buying them and if they are only available online you can only rely on honest bloggers and pictures. However, i guess since they are a fairly new company, they will be working on it soon to stock in some shops.
3. If you don't like densely packed brushes, the Nanshy brushes may not be for you because they are densely packed and although many people like it that way(i know i do) but I understand that some others may not.
5. The white colour may be problematic if you are not one to wash your brushes frequently (you naughty person! you know you should wash them regularly).



                                                                Verdict
I LOVE THEM!! I am impressed by the quality of the brushes and there are whole lot of reviews on these brushes on Amazon (they are not bloggers by the way!!) because they are really amazing. They are so soft and they do the job really well. Guys, if you are reading this and your girlfriend likes makeup, you should pick this up for them. Make sure you thank me later because they will definitely love it. I am going to get the Nanshy Eye Brush Set because I am impressed with the face brushes and I am positive they will deliver the same quality. You can buy the Nanshy Brushes from Ebay, Amazon.co.uk, BeautyStore4U, Madame Cosmetics (Italy), Amazon.de(Germany), Amazon.fr (France) and they are working on shipping worldwide. That's it folks. I know this was a really long post with gazillion of pictures but I love to give a good review and show the product as well as i can so you can make your own opinion...See you in my next post!!

*I received these brushes to review but my opinion remains mine and I have not been compensated in any way to give a positive review. I always include the Pros and Cons of a product because I believe no product is 100% good or bad.

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-Step System Review

Hi My Lovelies,
I am back again with yet another acne skin care review. As you all know, I have been having acne and blemishes almost all year long but it has been calm especially over the later half of the year. This is not to say that the acne days are completely over (i so wish it was) but those days are more under control and i am loving it. For many people who have acne, the main concern is to get rid of the acne and prevent new one from rearing their ugly faces and at the same time fade away any blemishes/scarring/spots the acne have left behind on your face as a memento of their dark presence.. :-((. I have tried many products and i have shared a few here and i am happy to say many of the ones made from natural ingredients work best for both preventing acne and fading away the dark spots. However, the ones with non-natural ingredients seem to work faster and take care of the acne spots which appear which is why i decided to try the Clinique Anti -Blemish range. 



Background
Clinique is synonymous with skin care and i have known them for that from a very young age. I know they also do makeup but i think their skin care range is what makes them a unique brand. Clinique has launched a couple of revolutionary skin care solutions that cater to different kinds of skin ranging from dry, combination and oily skin as well as acne prone skin. A couple of years back, they launched their 3-Step System Skincare Solutions which comprises of a Cleanser, Toner and a Moisturiser for different skin types (1-4) and this was greeted with mixed reviews in the beauty and blogging world. Most recently, they decided to launch an 3-step system for people who have Acne and blemishes hence the birth of the Anti-Blemish 3-step Solution System. I spied on this a couple of times but I am not sure why i had always been reluctant to try it out..Maybe the price range was a huge deterring factor and the mixed reviews i had read online. Anyways, I got an email from Clinique (i signed up to their newsletter) saying i could receive a free sample of their new Universal Primer and Anti-Blemish foundation and i headed over to John Lewis for one as you all know i find it hard to resist freebies. I ended up getting more than i bargained for as the sales lady was very professional and knew about skin care especially for acne-prone skin. Long story cut short, i left with the samples i came for, the Anti-Blemish 3 Step System (full size) and a couple of freebies( Makeup bag, Eye Makeup Remover, Misting Spray (not photographed-nicked by my sis) and Clinique High Impact Mascara)..let's get started shall we and this is going to be a long review so you may want to find your fave seat and curl up with a hot/cold drink.



Packaging
As always, the packaging is very pristine and professional looking. it comes in the signature light green packaging which houses the product. The Anti-Blemish 3-Step system skin care contains the Clinique Anti-Blemish Cleansing Foam (125 ml), Clarifying Lotion (200 ml) and Clearing Moisturiser (50 ml). I quite like the packaging and i think it is good value for money and it definitely looks good in my bathroom cabinet. 



Step 1- Clinique Anti-Blemish Cleansing Foam 125 ml (£15.50)
I was a bit skeptical about using just a foam for cleansing as I am used to bars or facial washes and i felt a foam will not quite give me the clean feeling I like to have after cleansing. I was pleasantly surprised. The Clinique website describes it as a mild cleansing foam which helps clear and prevent blemishes by removing dirt, excess oil and unclogs pores while soothing and calming the skin. I am not sure how suitable it, alone, can unclog pores but I am happy to report that it delivers all the other claims. Since it is already a foam, it is already worked up into a lather and feels really soft and smooth on application. Unlike Lancome, Clinique do not include fragrances in their product but i wish they did because this does not smell nice at all. I don't mind no fragrance but strange ones get me a little bit upset. It smells like something medicinal or sterile or like a clinic (no pun intended). In terms of cleansing, i only use about 2-3 pumps and it does the work. I have since decided to ignore the smell so i try to enjoy working this into my skin and leaving it to for a little while before rinsing off ready for step 2.




Step 2- Clinique Anti-Blemish Clarifying Lotion 200 ml (£17.00)
The Clinique Website describes it as a gentle effective formula which exfoliates to clear dead surface cells and reduces excess oils that lead to breakouts and eliminates shine. I believe it definitely has exfoliating powers on the skin which is really good but i am not sure it should be classified as gentle as it can sting a little due to its Salicylic acid and Alcohol content .Again, this does not smell pleasant at all; It smells strongly of alcohol which goes to say this is an alcohol based toner. Surprisingly, it does not dry the skin out which i think is fantastic. I simply place a cotton pad at the top and tilt the bottle twice to get an adequate amount for my face. It can be a little stingy especially if you have any sore acne. The active ingredient in this is Salicylic Acid which has some residue at the bottom of the bottle when it is at rest which is why it is important to shake the bottle gently to ensure the salicylic acid powder is well mixed with the rest of the product. As advised by the lovely sales woman, i use this with a cotton pad in a uni directional way not rubbing or massaging but just wiping as though i am wiping off something from my face. This clarifying lotion tones and exfoliates the dead skin cells from the surface so you do not need a scrub except your face is really grimey.



Step 3- Clinique Anti-Blemish Clearing Moisturiser 50 ml (£18.50)
According to Clinique, this light weight moisturiser has a soothing formula which helps treat existing blemishes, prevents breakouts and controls excess oil while moisturising and hydrating your skin. I can attest to most of these claims especially in controlling oil, moisturising the skin and preventing breakouts.  This smells better than the other products but it is not the most pleasant smell as well. I really love how smooth and soft this moisturiser feels against my skin. I use it right after the clarifying lotion and i think it is the perfect end for a nice skin care routine. It feels very light on application and it has this wonderful non-greasy feel which means it holds a special place in my heart. I can't over emphasize how important it is to moisturise your skin after cleansing and toning and this is perfect for all skin types. I think it also contains a wee bit of salicylic acid to continue the good work started by its other partners.



Cost
The amount I paid for this is very complicated. I got a  whole lot of discounts and my sister's friend paid the remainder of the amount so I technically paid £30 for all the full size products when i should have paid £51 which i think is a massive saving. I am a very lucky girl and I am so grateful to my sister's friend and the discounts. Of course, you can buy the trial/travel/sample size for £30 which i think is brilliant especially if you want to test it out without breaking the bank. If you are not prepared to spend any of that, then you need to keep your eyes and ears peeled for any discounts from Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser or any big department stores that have a Clinique Counter. Another place to watch is the Clinique Website where you can sign on for their newsletter so you get to up to date information of any discounts, etc.



Choosing what system works for you
Before I give my verdict of the whole system, I think it is most important to get a skin care consultation from one of their counters in any department store. For me, I would never have bought it on my own because i know they have different systems for different kinds of skin. I would have thought i was a Type 4 on the 3-Step system but on consultation, I actually needed to use the Anti-Blemish range. The sales lady asked a lot of questions and she gave me some good advice about some steps i had been taking in my skin care routine which was wrong. I was using an exfoliating brush from The Body Shop almost everyday and she let me know that it will only exacerbate my skin around the area that has acne. My fingers can gently do the trick. Personally, and also from other reviews, it appears this works best for people who have acne prone combination to oily skin. If you have dry skin, I am not sure you can get away with this but the Clinique Sales Ladies would advise you better :-)



Verdict- Does this work?
Anyways, I bought this because my friend had used it and swore by it. At the time, I bought it my skin was in complete chaos and I am not sure what caused it. After using this for almost a month, I am happy to report that my skin has been restored to its previous condition. So, I would say it has worked for me in clearing and preventing my chaotic breakouts. I did not get an overnight or outstanding effect but it eventually cleared up the acne. In terms of the blemishes and dark marks, it has not cleared it per se but it has prevented further acne. I don't think it has any effects on the dark pigmentation caused by the acne. Maybe i should try out the Even Better Corrector when i am Rich and Famous as the price ain't a joke.  Again, it is very, very important to get a skincare consultation from the Clinique Ladies as they are very good with their advice and it would prevent any unnecessary waste of money. 



Would I repurchase?
I am not  quite sure i would be repurchasing the whole system or range. I do not regret buying this because it has been a good product but I have not seen any outstanding effect which warrants spending £51.50 for the whole set. However, I may repurchase the Anti-Blemish Clearing Moisturiser because it is simply what dreams are made of. I am quite cross it only comes in 50 ml and it retails for £18.50 which is pretty steep. The Clarifying Lotion is second on my list if i have another windfall because it is very good and i think it does the work excellently except for its annoying scent/smell. On the whole, I may purchase the travel size of all the products just because it would do the work and would come in handy if i have a sudden break out.

I hope you have enjoyed this review and I was very happy to take all the lovely pictures as always. See you in my next post..toodles...x