lkvanvoorhis's Full Review: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 13.5 oz
My skin has been changing a lot over the past year. I started noticing dry patches, increasingly red blotchiness, extreme sensitivity...my face was just a mess. So, I went to our local Dillard's in search of a skin care program.
It was Clinique bonus time, so that's the counter I visited. After a pretty thorough discussion, the consultant recommended my products. I purchased their 3-step system, which cost $29.50 and includes soap, clarifying lotion and moisturizer. I also purchased their Water Dissolve Cream Cleanser (see my previous review on that product).
Clinique's Clarifying Lotion is the second step in this 3-step process. There are four formulas of clarifying lotion: I is for dry, sensitive skin, II is for normal skin, III and IV are for oily skin. My consultant, even after our long discussion, recommended formula II. I even tried to tell her again that I thought I may need formula I instead because of my skin's extreme sensitivity and dryness. She convinced me that this clarifying lotion used in conjunction with the mild soap and moisturizer (supposedly wonderful for any and all skin types) would restore my skin's moisture balance.
I gave the whole process a try. I religiously used their Water Dissolve Cream Cleanser and the 3-step soap, clarifying lotion, and moisturizer. So, what about the clarifying lotion itself? The instructions say to use on a cotton ball and apply to your face in a light, sweeping motion avoiding the eye and lip areas. So, I followed those instructions. The first time I used it, my only thought was OUCH, THIS BURNS! But, I kept bravely on, using for the next several days, thinking it was helping 'deep clean' or something, and that my skin would get used to it.
Then, I noticed after about two days of painful use that I had some very noticeable pimples - even on areas of my face where I had never gotten pimples before. I'm 32 years old, and I don't want to fool with pimples - these things never went away!! What about the moisture balance in my face? There was NO moisture left! This lotion, with its main ingredient being alcohol, seemed to be stripping any and all moisture out of my face. My chin, nose, cheeks, etc...they were all dry, tight, and flaky (a "too dry" flakiness, not a "you need to exfoliate" dryness). To top it all off, my blotchy red complexion was blotchier than ever. My skin just glowed red!
To be fair, I must say that it was sort of working as an exfoliant, getting rid of dead skin cells. The surface of my skin seemed to be more even. But, the dryness and redness and my aggravation more than outweighed any good that this product did for me. It seems that this product did the exact opposite of what I was needing in a skin care product.
I guess it's back to the store I go to see if they will take it back with almost half the bottle gone. If I exchange this for the Clarifying Lotion I, I'll write another review on that particular product - maybe it can redeem it's formula II counterpart.
This review was submitted previously (Dec. 2000), but epinions added the correct category so I'm moving it. However, I'm NOT updating it very much, since I do not use the product now. I do know that the price of the 3-step system is now $32.50.
Masculine pampering. A 2-in-1 formula that leaves him feeling refreshed and fragrant with the fresh and woody notes of Eryo.Tube 6.7 fl ozMore at Boutique Yves Rocher
The difference-maker. Gentle exfoliating lotion developed by Clinique's dermatologists for skins dry in the cheeks,comfortable to oily in the T-zone. ...More at Sephora
Fantastic prices with ease & c...(Stock status: N/A)
Instantly dissolves all lingering makeup & impurities Removes dead cells without drying out your skin Greatly improves makeup application Speeds up...More at Amazon Marketplace
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