A Powerful Trio - Clinique Power Lashes Trio.

I've never really ventured out or tried much of Clinique's make up line because first of all, I already have more than enough make up as it is and secondly, it never really appealed to me or my current needs. Recently I've been trying out this Clinique Power Lashes trio containing a selection of eye products from their acquainted range.

Enclosed in this cute mesh pouch is: an All About Eyes Gel Creme in 5mls, Cream Shaper for Eyes Crayon Eyeliner in 01 black diamond & Lash Power Mascara (Long-Wearing Formula) in 01 black onyx.

First off, the All About Eyes Gel Creme. This product isn't really something new to me, since I do own the All About Eyes Serum which I adore and use religiously. I get puffy eyes all the time so I was curious to see if the All About Eyes Gel Creme was any better.

This size of product I received is just around the size of a tealight candle, it's freaking adorable! The gel creme itself is very emollient and soaks into the skin quite quickly leaving the eye area moisturised and hydrated.

In terms of the anti-puffing properties, I couldn't really tell... I think the serum is a much better fit for me - since it does contain a roller ball with a cold compress to aid the puffiness, whilst this is just a gel creme.

It claims to reduce dark circles, which I can't really comment too much on cause I couldn't see much of a gradual difference. My dark circles aren't too bad or that prominent so I would say this would be aimed for those who have evidently visible dark circles as opposed to mine, since mines just a slight minor tinge of darkness. So I'll pass.

For the price you pay for the All About Eyes Gel Creme, (coming in at $58 for 15ml) it's really steep here in Australia but if you're interested I would say go to a Clinique counter and try it out for yourself. I think the travel size version (which is what I have here) always comes in a gift set to trial out, so if you're a Clinique regular - try it when you get your hands on it.

(All About Eyes Gel Creme, The Long-Wearing Mascara & Eyeliner)

As for the Cream Shaper Eye Crayon, I wasn't really expecting much for a pencil eyeliner since I'm not a huge fan of them in general cause I hate sharpening them and I'm a retractable eyeliner lover!

I wasn't really determined to see if this would 'Wow' me over or not. But surprisingly, giving the 'crayon' a test run I really quite like it! It's creamy (as claimed) so it glides on so effortlessly and it doesn't tug (a plus!) and also it actually stays put all day!

The crayon (or pencil) reminds me much of the Australis 10hr Waterproof Eyeliners. It has a slight tinge of sparkle in it, nothing too dramatic and it's not as hardcore dark. It's more of a shimmery grey eyeliner (reminds me of a Charcoal colour) than black which is pretty versatile I would say.



I used it on my waterline and also on my upper lash line and it was there ALL DAY. (Surprisingly, I didn't expect it to stay) I didn't even use a primer and I have oily lids so I was highly impressed!  I never really had any luck with pencil eyeliners so I'm highly impressed.

Moving along, what I was really excited to try out was the Clinique Lash Power (Long-Lasting) Mascara  despite using my beloved Diorshow Iconic and Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascaras (which are my favourites), I thought nothing would win me over but... I think the mascara probably might hit the mark and creeps it way into my favourites and make it to the 3rd spot.

I've been using it non-stop ever since I got the mascara and I've been using it over my other two. The thing that won me over was that IT ACTUALLY HOLDS THE CURL. *Bows down to the mascara gods* LOL! I love you.

Not only that, it stays put, separates my lashes nicely by coating them evenly and I don't think it smudges at all (or barely - didn't notice).

Mascara Comparison (Up: Clinique, Down: Tarte Lights Camera Lashes)

The brush is also nifty because it gets into all the lashes coating them generously and fanning them out with a nice natural look (so no volume there!). The staying power is amazing and removing it is bit of a mission as it clings so well onto the lashes.




Overall, I'm surprised! Out of the whole trio I would HIGHLY recommend the mascara especially if you have stick thin short lashes like me. I urge you to go have a try or even so, if you get the chance do obtain a travel size to try out.

If you're wondering, you can check out the following products on the Clinique AU website. This particular set I was given was a Harrods exclusive so if you're interested, you can purchase the trio here and Harrods does ship internationally!

Hope you've enjoyed this LENGTHY review and let me know in the comments below if you've tried anything that you've loved from Clinique's make up range and also if you personally use any of the products mentioned! I'm curious to know what your thoughts are :)

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Love, J 

*Disclosure: - These products were sent to me for review purposes. I've included original PR links (Harrods) and also links of my own. All my opinions are my own and are do not affect my thoughts. For more information please see my Disclosure Policy. 

Getting Cleared Up with Clinique

So on Monday, I went to Myer's to finally purchase some Clinique products that I've been dying to own. I was going to get the full set of the Anti-Blemish Solutions but considering that a similar and also less harsher cleanser is just as effective, I opted for the facial soap since it was something I was going to get with GWP (of over $60) I saved myself around $60 by not getting the whole set. Yay!

Part of the reason why I waited til Monday to finally get my hands on the Clinique set was I thought the boyfriend was going to get it for me for my birthday (which he was going to but instead got me something even... better! Hahaha!) 

Anywho, I bought the Anti-Blemish Solutions after trialing the 3 Step as well as the mini size of this set. So far, I've seen improvements with my skin after using the Anti-Blemish System and it's been so amazing! 

I was a bit stupid to stop using the Clinique for like a week or so and my skin starting going back to the way it was, by this time my sample sized Anti-Blemish Kit was almost running out and I was already opting into buying the full size product. 

Anywho down to the review! I also the goodies I got with the GWP (Gift With Purchase of over $60). So so glad I got this today! By the way, my skin is Oily Combination: most problematic area would be my T-Zone. My skin use to be Dry Combination but is now an Oily Combination. The following two products suit for ALL skin types according to Clinique. 

First, the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion (on the left) is more like a toner you use everyday and night. It's designed to exfoliate as well as treat blemishes and pimples. This should be used 2nd after the Cleansing Foam then move onto the Clarifying Lotion then onto the Clearing Moisturiser. 

As you can see, I didn't purchase the Cleansing Foam, this is because my skin isn't as bad as it is but the Cleansing Foam for the Anti-Blemish Solutions System would be probably a bit too harsh. I opted with the Liquid Facial Soap in Mild which I had 2 samples (that I obtained from David Jones) of Dry Combination and also Oily Combination. (It's also pictured below in the gift set). I found that mixing and matching the 3 Step System along with the Anti-Blemish Solutions system works best for me. You can always mix and match products to suit your skin. 

Also, with the accompaniment of the 'toner' is the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturiser it locks in and smooths out the skin as well as prevent breakouts and providing that moisture the skin needs. Altogether with the Liquid Facial Soap which I use in the morning and night, then swiping off dead skin cells and also clearing up blemishes and pimples removing bacteria and reducing excess oil with the Anti-Blemish Clarifying Lotion and finally finishing the job off and moisturising with Anti-Blemish Clearing Moisturiser is the way to go for me! 

Overall here are the pros and cons for this product.

Pros:

• Effective and visible results after a week or a week and a half to two weeks - I didn't see this when I used regular drugstore brands and if so, they took longer to see any fast visible results. 
• Great for all types of skin 
• Will last probably around half a year with the 'Toner' and at least 2-3 months with the moisturiser (according to using this daily)
• Found it more effective than drugstore products 
• Moisturiser is very enriching and smooth
• Can buy the starter kit on the Clinique AU Website for $67AU compared to the full size set which is $117

Cons: 

• A little pricey but worth the investment
• May be a bit harsh depending on your skin 
• Can be a little drying overtime with use (hence why I swap around with my other Clinique Toners (Step 2 of the Kit 3 for Oily Combination in conjunction for the Toner for the ABS)
• Takes a bit of time since you are Cleansing, Toning & Moisturising 
• It is mainly effective if you use it morning and night

You can find the Anti-Blemish Solutions in Australia at Myer, David Jones and online at Clinique AU for $42 for a 200ml bottle. This should last you a good month or two (by my judgement) and maybe a bit longer depending if you use it every second day or so. 

As for the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturiser it is $39AU and is a 50ml moisturiser. 

Overall, they're a bit pricey but so worth the price for what they provide and also for what your skin really needs. You can get your skin checked up anywhere where Clinique stands are avaliable. 

Also, in addition to this lengthy review... The gift set I got from Clinique after purchasing over $60AU (Only avaliable at Myer til stocks last) 

Loving the Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 15.

It's more like a light-medium coverage foundation/tinted moisturiser. Much love for it. It came in the shade 03 Neutral (and PERFECTLY matched my NC25 skin)

I was highly excited to get the All About Eyes Serum. Somewhat similar to the Garnier Roll-on but even better. 

Moisture Serge Intense Moisturiser was heaps good, made my skin feel like a baby's butt. Really good for Dry skin. 

Hurray for my bonus Liquid Facial Soap! Despite it being Dry Combination, it still works on my skin (I called up Clinique counter wanting to swap this but they said they added this in the bag to suit every bodies skin type) 

The Hand Cream was so good. It started working straight away but I'm not a hand cream person so I might give this to my mum. 

The blush colour wasn't a huge hit for me since I'm not a fan of it. When I swatched it - it felt chalky and the pigmentation was just bad. I don't know, might give it away or something. I'll probably give it another go. 

The High Impact Mascara was meh. I didn't feel it didn't do much justice... Good travel sized mascara though. 

Swatches: 

Lipstick in Rosette 

Lip Gloss in Kissyfit 

Blush (you can merely see) in Iced Lotus

I really like the lip gloss, probably as good as the MAC lip glosses. 

I am so glad I'm using Clinique, I've tried many brands only to find that nothing has worked  or suited me. I'm also thankful for my cousin for introducing Clinique to me, I am forever grateful that I will not be turning my back on Clinique! Hope you enjoyed my lengthy review! Have you tried any Clinique Products? 

Love, J 

Clinique 3-Step Kit: Very Dry to Dry Combination Skin

Winter has been so bad upon my skin, my skin gets oily, flakey and gets irritated. My skin is mainly dry combination skin and this winter so far has caused me to breakout a lot on my forehead and leave patches of pimples around my face. Though my face isn't acne prone and also not as bad as others it's the annoying tiny pimples that never go away! 

My cousin suggested I went to the Clinique counter to get my skin assessed and also grab some sample to try out if their products will help improve my skins condition. Whilst at Melbourne, seriously I grabbed so many samples that I had enough to last me probably a good 2-3 weeks. Hey, I was legitimately trying products out! 

Anywho, I went to two to three Clinique counters in order to obtain the mini facial soap that my cousin got and so I could try out if it actually eliminates the blemishes  but they didn't have any in stock. I got my skin assessed and the lady at the Myer Chadstone and she gave me these generous Clinique samples. She also said that my skin is perfectly fine and that I had congestion. This meant that my pores are slightly clogged and that's why I have all these tiny stubborn pimples that don't go away. It is also caused by not exfoliating too much and also dead skin cell build up. (Gross!)   

Anywho she gave me the mini 3-Step Kit for Very Dry to Dry Combination Skin, the full size set of this package is $139 which is not bad for something High End. But I didn't want to be quickly sold into buying the set without trying and seeing if it works - and thank god I got 2 sample sets of this kit! 

What I noticed about using this product after a week is that my skin's surface has improved dramatically! My skin was flakey and also somewhat dry and patchy then after using this 3-Step Kit: Cleanse, Exfoliate & Moisturise - my skin was smooth and even... as for blemishes I didn't see much improvement so I just used my Biore Facial Cleanser which has been helping me along with the Clinique. 

If i'm going to use my Biore Facial Cleanser I would skip or even so use the 3 Step kit except for the Step 2 (the Clarifying Lotion Toner) because that toner is somewhat harsh to use alone - which is why you have to use it with the kit in order for your face to take the full effect. 

Using the products in conjunction to each other you will see a difference on your skin within a week or so. I was going to opt in buying the starter kit which includes 50ml Liquid Facial Soap (Step 1), 100ml Clarifying Lotion (Step 2) and Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion (Step 3) 30ml which was $49. Not bad!

Overall, I found that after my skins surface is improved application of foundation is so much more smoother and also even so that was a plus! They also have the 3-Step Kit for other skin conditions and you can check it out on the Clinique Australia's website or internationally on the American website.

Checkout your nearest Clinique counter and you can get your skin assessed. I'm glad I found this product and glad my cousin introduced it to me. Have you tried any Clinique Skin Care products? 

Love, J