So Just To Clarify ...... (Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2)

Member Name: mrshez

Product:	Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2
Date:	23/10/09 (103 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Removes, Cools and Sooths

Disadvantages: Can Be Pricey

If you have looked at any of my other reviews you will see that I have reviewed the two other Clinique products in Clinique's 3 step programme, The liquid facial soap and the Dramatically different moisturising lotion both of which varied greatly in the results for me and that is why I thought that I should review the clarifying lotion which is step 2


==== What Is Toner ====

The purpose of a Toner or Clarifying lotion is to strip away all traces of makeup and daily dirt and oils from the skin that cleansers miss, It is also a way of tightening pores and refreshing your skin. the only problem with some of these is that they can also strip away your natural skin oils and upset the PH balance of your skin as most contain alcohol and the Clinique clarifying lotion does contain some alcohol


==== The Product ====

Cliniques clarifying lotion is step 2 in the Clinique's 3 step programme and is classified as an exfoliator although most people think of it as a Toner.
It should be used after cleansing your skin with the facial soap or your usual cleanser.
For the purpose of this review I am concentrating on the the number 2 lotion which is designed for normal to oily skin but it is also available in the following versions

Clarifying lotion Mild - For delicate and dry skin skin
Clarifying lotion 1 - Sensitive skin
Clarifying lotion 2 - Dry Combination skin
Clarifying lotion 3 - Oily skin
Clarifying lotion 4 - Very oily skin

All the Clarifying lotions are Allergy tested and 100% Fragrance free.

The product comes in a round bottle and has a screw top and reminds my of a bottle of nail varnish remover and funnily enough to my sensitive button of a nose it had a faint smell of nail varnish even though its is supposedly 100% fragrance free.


==== What it Claims To Do ====

It claims that it sweeps away dead skin cells and reveals smoother and softer skin and allows better mosiurisation and helps your makeup stay in place while providing your skin with a deep clean feeling.


==== How I Use It ====

After cleansing I leave my skin very slightly damp and using a cotton wool pad apply the lotion to the cotton wool. I use upward strokes and start from the bottom of my neck up to my throat and then my face making sure to avoid the delicate eye area.


==== Why Up and not Down =====

If you use downward strokes you are not opening your pores and allowing the skin to really absorb the lotion you are basically just smoothing your skin down, using upward strokes really opens your skin and pores and allows you to get a really deep cleanse.
You should do this morning and evening as part of your cleanse tone and moisturise routine.


==== The Results ====

I am very happy with my current cleanser and was always sure that I was getting the best cleanse for me skin until I used the Clarifying lotion.
I put just enough of the product on my cotton wool pad to make it damp and when I removed the pad from my skin I was rather horrified to see that it had makeup on it and dare I say it a little dirt. I ended up using two cotton wool pads to clean my face and neck!.
When you first apply the lotion you can really feel it on your skin, my skin tingled and felt very smooth and refreshed.
I also noticed that my moisturiser seemed to really skin in well into my skin and my whole face looked as though I had a facial in a salon.
I think that it is also worth noting that when I didn't apply my moisturiser straightaway I did notice that my skin felt a little bit tight and that maybe because it stripped some of the natural facial oils but when my moisturiser was applied my skin felt great and balance was restored!


==== My Conclusion ====

Overall I have to say that as a toner I think that this is a really good product even after having a deep cleanse it always manages to find some daily dirt, makeup and oils on my skin and removes them in a couple of strokes.
It leaves my skin feeling really clean and smooth and is the perfect way to prepare your skin before moisturizing.


==== Cost And Availability ====

Clinique products are widely available in department stores and larger boots and also online. the 200ml bottles costs approx £14.00

Summary: A great Way To Clean Your Dirty Face.