Clinique Pore Refining Solutions
Clinique’s new Pore Refining Solutions range contains three products: Correcting Serum (CS), Stay-Matte Hydrator (SMH) and Instant Perfector (IP). While each of these products has different functions (more on that later), they serve one common goal – to help you diminish the appearance of pores. Let’s delve deeper into this, shall we?
Texture
- CS: It absorbs quickly but leaves a slightly sticky residue on my skin. However, the sticky feeling disappears if you give it a few more minutes to sink in.
- SMH: More water-based in quality so it spreads and absorbs easily into skin. My skin felt comfortable and was smooth to the touch.
- IP: Has a subtle sandy residue as it contains silicone polymers that help absorb oil.
Function
- CS: With its unique Pore Resurfacing Complex, the serum helps “bring healthier cells to the surface for a tighter, smoother, younger look”. It claims to reduce the appearance of pores by 58% in just 2 weeks.
- SMH: This oil-free formula promises to keep you shine-free and matte for 8 hours, while providing essential hydration.
- IP: To be used alone, under or above make-up, it claims to leave you “virtually flawless”. If you dream of that airbrushed look, this could be the product for you.
Results
The results after 2 weeks weren’t that obvious to the naked eye, but upon closer inspection, you can see that my pores are slightly more refined. What was obvious when I looked in the mirror though was that my skin was brighter and more even-toned.
I absolutely love the Stay-Matte Hydrator. I have combination skin and struggle with oiliness in my T-Zone area, but when I started using this moisturiser, my skin stayed fresh and matte throughout the day – way past the product’s promise of 8 hours.
The Instant Perfector made no difference on me and my skin felt dry and itchy after application. Perhaps this would work if you had oily skin, but for anyone with dry or combination skin, you wouldn’t need this if you were already using the Stay-Matte Hydrator.
Summary
I wasn’t too impressed by the pore-shrinking prowess of these products, but I would say that they are awesome for oil control. I would recommend adding the serum or moisturiser into your regime. You wouldn’t need to get the whole she-bang.
Rating
- CS: 3/5
- SMH: 4/5
- IP: 2/5
Price
- CS: RM200
- SMH: RM165
- IP: RM88
Size
- CS: 30ml
- SMH: 50ml
- IP: 15ml
Availability
At all Clinique counters from 13 August 2012 onwards.
Ingredients
The core ingredients of each product are:
- CS: Padina Pavonica Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Hydrolysed Soy Proteins, Coconut Acid, Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ursolic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Silicone Polymers
- SMH: Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Alcohol Denatured, Granlipid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine
- IP: Hydrolysed Soy Protein, Coconut Acid, specialised cross-linked Silicone Polymers, spherical optical diffusers, soft focus materials, Vitamin E, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Shelf Life
All three products have a shelf life of 24 months upon use.
