Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (Review)

Product Blurb: Dermatologist-developed to be safe, comfortable. Yet in clinical trials our serum was comparable to a leading prescription ingredient in creating a more even skin tone. A verified 53% improvement in skin tone. For all ethnicities: See results starting in as little as 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, see a visible reduction in dark spots, age spots, and traces of acne past.

Price: $49.50

(via Sephora)

Lately, my face has been stuck on this rut that I can't seem to shake of. It's been looking a bit dull, and not to mention I began breaking out once again. I'm getting horrible flashbacks of the horrific skin I had a couple of years ago. Ugly acne and acne scars were becoming something familiar on my face once again. I needed a fix. Stat.

Then, I heard about the new Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (say that ten times really fast). This probably wins the longest product name (that I've used up to date) category, but too bad it didn't win my love.

So I did the whole she-bang. Used it twice a day, morning and night religiously. Used it for 4 weeks before even writing this review. A week into using the product, I did notice that my skin was much brighter. I looked like a million bucks (minus the pimples of course). I was pretty happy it was helping my skin look much more alive compared to how it was before. It wasn't lightening my acne scars, but I figured that it's been only a week and I can't expect any miracles yet.

A few more weeks went by, and my ugly acne scars were still there. Staring at me. And it was making me sad and uncomfortable. I also noticed that I was breaking out more than I like, but I wasn't sure if my breakouts were correlated with my usage of this product.

So I decided to stop using it after week four. And a week later, my face started clearing up again. Obviously, less breakouts is a better trade off than a brighter skin in my case. Yes, my skin looked brighter, but it kinda defeats the whole purpose of getting rid of dark acne spots when I'm popping up new ones. I also didn't see a noticeable difference when it came to lighter acne spots. So I had to bid adieu. Sorry Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, but I'll have to say good-bye.  

Rating: 2 out 5 (womp womp)

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Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel (Review)

Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel
Rating: 4 out of 5

According to Clinique.com:

"Helps reduce blemishes, promotes healing. Fast-drying, clear gel. Invisible under or over makeup.

How to Use:Dab on blemishes AM and PM. Using other topical acne drugs at the same time or right after use of this product may increase dryness or irritation of skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor."

My take on it:

IT WORKS! I was actually surprised because I had little expectations for this product to work. I tried similar products but different brands such as Clean & Clear and Origins. I never really believed in spot treatments. The only reason why I purchased this was because the pimples that were living on my forehead would not go away even after a week use of the Origins spot treatment gel. So, I exchanged it for this one instead. Anyway, I was pretty much looking for a quick fix because the pimples were bothering me (and they were growing too!!). I mean I hardly get pimples now (thanks to my daily skin regimen), but when I do get a pimple... they're pretty big. It's like my skin is compensating for the times I didn't have them. I usually get them "at that time of the month."

Back to the product, I was just happy to see results in four days after using it in the day and night! Relative to when I was using Origins for more than a week and I didn't see any improvements at all. If anything, it seems like my pimple got bigger using Origins :[. But after using Clinique, my pimples are almost gone. It really reduced the size (we're still talking about the same pimple pre-Origins hehehe) by the second day and now fifth day of using it and it's almost non-existent. I was actually skeptical when the SA at the Clinique counter at Nordstrom said "it definitely works, and you'll see results in days." I thought it was a line to get me to buy it, since that's what the lady at Origins said too. But, she was actually telling the truth!! So for me, this product is definitely a keeper. Stash it in your makeup bag for those unexpected surprises.

Why 4 out of 5? Minus one for the price. It's pretty expensive for a small bottle, $13.50 at Nordstrom. I swear, the price and the work we pay for to stay pretty.

Disclaimer:
The results are based on my experience, how my skin reacted, and my daily skin routine. These and other factors (such as any allergic reactions to certain ingredients) do play a role on the effectiveness of certain products. Not everyone reacts to products the same. I have a combination and acne-prone skin.