Beauty Review: Clinique Pore Refining Solutions
Pores. I know, I know. You get what you get and you don’t get upset… but, smaller pores would be really nice. So I can’t actually shrink them, fine, but if some magical serum promises to make them look smaller, then really, what’s the difference? Enter: Clinique’s Pore Refining Solutions line. I’ve been using both the Correcting Serum and the Instant Perfector for almost two months now, and this stuff really works!
You’ll notice I brought a few friends. I cannot gush enough about my Clarisonic Mia cleansing brush. This gadget is magic. The cleanser is up to you, but I like to use something acne-resistant, since I’m just barely out of that heinous skin phase. Also, you’ll still need moisturizer, which I apply after the Correcting Serum and before the Instant Perfector. Now, on to the main event!
Clinique Pore Refining Solutions
The fine print: Clinique’s innovative solutions work in many ways to create a poreless appearance—instantly, with optics, and over time, with multitasking formulas. Both use smart technology to absorb oil only where needed. Both are dermatologist tested.
Correcting Serum
The fine print: Lightweight, oil-free serum with Pore Resurfacing Complex helps skin renew itself more efficiently, bringing healthier cells to the surface for a tighter, smoother, younger look. Gently clears pores of debris and rough, dead cells. Pores instantly look 30% smaller. And in 2 weeks, clinical tests confirm a 58% smaller appearance. To use: Spread over face morning and night after 3-Step. Can be layered with other treatments, makeup, Instant Perfector.
The verdict: After the very first use, my skin felt and looked much smoother, and almost two months later, my skin has only gotten better! FYI: I did run into a mild reaction about a week into use, so I had to cut ties with my salicylic acid spot treatment. So, a word to the wise: stick to Serum, moisturizer, and Perfector and you should be safe. Or whatever Clinique’s 3-Step system involves…
Instant Perfector
The fine print: Look smooth and virtually flawless—instantly. Pores seem to disappear. Natural-looking matte finish lasts up to 8 hours. Resists sweat, humidity. Two skin tone shades or Invisible Bright for subtle brightening. To use: Finger-dot and blend over pores—alone, over Correcting Serum, makeup, and for touch-ups.
The verdict: Awesome. This little tube is a lot like a makeup primer, leaving a smooth, matte finish that almost had me skipping the makeup. (Almost. I would never actually skip my beloved face paint). I used the “Invisible Bright” shade, but I’m definitely open to trying one of the tinted versions in the future. It’s super lightweight and though the tube is quite small, you only need to use the tiniest little squeeze for big results.
To sum it all up: The Correcting Serum is the diet and exercise, while the Instant Perfector is your Spanx. Use them together and your skin will be looking smooth and tight! Happy cleansing!
