L to R – Correcting Serum 30ml/RM200), Stay-Matte Hydrator 50ml/RM165, Instant Perfector 15ml/RM88
Newly available at Clinique counters this month is the Pore Refining Solutions range. Pores are a BIG problem for many, especially those with oily skins. I have it on good authority that in Japan, it’s the 2nd biggest skincare issue for women there, after pigmentation. Babies and children have non-existent pores, their skin are generally porcelain smooth but as we grow older, our pores are accentuated especially when our skin sags and our pores also change shape from round to oval as our skin loses tautness. The average adult has over 300,000 pores on the face.
Pore sizes increase due to several factors:-
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excess sebum
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hormone levels
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aging
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dehydration
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sun exposure
With this skincare issue in mind, Clinique introduced 3 products in the Pore Refining Solutions range:-
1. Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum
A new formula that is said to instantly diminish the appearance of pores while simultaneously helping to strengthen and tighten skin’s surface structure over time. Contains a unique Pore Resurfacing Complex that works in three ways to help minimize pores, giving skin a more polished look.
2. Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator
A moisturizer to help control oil production and provide skin with the necessary moisture. It claims to control surface shine and excess sebum production and gradually reduce the appearance of pores.
3. Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector
Contains specialized cross-linked silicone polymers that drape the skin in an invisible, breathable film that fills in and smooths out pore surface leaving skin with a flawless, matte finish. Spherical optical diffusers and soft focus materials help diffuse light to minimize the look of imperfections.
I passed the products to Lynnett, a reader of Juniper’s Journal to try as she was combination-oily skin and she is on a never-ending quest to find the right products for her skin. Aren’t we all? Here’s her review:-
I have never tried Clinique products before; I remember winning a Clinique travel-size kit with pouch a few years ago but because I’m one of those who keep their skincare/beauty products for the longest time ever just because they can’t afford it. Well, I don’t know if there are such people but yeah, I have this strange habit. So, I kept those miniatures and it wasn’t until recently that I had to discard all of them away because they were all expired. What a waste, I know! I’m digressing here but anyway, I was truly delighted when I was invited to review the new Clinique Pore Refining Solutions range as I’ve always wanted to try something from Clinique.
The pre-moisturiser Correcting Serum has a gel-like texture compared to the one that I’ve recently started using which is rather runny (not that I have any complains). This serum is very lightweight and is quickly absorbed upon application. Like all Clinique products, it is 100% fragrance-free but it did bother me a little bit with the rather noticeable alcohol odour. With this product, Clinique promises to reduce the visible appearance of pores by 58% in just two weeks. Guaranteed, they say.
I’ve been testing this product for about 3 weeks now, using it day and night after my toner. Unfortunately, it did not do much to minimise my pores; my pores are still fairly noticeable, if not larger. I also regret to say that it gave me mini breakouts around my cheeks after I started using it.
As for the new moisturiser from the Pore Refining Solutions range, the Stay-Matte Hydrator does not have a rich texture, has high absorbility and does not leave your skin feeling sticky like some moisturisers do hence it’s suitable to be applied AM and PM. However, I personally prefer a richer cream for night before I sleep. It contains a handful of ingredients with high-tech names like Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, the list goes on. I have no idea what those are but they’re stuff that would help control excess sebum production, provide hydration and minimise pores. Again, it’s fragrance-free but I could still smell the chemically-concocted scent; it only gets to me when I put it on my face for the first 15 seconds. That aside, my skin (except my T-zone) does not feel oily for the entire day after the morning application.
Last but not least, we have the Instant Perfector. To be brutally honest, this is my first time using a pore refiner. Okay, don’t judge me. I never really had a problem with my pores so it never occurred to me to purchase a pore refiner. This Clinique one is a light cream and quickly transforms into a silky film upon application. It has a good blendability. It contains hydrolyzed soy protein and coconut acid to help reduce sebum production. Like the brand’s niche, it’s fragrance free but with my skin, it doesn’t do much to conceal my pores.
Overall, I won’t particularly say that I hate the entire range but I won’t exactly rave about it either. The products didn’t do what they promised to on my skin. Perhaps they will on someone else’s but not for me this time.
