Review: Cellnique Skin Purifying Daytime Protection 20 [Updated]

[Update May 4, 2010] Sorry for being MIA for the past couple of days! Internet here has been really slow and VPN has just been making it slower so I haven’t had a chance to blog. But I did have a chance to use this again in a new climate so today I’ve updated it with some new thoughts.

I recently read Erynn’s review of the Cellnique Skin Purifying Daying Protection 20 so I decided it was time for me to do my review too. I received the sample of this product when I purchased the Cellnique Skin Action Sebum Gel and the Advanced Bio Renewal Mask.


What it claims (from Cellnique.com):
A specially designed, non-oily three-in-one formulation providing daytime protection for oily and acne-prone skin. Works as a sun block (UVA and UVB, SPF 20), an acne cream and a natural foundation to blend acne scars for even appearance.


Key Ingredients:

Benzoyl Peroxide An effective anti-bacterial agent for treating blemishes. Benzoyl peroxide penetrates into the follicles in the skin to kill bacteria that cause skin acne problems, with low risk of irritation. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Salicylic acid is the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Salicylic acid has been prescribed as an exfoliant and functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial for treating breakouts. In addition, salicylic acid has the ability to penetrate into the follicles and skin surface, which helps exfoliate the skin’s surface as well as inside the pore lining where clogged pores (blemishes, blackheads or whiteheads) occur.   Burdock Extract Burdock is used for its antiseptic properties to regulate oiliness of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to control and effectively prevent breakouts. Full Ingredient List: Purified Water (Aqua purificata), Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Ethylhexyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Cyclomethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Lactic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Cetyl Sulphate, Ceteareth-10, Ceteareth-20, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxides, Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis virginiana), Great Burdock (Arctium lappa) Extract, Iron Oxides, Methylparaben, Dimethicone, Tropical Fragrance.

My thoughts:
You can see from the picture below that it is a thick tinted cream. I felt that this applied kind of dry. I have dehydrated combination skin and it tends to get quite dry in the winter, so I need a bit more moisture, especially here because it is cold and windy. I have to say that unfortunately this does not provide the moisture that I need. Also I felt that I needed to use a lot in order to spread it over my entire face, but the good thing is it absorbs almost immediately after you apply it, which is probably why there is a lack of moisture in a way. 


In order to get more out of less, I ended up mixing this with my green Biotherm Aquasource gel in order to get better hydration out of this. I found that once it is blended out, the colours kind of dissipates and you don’t really get much coverage from it, so for people who are worried about if the colour matches your skin, it really isn’t an issue.

I used only half of the sample that they gave me up to now (I used it for about a week), and I plan on saving the rest for summer. I felt that it wasn’t enough for my drier winter skin, but maybe it will work for summer. I’ll be updating this entry once I find out!

[UPDATE] I used this again on Saturday when it was quite warm and humid out, something I thought would help the dry-ness of this product. Before I applied this as my tinted moisturizer, I used the Cellnique Skin Action Sebum Gel as well as some Dior One Essential serum for moisture and detoxification. Even though my skin was already nicely hydrated and prepped for this moisturizer, it still applied extremely dry. So dry that it really accentuated the lines on my skin as well as showed some “snake skin” patterns, like on very dry legs, on my cheeks where its normally not that dry. Even though it does provide good coverage like a tinted moisturizer, I feel that Cellnique can improve it by not making it lighter and more hydrating. Overall, I’m not a fan of this product, but I feel that if you have oily skin and tend to get very shiny during the day then this would be a good product for you. But if you have slightly drier skin or live in a very hot, tropical region I would not recommend it as it is quite thick and dry.

My score: ❤ ❤

Review: Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector & Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20

I’m heading off for a full 10 days to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris next week, without my computer/internet, so I will not be able to update my blog. But there are two products that I do want to review before I leave, and those are the two skincare products in the Clinique Even Better line. I’ve been using both products for about 5 weeks now, when the recommended usage time is 4-6 weeks in order to see results.

I had been using Skin Tone Corrector morning and night after cleansing and toning, and the Moisturizer after the Corrector in the morning. At night, I use Biotherm White Detox cream as my moisturizer, but because I’ve used this before and didn’t notice any significant changes in my skin other than moisture, I can say for sure that it hasn’t affected the results of the Clinique products in any ways.

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

What it claims (from Clinique.co.uk):
Clinique guiding dermatologist Dr. Orentreich says, “when skin is more even-toned, you look younger.” So here is your second Change. To virtually undo the visible evidence of sun damage, dark patches, skin stresses, age spots, even the darkening that follows blemish scarring. Gently create-for all ethnicities-brightness and clarity you thought long gone. Apply with daily sunscreen.

My thoughts:
This light serum is cream in colour and absorbs almost instantly into the skin, making you wonder if you applied any at all. This doesn’t work like other serums because on its own, it doesn’t provide a lot of moisture, which means you will likely need a good moisturizer afterwards. It does have a light chemical smell to it, like most Clinique products, due to them not using any fragrances in their products.

The price, though, is probably one of its downsides. It costs around $50CAD for 30 mL, which I think for something that doesn’t hydrate is somewhat ridiculous. The Diorsnow serum that I had been using before was $130CAD for 50 mL, but that was double purpose as it hydrated well but still had the brightening effect.

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20

What it claims (from Clinique.co.uk):
NEW Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturiser SPF 20 is the perfect solution for dark spots and discolouration. Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturiser SPF 20 helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration over time. Suitable for all skin types, its luxurious formula moisturises immediately and all day, whilst helping to prevent future discolourations with a broad spectrum SPF 20.

My thoughts:
This is a very thick, emollient cream that feels very heavy to the touch, however it is surprisingly quick to absorb into the skin. It offers very good moisture for me, especially in the cold winter months, and is not greasy at all. It smells a lot of sunscreen, which is somewhat annoying for me because I don’t like the smell of sunscreen products, but it goes away pretty quickly. I’ve also noticed how smooth and supple my skin feels after I’ve used this. Not only does it provide good moisture, but it has SPF 20 which is enough for daily wear. I feel that it does a good job at protecting my skin from the wind and cold. Since the Corrector doesn’t offer a lot of moisture on its own, this product is perfect to provide that extra hydration.

This costs $55CAD for 50 mL, which is not a bad price considering its triple function: moisturize, protect, brightening. I would likely buy this again if I can’t find a cheaper alternative that has the same effects. Also one tub lasts a very long time.

The results:
I felt that the scars did significantly lighten over the past 5 weeks that I’ve been using this, especially the darker acne scars that I’ve had for a while. This didn’t help to lighten any sun spots though, which is kind of disappointing, but at least the scars are almost gone. Even though I’ve been using these products for 5 weeks, there is still a significant amount left of both, especially the moisturizer. Neither product is greasy nor made me break out, which are good signs. However I have heard of cases of my friends when they have gotten rashes from using the Corrector even though it is supposed to be hypoallergenic.

Overall, I really like both products as it has somewhat delivered on its promise. My acne scars are visibly diminished and my skin is moisturised but not oily. I would recommend this to anyone who has left-over scarring due to acne/blemishes, and the need for good moisture during the day.

Scores?
Serum: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Moisturiser: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤