Preamble
When the beauty fairy brought me Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, I curled my lips and rolled my eyes. Although I’m a sucker for trying out new things, concealers and me just have a bad history together. I think that I’ve tried every brand that you can buy from the drugstore and each application was met with a resounding I HATE THIS STUFF! Being the good girl that I am, I decided to give this a whirl. You know I –can- be a good sport at times.
What Clinique Promises You
Works undercover in a special way: actually "bridges" fine lines and wrinkles. Smoothing, minimizing for an instantly firmer look anywhere you need it. Special skin-brightening ingredients help counteract shadows, cut down on redness.
Giving skin a more even tone. Long-lasting coverage builds from moderate to full. A master of disguise.
The Packaging
Clinique’s Line Smoothing Concealer comes in a (like so!) tubular container with a clear part holding the concealer and a silver part holding the applicator brush.
When you open up the container, you’ll notice that there is no scent to Clinique’s Line Smoothing Concealer. And if you pull it out fast enough, it makes that pppop sound that a mascara tube makes.
Let’s Recap My Skin
My skin is fair, dry, sensitive, and tempermental. I also have roscea.
The Experience(s)
Lucky for me – this didn’t come with any directions so I was on my own to figure this out.
I decided that I’d insert this into my morning routine for work. After doing all of the necessary cleansing and moisturizing, I applied Clinique’s Line Smoothing Concealer to the following problem areas: under my eyes, the lines that are starting to appear on the corners of my eyes (eak!), and the one zit that happened to pop up on my forehead.
The tip you use to apply it is pretty standard Clinique - not too stiff, not too flimsy. The consistency of the concealer was thick but not dry. It reminded me a lot of their Superbalance Make-Up in consistency and appearance.
I know a lot of people sweep concealer on, but I find that dotting around the problem area works much better. And that’s exactly what I did when I ‘applied’ it. Instead of rubbing it in with my fingertips, I decided to use one of those foam wedges.
The 'fair' color is pinkish and bright. I don't mean neon people :). It's just not like some of the other concealers I've used. It doesn't look dull and lifeless.
After the rubbin' in was done, I looked in the mirror and sighed too heavy. It did do a great job of covering up those specific, problem areas but it looked very matted and 'made-up'.
UGH! I hate looking 'made-up'. That's been one of my real resistance to make-up my entire life - looking like one of those women who put on their face...YUCK!
But I was good, I didn't remove it. Instead, I applied my very favorite foundation over it - Revlon Skinlights. To my amazement, the two products worked extremely well together. Both of these products seem to bounce light off of your face, giving the impression that you have no imperfections (okay - well close enough).
The real test though, would come from the comments at work. Frequently, I don't get enough sleep and IT SHOWS! :) The very first day I wore this combination together, people told me how well-rested I look. Alrighty, I was sold!
As far as lasting all day long, it absolutely lives up to its promises. And removal is as easy as any other Clinique product.
The next time that I applied this, I used much less and the difference was that I didn't look so 'made up'. I worried that this meant that it wouldn't produce the same results.
But you know what....Continued wear of this has resulted in the same effect. Sure, it doesn't completely get rid of lines, but the matte effect sure does disguise them and every day I go in to work, people swear I look like the most rested woman!
The End
Damn the Beauty Fairy! Damn her for adding another step in my morning routine!
Anger aside :), I highly recommend this concealer. It does everything and then some, it won't break your pocketbook, a little goes a long way, and the compliments you receive are worth the extra step in the morning!
Colors
Light
Moderately Fair
Medium
Note: Clinique claims taken from http://www.clinique.com
by (18%):
15.12.2002 14:16
Another great op! Well done! Matthew
13.12.2002 20:47
Another great op! Well written and very informative. Rob :)
13.12.2002 10:23
I very, very rarely wear make up - although on those extremely infrequent occasions, I use Clinique - though haven't tried this particular concealer. I have dark circles (inherited - mum has them, and daughter has them) under my eyes, and a few lines around my mouth (too many cigarettes) - next time Clinque are doing a special offer (freebies), I'll look out for this one. Cheers, Kate