Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer

RRP: £11.50/10ml
# of available shades: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"Medicated concealer helps clear and prevent blemishes. Gentle, soothing formula provides natural-looking coverage as blemishes heal. In three skin tone shades including a green tint to visually correct redness. Oil free."

--Packaging--
The pale green packaging is, on the one hand, not very original, as it fails to distinguish the anti-blemish concealer product from others on the market. On the other hand, one can see why Clinique has kept this colour scheme, as it already falls in with the rest of this skincare range in these terms. The band of concealer shade chosen, which wraps around the squeezy tube near the screw-top lid, is a nice touch.

--Application--
Squeeze out a tiny amount, smaller than a pea, and dot onto the blemish that you wish to cover. Blend it in immediately rather than dotting everywhere required and then rubbing in, as the concealer dries quickly and can be too difficult to blend if left to rest.

--Scent--
None really.

--Appearance--
The palest shade is really quite pale indeed: most people would be better off going for the darker one. If you have especially red skin you could try the green one. However, this very limited range of shades (especially for such a high-end brand) means that most people will probably not be satisfied. My 'acid test' of a concealer is that you should be able to wear it on its own; you shouldn't need any other product to prop it up and make it look good. This concealer does not pass that test: it looks patchy and, as mentioned, due to the limited range of colours, will not look good on everyone. Once foundation or tinted moisturiser has been applied over the top, however, it looks fine: it is a heavy duty product that really does cover blemish, but this is at the expense of making the surrounding healthy skin look unnatural.

--Texture and consistency--
Very difficult to blend as it dries so quickly, which is something belied by its initial creamy consistency.

--Longevity--
Excellent. No problems here.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, I didn't find that this helped to really diminish acne or chase it away any more quickly. This surprised me greatly given the overall efficacy of the rest of the Anti-Blemish Solutions range.

--Value for money--
While the price isn't bad, I probably wouldn't buy this product again. Even though it lasts a long time on the skin and covers blemishes well, the number of shades available is frankly terrible, it really is a struggle to blend, and it ultimately doesn't do what it sets out to (improve skin condition). For an alternative in the same price bracket, perhaps instead try something more specialised that still hits the spot, such as concealers by Vichy or Guinot.

perfect partner
Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-Step System, £30