Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
- Provides a matte finish
- Doesn't worsen acne
- Lightweight and comfortable wear
- Salicylic acid can be too harsh
- Some shades look unnatural
Bottom line
For those with very oily or acne-prone skin, Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup is a non-irritating formula with a matte finish. While it may not truly fight breakouts, it doesn't worsen them. It offers light to medium coverage that feels lightweight and natural. However, this foundation is a bit of a one-trick-pony. For example, it won't work well for combination skin or sensitive skin as it can be too drying.
Performance
Lightly covers blemishes without worsening them. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup is a matte foundation that claims to help heal acne thanks to salicylic acid. Beauty expert Paula Begoun says the concentration isn't high enough to actually cure breakouts, but she says it can help cover them without making matters worse. The formula is lightweight and buildable, but it isn't a substitute for concealer, reviewers say. You'll still need to address problem areas individually. There are 12 shade options, and Begoun says the options are great from light to dark. However, a few reviewers find some colors look gray or brown.
Feel and smell
Natural-feeling coverage, even on oily skin. While some matte formulas can feel cakey or unnatural on oily skin, Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup feels lightweight and natural. The formula isn't meant for dry or normal skin, and reviewers didn't report how it feels on less-oily skin. However, one reviewer did point out that the salicylic acid makes this formula a bit too harsh for use around eyes. While some reviewers say their acne is improved by using this makeup, Begoun says the concentration isn't high enough to truly fight acne.
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Our Sources
1. PaulasChoice.com
Despite its name, beauty expert Paula Begoun says Clinique Acne Solutions foundation will not clear up acne. However, she says it won't make matters worse for those who are breakout-prone. The texture is very lightweight and provides a matte finish. She says coverage is light to medium, so for those with acne, concealer is necessary.
Review: Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup, Paula Begoun, Dec. 21, 2012
2. Allure
Allure editors name a variety of the best foundations, based on qualifications like coverage, skin type or hard-to-find shades. Clinique Acne Solutions is named the best foundation for oily or acne-prone skin. Editors say the salicylic acid in this formula helps fight, hide and prevent breakouts.
Review: Best of Beauty: Base, Theresa O'Rourke, Not dated
3. MakeupAlley.com
Nearly 300 reviewers at MakeupAlley.com give Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup an average score of 3.8 out of 5. Sixty-seven percent say they would buy it again. Nearly all say they have oily skin and acne, and most find that the formula does not aggravate their acne, though not all are convinced it actually gets rid of it. A few point out that they still need to use concealer for spots, but are not too bothered by this. One reviewer notes that the salicylic acid in this foundation makes it bad for use under eyes, which can be annoying. A couple of users find that the shades don't work well for them and cause a brown or gray cast.
Review: Clinique - Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com, As of June 2013
4. Refinery29.com
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup is one of eight foundations named by Refinery29.com as the best foundations for all skin tones and types. However, Refinery29.com's slideshow doesn't list which formulas are best for which skin types, or why. On the introductory page, though, Leeann Duggan mentions Clinique Acne Solutions, saying it "blends away blemishes and treats 'em with salicylic acid, too."
Review: Meet Your Match: The 8 Best Foundations for All Skin Tones and Types, Leeann Duggan, March 22, 2013
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