{BEAUTY REVIEW} | Clinique Pep-Start™

I’ve been using Clinique on my skin for as long as I can remember. 3-Step literally saved my skin and the Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk is simply magical (let me know if you’d like a full review of that). So, when I saw the new Pep-Start™ range I absolutely had to try it out. I’ve been using the HydroRush Moisturizer and Pep-Start™ Eye Cream for almost a month now and today I am sharing my thoughts on them.

Before Glossier and Instagram were a thing, Clinique’s pistachio green tubes and bottles and pretty pastel products were very much Instagram-worthy. Pep-Start™ is no different, with its youthful, eye-catching brightly coloured packaging and see-through colourful jars. It is a lot bolder and brighter then Clinique’s previous stuff but I welcome the newness. The jelly-bean colours and squared jars look great on my dressing table! (And my Instagram feed).

Pep-Start™ HydroRush SPF20 Moisturizer

RSP ZAR395

This is described as an “instantly refreshing formula” that “hydrates all day.” It also provides UV protection and is suitable for all skin types. (!)

I picked this one over the more popular HydroBlur because I have been suffering from dry skin and I needed something that would provide loads of moisture.

The formula is light and really melts into the skin, providing instant moisture that doesn’t sit on top of the skin causing shine. It wears really comfortably and delivers moisture for almost 8 hours. My skin feels really soft but not weighed down or oily. It is also really comfortable under makeup.

It contains an SPF of 20 but if this isn’t strong enough you can always layer it with something stronger on top.  

I LOVE this moisturizer and I think I will definitely repurchase it.

Pep-Start™ Eye Cream

RSP ZAR330

“A pep rush for eyes. Just 3 seconds to look wide awake, refreshed. Hydrates, brightens, perks you up.”

This is unquestionably the eye cream that I have been longing for. It contains peptides for hydration and brighteners that instantly lift the under-eye and reduce puffiness. I’m always looking for something that works on reducing my bags and circles but also makes a visible instant difference and the Pep-Start™ Eye Cream definitely does all of this.

To use the product, you squeeze the tube to dispense product onto the round applicator tip and then swipe under the eyes. The rounded applicator is meant to massage and be soothing to the eye area.

I use the Pep-Start™ Eye Cream in the morning and night and I also keep it in my handbag for a quick de-puff if I am having a long day. The formula is delicate but extremely hydrating. I can immediately see a difference when I put it on.

It also pre-brightens and provides a great lift to the eye area before applying under-eye concealer and because it is so hydrating it helps stop the concealer from pooling into fine lines if you have them.

Needless to say I will be repurchasing the Pep-Start™ Eye Cream once I’ve finished which will be soon!

You can purchase these products online at www.Clinique.co.za or at your favourite Clinique counter. Stuttafords currently has a 30% off all their Clinique products so this is the perfect time to stock up!

Have you tried any of the Clinique Pep-Start™ products? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @LadyZaa

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{BEAUTY REVIEW} | Clinique Smart

Hi lovelies! I hope your weekend was wonderful! Today I will be giving you a quick rundown of a few products from the Clinique Smart range.

Last week I attended the Clinique Smart breakfast at The Saxon Hotel. We were introduced to the range and were also taught how to make a few ‘smart’ and healthy recipes. I will be trying them out sometime so do follow me on Instagram if you’d like to see how they turn out.

I’ve been using Clinique products on my skin for many, many years now. I swear by the iconic 3-Step and I think everyone (men, women, old, young…) should be using it. It’s also now available in a mini trial pack at ZAR395 so there are no excuses! I also love Clinique’s ‘Take The Day Off’ for makeup removal so I was pretty keen to know more about the Clinique Smart products.

Here are my thoughts

Clinique Smart SPF15 Custom Repair Moisturizer

“If a woman can do at least four things at once her care has to do the same.” This light but moisturizing cream claims to tackle wrinkles, elasticity, dullness and pigmentation.

It glides on smoothly and absorbs into the skin with a non-greasy feel. I love that it has an SPF of 15 and it also provides a great base for makeup.

Clinique Smart Night Custom Repair Moisturizer

This rich (oil free) night cream is formulated with Smart™ hydration technology which helps the skin retain moisture.  It tackles lines, brightens and firms.

This moisturizer feels absolutely delightful on my skin. It’s so soft and velvety and absorbs perfectly. My skin is still happy and hydrated when I wake up.

Clinique Smart Custom Repair Serum

This ‘smart’ serum claims to understand the particular needs of your skin and then works to repair those issues. It attacks both the damage you can see and you cannot see.

I really like the light feeling of this serum. I tend to find serums quite heavy and oily but this one feels very light almost like a moisturizer.

Clinique Smart Treatment Oil

This one is definitely the star of the range for me! It is a blend of antioxidants that nurture the skin’s capacity to repair and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. It contains, amongst other oils, Argan oil and Vitamins C and E which all work together for targeted repair and care.

For an oil it is super lightweight and absorbs in really quickly. It makes my skin feel really soft and hydrated and gives it a lovely glow. I apply a few drops  it directly to my face but you can even mix a few drops with your moisturizer for a really hydrating boost.

So far I really like the Clinique Smart range. The products are all allergy tested and fragrance free so you can be sure that you’re only putting pure goodness on the skin.

I will share more results with you over social media once I’ve used the products for a longer period.

You can find Clinique Smart at your nearest Clinique counter or online at www.clinique.co.za

Until next time!

Love, sparkles and happy skin

Zaakira xox