Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser Review
Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser is a multitasking diva that cleanses as well as exfoliates skin to remove makeup and dead skin cells in one good. This is actually one of four Pep-Start Skincare products that Clinique launched earlier this Summer for Fall 2016. The other three are the Clinique Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes, Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer, and Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream.
Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser ($19.50) has become a standard part of my double cleansing nightly routine the past few months because lord knows if I can get two things done at once that’s always a plus in my busy life.
Here’s my review!
I actually love this formula but wish it was more hydrating because man it leaves me feel dry and tight as hell but there’s good news! I incorporated Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser into my nightly routine a few months ago and I think it’ll stay a permanent part of that routine as I actually really like this. I’m not going to say it doesn’t leave me feeling rather tight but if I follow up directly with the rest of my nightly skincare I can restore the moisture it sucks from my skin easily enough.
This is a gel cleanser with tiny exfoliating grains. In a sense, it very much reminds me of Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash which I’ve also always loved but felt was drying as hell. But I think the formula is actually superior to Philosophy as the gel breaks down into a foaming cleanser as you massage it in. At first, I felt like it wasn’t grainy enough for my skin but I realize it provided the perfect ratio of scrubbing action and foaming cleanser. The gel transforms into a rich lather and the grains melt down as you scrub.
I started using it in conjunction with my cleansing oil during my double cleansing in the evening. If I use my cleansing oil first, rinse, and following up with Pep-Start I notice my skin not only looks and feels cleaner but it also appears brighter and smoother. But yes, it does make me very tight. So, I quickly follow up with the first step of my nightly routine which is applying Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion and my skin is instantly plumped and hydrated again.
Moral of the story? I can cope with the tight feel as this really does a nice job of smoothing my skin and removing dead skin cells while making it squeaky clean. It’s actually a very, very good product for those of us that embrace double cleansing.
Get it now at Sephora.com. Or grab the Pep-Start Sampler for $15 to see if this is a good pick for you! It’s also available at Sephora.com.
Tried it already?
Do share your thoughts on it!