Beauty

Oily Skin? You’re Going to Like This!

Clinique-pep-start-hydro-blur-moisturizer

Clinique-pep-start-hydro-blur-moisturizer

Lightweight hydrator that blurs out pores and preps skin for makeup application? Umm, yes please!

For the last week or so, I’ve been falling in love with Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer.* It’s probably one of the most unique skincare products that I’ve used in a long time. It’s a very specific product but not necessarily suitable for all skin types. You sort of need to know how to make it work for your skin.

This is what Clinique says about their Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer:

This oil-free moisturizer instantly blurs imperfections, provides all-day hydration, and controls surface oil for skin that looks naturally perfected with a matte finish. The lightweight formula is great to wear alone, under foundation, and for touch-ups throughout the day. It’s the ideal way to give your skin the moisture it needs, and the forgiving retouch that blurs the look of pores and fine dry lines.

This multitasking moisturizer can be used three ways:
-On clean skin for an instant filter and all-day hydration.
-As a perfect primer for foundation, tinted moisturizers, or powder. Let moisturizer absorb fully before applying makeup over it.
-Throughout the day, over makeup, as needed.

clinique-pep-start-mositurizer
WHAT I LOVE:

-it’s fragrance-free, which is always a huge plus for me
-mattifies skin which means that it works nicely with oily skin
-doesn’t irritate my skin
-works well under makeup
-a little bit goes a very long way
-blurs out pores
-I actually like using this on TOP of my foundation as well. I take a very small amount, rub it between my fingers and gently press it around my nose, cheeks and chin, where I get oily (I like to do the same thing with my Benefit POREfessional primer. If your skin gets super oily during the day, try doing this!)

WHAT I DON’T LOVE:

-okay, this product is definitely not suitable for all skin types, if you’re dry, this will not provide you with enough moisture
-this actually feels a bit more like a primer- think POREfesional on steroids
-you have to be careful about how much product you use- apply too much and it will pile on on your skin

I’m definitely in love with this moisturizer, but I know that not everyone will get along with it. I love how well it works under makeup so much that I really think of it more as a rich primer, rather than a moisturizer. Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer is a very unique product, you sort of need to figure out how to make it work for your skin. If you have dry skin, I’d recommend using a light moisturizer and then gently pressing a small amount of HydroBlur into your skin and your makeup will look flawless.clinique-pep-start-collection-review

Three other products from the Clinique Pep Start range are: Pep Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, Pep Start Quick Cleansing Swipes and Pep Start Eye Cream. The cleanser is not something I’d usually reach for as I don’t like physical exfoliators, but this one is really gentle and doesn’t irritate or scratch my skin and leaves it feeling very refreshed. The wipes are perfect for refreshing your skin before applying makeup or just as a mid-day pick-me-up, perfect for traveling (definitely not meant to remove makeup though-they’re not moist/saturated enough). I’m also really loving this eye cream, too- the packaging is fantastic. It’s formulated with glycerin, squalane, and dimethicone- all three are great for retaining moisture. Will this immediately brighten and perk up your skin? No, but it will moisturize it nicely and prep it for concealer application.

Clinique-pep-start-eye-cream

Clinique Pep Start HydroBlur Moisturizer is definitely my favorite product from this range. Sephora also sells this Pep Start Sampler-Kit for $15.00 if you’d like to give it a try without getting full-sized products.

*this post contains PR samples

38 Comments

  • Reply
    Kate
    August 20, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    That moisturiser sounds like something I need for my chin! Always the oiliest part of my face for some reason! It certainly sounds like an interesting and quite versatile product. x

    Kate Louise Blogs

  • Reply
    The Sixth Lisbon
    August 20, 2016 at 12:56 pm

    “Think PORefessional on steroids” is what sold me on the moisturizer. Now I’m REALLY want to pick this up. I’m ridiculously oily in the summer – especially my nose. Ugh!

    thesixthlisbon.blogspot.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 22, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      I know the feeling! This isn’t a miracle worker, but it definitely helps when used in place of a regular moisturizer. Since this is a very particular product, I’d try a sample first, if possible!

  • Reply
    Truc Pham
    August 20, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    I need this! I have very oily skin and my pores are a bit on the larger side too! I’m getting this ASAP! Thanks for sharing! Life-saver!

    xoxo, Truc
    http://livingblissfullybalance.weebly.com/

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 22, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      Hope you like it! Just keep in mind that it’s a very particular product and it might take you a few tries to figure out how to make it work best for your skin.

  • Reply
    The Gossip Darling
    August 20, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    I always love your reviews!! I purchased the eye cream and I’m loving it!!

    Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

  • Reply
    Nikola Hessová
    August 20, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    It looks really great for my brides! I will definetely give this a try!

  • Reply
    mika
    August 20, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    Hmmm if it really is POREfessional on steroids then I most likely won’t like it. I can only use so much of that product on my T-zone and it feels so silicone-y I just hate the texture of it but to a point it kinda helps my oil? I’m super oily at the moment but I’ll probably skip the moisturizer and try the eye product. Gel type of products do really well with super oily types, I personally have found (as Clinique’s Dramatically Different Hydrating Gel is STILL my favorite to use under makeup, been using it for so many years!). I have a sample from Sephora of the Pep Start Eye Cream, I’m so excited to use it! Love your review babe!

    xoxo
    http://www.hellohimawari.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 22, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      Yes, this does have a very unique texture so it might not work for you. Love the Dramatically Different Gel too, it’s definitely one of the best skincare products out there. I really love the eye cream, too!

  • Reply
    Adele Miner
    August 20, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    I love the sounds of these products, thank you for sharing! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Dea Andriany
    August 20, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    I immediately clicked when I read ‘oily skin’ ;) If this is similar to Porefessional, does this clog pores? (I hope not), bcs that’s the major problem I have with Porefessional.

    Selene Addicted

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 22, 2016 at 4:21 pm

      I haven’t noticed this clogging my pores, it seems to work really well with my acne-prone skin. Maybe you can get your hands on a sample? This is a very particular product that can be a little tricky to use, so I’d definitely try a sample before buying!

  • Reply
    Kathy
    August 20, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    I need this in my life right now! I hate having oily skin and it’s worse during the summer time so this would be perfect
    Kathy x
    http://www.alongcamekathy.blogspot.co.nz

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      August 22, 2016 at 4:38 pm

      Ugh I know! Good thing about oily skin though is that it doesn’t age as quickly as drier types, so there’s that haha! :)

  • Reply
    monica
    August 20, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    that is something for me :)

  • Reply
    Lisa
    August 21, 2016 at 2:20 am

    Sounds interesting! I’d be intrigued to use this. I like the sound of it blurring out pores as this is something I definitely struggle with- open pores. I’ve been using the pep start eye cream for a while now and love it! It’s my go to product for mornings!
    Lisa xx
    Beauxdiaries.com

  • Reply
    Millie Robinson
    August 21, 2016 at 5:32 am

    This whole range sounds really cool! I really love Clinique skincare x

    http://www.abeautyromance.com
    http://www.abeautyromance.com

  • Reply
    Ambar Syed
    August 21, 2016 at 6:44 am

    I’ve tried the Pep-Start and it is lovely – I find the packaging of these products so cute and fun! :)
    – Ambar x
    http://www.herlittleloves.co.uk

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    August 21, 2016 at 11:35 am

    I’m super oily so this sounds great, I’ll need to give it a try! x

    http://www.stephiebeau.com

  • Reply
    Sweet As Mae
    August 22, 2016 at 3:33 am

    I love Clinique products in general, and these look amazing! Lovely post :)

    Mae ♥

    http://sweetasmae.blogspot.co.nz/

  • Reply
    Kiss & Make-up
    August 22, 2016 at 3:50 am

    Yep, suuuuuuper oily skin here! Too bad the moisturizer doesn’t come in a tube.

  • Reply
    Aleksandra // bunniesaremagic
    August 22, 2016 at 6:22 am

    I so wish we had Sephora in the UK, eh :)

  • Reply
    EMILY
    August 22, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    I’m so interested in this! I have oily skin, and for some reason my makeup always looks “dry” and “flaky” when I apply foundation. Definitely looking in to this, thanks Paula! PS – I’m a new beauty blogger, and your blog is goals <3

    Emily / Kaiaroes

  • Reply
    Brooke
    August 23, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    The pep start hydroblur moisturizer sounds like it would work well with my oily skin. I will have to try the starter kit from Sephora to how I like it. Thanks for the recommendations!
    Brooke | http://www.beautydecorandmore.com

  • Reply
    Becky
    August 24, 2016 at 9:01 am

    This sounds right up my street! I can never find a moisturiser that doesn’t leave me like an oil slick by midday!

    Beekeyper – Latest – Neve Cosmetics Tuesday Rose

  • Reply
    Sheridan Grady
    August 31, 2016 at 10:19 am

    This sounds so good! I use the Benefit Porefessional and love it so this may be perfect for me! x

    http://www.shayholly.co.uk

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