PRODUCT REVIEW: CLINIQUE PEP-START EXFOLIATING CLEANSER, TAKE THE DAY OFF CLEANSING BALM AND LIQUID FACIAL SOAP

I’ve said it many times, and happily say it again - Clinique has always been one of my favourite brands, and the way they continue to launch fantastic products, their products will continue to take up a lot of room in my beauty cabinet. The other day I was extremely excited when some of beauty guru Sammy Robinson’s makeup removers, all available via Mecca Maxima, landed on my desk to put to the test..

Let’s start with the Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm* - I only recently reviewed this one, so I am not going into all the details again, you can read it here - but here are a few key reasons why this cleansing balm is so amazing. 

• The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a lightweight balm cleanser that comes in a tub. It is designed for all skin types, and helps quickly and easily remove all types of makeup, including the most long-wearing makeup such as foundations, lipsticks and waterproof mascaras, along with sunscreens. 

• The solid balm melts into a lightweight silky soft oil from the warmth of your fingers as you massage it into your face, immediately dissolving your makeup, without the need for a second clean. And without the skin feeling greasy, nor drying it out, but leaving it so soft, clean and clear. It is easy to rinse off, or simply wipe off with a damp cotton cloth.

• The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a great cleanser for quickly and easily removing makeup, and I love that it is suitable for all skin types. This is without a doubt one of the best cleansers I’ve ever used. Super efficient, yet super gentle too. I’ll without a doubt be purchasing this one again and again! 

Then there’s the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap*, which is another long-term favourite of mine. I was always a huge fan of the soap bars, and in actual fact, Clinique’s 3-step skincare system was my first introduction to the brand, which I used for many many years, but when the liquid soap was introduced, I quickly preferred that one over the soap bar, simply as it was easier, and not as messy to use.

• There are three different versions of the Liquid Soap, Extra-Mild for Very Dry to Dry Skin, Mild for Dry Combination skin, and an Oily Skin formula for those with combination Oily to Oily skin types. The ladder is what I am usually using, thanks to my blemish prone combination skin. But that said, I have been loving the Mild version too, as it is a little gentler on the skin, and perfect for me to use during winter when my skin does tend to become a little drier. 

• The soap is easy to use thanks to the pump bottle with a simple pump dispensing just the right amount of cleanser. And it is quick and easy to use to clear the skin of daily dirt and grime. I like that it is so gentle and that t leaves my skin feeling so clean, yet without stripping my skin or making it feel dry. I do prefer to use the Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm for removing my makeup as it quicker and also removing long-wearing makeup, but the Liquid Facial Soap does remove light makeup - but that said, I have preferred using this one, in the morning to remove any oil build up from the night, or at night before bed, as a second cleanse either on its own or with my Clarisonic or Foreo. 

• This is a great ‘basic’ and very gentle cleanser when you just want to give your skin a good clean, its perfect as a morning cleanser, or to use in combination with a cleaning brush, and as it is so gentle, it is also perfect for those with sensitive skin types. 

Finally, there’s the Clinique Pep-Start™ 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser*, which I was particularly excited about trying as it is the first time I am trying anything from the Clinique Pep-Start range.

• This Pep-Start™ 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser is a 2-in-1 product that both cleanses and exfoliates the skin. It contains natural papaya fruit extract plus bamboo beads along with salicylic acid to give the skin both a physical and a chemical exfoliation to help remove all dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and more glowing skin. 

• I love that this exfoliator is so gentle that it is suitable for even sensitive skin to use twice a day as the exfoliating needs are is gentle. I have particularly loved using it in the mornings in the shower, as it really gives my skin feeling so refreshed and clean, and with a nice healthy glow, and also giving my skin a bit off a morning wake-up call, or ‘pep start’ if you like, thanks to also containing caffeine. 

• This is a really great exfoliator, and actually while the Clinique 7-Day Scrub has been another favourite of mine for years, this has now replaced it, as I simply feel it is making my skin even softer and more glowing, and all while being so gentle and not irritate or dry out my skin. And you just gotta love that gorgeous girlie bright pink tube that it comes in. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - RRP: $55 / 125ml
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap - RRP: $29 / 200ml
Clinique Pep-Start™ 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser - RRP: $30 / 125ml
Available from Clinique and Mecca Mexima

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.

Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx


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