My first experience with Clinique is the 3 Step system, which I believe most of the Clinique user started with the system too. In my earlier stage of adding Clinique 3 Step system into my skincare routines, I have been given the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2. It is actually a water like toner which to be used between cleanser and moisturizer. I still remember I bought it at whim after the SA impressed me on how the moisturizer easily sink into my skin after the toner applied. I didn't know that I could actually get the sample from the store before buying the full size product. Yeah, maybe I was still too young and naive. *haha*

Throughout the journey of finishing the 200ml purple liquid, my skin was just fine for the first 2 months then it turns into super oily - even an hour after cleansing, toning and moisturizing my face. I started to doubt "Is this the right product given to me?" But I continue using it till finish the first bottle and skin getting oilier day by day. The experience with the no 2 is not overly drying or hydrates my skin, I just feel uncomfortable after a couple of months using it. I promised myself not to buy or use any toner after that. I will continue straight away with the moisturizer after cleansing. It has been nearly two years since my last experience with toner.  

But recently, Clinique was having a giveaway and I've been given a full travel size set with a clarifying lotion 3 in it. I wonder why the SA (different SA from the previous one obviously) think I should have the pink liquid - and why not the purple one, just like what the previous SA thought? I know the pink color is a stronger version than the purple one and meant for combination oily to oily skin, which I believe my skin could be a little drying due to the alcohol and Salicylic acid as the main ingredients. But how drying can it be? I had a mixed feeling on the toner - whether to give another chance or just leave it alone on the table, due to my experience on clarifying lotion 2 long time ago. 

Then one day; a not so lovely evening, I had a minor breakout - it's hormonal I believe. My face tend to produce more oil than usual and I remember that pink liquid on my table. I gave another chance by swiping away a very thin layer after cleansing and continue my ritual with serum and moisturizer. My skin feels comfortable and oil production seems balanced and just okay. The next morning I woke up with hydrated, not oily and just okay skin. I don't actually like the feeling of 'just okay' (I  prefer supple and glowing) and wondering if the toner really does its job to re-balance the oil production under my skin. 

As claims by Clinique in their website, this Clarifying Lotion 3 supposed to help clear away pollution, excess oil, dulling flakes, for clearer and glowing skin. It is also expected to block blemish, purifies the pores for cleaner, refined, and healthy look. It is a non-drying formula that leaves the skin feels comfortable. 

To my experience with this pink liquid after using it for 3 times, I have to agree that its actually refined my pores, removes the excess oil and dulling flakes on my skin. Yes, it won't caused any drying to my skin leaving my skin comfortable - better than the day before. The breakout seems to shrink a little bit, no redness or any other troubles detected. 

I am not sure whether this toner really helps me or it's just the skin re-balancing itself. I also have a mixed feeling whether to continue using this toner twice a day as per recommended or simply use it when needed. I'm afraid it will cause another problem to my skin - which might be dry up my skin over the months of using (adverse effect from the previous experience). I also don't like the strong alcohol smell to this product. It's a big turn off that I couldn't simply ignore it - too strong. I also noticed it is stated on the bottle "Caution: Flammable until dry" - I was like, what??? What if I apply this when I am somewhere near to the kitchen stove while someone is cooking? Will I burn my face? *haha.. Just a wild imagination*

As for now, I have decided to use the Clarifying Lotion 3 only when I need. I will continue using the Avene Thermal Water as toner during good skin day. 

How about you? Do you have similar experience using Clinique Clarifying Lotion in your ritual? Feel free to share your thoughts at comment below. :)