Having suffered from mild rosacea for a few years, I am always on the lookout for products to conceal the redness on my face without making it look like it has been dipped in pancake mix. This time that search led me to two makeup products from the Redness Solutions line by Clinique: the Targeted Corrector and the Instant Relief Mineral Powder.
Despite the way these two are advertized (helps skin “keep its cool” and reduces redness on contact) they do not reduce redness (at least, not on my skin); they merely conceal it. Good enough for me, so let’s get on with the review. 🙂
Redness Solutions Targeted Corrector
Before corrector (left) and after (right)
This is a yellow concealer pen with a thick, pasty consistency. It’s pretty dry, so I would avoid using it on the undereye area (luckily, this is the only part of my face that never gets red and bumpy like the rest!). The best part about this corrector is the great coverage it provides — I have tried it both with and without foundation, and the redness was covered up pretty much completely in both cases.
Its weak point is that it makes enlarged pores stand out even more (perhaps this could be fixed by using a primer underneath; I personally don’t like primers so I have not tried that) and accentuates dry patches if used on bare skin.
PRICE: $19.50
RATING: 8/10 overall
Instant Relief Mineral Powder
Before powder (left) and after (right)
I have mixed feelings about this one — on one hand, I hoped for more coverage, on the other, it looks so natural no one can even tell you have it on.
This product works best as a finishing powder — it sets your makeup and absorbs the oil while covering up mild redness. Coverage is very sheer, and I like the natural finish. I don’t think it could look cakey no matter how much of it you applied. I have oily skin, and I found that the Instant Relief Mineral Powder does not last as long as I’d like (up to 4-5 hours), but if you have dry skin, I think you will get better performance out of it.
Apart from having rosacea, my skin is also very sensitive and acne prone. Happy to report that this powder did not clog my pores or cause any irritation whatsoever. 🙂
Overall, I would say that the Instant Relief Mineral Powder does not conceal redness as much as a full coverage foundation would, but together with some lighter everyday makeup (such as a tinted moisturizer or a lightweight foundation) it can do wonders. I have worn it on a bare face on days when I did not feel like putting on any other makeup, and although it does not cover up my rosacea, it does reduce it by quite a bit.
PRICE: $32.50 (trust me, this jar will last you forever!)
RATING: 9/10 when used as a finishing powder, 7/10 for its redness reducing qualities
Thank you for a great review, Olga! I love how detailed and honest it is! And you’re very brave posting the “before” pictures of yourself – even though I don’t see any major redness problem there, still, i think most people wouldn’t dare to do that=)
Thank you, Antonia! 🙂 That was one of my better days redness wise, but still a bit scary 🙂
Thanks for the review, the pictures were great at conveying the products. I had mixed feelings about the powder when I got a sample (very natural but so sheer and a little shinier than I like) – but I mixed it 50/50 with a more matte, full coverage loose powder and the result is fabulous, luminous and natural but with a little more coverage and a more finished look.
Thanks Saffron! 🙂 I think mixing this with a powder that gives more coverage is a great idea, I’ll have to try it with my Bare Minerals (so far I only tried putting it over foundation, but not mixed with it).
Hi Olga – nice to see another physics fanatic!! I did undergrad physics – makeup saved me from all the testosterone in class 🙂 Great review … the mineral powder looked flawless and natural.
Nice to see you too, Maria! I know what you mean about the testosterone 🙂
Fantastic post as always Olga! 🙂
Hey have you tried the redness reducing foundation? I’m kind of on the fence about it right now-not quite sure if I like it or not.
Hi Tracy! 🙂 I have not tried the foundation yet, but it is on my wish list!
Hey Olga!
Have you tried Clinique’s new Redness Solution Foundation? It gives fuller coverage with a lightweight feel. And Clinique also has Redness Solutions skincare products that will help to reduce the amount of redness your experiencing 🙂
Not yet, Sarah, but I plan on it 🙂 I did try samples of the Redness Solutions skincare, but I think those products are meant for normal to dry skin, and mine is actually oily.
Yeah the products would be very comforting for someone who has dry skin but they are oil-free so shouldn’t cause any problems for your skin.
clinique’s anti redness line is pretty awesome … my sister had a bad case of steven johnson’s syndrome a few years ago and that was the only thing that worked in covering up her peeling and redness!
Hi Olga. Many Thanks for the honest review with the Great Photos. I wish Clinique had more stuff with sunscreen. They tell me they’re concerned that sunscreen will cause irritation, but I’m concerned because sun exposure causes wrinkles!