I'm a major skeptic when it comes to acne systems. Most of the time, they don't work for me. So, when I was handed this brand spanking new system from Mary Kay, my immediate thought was "ok, this will be a waste of time, but I'll try it". My mother-in-law is now a Mary Kay consultant, and she had her first party about two weeks ago. I'm not sure what to call this woman, but let's just say her mentor (since she has been teaching my MIL all things Mary Kay, I think it's appropriate), told me about this new line. It's supposed to be a revamped system to replace their old one. At the time it wasn't in the catalogs (It should be now), and was available to consultants at this conference type thing in travel sizes. She decided to give it to me to try. Anywho, they didn't know I was planning on reviewing this for my blog, but I still didn't pay for it, is what I was trying to get at. These aren't full sized bottles, btw.
Individual Thoughts
The first thing I noticed about the products is the smell. Only the cleansing gel has a distinct scent, and I don't like it. It doesn't linger, but it still isn't pleasant. The cleansing gel does lather, but since it's a thinner gel, it's a thinner lather, if that makes any sense. The gel itself out of the bottle is clear, and a little bit goes a long way, and doesn't leave my skin feeling tight. I make sure to cleanse before I apply it (as per directions), so I can't speak on makeup removal. I really wanted to use this product correctly, so I didn't stray too much away from the directions.
I did have issues getting the product out of the toner. I can't squeeze the bottle, so I have to tap it on a cotton pad to get anything out. I'm not sure if that's a reflection of the full sized product, though. It doesn't sting, my skin is really sensitive to that stuff (which you will hear me repeat with the next review I have plan, just warning you).
The moisturizer doesn't make my skin greasy at all (it's oil-free), it's smooth, matte, and exactly what I want it to look like. None of these products leave my skin feeling dry, and that's something that I see in a lot of anti-acne products.
The treatment gel is my favorite product in this little kit. It works quick, and the spot (even if it hasn't completely formed to a head yet, gross, I know) will be gone in 2 days or so, which is really quick for me.
Working Together
Now, here's the big question: Does it work? Yes. Yes it does. I don't remember seeing my skin this clear, and this healthy looking in a long time. Yes, a few cleansers have helped clear me up, but nothing was really meant to be a solution.
I'm not as clear as I would like, I still have a few spots, but I also haven't been using this as often as I would like. At minimum I tried to use it once a day for the past two weeks with the exception for a few days where i just completely forgot. I think if I was using it everyday, I would be completely clear by now. Even with the slight inconsistency with usage on my end, I don't have many new spots. Normally I wake up with one or two new ones, probably 90% of the time since using the Clear Proof system I wake up with no new spots.
If my opinion changes, I will be sure to let you all know, but as of right now, I am in love, and it's replaced my toner and moisturizer in my routine (I mix up the first cleanser depending on what my skin needs that day).
Prices:
The Go Set (pictured)- $20
Clear Proof Acne System (full sized)- $45
^^save roughly $14
Individual:
Clarifying Cleansing Gel 4.5oz- $16
Blemish Control Toner 5fl.oz- $15
Oil Free Moisturizer 3fl.oz- $18
Treatment Gel 1oz- $10
Overall: Yes, I recommend it. It is pricey, similar to Clinique's system, but is it worth it? Yes. I always say that I will go all out for my skin, and it is one part that I will invest the money into. If you're in the same mentality as me, I say go for it. But, I do suggest trying the travel set first so you can see if it works for you.
