Pimples, meet your match! Clean & Clear’s Soft In-Shower Facial ($7) kicks clogged pores to the curb, quickly, and on the cheap.
I’ve been using this stuff for about two weeks now, and the results have been akin to watching a shirtless Jack Black run around in stained tighty whities — gross, yet awesome at the same time.
The company claims In-Shower Facial does double duty, thoroughly cleaning the skin with exfoliating grains and alpha hydroxy (glycolic) acids while moisturizing at the same time. I call this stuff magic in a bottle because it actually lives up to the claims. All kidding aside, my skin looked clearer and felt softer immediately after using it.
Immediate Results
Over the weekend, a gang of tiny pimples set up shop on my chin. I used In-Shower Facial on Monday, and by this morning the three baddest members of the gang had all but disappeared — and this was without a secondary acne treatment. Purified pores was what I wanted, and that’s exactly what I got.
I’ve had to exercise restraint because I get really tempted to pop my pimples. Yup, gross. So far I’ve resisted the urge.
To treat mild to moderate breakouts, I also like Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment, applied once in the morning and once at night.
Fast and Cheap… But In a Good Way
Not only does In-Shower Facial make quick work of small pimples, it’s quick and easy to use. I followed the simple directions on the back of the tube, using the treatment in place of my regular cleanser while in the shower. I slathered a layer of the powder-scented paste onto my face (avoiding my eyes), waited a minute, massaged my skin gently to exfoliate, and then rinsed. The paste warms a little as it’s rubbed on the skin. I think it feels nice.
To top it all off, this baby is mad affordable and carried at drugstores nationwide. Look for it online or at your local drugstore. Price tag: $7!
Clean & Clear Soft In-Shower Facial
Price: $7
Use: A moisturizing facial cleanser and mild exfoliating scrub
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
In-Shower Facial is one of the members of Clean & Clear’s Soft line, which includes Purifying Cleanser ($7), Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($9) and a Night Moisturizer ($9). I haven’t tried these other members of the line yet, but now I really want to! I hope they’re just as great.
Along with my never-ending battle with acne is my never-ending battle against dark circles! If I have time today after work, I’d like to hit the Benefit store so I can try Powderflage, their new powder concealer.
It’s a light pink powder, so who knows how it’ll work on my skin tone, but, hey, ya never know. 🙂
How’ve you been this week? Anything exciting lined up for Wednesday? I’m a little wired right now, thanks to this second cup of coffee, ha!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Jaime says
I’ve got this, and I love it too! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Jaime,
It’s all shades of AWESOME, isn’t it? How often do you use it? I only use it three times a week but I am so tempted to use more.
Tiffany says
I also love this! And I don’t get pimples – I have very dry skin, so it works for a variety of skin types.
Aaaand I have been wanting to check out that benefit powder also! Tell us what it’s like if you end up tracking it down!
Right now I am just trying to make it through the day. About 1.5 hours to go, and then I can head home! I have a huge clothing order waiting on my doorstep, so that is about the most exciting thing about my day, lol.
Yinyan says
I’ve got the whole set, but I really only like Steam and the Day lotion. The Scrub doesn’t wash off very well, and for an everyday face scrub I’d rather use my St.Ives apricot. The Night lotion is okay, but it feels a little greasy, which is bad because I don’t even have oily skin…
Anyway, I love the Steam as much as you do, and the Day lotion is nice and light but still pretty moisturizing, just don’t waste your money on the Scrub 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tiffany,
My skin is dry and pimply (the worst combo, I tell ya) and I love how this is so moisturizing, too.
Yeehaw I just called the store and they have it there. I don’t know how well it’s going to work (pink powder? dark circles? hmmm…) so we’ll see!
Oh nice! What did you order? Whatever it is I hope it fits well and makes you look cute!
Tammy says
I love this In-Shower Facial..it’s my favorite along with St. Ive’s Micro Dermabrasion Scrub.
Trisha says
Good review!
What’s the scent like for this? Is it light or harsh? I can’t put most products on my face because the scent is too much, but I’d like to try this.
Karen says
Hi Yinyan,
Thanks for heads up! I tend to avoid daily scrubs so I might just skip on that and try the moisturizers. Does the Day lotion leave a white cast on your skin? Or is it invisible?
Karen says
Hi Tammy,
Oh! I haven’t tried that St. Ives scrub. I am so old school, the last one thing I used from them was their Apricot Scrub. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Trisha,
Thanks! It’s pretty light. It smells lightly of baby powder. I am very scent-sensitive as well, and this doesn’t bother me.
Janelle says
Ooh thanks for the great review, Karen! I’m always looking for something to prevent acne. I tend to break out on my cheeks, no matter what I do! Since this is such a good price, I will probably grab a bottle the next time I’m at the drugstore. 🙂
Btw, I remember reading one of your posts about you buying Stephenie Meyers’ Breaking Dawn novel. I’m sure you’ve finished it by now… I FLEW those books at werewolf speed (hahaha). What did you think of it?? And of the Twilight saga as a whole?
Tiffany says
Oh, that sucks to have to deal with dryness and pimples 🙁
Yay, I can’t wait to hear about the powder! I love the packaging.
I ordered a bajillion things from american eagle. kinda back to shool shopping. I recently realized that all my clothes are from there, h&m, and target, and therefore I am really boring fashion-wise, lol.
Karen says
Hi Janelle,
I hear ya, girl. I tend to break out on my forehead and cheeks. This has been helping out a ton. Have you tried Clean & Clear Advantage (the salicylic acid treatment in the silver tube)? It’s really great. It gets rid of the zits without drying out my skin. Plus, it doesn’t bleach everything in sight like benzoyl peroxide does!
Regarding the Twilight series, I really loved the first book, felt so-so about the second and third, and then loved the first three quarters of the last book. There seemed to be a certain point where the book abruptly switched its momentum and path. It felt to me like the last quarter of the book wasn’t the original ending — it was if she rushed through it in order to tie up the loose ends. Still, I appreciate Meyer giving us happy ending. Edward proved to be a down homie but I will always, always be on TEAM JACOB. 😉
How about you? What did you think? Oh, and have you read The Host? Now that is the kind of story telling I want to see more of from Meyer in the future!
Karen says
Hi Tiffany,
Yeah, me too! It’s really cute — and I like that it comes with a brush. I am a bit accident prone, though, and can easily see myself making a mess, LOL.
I like American Eagle. It’s like Abercrombie, but waaaay less stressful. I don’t really have to dress up for work so I end up wearing jeans and t-shirts a lot from stores like AE, Old Navy, and H&M. I can’t believe it’s already back to school for you guys! Are you in college?
Tiffany says
And the brush is super cute too! I think I have talked myself into buying it, lol.
I’m in grad school, and my job is to be a research asst. so I can wear casual stuff too. I live in jeans! Abercrombie seems way more expensive to me? They have some cute stuff but I can’t force myself to go in there. The people who work there are so rude, and the amount of cologne they spray around the store is intolerable, lol.
Glosslizard says
Wow, it’s always good to have a product arsenal in case of breakouts! I’m dealing with stress-induced breakouts right now myself, so this review is quite timely! I’m also looking forward to hearing (reading?) what you think of the concealer powder!
Oh, and should you ever wish to try a daily exfoliator, I adore Philosophy’s Microdelivery Scrub! I use it every night and occasionally on my hands! It’s fab! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tiffany,
Ha! Welcome to my world. The moment they throw in a “free” brush I’m all over it…
Oh that’s cool! What are you studying/researching?
I feel the same way about Abercrombie. I can’t even make it past the doorway. The one at the mall nearby my house sprays copious amounts of men’s Eternity and that smells exactly like this boy I dated in high school (aka the dark ages), LOLOL.
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
Hey! How was the trip?
Asta says
The Muse reviewed the Powderflage and really liked it. She said it did a great job of brightening her under eye area without settling into her fine lines. I plan to try it out next week when I grab their brow pencil and maybe some erase paste.
KristyQ says
Hey Karen!
I agree – been using this for about a month, and I <3 it a lot 🙂
I find that I can use it 2-3 times a week, making sure to give my skin a break between treatments. Once I used it 2 days in a row, and my skin felt kinda raw. I find the exfoliating granules in this scrub to be more harsh than my go-to Clinique facial scrub, but I do tend to wash my face with a bit of muscle.
BTW – the Day lotion is invisible on me, but I’m really WHITE. I can’t dance. At all.
TUPRNUT says
I LOVE this stuff! I’ve been using it for about 2 months and it is so refreshing. I’ve also been using the day and night cream and am really pleased with them. They’re by no means as luxurious as Chanel, but you can’t beat the price!
Yinyan says
Hey Karen!
The Day lotion is completely invisible, and absorbs pretty quickly too even though it has sunscreen in it, and it smells just like the Steam so if you liked that scent, then the Day scent shouldn’t bother you.
Bisi says
I adore this product as well! I use it 3 times a week, without fail, and my skin has been (knock on wood) very kind to me since starting a couple months ago. I hope they never discontinue making STEAM.
Muse reviewed the Benefit concealer – she loves it, and recommends it, but did mention in did little for her dark circles. I think she said she actually uses another concealer for circles, and follows with the powderflage.
My two cents on Breaking Dawn: the least favorite of the series, simply because I don’t feel like she should have tied everything up in a nice blue ribbon for us. It doesn’t seem to fit the world she created for us with her novels. Although, I am totally TEAM EDWARD and looking forward to the moved up movie release! 🙂
Amanda says
thanks for the review. I’m happy that someone else can be the “tester” first, LOL. nothing exciting here at all, just a regular ole’ workday/Wednesday. But I love Tabs’ new *hairstyle* up top-he looks so cute and sweet lounging on his fleecy bed. 🙂
Dao says
I saw it yesterday but went for Cetaphil instead. My skin has been really sensitive these days and using anything but Cetaphil is like scrubbing sand paper. Plus zits popped up more than usual, I guess because it’s been hot again.
Janelle says
Hey again Karen!
Yay I’m glad to find another one for TEAM JACOB! While I think Edward is great & probably would have fallen head over heels for him if he was real (haha), Jacob seemed more REAL to me. He seemed to know Bella better than Edward did. I automatically gravitated toward him in New Moon. As a whole, I loved the Twilight Saga, but the final book wasn’t as great as I hoped it would be. As Bisi said in the comment up there, everything was tied up all nice & perfect (like Edward). Something was missing…
Janelles last blog post..And So it Ends
Janelle says
Ooh, and I really want to read The Host. I’ll probably pick that up soon too. Geez, look at you making me spend more money! 😛
Karen says
Hi Asta,
It sounds like a interesting product but color is my big concern. Dunno if the pink will work with my tan skin, so we’ll see!
Erase Paste looks interesting, too…
Karen says
Hi KristyQ,
LOL! 🙂
I got a trial sample of that scrub with a GWP a few months ago. I liked it but now I can’t find it… I think El Hub stole it!
Karen says
Hi Tuprnut,
Oh nice! The night cream sounds very moisturizing. I’m looking forward to trying it.
I love Chanel but I also love a good drugstore find too! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Yinyan,
That’s good to know! I’ve been wanting to find a drugstore sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast. I hope this is it!
Karen says
Hi Bisi,
Yeah, dark circles are make it or break it for me. I’m way more tan than she is so we shall see…
I didn’t mind the happy ending so much. Yeah, it was kinda Brady Bunch, but I felt strangely relieved!
I’m looking forward to the movie too. If there’s a midnight showing I am *so* there!
TEAM JACOB!
Karen says
Hi Amanda,
You’re welcome!
Tabs sends a big kitty hug and some purrs. 🙂
Nothing exciting is going on here, either. I’m leaving work in about 40 minutes, yay!
Did you watch The Hills on Monday?
Karen says
Hi Dao,
Oh no… poor thing! Cetaphil is a great, gentle cleanser. It was my standby for years.
I hope your skin clears up soon. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Janelle,
The Host is a fantastic book. El Hub is borrowing it right now, but when he’s done I think I’m going to read it again.
Yay, TEAM JACOB! I’ll take hot (ha ha ha) werewolf any old day.
For sequel endings, I didn’t think the last book was that bad. I honestly think the ending was different because it’s so disjointed from the rest of the book.
My favorite will always be the first one, though. I’ve read it about three times. 🙂
Lehea says
Big fan of this product! It was sold out at Target when I tried to find it, but I got it eventually. I like how my face feels smooth and cool after I rinse it off. Let me know how things go with the Powderflage. 😀
Karen says
Hi Lehea,
Sho nuff! I am usually very wary of pink products in my undereye area so we’ll see. Who knows… maybe it’ll be a miracle in a jar!
katy says
Hey Karen,
I have dry skin, too – but my breakouts occur by my hairline/temples, and chin. The worst part is that I get patches of dry skin that can make my complexion look ruddy. I’m still on the lookout for a face wash/system that helps me take care of it! I might give the in-shower facial wash try based on your review. Wish me luck!
I’m going to the Giant’s game tonight, they play the Colorado Rockies. I hope they score more than one run – but as it’s the Giants, I’m not holding my breath. (Bonus: The tickets were free, I won them at work!)
Glosslizard says
Urg, the trip was a trial! I’m so glad to be home! Of course, I went into it being Ms. Bad Attitude (tee-shirt coming soon!) so it would’ve been tough to actually turn out well! At least it was only a few days! 😛
Brittany says
I always feel like I have a weird film of stuff on my face after I use clean and clear products, but I think I read a good review of this stuff on Bella Sugar too, which really makes me want to check it out. I guess worse case scenario I’m out 7 bucks? 😛
Karen says
Hi Katy,
Sounds like you and I ride the same dry/acne-prone train. Le sigh! Do you get dry, red patches around your nose like I do? Those so aren’t fun.
Have fun at the game tonight! Drink a beer for me… 🙂
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
Oh boy! Please tell me that there were showers and warm water…
Karen says
Hi Brittany,
Hmm… I don’t think I remember feeling a film on my skin after this. I do remember my cheeks feeling softer than a baby’s bum! 🙂
*jen says
This line will get you a pulitzer!:
“akin to watching a shirtless Jack Black run around in stained tighty whities — gross, yet awesome at the same time.”
Marisol says
“Fast and Cheap… But In a Good Way” — This totally made me laugh out loud.
Thanks for the product recommendation.
Marisols last blog post..Yes We Can
Asta says
Alright, I grabbed this since my parents dragged me to Walmart after we went out for dinner. Can’t wait to use it tomorrow morning! I have acne prone skin, also in the chin/hairline areas.
I really liked having Breaking Dawn end in a nice neat package. I can appreciate struggle and realism, but sometimes you just want everyone to be happy. Like Cinderella. I thoroughly enjoyed the Host, and I can’t wait for her next book in that series. Have you heard about Midnight Sun? It’s going to be Twilight from Edward’s perspective, which I’m also really looking forward to.
I’m reading a newish series by Sharon Shinn right now that you fantasy lovers might enjoy. The first book is Mystic and Rider, and there are four so far. I love this author, so I heartily recommend anything she’s written.
Glosslizard says
No showers. No warm water. No heat. I so fail to see the appeal! 😉
Elena says
LOL Karen – “the results have been akin to watching a shirtless Jack Black run around in stained tighty whities”…
I mean, I already use the Day & Night lotions and love them, what better line to inspire me to go and buy the facial? 😛 Another great post – love it. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Jen,
Ha! Thanks!
He’s gross yet fascinating to me, LOL!
Karen says
Hi Marisol,
🙂 You’re welcome!
Karen says
Hi Asta,
Sweet! I hope it works its magic for you. Watch out, your skin is gonna feel baby soft. 🙂
OMG — I didn’t realize that The Host was a series! OoOOOOoooo! Now I have something to really look forward to.
Thanks for the rec! I still need to get a good book to read (le sigh).
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
OH HELLLLL NO. I could not have handled that for four days. Showers = good! Heat = good!
Karen says
Hi Elena,
🙂
Oh yah, if you like the line already then you’ll *love* this. 🙂 Now I can’t wait to try the lotion, yay!
lindsay says
I’ve been waiting for you to do a review on this! I had my eye on it for a long time and was debating over clinique’s seven day scrub and this one..but for the price (and your great results) i think i’ll try this one first since it’s like, half the price. btw, did you try clinique’s seven day scrub?
Karen says
Hi Lindsay,
Yah! Seven bucks! Gotta love a cheap and fabulous find. Get ready for those pimples to purge…
I got 7-Day Scrub awhile back in a GWP. It’s nice, but I didn’t feel like it helped in the pimple sitch. It does feel nice though, and non-abrasive. 🙂
Tiera says
Thanks for the review, Karen!
I’m always hesitant to try a new product because I have such sensitive skin and am always afraid of an adverse reaction, or drying out my skin.
But I think I’m headed for this 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tiera,
You’re welcome. I get freaked out using new skin stuff, too, but this didn’t bother my sensitive skin at all.
I hope it works for ya!
BTW, that’s great that you hired Nubby Twiglet (NUBBY TWIGLET! NUBBY TWIGLET! LOLOL, I can’t stop) to do your site. She has a lovely design aesthetic.
Lehea says
Oh yeah, I forgot to say something about the day lotion. That stuff is awesome! It came as a travel size free with the facial when I purchased it. Love the smell and it gives you that soft-as-a-baby’s-bum feeling on your face just like the facial. Haha!
Daniele says
I love this facial scrub, but I’m worried that the little scrubby bits might be plastic. I couldn’t find any of the usual ‘natural’ scrub grains listed in the ingredients, and plastic in our oceans is a huge enough problem as it is without manufacturers filling our scrubs with tiny, bite-sized pieces of it for every living thing to digest. I feel really bad about buying it now, just in case…
Tiffany says
Hey Karen! I am studying industrial/organizational psychology.
Sounds like from your other post that the powder is really more of a highlighter than a concealer. Thanks for reviewing it for us!
Jaime says
Karen – I can only use this once a week. My skin can get a little bit dry – so I have to fight the urge to use it more than once a week! 🙂
Glosslizard says
Yeah, who you tellin’? 😀
Megan says
I’m good… just busy with house projects still…I’m off tomorrow (and I am SOOOOOO SOOOO Glad about that). I’m actually about to run to Lowe’s to exchange a light fixture. Who knew that buying a place would be so much fun huh? 🙂
Sunday or Monday will definitely be some me time at the cosmetics counter!
Karen says
Hi Lehea,
I will have to try it! I hope it doesn’t break me out. *crosses fingers*
Karen says
Hi Daniele,
Hmm, I’ve heard that this is a concern for many people who like scrubs. Thanks for the heads up.
Karen says
Hi Tiffany,
Oh cool! What are your job plans after finishing school?
You’re welcome for the powderflage review. It’s nice… but I dunno, it just didn’t move me!
Karen says
Hi Jaime,
I hear ya! I am very tempted to use it more often. It’s kinda addictive.
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
Seriously, I don’t camp unless there’s electricity and running water. I can’t do full on cave girl. Ugh!
Karen says
Hi Megan,
Yay! Soon it will all be done and you’ll be settled into your new digs. How exciting. 🙂 I long for that day!
Enjoy your day at the counter. Here’s to hoping you find some good stuff! *raises glass*
Joanne says
Hi Karen!
I was just trying to catch up on your blog. I’ve been wanting to try the Clean and Clear Steam as I’ve heard it works wonders, but I was hesitant to try it because I bought the Clean & Clear day moisturizer. The day moisturizer had a very strong floral scent and felt a bit heavy for a moisturizer for my oily face even if it said oil-free. I now use it has a hand/neck cream. I’m definitely going to pick this up when I go back to the store