Review of Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent

I have combination dry/oily skin. However I would settle for all dry skin over the oily mirror shine that I get on my forehead and nose. Throughout the day I have to do a dab check to make sure their are no oil slicks on my forehead.
I had tried so many products that promised to get rid of this oil problem. I had tried blotting papers, lotions, soaps and other creams to rid myself of the issue; because as we all know oil and dirt is what causes acne. I figured if I could rid my face of the large pores and the oil, I could live my life pimple free!
When I came across a bottle of Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent it seemed like something I could use. The bottle promised a slew of things. It promised maximum strength acne fighting, it promised to remove and control surface oil, dirt, and even makeup. It also promised to do all this without drying out my face or irritating the skin.
My face though is used to harsh chemicals and products that include alcohol.
Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent does not come in a bottle with pads, or anything else for that matter. It is a straight up clear bottle with blue liquid in it. You are to provide your own cleansing pads or cotton balls to apply the liquid.
My Use:
You will spill a lot if you are not careful. The bottle has a click up cap with a small hole in the center. You are to place your cotton ball at the hole and tip the bottle. Seeing how I didn't have any cotton balls, I used some soft tissue paper. I saturated the paper, and applied Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent to my face.
It had a strong alcohol smell to it, but I could also detect a refreshing clean scent after the liquid dried on my face.
After wiping the liquid all around I checked the tissue paper. Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent had in fact removed all of the dirt from my face with ease. I could see all the dirt and oils on the paper towel, and it sort of grossed me out.
After the liquid had dried, my face felt tight, tingly, and clean. After inspecting my face in the mirror I saw that the shine was also gone. Yay!
Then something bad happened:
About an hour after applying Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent I looked in the mirror and to my surprise on my nose there were beads of oil! This should not be happening. I wiped off my nose, and remembered my cousins little voice in the back of my head...'If you use too many harsh chemicals that dry out your skin, your face will be looking for moisturization. If you do not use a moisturizer, your face will produce its own moisturization....also known as oil!'
Grrr! I hate when she is right!
I applied more Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent, and afterward used a light moisturizing lotion. Low and behold I was oil free for the rest of the day! My cousin was right! Although I hate applying lotion to my face, it works; it keeps you oil free, and no oil equals no pimples; equals happy lady!
My recommendation:
Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent works only if you follow up with a moisturizing lotion. If you have oily skin like me, applying just Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent will actually produce more oil than before. I can't stress it enough: follow up with lotion!
For those with sensitive skin, do know that Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent is somewhat harsh, and may not react well with your skin. If you still insist on buying it, test it on a small area of your face, and wait 24 hours to see the effects if any.
Where to find Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent:
You can pick up an 8 ounce bottle for around $5.00 at any superstore or drugstore.