REVIEW | La Roche Posay Effaclar Anti Blemish System

Hey guys,

My blogging schedule is all over the place but I wanted to get this review up sooner than later!

I purchased this kit back in March, right at the start. I've been using it almost daily since I got it.

I was first introduced to La Roche Posay last year when it was all the hype among the blogosphere.
I received a sample of the Effaclar Duo and it worked wonders on my skin so I definitely wanted to try different products.

When I finally got my hands on the Anti Blemish System, I was super excited to see how it would work on my face.
I have oily/combination skin and I know a lot of people had mentioned that it had made their skin dry but they said they had used it religiously until they realised.

As I mentioned, I started using it straight away and it has been just over 2 months so I definitely had the chance to fully test these products.
I have different opinions on each one so I'm going to review them separately.

First step in the system is the Purifying Foam Gel. It's supposed to help remove impurities that may lead to the appearance of blemishes and reduces excess sebum, leaving skin feeling clean and fresh. 
It says you should apply it to lather it between your hands and apply it to a wet face and massage gently, no vigorous rubbing or flannels are needed.
And then rinse. Pretty simple.

What I like about this product is that it completely strips my face of unnecessary oils. I know that all nasties are being removed from my face. It doesn't wash away make up so it would be advised to properly take your make up off with a micellar water or make up remover first.

The downside of the gel is that it doesn't lather up enough for me, I like facial washes to lather up so it feels like it goes a long way. However, having it not lather up as much is a good way of making sure there's no residue left on the skin.
Also, although my face may feel super clean, it can be left quite dry if I don't finish all the steps in one go. If I am distracted, I notice that my skin feels very tight.

Next is the Effaclar Clarifying Toner, it should mattify, refine your skin texture and help reduce the appearance of pores. It's the second step in the system and it tells you to apply it to the face using a cotton pad.

I personally didn't like this product as much as I did the gel and duo [+] mainly because it made my skin so dry.
As I apply it to the skin, it drags it and makes me feel like it may be a bit harsh for me. It does make my skin smoother and the pores seem smaller.
One of the major turn offs were, after a couple weeks of using it, sensitive parts (around my eyes) of my face started to peel slightly due to dryness. 

I calmed down the use of it to alternating days and night. If I used it in the morning of the Day 1, I wouldn't use it again until the night of Day 3. This helped a lot, I haven't been wearing much make up lately so it was easy to refrain from using it.

I did like it much more with the new system I was using.

Lastly, the Effaclar Duo [+], the moisturiser!
It claims to correct by reducing the appearance of blemishes and red and brown marks. Provides 24 hour hydration and creates an excellent base for makeup.

It's the last step and probably the most important for me. Having oily skin is a struggle and finding the right moisturiser is an even bigger struggle.
I loved using the Effaclar Duo and was delighted when they introduced the [+].

I'd say this is my favourite product of the 3, I love how it feels on my skin, it definitely lives up to 'excellent base for make up' statement, I love using it with my primer and it helps my base stick throughout the whole day.

If it used with all products from the system, you skin feels super smooth and cleansed.


Overall, I've made the system work for me, after weeks of trailing, I know that I can't over use the toner because it dries out my skin.
If you have super sensitive skin, I wouldn't recommend it because you will have a crazy dry skin and possibly some peeling like I did.
Because I have cut back on the use of the toner, it will last longer and my skin won't be as dry.

As a whole, I do like the Anti Blemish System, I've noticed a huge change in my skin, I don't get ginormous and sore pimples (TMI?) anymore. That was one of my major issues with having oily skin.
LRP offer a wide range of products for all skin types so definitely check out their website.

I will repurchase for £32.50, which is a bit expensive but so worth it, one product could retail for around £15 so definitely snap up the kit if you want all 3 products.
I do wish they had a mix and match system so you could pick whatever would suit your skin, that we be great and an amazing way of trying different products.

Have any of you tried the Effaclar Anti Blemish System?
Was you a fan or nah? I'd love to know!

Take care guys,
Jesslyn x