BEAUTY REVIEW #7: Essence PureSkin Anti-Spot Toner & Powder

So yeah, I'm still on a hunt for a new toner after I finish my Garnier's Pure Active toner. There are a list of toners that I'd like to try, but sometimes it can be subjected to change. Like, I initally really really really want to try this Avene Cleanance Lotion-Toner, the one with some sort of powder in it, but it is so expensive, so I hunted for cheaper alternatives. SimplySiti Ice Toner (you can google them up, it's a Malaysian Brand btw) really did come up into my mind and it's cheaper too and it's available at Paloma. When I got there not so long ago, instead of aiming for the Ice Toner, I was enthralled by a toner from Essence. 

And being BND4 cheaper than SimplySimply Ice Toner is another bonus for me to just not think too much of it and go to the cashier. Another point is that, this toner might be a dupe for my initially-wished Avene Cleanance since it has absorbing powder too. Aside from that, it claims to contain this Clearderm Complex of Salicylic Acid (which is commonly known remedy for oily and acne-prone skin) and Allantoin (which is known to cure acne scars) thus their aims are to clarifies, deeply cleans and mattifies the skin, to reduce spots and BLACKHEADS (mind my block letters :P I'm just implying that blackheads are my sworn enemy), helps prevent new imperfections and visibly refines the skin. 

So here's my honest 2 cents, and fyi I've just used it twice and I stopped because of this one big con:

IT BLOCKS MY PORES 

I know I don't have the smoothest skin around, especially around my T-Zone and that includes my nose. But I swear that my pores looked smaller before I use this toner. I always use BB cream after toner, before I go out of the house for work or just outings. When it came to this toner, my pores on my nose looked bigger when I applied my BB cream on. Then I decided to stop using it, and true enough my pores return back to normal (and how I wish it would shrink then GONE!! :P but noooo~~~ they are still here waving happily at me).

Despite this big con, I cannot deny that it also has some pros that I like : Good packaging and smell :)

I'd rate it:

1.5/5

So it just sits on my dresser now. And I'm contemplating whether or not to try it again (it's just me feeling guilty for wishing to buy a new toner without even halfway using this reviewed one). I'm thinking maybe there are other factors that make my pores look bigger, and of course this toner can't do the job alone in clarifying my skin. I do admit I've been a bit behind on once a week treatment like face mask and scrub. Its shelf life after been opened is 6 months, so I have 3 more months to give it another go provided that I follow it up with once a week pampering :P 

Have you tried this product before? and what are its effects on you?