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I'll admit I love lotions and potions for your skin, but when it comes to actually cleansing it using some greasy runny cleanser than a stinging tonerthat never really appealed so in all honesty good old soap and water ruled the day! So when I heard about Clinique's 3 step cleansing system it intrigued me as it seemed alot easier. However the price didn't so I put it to the back of my mind till I found myself prosing the goodies on offer in Macy's as you do! Given that Clinique is a sister company of the US cosmetic manufacturer Estee Lauder you'd expect their range to be slightly cheaper over in the US. However I wasn't expecting it to be that cheap! I was lucky to be able to purchase a trial size version of the 3 steps system for just over $23. The moisturizer in my pack retails for $20 normally as this is not a trial size.
Prior to a mass credit card splurge it is extremely useful to actually get your skin analyzed as to what type it is as the 3 steps come in a range of different types for different skin. This can either be done by being brave and actually talking to one of those well made up cosmetic counter ladies or you can do it online at www.clinique.com. Either way you should then know which items in the range are suitable for your skin type.
~Step one~ This is wear Clinique differ from the vast majority of cosmetic manufacturers. Clinique actually advocate the use of soap! Yes soap not greasy runny cleansing lotions but soap! But don't think you're getting off lightly here Clinique of course don't want you to run down to Tesco's
and buy any old soap they want you to buy their special soap obviously!
Clinque believe that the benefits to your skin by using their specially hand milled soap -which as it does not contain any oxygen should last longer than normal soap are three fold. Firstly it provides a gently buffered cleaning action for the skin due to the addition of extra emollients. That it doesn't leave your skin feeling taut after use as it is easier to rinse away due to the lack of wax fillers.Clinique also believe that by using their soap you'll prepare your skin better for the exfoliation stage or step 2.
One thing I did notice was that Clinique advocate the use of the soap on a make up free face - all well and good first thing in a morning but I'm no further away from ditching the runny greasy cleanser am I?
Clinique soap is easy to use, basically attempt to get a lather from this soap or just get it so your hands feel sticky enough then apply to your face as you would do any normal soap. Now this soap definitely does feel a bit sticky once applied to your face. The only way I can best describe it you know when you've left soap in a soap dish and it kind of goes a bit gloppy? Well that's how this soap feels. Luckily the soap it's self doesn't go gloppy in it's special case. Once you've used the soap just rinse off with water. What I did noticed about using this soap was my skin definitely wasn't taut after using it and it did actually feel cleaner. After using the 50g size soap morning and night for the last 3 weeks it really doesn't look as if it's been touched at all. I think out of this mini sized bar I have it should last for at least 3 months. Other people have stated that full sized bars have lasted upwards of 9 months.
Clinique make the cleansing soap in 3 different types: Extra mild - for extremely dry and sensitive skin. Mild for normal or combination skin Oily skin formula - for greasy and oil skin
As with all the products in the 3 step system they are hypoallergenic and unperfumed.
As I said previously Clinique products are not cheap and in the UK this is even more so. The prices here are the recommended prices from the Clinique website. Prices in dollars are done for comparison purposes.
Mild, Extra mild, oil skin soap -100g - £8.50 ( $10 - sizes not mentioned on the web site) Mild, extra mild, oil skin soap - 150g -£11 3 mini soaps available in all formulas - total weight 150g - £12 ( $14.50)~Step 2~ So this is where you slap on the stingy toner isn't it you're probably thinking. Now the bottle of water like solution you have may look like toner but according to Clinique it most definitely isn't a toner! It's a clarifyinglotion!
The clarifying lotion gently exfoliates removing dead skin cells as you gently swipe it over your face making sure you only swipe each area the once as you'd not like to over exfoliate now would you was how the lovely woman on the clinique counter in Macy's described it to me.clinique recommend the use of the clarifying solution for several reasons: it leaves your skin feeling smoother and softer by removing dead skin cells gently and it also allows for better absorption of your moisturizer. Clinique also feel that your make up once applied following the use of a moisturizer will look better and stay in place longer.
The clarifying solution comes in 5 different strengths - now you can see why it's important to actually find out which one os suitable for you instead of doing a quick grab and run at the Clinique counter. Not all of the strengths are available in the UK.
Now I was skeptical about this so called clarifying lotion I mean it looked like a toner and how on earth could a water solution actually exfoliate my skin? According to Clinique it does they even offer a two second strip test which shows you just how much dead skin cells have been removed by using the clarifying lotion - sounds pretty ewwww to me so I don't think I'll be taking them up on their kind offer!
To apply the clarifying lotion use a soft cotton wool ball and use a very sparing amount.make sure your face is dry following cleansing. As Clinique suggest just gentle swipe it over your face and do not rub it in. Having used a whole range of toners in the past I was waiting for that stingy sensation followed by the ultra taut feeling your skin can get using a toner. This has not happened. My skin feels mildly tingly this could be due to the added menthol in the lotion and it feels refreshed. This product used sparingly gives adequate results and should mean that the 60ml bottle I have lasts well over 3 months.
~Step 3~ Finally you get to moisturize! Clinique market the moisturizer used in the 3 steps system as " Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion" believing it to be just the drink your thirsty skin needs.Clinique recommend that you moisturize following cleansing to replenish moisture lost and to also help soften and sooth the skin. Unfortunately this yellow glop looks and feels like any other cheap moisturizer you can pick up in the supermarket but with a beauty counter price tag attached to it. Clinique also state that it is easily absorbed into your skin and doesn't leave a greasy residue, unfortunately even with the bear minimum of this glop it still leaves my skin feeling sticky even after rubbing it in for ages.
The moisturizer is a universal one for all skin types which I find rather odd as an oily skin doesn't need as much moisture as say a very dry skin. Clinique get around this by suggesting that people with oily skin only use it on non oily bits of their face.
Dramatically Different Moisturizer - 50mls -£14.50 ( $11) Dramatically Different Moisturizer - 125mls -£24.50 ($20.50)
~~Buying it cheaper~~ Given the prices that you'll find all 3 stages selling at in your local department store I would definitely suggest that you check out a few online sources. Ebay.co.uk and Ebay.com have a very well stocked clinique section with bargain basement prices as well prices ranging from £1.50 to £5 for full sized items!. Even with added postage there are still bargains to be had! Another good site that occasionally sells it is www.directcosmetics.com
Now you might be forgiven into thinking that I'm not too enamored by Cliniques 3 step system, believe it or not I am! Having used it now morning and night for the last 3 weeks I have noticed a definite improvement in my skin, with it looking clearer and feeling alot softer. The first two steps are definitely working well for my skin and I will be buying those again. What lets it down for me is the moisturizer it really is rather cheap and nasty, taking ages to absorb and still leaves my skin feeling sticky once it has done. I've reverted back to my Elizabeth Arden moisturizer! There is also a 3 steps system available for men as well.
I have deliberately left out minute details of what the writing looked like on the boxes etc as to me it's the product that counts and not the fancy box it comes in that matters. All items can be seen on www.clinique.com
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I took the test at the local Debenhams but just couldn't bring myself to part with the money. One thing I'm never sure about is skin care as I have combination skin and eczema so it's a major hassle to try something new only to find it makes things worse. This is a good op though and gives me some ideas on how to try this more cheaply.
Clinique 3-Step Skincare System Step 1 (Cleanse) - 3 x Little Liquid Facial Soaps for Oily ... more
Skin 50ml - All the benefits of Clinique's famous dermatologist-developed liquid facial soap in a new portable size. Cleanses without stripping. Preps skin for the exfoliating action of Clarifying Lotion.
Clinique 3-Step Skincare System Step 1 (Cleanse) - 3 Little Facial Soaps Oily Skin Formula ... more
50gr (With Travel Dish) - Clinique believes in soap for faces because soap is our guiding dermatologists' skin cleanser of choice, their own formulation. Cleanses thoroughly, gently. Rinses off completely. The best way to remove facial dirt and oil. Leaves skin fresh, clean - never taut or dry.
Advantages: Gentle, Effective, Easy-to-Follow Disadvantages: Requires regular use for maximum effect
fantasticmoosetastic 20.12.2007 (20.12.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Clinique 3 Step Skin Care
Advantages: Gentle, Effective, Easy-to-Follow Disadvantages: Requires regular use for maximum effect
fantasticmoosetastic 20.12.2007 (20.12.2007)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Clinique 3 Step Skin Care
Advantages: Helps my skin, doesn't contain harsh chemicals, doesn't leave my skin with that 'tight' feeling Disadvantages: Only comes in the 200ml size, quite pricey.
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