I'll admit I'm a product junkie and have been using Clinique makeup for about 7 years and occasionally dabbled with their other lotions and potions (I'm obsessed with SuperDefensemoisturiser, their 7day scrub is sublime and I can't/won't leave the house without All About Eyes). I have been using Dermatologica skin care products for about three years and although I never had any major complaints - breakouts kept to a minimum, non-perfumed products etc etc - I always felt my skin was still on the dry side and I've never really felt my skin 'glowed'... something I always attributed to smoking, but at 23 and fit and healthy, my skin shouldn't feel dull and lack lustre!
Whilst doing my regular re-stocking of my make up, I asked about this fabled 3step system. The consultant took me through the analysis - Type I (tres sensitive and super dry) and I snapped up the products (total cost £63 from John Lewis). I found the steps easy to follow - although irritating that you have to removemake-up first. After the first 10 days I noticed a few breakouts, but I was told this was normal so I didn't worry too much about it. I persevered with it and I've been using it for three months now - and I doubt I'll ever use anything else again.
Step 1 I use the liquid soap (I have a phobia of soap bars - very odd I know), and my skin felt really fresh. I know this next statement might sound odd, but my skin felt really clean - like post-facial/mask clean.
Step 2 This is probably the part I like most. I use Number 2 (the purple one), I have the 400ml bottle, and am used to replacing everything at three monthly-intervals, but even though I'm using it twice a day I know I'll get at least another 2/3 months out of it (which I think balances out the cost quite nicely). Initially my skin felt all tingly, but this passes quite quickly. Even after my first use I noticed my skin looking fresher - been out in the wind fresh with a nice natural looking colour. I was worried because I've had problems in the past with toners (Clinique call this a clarifying lotion not a toner) making my skin feel tight and dry, but I didn't feel this at all with the Clarifying Lotion - which is a huge bonus!
Step 3 Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion (I have the pump) is just fabulous. I absolutely love it, and I've found that it really makes my SuperDefense go much further. Also for the day time it makes for a good make-up base, although it does lack SPF. It's really light and doesn't give the sense of clogging like so many do. Plus I've found that with the pump, three pumps cover all my face and neck - I personally never believed them when they said a little goes a long way but it really does!
(for me Step 4) I always follow with SuperDefense and All About Eyes
My Overall Verdict I agree why people call it expensive, but I don't think you can put a price on a system that regularly gives you good results. I still get the odd break out around the time of the month, but this are far less obvious and don't trouble me at all. My skin feels clean and fresh and most importantly... glowing!!
At my current rate of usage (twice a day every day), it roughly costs me £20/month - which is so easy to spend on numerous cheaper options that you use a couple of times before you realise they don't work and so sit on your bathroom shelf looking unloved until you throw them out a year later. Plus you can't even get a good facial for £20, and I honestly feel like my skin is post-facial clean and fresh everyday.
There has been no irritation of my sensitive skin and they look really pretty in the bathroom!! (but keep out the way of prying friends who think your skin care system are samples for them!!)
Enjoy!!
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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.
Dec 20th, 2007
very helpful by (100%):
