I never used to wear foundation, so I was a bit apprehensive about trying one. One of my worries was that I have freckles, and I didn't want my face colour to change significantly. I chose this clinique one, because my sister uses their products and recommended them to me.
The woman at the counter looked at me as if I was mental when I said I wanted a foundation which wouldn't completely cover up my freckles, but she was still very helpful. That's one of the things I like about Clinique generally; the people are generally very helpful - even if they do look strange. Anyway, after much um-ing and ah-ing, and covering my hand and jaw line with various shades and products, we settled on this one - in 02 light. There are six shades, running from fair to bronze but I can't comment on what they're like having never tried them.
I will comment on 02 light though: no matter how hard foundations try, they just always look like make up, and this is no exception. According to the blurb on the
back of this product it "leaves skin looking fresh, natural, not "made-up"". Well, that's a lie for a start, but it is better than a really thick foundation. As the other review says - it's more of a tinted moisturiser, but I'd say crossed with a foundation, a strange hybrid. The colour is ok, maybe a bit too yellowy, but I suppose it's hard to make something match everyone's skintone. The fact that it's light actually goes in it's favour here, as it doesn't completely change your skin colour, it more adapts it, so you still look like you...
It goes on easily, as long as your skin is clean and moisturised, and blends easily. It will last all day, but it makes my face feel quite greasy if I wear it all day, and I often find myself having to top up the powder to stop me from shining. I'm sure Clinique would say you get better results if you use all their other products as well, but I'm not made of money!
It doesn't irritate my skin, which is a good sign, as lots of things do. It has spf15 which is good for skin in general. I think this is fine for everyday in England but I wouldn't rely on it on holiday, I'd always use extra sun block too as I've no idea how long it would last.
I don't use foundation everyday, and I prefer my skin by itself when it's looking its best. But if I have to wear foundation, I like it to be nice and light like this one. Not having much to compare it to, my only complaint is that it's quite expensive. But then it has lasted ages, so it's quite good value as well.
As for my freckles - it does make them less visible, but they're still there.
Well, it's a few years on and I find myself still using this foundation. In fact, try as I might, I cannot find another one to match it. It's only gone up in price by 50p since I last reviewed it, but it's still the same old almost make up. And since I've been buying and using it for so long, I've got a bit more to say:
I'll start with the packaging. As with most other clinique packaging, it is green. I don't mind the green, it's more the fact that it's not see through anywhere. That means: you can't tell when it's finished. Oh, you say, but it will be obvious when it's finished because no more will come out. Ah, you see, it seems empty, but then you shake it and it comes out like you bought it yesterday. So when you're near the end of the tube (what a stupid way to package a foundation anyway), you have to spend a good long time violently shaking it to make sure you're not throwing away three months worth of foundation. I am currently at the end of a tube and I have learned to line up the next one in good time so that I am not surprised by the day when the whole lot eventually does run out. (I tend to do this when it's bonus time.) So I have a brand new box right next to a light as a feather (I must be empty today) worn out tube (no more writing on it at all - not even the colour designation so don't forget which one you are) and I still have no idea when I'll be switching over.
Then there is the problem of the summer. In the heat, the make up separates. So you get and oily crud coming out first, followed by the colourful bit. It's not a massive problem, you just need to shake the tube well. But it's a tube, so it's hard to shake. And first thing in the morning who can really reliably remember to do that?
However, I am still buying and using it. And each (stupid) tube I become more foundation loyal - but not brand loyal as I am generally underwhelmed with cliniques products. It's just this and the airbrush concealer (as I get older I wear more make up more regularly - no wrinkles yet - just to look normal).
So I still recommend this - but with a bit of extra experience I find it easier to get the best from it. Now if only they would put it in a jar or something...
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I like a light foundation too, heavy foundations always make me feel like I’m wearing a mask and they also block my pores. I’m not overly keen on Clinique foundation personally they just don’t seem to suit my skin type x
jillmurphy 18.02.2004 14:18
If I had freckles, I'd want them to show too!
T21AMY 17.02.2004 22:32
I love Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion and 'All about Eyes' Axx
Advantages: Blends well, isn't heavy, protects against sun related skin damage Disadvantages: Can get water-y (separates), expensive, middling coverage
very helpful by (34%):
helpful by (66%):
