"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither li...
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
- Benjamin Franklin"
Member since:23.04.2001
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It wouldn't be unfair to say that I'm a bit of a guy in disguise - I live in jeans, read (and watch) science fiction, have never understood the cult of celebrity, don't watch reality TV, and, more to the point, rarely wear make up.
Oh, I occasionally use cover up (as I'm a terrible picker, and can never leave a spot alone), but don't often go the full foundation-to-mascara route. However, I have recently been attending job interviews, and so have piled the slap on (ok, that's a slight exaggeration) in my quest to impress. Therefore, the first thing I apply is foundation.
Because I'm not much of a make-up wearer, I don't want a heavy foundation - I don't want to look like a clown in the circus. Last time I went to buy make-up, I therefore went to the Clinque counter and asked for advice (I only ever buy make up when there are freebies to be had, and sure enough, freebies I got...but that's a story for another day). The consultant recommended Clinique Almost Make Up.
It would be fair to say that this stuff falls somewhat between a tinted moisturiser and a full blown foundation. It comes in a green tube (thus resembling a moisturiser), but it has a full range of colours and shades (Although I'm pretty fair, I'm using 03 - Medium, as I bought it when I had a bit of a tan). The consistency is thinner than a foundation (in fact, it sometimes comes out quite watery - I have to remind myself to shake the tube well).
The tube tells me it's fragrance free and allergy tested. I've never experienced any irritation when using this, but my skin isn't especially prone to it (though when I used Mac foundation, I did notice a slight burning sensation). The smell is indeed quite neutral - there is a slight moisturiser/chemical smell, but nothing offensive, and not terribly noticeable, especially once it's applied.
It goes on well, and blends easily, as you'd expect a product with the consistency of moisturiser to do. It does not cover as well as a 'proper' foundation, though it does a reasonable job of correcting the dark circles under my eyes (though I do still use a cover stick for those, as the coverage isn't complete).
I don't always (and by 'always' read 'often') remember to moisturise. Many moisturisers come with an SPF factor - the fact that I forget to use mine means that I'm grateful for the SPF 15, thus hopefully protecting my skin from aging (though, having said that, since I seldom wear make up, it's a bit of a moot point). My skin is fairly dry (and I'm in my early 40s), and I find that this stuff does make my skin feel moisturised, and not as claggy as it can do with a typical foundation. Another advantage is that it doesn't create as much shine as some foundations can, and blends better. I therefore don't need as much powder over the top.
On the down sides, over time the consistency, as I mentioned, has become quite runny, and so I do need to shake the tube well before using. As I age, I do realise that sometimes I need a bit more coverage than an 'almost makeup' can provide. I sometimes find myself piling more and more of it on in order to hide various imperfections.
This isn't cheap. If you visit Clinique's own site, you'll find that a 45ml tube will set you back £19.50, though you can find it cheaper both online and in outlet stores. As I say, I almost never buy make up unless there are some freebies to go with (and indeed, if you order this online, they'll send you a free sample of something else - your choice, within limits). If you use the make up as you are meant to, it will last a while, but if you try for full coverage, you'll find yourself getting through a tube alarmingly quickly.
I will finish the tube (waste not, want not, after all), but I think I shall revert to 'normal' foundation when it runs out. I'm getting old, and have things to hide.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
good review, but as you said you need loads of it I think i'll pass!
jesi 26.09.2009 20:52
Sometimes Boots have special offers on Clinique (particularly getting near to gift-giving times!) I usually forget that I have the odd items of make-up as well, as well as those moisturisers and exfoliators so many women of my age resort to constantly
. . . ♥ jes ♥
Sep 25th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
