In the past I have tried dozens of different foundations wasting quite alot of money in the process. Although my skin is OK I am conscious of it not being an even tone due to several years working outside in all weathers. I don't work outside so much nowadays but switching from the drying heat of an office to the chill winds of the Shropshire Plains can have a detrimental effect on the complexion.
I finally decided to enter the hallowed halls of the House of Fraser one morning, and approached a rather solumn, overly made up lady in a white coat at the clinique counter to see what she could suggest. I usually try to avoid these sorts of places in case I get persuaded to purchase more than I can afford but that day I was feeling strong.
The lady in white sat me down on a stool and asked numerous questions on my skin type and lifestyle. She decided I had skin Type II, I'm not quite sure if this is good or bad but it pointed her in the direction of a foundation called Superfit.
Various little bottles were lined up on the counter before me and with a cotton bud ( they don't seem to keen to touch the great unwashed public, these people in white) she applied several different stripes across my face in varying different shades of beige. I was getting a little worried that I might get stared at when I walked out looking like a beige zebra.
Anyway, we both decided on a shade called Neutral and I took a sample home for a two day trial. Later in the week, happy with the results I returned and made the lady in white's day by making a purchase. I left without being persuaded to buy something else to qualify for a free gift, so I was very chuffed with myself
The foundation comes in a small, plastic 30ml bottle with a silver lid and a small nozzle which is easy to control - it won't spill all over the place and lasts, for me, about 4 months. The price is £17.00 which I think is OK for a product of such good, longlasting quality.
It comes in twelve shades Petal, Bare, Neutral, Cream, Honey, Caramel, Healthy, Beige, Golden Beige, Nutmeg, Almond and Golden. It is smooth to apply and blends very easily giving a medium coverage and a natural appearance which lasts around 12 hours and is completely transfer resistant. It is oil free and gives a semi matte finish and is best applied with a clean finger tip. I did not find a need for face powder following application of the foundation. It gave a comfortable feel so I was not at all aware of it and the colour didn't fade.
At night the foundation came of easily with my normal cream cleanser, did not clog my pores and didn't leave any marks on clothing or towels. My skin is fairly sensitive, so the allergy tested, no fragrance formula suited me a treat. The only real negative things I can think of with this product is that its lack of moisturisers would make it unsuitable for dry skins and the choice of colours does not really include enough darker colours, so would not be right for ethnic or mediterranean skins.
To sum up, this is a foundation which is extremely good for the price and for which I can find no equal. Just to be sure before you make a purchase, ask the sales assistant ( however intimidating they may seem) for several samples in different shades so you can try them in daylight.
More info on clinique products can be found on www.clinique.co.uk where you can join 'Club Clinique' for exclusive free samples, advice and tips. Clinique can be puchase at most major department stores, larger branches of Boots and online.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I'm a big fan of Clinique but you're right about the prices, I've started to use Marks & Spencers Mien range - it's much cheaper and made by the same people who make Clinique! Sarah x
purplelynne 10.04.2004 20:11
I have some clinique foundation and it's excellent, really enjoyed your review. Lynne X
bootstrop 08.04.2004 10:26
What an excellent review! - Extremely well written and entertaining as well as giving lots of info about the product.
Apr 5th, 2004
exceptional by (4%):
very helpful by (96%):
