Before moving to France, I was one of those women whose most expensive toiletry purchase was a Boots own, three for the price of two, makeup remover/moisturiser/ toner - I really didn't give the subject much thought. On arriving in Paris, I was faced by a very peculiar phenomena - women seemed to spend *A LOT* of money on looking good, not just their clothes, but also their skin care. Not to be outdone by the chic little b*****s (do I sound bitter?), I decided to investigate.
The most popular brand here is Lancome, but after discovering that Lancome also own Loreal and basically repackage those items for the Lancome range (and being allergic to most Loreal products), I decided to try out Clinique.
Clinique has mystique in Paris, simply because it isn’t a French brand, so I was making one of those one-up-woman-ship deals on
my sister-in-law (a chic little French....).
Clinique is an American brand who, to my knowledge, don't make products for any other lines. All their products are allergy tested and 100% fragrance free (apart from the perfumes, of course), and are incredibly beneficial for sensitive skins.
Clinique's range begins with the basic 3 step skin care program: Facial soap, clarifying lotion and then the spectacular dramatically differentmoisturizing lotion. The soap is available in three different strengths and several sizes - I find the 'three little ones' ideal for traveling and they last for absolutely ages as they are compacted. The clarifying lotion also comes in different strengths and I suggest you talk to a Clinique beautician to find out which is suitable for your skin type. This lotion does exactly what it says on the packaging - de-flakes, polishes and freshens the appearance of your skin. The moisturiser is undoubtably the best I've ever used, and you really don't need to use that much before your skin feels like the proverbial babies behind.
Clinique are often doing special promotions on the 3 step program (just to get you hooked), so look out for their seasonal specials, which usually include starter packs of all three, plus an occasional lipstick, mascara and a nice little make up bag.
Other products I can highly recommend:
Skin calming moisture mask: Guess what? It does exactly what it says it does. You can either use it as a beauty booster when your skin is feeling dehydrated (for 5 minutes), or you can use it for an intense, pampering experience and leave it on for 20 minutes. It contains aloe vera, sweet almond oil, cucumber extract, green tea extract and the normal unpronounceable other stuff.
Antiperspirant deodorant: A bit pricey at around 10 to 15 pounds, but trust me, your armpits will never be whiffy again.
Turnaround cream: A fruit acids cream that eats up your dead skin cells (nice); this one is good, but don’t leave it on for to long or your skin will feel too tight.
Exceptionally soothing cream for upset skin: Ever had one of those days when you wake up and it feels as if your face is about to crack? This one combats seriously dehydrated or irritated skin - I use it if I get a cold and my nose looks like it's going to fall off. Apply this AFTER the 3 step program.
Daily eye benefits: Clinique do a range of wrinkle reducing potions; I've found this one to be the most effective at moisturising the eye area and keeping puffiness at bay. As well as being 100% fragrance free, this is also ophthalmologist tested, so it shouldn’t give you any irritation in this sensitive area.
All about lips: This is a lovely little moisturiser for your lips and lip area, keeping those fine lines under control and softening your lips so that lipstick goes on and stays on (rather than migrating north and south).
Superfit makeup: Saving the best for last; this is extremely long-wearing, no hassle, lightweight and comfortable makeup. I either sweat under makeup bases, so I end up reapplying every 3-4 hours, or the base dries out my skin and I have to keep applying moisturiser. This does neither; it's oil free, so it doesn't slide around, It has a really fine texture, so it isn't necessary to use a powder for finishing, and it gives you that 'flawless' look that all the other makeup promise you. Really, an essential for your makeup bag.
Clinique also do a men's skin care range (I can't really comment on that I'm afraid), a small range of perfumes, and they have just introduced a hair care system that works along the same line as the 3 step skin care. I don't want to generalise, but every Clinique salesperson I have encountered has been knowledgeable, polite and helpful (unlike others I could mention); so the only real drawback is the cost, and what kind of a drawback is that when you look a million dollars?
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I love Clinique! Some products you can compromise on and opt for cheapo versions but not when it comes to the anti-blemish range - nothing else can beat Clinique. As for the mens products, I can safely say that if you're desperate, feel free to nick/borrow your bf/partner's stuff as it does the same job. For example, in a pinch, you really can't tell the difference between the clarifying lotion and the scruffing lotion. :o)
janehammill 24.03.2001 22:38
great op thanks ,I never knew clinique was american! I love clinique shampoo but can't find it easily,cheers jane
purdy 14.03.2001 18:46
Another clinique freak - excellent op. Have you tried Moisture surge? Its very good as a night moisturisor! Great OP
Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. For oilier skins. ... more
Skin-clearing, water-based scrub for strong, oily skins. Contains menthol, which gives the skin a fresh, cooling sensation. Gently polishes and de-flakes. Helps to control oil-related problems; skin looks translucent, clearer, brighter; takes edge off tiny lines and wrinkles; wakes up tired skin. Better stimulation; gives a light reflecting glow to mature skin. Allows better makeup application and moisturiser to absorb more easily. Promotes even skin tone refines texture. Rounded granules will not scratch the skin. Rinses off easily and leaves the skin clean and refreshed. Massage then rinse. Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. Speeds cell turnover; ... more
keeping skin clear, smooth, with that Clinique glow. Allows the driest and most delicate skins to reap the advantages of twice-a-day exfoliation. Allows for more effective moisturisation. Makeup goes on more smoothly and stays on longer. Gentle, non-stinging; cushioned non-drying refreshment. Helps smooth and soften dry, sensitive skin. Clinically formulated.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. Lightweight daily ... more
conditioning for hair that wants to be full of body and shine. Detangles instantly, helps to control static. Softens without residue, giving fine hair a boost. For daily use or as needed.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. Diminishes the look of ... more
puffy eyes, dark circles, shadows and fine lines. The Lightweight cream/gel formula actually helps hold eye makeup in place. For use morning and night, under eyes and on the lids.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. For delicate skin. ... more
Gently polishes drier skin so it feels and looks healthy, comfortable. Skin looks translucent and clear. Allows better makeup application. Moisturiser absorbs more easily. Skin looks translucent and clearer. Takes edge off tiny lines and wrinkles. Better stimulation; wakes up tired looking skin. Helps control oil-related problems. Gives a light reflecting look to mature skin. Allows better makeup application. Moisturiser absorbs more easily. Promotes even skin tone and rinses easily. Comfortable on dry delicate skin. Massage then rinse. Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. Thoroughly removes ... more
makeup from oilier skins. Feels refreshing, cooling. User-friendly. Long lasting. Allows soap to perform more effectively. Easily rinses off. Calms the skin. Feels refreshing and cooling. Contains botanical extracts. Cap twists up, but not off.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Spend over £25 and get a free £25 cosmetics pack and free delivery. For sensitive skin. ... more
Sweeps away dead surface skin cells. Skin appears smoother, softer, with more light-reflecting qualities. Allows more effective moisturisation. Makeup goes on more smoothly and stays on longer. Provides a cool, refreshing feeling. Provides mild exfoliation, helping to remove dead surface skin cells and speed the natural renewal of skin cells. Gentle for sensitive skin, removes lost traces of makeup solvent. Contains low levels of alcohol.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:5 - 14 working days
Advantages: Leaves your skin feeling smooth, fresh and clean. Free to try, great customer service at the counters Disadvantages: Expensive to by in large quantities
emma_fitzgerald 22.07.2001 (23.07.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Clinique Clinique
Advantages: powerful yet gentle, goes a long way, looks good on the bathroom shelf, clinique as a company often have special promotions Disadvantages: greasy, quite expensive, goes frothy after a while
Heather_D 29.06.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Clinique Clinique
Advantages: adds to the length and volume,does'nt flake or irritate the eyes,easy to apply& remove,affordable Disadvantages: slightly clumps,not water proof
Mar 9th, 2001
(Mar 25th, 2001)
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