I've always had problem skin, very oily; prone to spots, highly sensitive and very allergic. All my life I've stuck to a very simple routine of Imperial Leather and Nivea cold cream simply because it was the only stuff that didn't bring me out in a dirty great big rash. I put up with the little blackheads on the tip of my nose and those tiny little white spots on the chin and gave up trying to wear make-up regularly.
Well, it came to a point I'd had enough. A friend with, lovely, lovely skin recommended Clinique to me and I decided I'd dig deep into my fluff filled pockets and get myself some of this so called magic.
You can buy Clinique in a number of places, department stores such as John Lewis', House of Fraiser and Debenhams. It
is also available in Larger boots stores. The staff wear white lab coats which make them appear very knowledgeable but they also have that weird pancake make-up thing going on that really makes me distrust their advice on how to look after my skin. With this in mind I decided to check out the boots website wellbeing.com. There's no direct link on the site so I typed in Clinique in the search box and told it to look in 'shop and info' this resulted in 100 Clinique products and the Clinique boutique home page which is where I went.
On the Home page you get the option of: Product Directory Which products are right for you? Clinique at a glance Whast new? For men only Tips library.
I chose which products are right for me, this took me to three further options: Skin typing, Foundation Finder, Hairtyping.
I chose skin typing, this took me to a short questionnaire asking.
Eye colour (Blue, Green grey or golden, Hazel, Brown or Black)
Natural Hair Colour (Blond, Red, Light Brown, Dark brown or black)
Skin colour without sun protection (Always burns, Burns then Tans, Tans, Tans easily)
Skin colour without suntan (Very fair, Moderately fair, medium, Dark or olive)
Pore size (Invisible, Small, Medium, Large)
Tendency to break out (Never, Rarely, occasionally, Frequently)
Oiliness Vs Dryness (Dry or Quite dry, oily in areas, Oily, Very oily)
Surface facial lines (Many, Several, few, Very few)
You can choose results for women or men.
When you've answered all these you are given a skin condition and a skin strength, which combined make you skin type. The type is explained and basic advice on choosing make-up is given.
On the basis of this was recommended three product which fit into the 3 step system
Step 1
Cleanse: using Clinique soap. Mine was oily skin formula soap: 100g £8.50 150g £11.00
The soap comes in its own soap dish, which is more a soap case really. It has a slightly medicinal smell to it and works up to a nice lather. It didn't over dry my skin and left me with that really clean feeling you only ever get with soap.
I bought the large size bar which is huge and i've had it for over 4 months now and have barely made a dent in it, I think that even though is very expensive its gonna last me for ages.
This comes in a good sturdy bottle and mine was fragrance free. I found it quite astringent, but I'm used to it now. Looking at the cotton wool after use you can really see it doing the job (its all a bit gross to be honest)
After four months I only have a bit left, its a pretty good toner I have to say but for the price I'm not sure it's really worth it. I may buy it again, but I'm undecided
Comes in a small plastic bottle it's a pleasing pale yellow colour. A little goes a very long way, which is just as well given the price. It left my skin nice and supple without any greasiness.
I ran out of this after just over two months I dont rate this as highly as the other products, I certainly dont think it's worth the price I've gone back to my nivea cold cream which at £2.99 a pot does exactly the same job.
And so I've been using this for about four months now. I was a little alarmed after the first few days as all the little spots, which had been hiding under my skin, broke out and I looked very, very pink. This lasted a few days and have now all gone. For the most part my skin is now close to something it hasn't been since I was about 12, clear. I have also found that my skin is grease free for most of the day when I go without make-up. However I put this down to the disipline of the routine rather than the products and whilst they are very good I feel that only the soap is really worth the price.
Cliniques range includes: Make up Special skin care products (anti ageing, anti blemish etc) Body care Hair care Products for men Sun care and fragrances. Prices range from around £8 (shampoo and conditioner) to £42.50 (Happy perfume spray)
I haven't used these so I can't honestly give an opinion or recommendation but I would recommend taking a look at least.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I love this stuff it smells really good and bonus products are great - Louise
EmmaAdams 18.01.2004 16:41
Hi, I'm using this range too and to be honest I'm not sure if it's worth it. I have the mini soap and it's lasted forever,looks as good as new. C what you mean about the pancake face look,Why is that? Maybe so we can't see their awful skin....maybe I won't buy the stuff again...anyway enough of my rambling,good review.
MissC 15.01.2003 21:30
I have used Clinique's 3 step system (the cleansing bar, clarifying lotion, and dramatically different moisture lotion) for over 2 years now and I wouldn't swap it for the world! I have combination skin and everything I've tried is either too heavy/oily or to drying/stripping. Have a go with the skin questionaire to find your type, and when you look in the product directory all items suitable for your skin type are starred. Yes it is pricey, but check the local events area to see if there are any bonus time offers in your area, where you get a selection of smaller sizes for free when 2 products are purchased. A very handy method of trying new products!
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: adds to the length and volume,does'nt flake or irritate the eyes,easy to apply& remove,affordable Disadvantages: slightly clumps,not water proof