Clinique 3 Step: Worth It?

[Dramatic Star]

Just seen the new Clinique Anti-Blemish 3 step routine. I have spotty, greasy skin (yuck) & think this looks good for my skin. I've heard lots of good things about the routine but wondered if any MSE'ers could recommend it to me?

[Turtle]

Hi Dramatic Star, I started using the 3 step 3 weeks ago (although not the anti-blemish one) and I'm really happy with it so far. I'm 33 and have had spots since I was 11, in varying degrees over the years. They're not horrible at the moment, but I do still get break outs on my chin. Since starting using this it has been much better almost since day one. Apart from having a greasy T zone I had a dry flaky forehead. The Clinique lady put me down as dry-combination, which wierdly had never occurred to me as I'd only ever heard of oily-combination. Anyway, spots have been much better and dry forehead has gone. Just to be clear though, I'm using the foaming cleanser (to remove makeup) then the liquid soap then the clarifying lotion. I'm still using my Olay moisturiser as 1) I like it 2) I didn't want to waste it and 3) I think the Dramatically Different is expensive. Although the other products are not cheap they've hardly gone down at all whilst I've been using them so I imagine they'll last 6 months at least. Give it a try, I'm really pleased I did. Speak to the lady on the counter before buying though as they will advise if you need the anti-blemish or just the normal (there are different skin types for the normal as well). Sorry for droning on!

[Dramatic Star]

Turtle, thanks for the advice. Your skin sounds very much like mine actually. I have a flaky dry forehead and oily nose. I was tempted to buy online, but after your advice, I think I'll make the effort and go in.

Thanks again! :j

[Turtle]

No worries DS, let us know how you get on. Have a look on the Clinique website and see if any stores near you have got 'Bonus Time' where you get extra freebies. If not, ask for something! I bought 2 things and got Bonus Rime (6 half size products) for free plus she gave me samples of the clarifying lotion and moisturiser. (and, no, I don't work for them!) I just like the stuff.

[lindsey toffee girl]

I would say this brand is quiet harsh on the skin and try something different, sorry this is only my opinion maybe try liz earle her set will be roughly the same price as clinque. Clense and polish tone and moisturise.

I have to say I use to love clinque but after using different brands I wouldnt go back, though this is only my opinion x

[vixarooni]

i use clinique 3 step, among other clinique products and my skin is soooooooooooooooooooo much better now. I also wear their foundation now which matches my skin. Definatly worth the money in my opinion.

[annie2005]

Got this as a Christmas Prezzie. But found it to be very harsh on my skin. But then I do have very difficult skin to match products with. A friend also had problems with clinique and she swears by nothing but Liz Earle. As mentioned by Lindsey.

[Turtle]

Yes, I've seen lots of people say they think the clarifying lotion is too harsh for them. A friend of mine only uses every couple of days. I've been using it religiously twice a day so far and I'm really happy. I think it's a matter of trying different things until you find something you're happy with.

[nmckay15]

I had a little chat with the Clinique lady at the airport before holiday and she said that they understand that getting products to match your skin is difficult and they want to keep you as a customer, so they all promise that if you don't like a product (e.g. too harsh for your skin), take it back and they will swap it for something else instead. You can keep swapping until you get exactly the right products for your skin. That's something you don't seem to get elsewhere!

[hieveryone]

Just to be clear though, I'm using the foaming cleanser (to remove makeup) then the liquid soap then the clarifying lotion.

Going to reply to the OP but just thought I would mention this - the cleanser AND the soap might be a bit too much - the liquid soap will remove make up and what it doesn't remove the clarifying lotion will - do you mean you use the cleanser to take off eye make up? If not then you are washing your face twice which is too much :)

OP, I LOVE 3 step! Some will say its harsh, but then they haven't found the right combination that's all. If it's any help to you I have some sample sachets that I haven't used that I could send you if you like, gives a good way to try it.

Also, if your skin gets oily then the dramatically different gel might be better than the lotion, this makes my face too greasy.

And as someone else said, if you don't like what a product does to your skin you can take it back (although I think you have to contact Clinique directly) and they give you a refund or let you swap.

[frivolous_fay]

Turtle, thanks for the advice. Your skin sounds very much like mine actually. I have a flaky dry forehead and oily nose.

Make sure you're not overlooking a treatable skin condition, as I was!

[CarolynH]

I used until a while back then switched to Liz Earle. I have bad skin too but amd really happy with Liz Earl. My original thread is here (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=920925&highlight=).

[*Vikki*]

I spent £300 on the whole anti blemish range and make up. Don't bother its a waste on time. My skin was spotty thats why I went for it. I just made them so much worse, I tried it for 4 months. My skin was dry flaky and my spots took longer to heal.

I sold it all on ebay, the only things I have left is Clinique foundation with is lovely the best out their for me, lipstick, eyeshadow and eyeliner. I had the whole range, I mean everything down to hair shampoo!

[HelenYorkshire]

I found it extremely harsh to the point of almost being allergic to it by the time I finished the bottle - mixing and matching different products didn't help.
Now using Aveda happily, HTH :)

[Bitsy Beans]

I have always had an issue with the dreaded T Zone :( Dry forehead and oily, spotty middle. All changed when I stopped using liquid foundation. Use a mineral one (Lily Lolo) and my spots have cleared up. My biggest regret is this stuff wasn't around when I was a teenager!
It contains zinc which is good for the skin and I can't believe the difference it has made. It's not for everyone but I find most cleansing routines only made my spots worse rather than better.
HTH

[Loopy Girl]

I found it far too harsh as well. After using Step 2 I thought my face was going to split wide open it felt so tight:eek:

And I have never rated the DDL...takes ages to sink in so you have a yellow face and it wasn't any better than some of the products you could buy in a supermarket.

I know use all the Philosophy products and I cannot rave about them enough. Gentle but VERY effective and I defo look younger and my face is glowing :)

[Beebop]

I'm a huge fan of the three step and have used it for years but, I remember hearing somewhere (don't ask me where, probably when I lived in the States I think!) that with the clarifying lotion always pick the one below the level you need i.e. if they recommend no.2, then go for no.1 etc. If you are recommended no.1 then don't buy it.
Hope this makes sense to you????
It's something to do with it being quite harsh to give you that really clean feeling.
As I said earlier, I have used it for years and love it but just thought I'd throw in my thoughts!

[teaspoon1]

I have tried 3 Step but wouldn't recommend it. Reasons:

1. The soap is soooo harsh
2. Ditto the clarifying lotion (although they have a mild version with no alcohol which is very nice)
3. The DD moisturiser feels and looks like custard, takes ages to absorb and has no SPF! Admittedly the gel version feels nicer but the SPF is the deal breaker. Yes, I know you can get City Block for underneath but that bumps the price up so much that I'd rather use something else. Clinique have far better moisturisers than this (with SPF).

I use Avene, Vichy and Origins mainly and I love them all.

[Mrs P Pincher]

Didn't work for my daughter and I am allergic. Now using Liz Earle, which still makes me sneeze but not as bad - and my skin looks better.

Mrs P P

[RoseFairy]

i love the 3sstep especially as like 2nd poster, i've had spotty skin since 10/11yrs and just got intro to Clinique 5yr ago. in early 30s now and skin very much improved. i use the antiblemish 3step but at night and in day i use usual 3step - since last 9months and skin has improved more. the regime suits some and not others, for me it worked. trial it first wait another couple of months, and try again - thats what i did b4 i stuck to it.

[Sublime]

Lush is my brand of choice, although Cliniques 7 day scrub cream is good.

There are loads of things suitable for oily/combination. A great price too in comparison.

https://www.lush.co.uk/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=493&Itemid=80

Dark Angels, Fresh Farmacy, Herbalism, Ocean Salt, and Coal Face are a few that spring to mind.

[esmecullen]

Like my GHD's I cant live without Clinique 3-step.

For those who find the soap harsh, try the exra mild, its very soothing, follow it with the No1 clarifying lotion or the extra mild lotion.

I use it morning and night, dont want to brag but I'm over 50 and was told that my skin was more late 30's/early 40's:j

[mogwai]

I wouldnt bother with the 3 step for blemished skin, if its anything like their clarifying lotion it will prob make your skin more greasy! :S

The only thing I really like and use (its one of my few must haves) is the turnaround lotion (there is one for oily skin). Its amazing, especially for oily, 'muddied' complexions.

Other than that, I would recommend the liz earle range, or for a cheaper (but just as effective) alternative - try the oil cleansing method, and something light like jojoba oil as a moisturiser.