What do you use?? Recommendations for Clinique?

jenniewb

I tried their stuff (with Boots points) a few years ago and really rated the liquid facial soaps- the mild and extra mild are really good value, they last for ages and don't aggravate my dry skin and are very easy to use. A £20 small bottle has lasted me 18 months!

The facial toners are quite stripping but what they seem to do well is exfoliate. They get rid of any left-behind cleanser and also any dry dead skin cells. After using the toner I managed to get rid of the flaky skin which had been all over my face for months. Since I ran out (it is pricey) I tried other toners and facial wipes. Some were better then others. I'm now using Lush which does seem to be good. But I think getting rid of the dry skin made it possible to step back and use lesser strength toners IYSWIM! I also have to exfoliate once to 3 times a week but using the Clinique toner never had to do that. Depends if money or time if your biggest concern.

The dramatically different moisturiser (I went through so many samples of this stuff!) I did not like. It was very watery yet never soaked into my (very dry) skin! I have heard they do a gel version which I never tried but its not recommended for my skin anyway its for oilier types of skin and mine is as dry as you can get! I use Lush Vanishing cream, Nuxe first wrinkles or Kiehl's for moisturisers as I think they work better.

Maybe (and I'm sure someone has suggested this already!) visit the website, find out when and where they have campaign weeks on and visit them during that time. Grab a few samples to test out, ideally test for 14 days as you can get a real feel for it then, then decide if it works for you or not.

Nimma

I love Clinique products. The best one has to be their make-up removing face wash (white foamy thing) It is superb! However, the products I've bought depend on the saleswoman behind the counter. The first time (in Boots) I bought the 3 step stuff and make-up, the girl was really really good. She took time out to explain and understand what I want and give me exactly what I needed and was honest. The second time (at a different store) the lady was really understanding and explained everything and I got the right products but the third time (in a larger Boots store) the saleswoman was very uninterested and didn't want to ask any questions but what I wanted and simply said " Try it, if u don't like it u can bring it back" Erm..... okay then I haven't been back since and the moisturiser she sold me has not been kind to my skin

Pitlanepiglet

I'm a clinique fan. I don't use the toner anymore but there is a mild toner that isn't the usual one sold in the 3 step pack and this was good for even my eczema prone, dry, sensitive skin.

I use the mild facial soap bar, it lasts for ages - again their is an ordinary one and a mild one.

Like others I don't really use their moisturisers, I use the dramatically different samples that I get in the gift packs but that's about it. Until recently they haven't had an ordinary moisturisers with an SPF in it so I tend to use Olay.

Love the foundations, I use superbalanced and also the Almost tinted moisturiser plus the loose powder that has sparkly bits in it (can't remember what it's called).

Only buy when there are offers on and keep an eye on the stores around you. Every couple of months there will be a buy two products get a free gift offer - well worth stocking up at that point!

Clinique staff are usually helpful so pop in and have a chat.

BBTHREE

I currently flit between using the No7 Protect and Perfect, and Olay Regenerist creams, alongside standard No7 cleanser and toner.

I think I have tried most brands over the years and like others have posted, I also found the Clinique toner too harsh, and whilst the Moisture Surge moisturiser wasn't bad, I found the Dramatically Different one to be fairly ineffective.

The reason I have posted is to mention another brand to check out that's possibly overlooked :- Elizabeth Arden.

Their "Overnight Success" renewal serum is possibly the best product I have ever used, and.... it is the only nightime skin product I have tried that doesn't make my face itchy, and my eyes water.

Other good brands tried in the past (but not cheap) have been Elemis and Gatineau. I also rate Clarins.

beanie86

Arrgghh! Clinique is the devils work! So bad for your skin. I used to use clinique stupidly thinking that if I continued with it my skin would improve, after a year I gave up! I actually spilled some on a towel at home and it stripped the colour out, also some on my laminate flooring and the laminate was removed! If clinique can do that to my flooring, imagine what its doing to your face!!

I'm a fully qualified beauty therapist, and I can vouch for the fact that although clinique looks, COSTS and sounds like a professional skin care range, it is not.

Having said that, it does seem to improve some people's skin. I would recommend a professional skin care range which is ONLY available via a therapist or salon. Almost all over the counter products have a lot of nasties in them which strip your skin, cause conditions such as dehydration, dryness, congestion and oily areas thus making your skin scream for help!

Decleor, dermalogica, guinot amongst others are all very good for your skin. Always look for a range which is wide and varied with lots of different products, that way you can male sure you have a product specifically for your problems and not one which 'does them all' no skin is the same!

H2h! xx

skullerymaid

I totally agree with beanie86. For years i stupidly used clinique as i believed that it was a professional product which was good for your skin, even though it still left me with dry skin on my cheeks even after moisturising. Then after visiting a local salon for a facial the therapist recommeded decleor and i reluctantly shelled out about £60 on their cleanser, toner and moisturiser, but i was the best money i have spent. The difference in my skin was amazing it never feels dry now. Now after a bit of experimenting i use liz earle c & p in a morning and then decleor on a night.

mogwai

I have to say, I do like Avon creams - I used to use Clinique, and Liz Earle, but was tempted by the good reviews for Avon products. There is a huge range to choose from, and you can usually get them much much cheaper, brand new on eBay.

I am currently using their dermafull facial filling serum, and anew eye lift - thumbs up for both from me! and much cheaper than my previous regimes...

nickyhutch

I've used Avon anti-wrinkle/aging stuff for years, and it'[s great. I've swapped recently to P&P, just because I believed the hype, but honestly can't see a difference, so will probably go back to Avon when I've finished it (cheaper!).