Missing Clinique but can't justify cost

Citygirl1

I always used to use Clinique make up (some of it) and skincare (again some of it) but since its started going up I've been cutting back and using cheaper (Avon, Boots No7). Although I still get compliments with the cheaper make up, I always felt more polished using Clinique and just like it better but don't feel I can justify the price anymore, even though it does last a long time.

Does anyone else feel like this?

kittycatface

hi i used to use clinique (as a teenager when mum paid!) and agree its really good quality. what i would say is if you can find out the ingredients of clinique and find a similar one thats cheaper then go for that, in particular clinique is known for not adding much perfume or toxic stuff so there may be a cheaper version out there. sorry i cant be specific as I am now lazy and go makeup-less!

Helen1971

I've read expert dermatologist reviews of Clinique, which say that the cleansing bars and clarifying lotions are horribly irritating for your skin, and that the dramatically different moisturiser is mediocre and outdated. Does that make you feel better?

(Some Clinique products got really good reviews, but I won't mention those).

Hermia

Helen1971 wrote: »

I've read expert dermatologist reviews of Clinique, which say that the cleansing bars and clarifying lotions are horribly irritating for your skin

I had such a severe reaction to these that I had to see the doctor. I went to talk to the Clinique assistant who sold them to me. I didn't go there to make a complaint so much as ask whether she could help me work out which of the ingredients may have caused the problem. She told me that Clinique products could not have cause skin reactions because they are hypoallergenic. I don't think she quite understood what that word meant! I went on a beauty forum and posted about my experience and got so many replies about similar reactions.

OP - I like a nice premium product as much as the next person, but I do wonder if there is a sort of placebo effect going on here. High street products have improved so much in recent years that it's often them that top the polls. It's also often them that are producing the most innovative products. Have you done a google search for your favourite product and then put the word dupe after it. There are some great beauty gurus who seem to specialise in finding dupes for everything.

.Johanna.

I use Clinique, but I'm planning to use it mainly on nights out and going to get a cheaper powder for everyday use. I have always saved more expensive make up for special occasions and used something else for other times.
I've got sensitive skin and whenever I ask shop assistant's advice she recommends Clinique. Would be nice to hear about other brands that are suitable for sensitive skin.

Hughjass

You could try professional products that still cost less than Clinique but are more effective and last longer than No 7 etc, you dont get frills but you will get that feel good factor as you will be using products that make up artists recommend and make you look great. I like this site http://www.love-makeup.co.uk/ check out NYX which is very very similar to MAC for serious bargains.

indiepanda

Most beauticians don't rate Clinique - think it's often too harsh for people's skin. I used when I was younger but had a really bad reaction to some of their products in a way that I've never had before or since, using a mix of cheaper or more expensive products. I like their make up but I think there are better ranges of skincare out there.

Might be worth looking at the Beauty Bible's Beauty Steals edition - it's a bit out of date now, but may give some idea of ranges that are cheaper but still effective:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beauty-Bible-Steals-Josephine-Fairley/dp/1856269051/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357759670&sr=8-1

I know Olay Regenerist is generally considered to be a good mid price range, and as I discovered before Christmas, you can get some really good deals on that on Amazon (gave mum a few different products for Christmas as she loves it)

For example, Boots sell the Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Super Serum 50 ml at £29.99 and Amazon has it currently for £9 - and that is the genuine stuff direct from Olay. Other products have similar good discounts.

Citygirl1

Hi, thanks for your replies. I don't use the Clinique soap and toner or the moisturiser, I like the cream cleanser, the tinted moisturiser and the lipstick and eyeliner, all the rest I like from No7 or Body Shop.

RoseFairy

Citygirl1 wrote: »

Hi, thanks for your replies. I don't use the Clinique soap and toner or the moisturiser, I like the cream cleanser, the tinted moisturiser and the lipstick and eyeliner, all the rest I like from No7 or Body Shop.

I like the cream cleanser too! as you ar already choosing alternative you might be saving some money which could go towards treating yourself. how about using boots/debenhams points towards it. wait for bonus times....you'll probably get a lipstick - though it may not be your shade....
For eyeliners i find the Avon glimmersticks are a good alternative, recently have found the Natural Collections eyeliners to be very creamy and pigmented and bourjois eyeliners are good too. my favourite alternative lipsticks would have to be bourjois - as its the only fragranced one i can tolerate. i can't cope with other fragranced lippies - and don;t know which other ones are are not fragrance (which is what i'd prefer).

hethmar

I test/trial stuff and I really love Olay above all the premium ranges. If as another person said, you go on amazon, you get some amazing deals through companies - but make sure they are bona fide companies, though Olay isnt one noted for being copied.

Ive used clinique, clarins and other premium make ups but Im just trying Maybelline 24 hour foundation (in nude for my pale complexion) and Im really impressed by it. It gives good coverage and it lasts plus it doesnt have the mask like look that Clinique has. At less than a tenner its well worth trying and the first time I used it I had two unsolicited compliments.

lessonlearned

Years ago I swore by Clinique but stopped using it due to the expense.

Did ok with Olay then in a bid to cut costs even further tried various cheapies, Superdrug, Aldi etc.

A couple of months ago I thought Oh s*d it I'll go back to Clinique. I have been so disappointed. Either it's not as good as it was or my skin as changed.

I am actually a trained beauty therapist and we were taught that the cleansing bars etc and clarifying lotions were quite harsh, but that the moisturisers were ok. I trained using Dermolgica products which were gorgeous and did wonders for my skin. Unfortunately they are not cheap.

I have been considering trying them out and have been looking on-line to see if I can get them a bit cheaper.

However, before investing in Dermoligica I thought that once I've finished the Clinique I might just give Olay a go first.