Trying and testing: The Clinique 3 step programme
My Gorgeous Life, Tried & Tested | Michele Obi | July 9, 2009
So, for the past week I’ve been trying out Clinique’s 3 step programme.
Because, not all of us can afford a one to one consultation with a dermatologist, Clinique (with the help of dermatologists of course) has developed a skin care programme tailored to each individual skin type. All products are fragrance free but they vary in strength depending on your skin.
To kick things off, you have to fill in a questionnaire which asks a series of questions to determine your skin type. Once you’re done, Clinique suggests the best products from the range for you. I have very dry and sensitive skin so I was diagnosed as Type 1. So, my three step programme consists of:
Liquid facial soap extra-mild – This doesn’t feel like a facial wash at all, instead it feels more like a moisturizer. It acts like a cleanser and facial wash combined. I was a bit worried that it wouldn’t remove much dirt, but I can confirm that it does. It feels gorgeous and set my skin up nicely for the second step.
Clarifying Lotion 1 – Any dirt that may be left on the skin from the first step will definitely be removed with the clarifying lotion. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not a lotion, but more of a toner. Because I have dry skin I’m not too keen on using toners as they often leave my skin feeling raw. That wasn’t the case for me with the clarifying lotion. Also, the liquid facial soap did most of the work, so it wasn’t necessary to use much of the clarifying lotion.
Dramatically different moisturizing lotion (very dry to dry combination) – Now this was the best part of the programme for me. I love this lotion. Like the facial wash, it feels amazing. But and it’s a BIG but, I do think it has to be used as part of the programme. When I tried it without going through step 1 and 2, my skin couldn’t breathe.
Results so far? None to speak of, (admittedly, it has only been a week), but I have nothing bad to report either. One good thing that’s come out of the programme, is that it’s forced me to get into a proper skin care routine. I usually skip the whole cleansing and toning and just wash my face twice a day.
I don’t have bad skin but I am prone to a pimple or two, so I’m hoping to see clearer skin in the next week…..a bit too optimistic? Perhaps. I’ll be checking in with my thoughts on the products over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned…
Wayyyy to optimistic, Clinique products are notorious for bad quality! The reason your skin cant breathe with the moisturiser without following the other two steps is because the wash and toner totally strip your skin bare…which isn’t what you want!
They’re products are so harsh and generic , Laura Mercier and Burts Bees are much better!
I don’t know what Becca is talking about! Dermatologists wouldn’t recommend Clinique on a consistent basis if they were so notorious for bad quality. They offer the ONLY products that have never broken me out. Not too bad for what others call “harsh and generic.”
I honestly did NOT like this product I also have very dry sensitive skin & it did NOTHING for me. I bought the facial soap, clarifying lotion, and moisturizer and used it for about a year & I was extremely disappointed! I also feel it was not a good quality product to say the least! I would recommend Origins products for skincare, I’ve been using their Plantidote program & it has worked wonders for my skin :]
I was introduced to Clinique products by a few wonderful comments from my friends. I experienced Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and I used this product when winter arrived because it is always the time of the year where my skin becomes pretty dry. Two days after, I noticed many zits and a lot of blackheads. I tried to use it sparingly, but it always gave me the same results. This product contains a lot of ingredients that will clog your pores like mineral oil. So if your skin is a little bit oily or prone to acne of any kind, take my advice and stay away!
Perhaps this product would be a good choice for those people with dry skin but unfortunately, Clinique claims that this moisturizer is good for all skin types. That’s a big mistake! I tried it for about 3 weeks and than threw it in the garbage. Real bad quality product, don’t waste your money.