Beauty Basement: Clinique 3-Step Skincare
Today’s Beauty Basement post pays homage to a skincare system that’s been a beauty staple for almost all the women in my family when I was growing up.
As I young girl, I learned that my mom had a very precise beauty regimen that consisted of all the same products all the time. She hardly ever strayed from her beauty essentials and the one I remember most was her Clinique 3-Step Skincare system. I’ll never forget that big, yellow cleansing bar and her extra large bottle of Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.
Now, as an adult I have my own skincare system, although not quite tailored as Clinique offers it. Did you know that you can take a skin analysis on the Clinique website and then get a customized 3-step system based on your skincare needs?
In just 9 questions, Clinique determined that I am a Skin Type 2, with combination skin, oily in my T-zone, and dry on my cheeks (ding ding ding!).
Step 1: Cleanse with Liquid Facial Soap (Mild) – Since my skin is on the dryer side, it’s recommended that I use a liquid cleanser over the bar version as the Facial Bar is more suitable for oilier complexions.
Step 2: Exfoliate with Clarifying Lotion 2 – One of 5 different clarifying lotion formulas, #2 is formulated especially for dry skin with oily T-zones.
Step 3: Moisturize with Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion – One of Clinique’s best sellers, I thought that this formula was the universal moisturizer for all skin types. Turns out, while it’s recommended for me, if you have oilier skin types, you’ll want to try the Gel formula. It’s oil-free!
Clinique 3-Step Kits range from $46.50 to $49.50 US and are available online and in-stores.
Have you tried Clinique skincare before? While I haven’t in years, they say that moms know best so I think I’ll be checking out these old-school beauty favorites soon!
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On January 9th, 2009 jeanne said:
i was a major clinique girl in high school and my first couple of years in college. i used the type 2 products for the longest time until college, when my hormones started going out of whack. i had to upgrade to type 3, but it was a mess. i think clinique has since changed the ingredients, but back then, both type 3 and type 4 clarifying lotions (the toners) had acetone (as in nail polish remover) in them. NOT good for skin. and that yellow lotion has always been a little too greasy for me. i did use an oil-free moisturizer they had for a while, but it was discontinued around the time i decided to give up on clinique. i mean, their products were okay but not fabulous, so there was nothing for me to try again. anyway, i’ve never looked back since, and any random desire i have to revisit, i just chalk up to old nostalgia (the kind that makes you forget why you ditched it in the first place… until you try it again and realize your mistake).
On January 9th, 2009 Nikki said:
I am a Clinique set user!!! Loyalist, I’m already on my 2nd set as I finished my first set and I’m a no. 2 too
On January 10th, 2009 Hana said:
Unfortunately the cleanser tends to dry me out, and I hate that there’s alcohol in all but the mild version of the toner (which I want to try next time there’s a bonus time), but I do love the dramatically different moisturizing gel. It definitely keeps me from getting dry, but it feels light and not at all greasy.
On January 10th, 2009 Lilan said:
Hi jeanne,
I haven’t used Clinique face skincare in a while so I’d imagine they may have changed their formula slightly since then too.
What skincare regimen are you using right now?
On January 10th, 2009 Lilan said:
Hi Nikki!
How funny you’re a #2 also! I great we must have great skin, LOL
On January 10th, 2009 Lilan said:
Hi Hana,
I haven’t tried this cleanser yet but I have used their foam cleanser a few months ago. If you have drier skin, I’d stay away from the bar and foam washes as they tend to strip the oils away.
What’s your favorite cleanser right now?
On January 11th, 2009 Kimberly said:
I went to my dermatologist and he recommended Clinique’s anti-acne makeup line but said that their Clarifying lotion #2 is just “purple water.”
Now I feel like it doesn’t work. Power of suggestion? Or fact?
On March 1st, 2009 Julia said:
I’ve been using the 3 step process for like a week now
and it’s made my skin even drier?!
i’m thinking it might be the clarifying lotion but i’m not sure?
On March 2nd, 2009 Lilan said:
Hi Julia,
Oh no! Which products are you using in your 3-Step system? Clinique makes each product in different formulas for dry or oily skin. You don’t have to buy a pre-determined set by the numbers if not all of the products suit your skin’s needs.
I would definitely go back to the Clinique counter to let them know and exchange what you have for items that are going to work best for you.
Hope this helps!
On March 2nd, 2009 Julia said:
I’m using the mild liquid facial soap, the number 2 clarifying lotion and the dramatically different moisturzing lotion.
Yeah i think i will go back in and see what they say,
thanks!