Today I thought I'd share with you my favorite skin care line: Clinique! I used Clinque's 3-Step System for a while when I was younger and it worked for me pretty well. For some reason that I don't remember, I stopped using it and just used Neutrogena Acne Stress Control instead. I used the Stress Control line for quite some time, but eventually, I realized that it just wasn't working for me. My skin was actually breaking out more {the exact opposite of what the Acne Stress Control line promised!} and my skin simply felt terrible.
About a year ago, I switched back to Clinque's 3-Step Skincare System, and I couldn't be happier with my choice. In case you're not familiar with Clinque's system, let me show you!
As you could probably tell by the name, there are three steps to this routine, which are cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Also, the awesome thing about Clinque's system is that there are different formulas for each product that are designed for a particular skin type. They organize these formulas by numbers. 1 is for very dry to dry skin, 2 is for dry combination skin, 3 is for combination oily skin, and 4 is for oily skin.
So, the first step is cleansing. You have the choice of a liquid facial soap, or a facial soap bar. The cleansers are available in formulas 1-4. Personally, I prefer the liquid soap, as I find the pump to be a rather convenient time saver. The cleanser is great in my opinion. It cleans my face thoroughly, but gently, and never leaves my skin feeling taut or dry.
Next up is the toner. This helps to sweep away any excess dirt {although with how great the cleanser is, I find there is hardly ever any excess dirt to clean up!}, excess oil, and flaky skin. It also helps to tighten up your pores. Clinique calls their toner a Clarifying Lotion. I think it's the best astringent you can buy because it does it's job well and it never, ever burns or stings. The Clarifying Lotions are available in formulas 1-4 as well as a special mild formula specifically created for very dry skin.
Last, but certainly not least, is the moisturizer. Clinique is actually very well-known for their moisturizer, and for good reason. It's honestly the only moisturizer I have and ever will use. Even when I was on the Acne Stress Control line, I still used Clinique moisturizer. It comes in two formulas: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. The Lotion is designed for skin types 1 and 2, while the Gel is designed for types 3 and 4. I personally use the Gel formula, because I have type 3 skin, but I know other people who use the Lotion. Regardless of formula or skin type, there is definitely a general consensus that Clinique moisturizers are nothing short of amazing. I seriously cannot rave enough about them!
If you have acne-prone skin, Clinique also has a 3-Step System designed specially for you! It includes everything above, but each product has preventative and healing acne medication. I have used that system as well, and I find it to be very effective. I have combination/oily skin, so I usually just stick with the formula 3 now. However, I do still struggle with acne {it's definitely not as bad as when I was younger, though!}, and I find that the traditional formulas do just fine at keeping the breakouts at bay!
I hope you enjoyed this post! Clinique is one of my favorite brands, and I honestly believe that they have an amazing quality skin care line. They also have a ton of other awesome products, too, so definitely check them out! Just as an FYI, this was not a sponsored post. I just have a great love for these products. =)
I plan on posting my entire skincare routine soon, and other tips and tricks as well! Until then, I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! See you soon!
xoxo
