Clinique
 

Clinique makeup stands out from the crowd because of the gentle way it goes on. All of its products are developed by dermatologists to be allergen and fragrance free and they contain ingredients that will generally not irritate even the most delicate skin. Most of Clinique’s eye makeup and mascara products are also tested by an ophthalmologist to ensure that they are safe for woman who wear contacts or have sensitive eyes. The Lash Doubling Mascara goes on quickly while amplifying eyelashes for women who want thicker lashes and is a perfect compliment to Quickliner, the automatic eyeliner pencil available in fifteen colors.

Clinique also offers over a dozen types of lipstick. But rather than just look pretty, these products have a job to do—many contain sunscreen or extra moisturizers for dry lips.

Fragrances continue to be big seller for the cosmetic giant. Aromatics Elixir is a stronger scent made of jasmine and Ylang Ylang which comes in a perfume and body lotions. The more recent development of Happy perfume offers a lighter scent based in fruits and flowers. Happy’s popularity has spawned other offers in the same series with Happy Heart, Happy to Be, and Happy in Bloom, each with a different balance of softer scents. The company also developed a Happy for Men, which comes in a cologne and aftershave balm.

Clinique’s Three Step System

Unlike many other cosmetic companies that focus mainly on makeup and styling products, Clinique believes beauty begins with clear and healthy skin. The skin company is famous for the three step skin care  system that is customized according to skin type and needs. The program promises to make skin clearer in about two weeks.

Step 1: Cleansing

Starting with the traditional gentle bar soap or a liquid soap in a pump that gently cleanses while keeping the skin’s natural oils in place, the first step is cleansing. The soap comes in formulas for normal, oily, and dry skin types and is gentle enough to use twice a day.

Step 2: Exfoliating

The unique Clarifying Lotion works as an exfoliant without the grit or harsh scratching. The lotion goes on like an astringent and leaves no tacky residue like other face lotions. Instead, the liquid removes dead skin and brings new, healthier skin to the surface. Clarifying Lotion comes in four strengths from normal to oily and also has a mild version for sensitive skin.

Step 3: Moisturizing

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion completes the three step process by locking in moisture to enhance skin tone and texture. Although the lotion can be used on dry, combination, or oily skin, the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is an alternative for women with oily-prone skin.

Men’s Cosmetics

Clinique makeup is no longer just for women who want to pamper themselves—men can enjoy the same benefits with skin care products developed specifically for their skin. Body washes, eye moisturizers, and face lotions aggressively work on men’s tough skin while getting in deep to clean out pores. Of course, to still any fears men may have about using “makeup,” the smart folks at Clinique packaged it all in stylish black and grey bottles to avoid any confusion with their more feminine products. They also offer a complete line of shaving products and skin cologne.

How to Purchase

Clinique is carried in many of the finest department stores across the country including Macys, Bloomingdales, Bon-Ton, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Each makeup counter is staffed by trained makeup artists who can help you pick out the perfect shades of Clinique makeup and skin-care formulas for your needs. Several times throughout the year, they offer bonuses when you receive free makeup samples for purchasing certain products. The Clinique makeup artists are also available for makeovers, but check their availability first.