Back to basics of beautiful skin
by Trixie Reyna, Managing EditorGot nothing better to do while waiting for a friend in a mall? Get a skin consultation.
That’s what I did last time I was killing time by window shopping. I went to visit the Clinique counter in Rustan’s Makati just to check out their latest products, and one of their consultants invited me to sit down for a skin consultation. And those mere few minutes of my weekend changed the way I looked about skincare.
With all the skincare and cosmetic products being offered in the market these days, it’s easy to be tempted to try them all, especially with promises of smoother, fairer, or younger-looking skin—or all of these, in fact.
Some of them work for us, but admit it: a lot of them don’t. This doesn’t mean these products don’t really make good on their promise—maybe they really are just not suited for our skin type. And maybe we are using too many, when in fact, we really must stick to the basics of skincare: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize. After all, when you’ve nailed beautiful, flawless skin, who would want to cover it up with too much makeup, right?
Josie, the consultant, asked very specific questions about my skin, like where I break out, what portions are oily, and where I have big pores. She then gave a skincare evaluation that helped me learn more about my skin condition and what products I really needed.
After the skin Q &A, she explained my skin condition in detail then gave me a Number (3), which represents my skin type: combination/oily skin. It has corresponding Clinique skin care products: Liquid Facial Soap (oily skin formula), for cleansing, Clarifying Lotion #2 (since I have sensitive skin) to exfoliate and tone, and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (P2,300 for 125 ml), which is really the best for oily skin, to moisturize with. The best part? She gave me samples of these.
I don’t think I can do without those three products now, and when you try them, you’d know what I mean. The Liquid Facial Soap (P1,200 for 200ml) cleanses and removes oil from my skin without drying it. The Clarifying Lotion (P1,100 for 200ml), meanwhile, is supposedly the difference-maker in this 3-step since it unclogs pores, controls shine, and makes skin brighter. I don’t normally use toning or exfoliating products on my very sensitive skin, but I’m making an exception for this one.
Josie did a tape test, where I saw dead skin cells on the tape from my un-exfoliated hand, while there was none on the other hand she applied the Clarifying Lotion to. I was amazed. I also noticed how it made my skin absorb the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel better. The latter felt so light and smooth, and unlike other moisturizers, it did not leave a greasy film. It had a soft, smooth finish.
After two weeks of using the products twice daily, I saw a great improvement on my complexion! It’s perfect for my extremely sensitive skin. My pimples lessened significantly, the texture of my skin became smoother and softer than I ever remember it being, and my face looked less stressed and sallow, too. It’s a great investment.
But don’t take my word for it. Head to a Clinique counter (I suggest you go to Rustan’s Makati) and get a skin consultation. Then click here to see an ongoing promo in FemaleNetwork for a chance to win P5,000 worth of custom-fit Clinique products.
Clinique is available in Rustan’s Department Store and Essences.
May 9th, 2009 at 5:03 am
Question: How does it compare to VMVHypoallergenics? I mean, where’s the research?
May 10th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Hi, Aina Luna,
I haven’t personally tried VMVHypoallergenics’ equivalent of Clinique’s 3-Step, if we want to call it that. This post is based on my experience with Clinique–something I’m happy about considering my extremely sensitive skin. This is most probably because Clinique products are allergy tested (as VMV’s probably are, too). I learned they test all products on hundreds of women, and if even one of them reacts negatively to it, then they discard that product and come up with a new formulation.
As I said, everyone can experience it for themselves, too, by visiting the Clinique counter for a consultation. Please do try it for yourself (print out the article in femalenetwork’s Style section, so you can get your free samples).
Regards,
Trixie
May 10th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Thanks, Trixie. I was so curious that after I posted my reply, I went on Clinique’s website and started a live chat with one of their representatives.
I didn’t get encouraging answers to my questions, unfortunately.
I asked if they, like VMV, also did in-vivo and in-vitro tests and they didn’t know.
I also asked if their products were non-comedogenic and he just kept repeating that they test their products on 600 individuals (didn’t say if these were blind, double-blind, etc.) and he couldn’t say if any of their studies have been published (like VMV’s have). =(
I have to admit, though, that Clinique’s makeup is a bit more interesting than VMV’s in terms of range of color, texture, blend-ability, glosses, blushes, etc.
They gave me a purse-full of samples with their blush, lipgloss, mascara, etc. when I bought two bottles of Clinique Happy years ago and they were pretty good.
But then again, your post is about skin regimens and consultations, not about makeup.
I’m glad you shared this news with us readers, but personally, I would have gone that extra mile with regards to research to find out about any competitors Clinique may have (after your trip to the mall) and try them out.
VMV also gives skin consultations (http://www.vmvskincentre.com) and you can try them out, too.
I say this not as a finicky customer or a hater; I say this because, like you and so many other men and women out there, my skin is sensitive and is in need of special care. We, as consumers, have the right to be informed and educated by these brands. Our skin is the largest organ of our body so we need to take good care of it.
I’m also a bit wary of the free samples. I tried Jurlique’s and thought it was pretty good until I realized I was breaking out alot weeks later. When I went back to just using VMV, I cleared up in less than a week.
Just to make sure it wasn’t some kind of fluke, I tried Jurlique’s face exfoliant *once* again – I broke out immediately and very badly. Three days of using VMV again and my skin is much, much better.
So, based on my emails and chats with Clinique and on my experience with VMV, I think I’ll just stick to VMV when it comes to my daily regimen. I will, however, give Clinique’s makeup line a try.
Thanks again, Trixie and the rest of Shopcrazy. You guys are great!
May 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Thanks, too!
We here at ShopCrazy just suggest products you might like to try, given their merits, but personally, once you’ve found what works for you, you really ought to stick to that. And it’s good that you have.
May 11th, 2009 at 7:09 am
would love to try them but can’t print the article. please help. thanks!
May 11th, 2009 at 8:42 am
me too, I have problem printing the article!
May 11th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Please check your browser’s settings. Go to the “File” tab at the top of your browser, then click on “Print Preview.” You should be able to print it from there.
May 12th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Hi aina,
hope I helped
Clinique makeup are noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic,some are even Nonacnegenic. I’m not really sure of their skincare line.
I have been using clinique makeup for years and they are good I’m acne prone and have oily skin on my tzone. Proactiv was the only product that controlled my breakouts n I’ve been using it for 4yrs now. And I’m also on a no Pork diet for a year now, I still eat beef chicken fish. But just two months ago I’ve changed my diet eating less meat but more Fish n ate a bit healthier fruits greens took daily multivitamins and vitamin E daily and I’ve noticed my skin
changing for d better less oily and very very few breakouts. It
really is true that diet will change everything and the vitamin e
and proactiv helped too. Using noncomedogenic makeup helps too.
One needs to start from within, cleansing, eating less salty, and sugar laden foods and less meats. Drink multivitamins n vit E and
ul see results then ul see ur regular products working a lot better, if you’ve found a product that works on u stick to it
May 12th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
With regards to vmv their powder foundation makeup made my skin breakout. Their ARMADa line is very good though n didn’t made my skin breakout it’s really good n comfortable when worn.
hoped I helped
I use clinique powder foundation regularly, but now I’m currently using Mac studio fix also good much better coverage, I use Max factor liquid foundation now for all day affairs. Loreal mineral powder foundation but tends to get oily after 2hrs so I still put Mac over it. I use maybelline or clinique anti blemish concealer alternately, maybelline has better coverage
May 21st, 2009 at 9:00 am
[...] that provide you protection from both UV rays—any time of year. Since I am very happy with Clinique’s Three-Step skin care products, which suit my sensitive skin well, I decided to try their new Clinique Sun Care [...]
June 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am
[...] such brand that offers a comprehensive selection of foundation based on different skin types is Clinique. Check out our quick guide to choosing the right foundation based on your skin type after the [...]
June 11th, 2009 at 9:00 am
[...] moisturizer, particularly on irritated areas, morning and night after Clinique’s customized 3-Step Skin Care System, or use as needed. Avoid immediate eye [...]
July 20th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Hello, may i ask what should i need to use for my pores? honestly i have big pores on my face and i always shy to face people especially in some parties or social gathering because of it….do you have something to offer me regarding my big problem?..well, anyway this is my first time to hear about the Clinique..thanks.=)