What Is Clinique?
Clinique is a skincare and beauty brand that’s all about keeping your skin happy and healthy. It’s part of the Estée Lauder Companies, a giant in the beauty world, and was born from a big idea in the 1960s. Back then, a Vogue beauty editor named Carol Phillips teamed up with dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich to shake up skincare. They wrote an article called “Can Great Skin Be Created?” which caught the eye of Evelyn Lauder, Estée Lauder’s daughter-in-law. This sparked the creation of Clinique, the world’s first dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested beauty brand.
Launched in 1968 at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, Clinique started with 117 products, including its famous 3-Step System. The brand’s mission? To offer safe, effective skincare tailored to different skin types, without fancy fragrances or harsh ingredients. Today, Clinique is sold in over 100 countries, with more than 22,000 consultants helping people find their perfect routine. Its focus on science and safety makes it a standout in the crowded beauty industry.
Why Choose Clinique Products?
With so many skincare brands out there, why pick Clinique? Here’s what sets it apart:
- Fragrance-Free & Allergy-Tested: Clinique products are free of perfumes, which can irritate sensitive skin. Every formula is tested 12 times on 600 people to ensure it’s safe.
- Dermatologist-Driven: Developed with skin experts, Clinique’s products tackle real concerns like acne, dryness, or dark spots with proven results.
- Customized for You: Whether your skin is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, Clinique has solutions designed for your needs.
- Trusted Globally: From Hollywood stars like Emilia Clarke (Clinique’s ambassador since 2020) to everyday users, Clinique has a loyal fanbase.
Clinique’s commitment to safety and science makes it ideal for anyone who wants glowing skin without the guesswork.
Most Popular Clinique Products
Clinique has a lineup of superstar products that beauty lovers swear by. Here’s a look at four must-haves, perfect for building your routine:
1. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
- What It Does: This lightweight gel-cream delivers 100 hours of hydration, even after washing your face. It’s oil-free and great for all skin types.
- Why It’s Loved: It sinks in fast, leaving skin soft and plump without feeling greasy. Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.
- Price: Around $40 for 50ml.
2. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
- What It Does: This serum brightens skin and reduces dark spots, sunspots, and acne scars in as little as 4 weeks.
- Why It’s Loved: It’s gentle yet effective, with ingredients like vitamin C to even out skin tone.
- Price: About $55 for 30ml.
3. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
- What It Does: This silky balm melts away makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without stripping your skin.
- Why It’s Loved: It turns into a lightweight oil when massaged in, making cleansing a breeze. Great for sensitive skin.
- Price: Around $36 for 125ml.
4. Clinique All About Eyes
- What It Does: This eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes.
- Why It’s Loved: Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, and it’s safe for contact lens wearers.
- Price: About $35 for 15ml.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture Surge 100H | All skin types | Long-lasting hydration | $40 (50ml) |
| Even Better Dark Spot Corrector | Uneven skin tone | Brightens dark spots | $55 (30ml) |
| Take The Day Off Balm | All skin types | Removes makeup gently | $36 (125ml) |
| All About Eyes | Eye concerns | Reduces puffiness & dark circles | $35 (15ml) |
Clinique Skincare Routine: Step-By-Step Guide
Great skin starts with a solid routine, and Clinique’s 3-Step System is the foundation. Here’s how to build a simple, effective routine using Clinique products:
Step 1: Cleanse
- Why: Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup, prepping your skin for other products.
- Product: Use Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap ($25) for a gentle, thorough cleanse. Wet your face, lather a small amount, and rinse off.
- Tip: Cleanse twice daily—morning and night.
Step 2: Exfoliate
- Why: Exfoliating sweeps away dead skin cells, making your skin smoother and brighter.
- Product: Try Clinique Clarifying Lotion ($20), available in versions for dry, oily, or combination skin. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing.
- Tip: Use twice a day, but start slowly if you have sensitive skin.
Step 3: Moisturize
- Why: Hydrates and locks in moisture to keep your skin soft and balanced.
- Product: Clinique Moisture Surge 100H ($30) is a fan favorite for all-day hydration. Apply a small amount to your face and neck.
- Tip: Use morning and night for best results.
Step 4: Targeted Treatments (Optional)
- Why: Addresses specific concerns like dark spots or acne.
- Product: Use Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector ($55) at night to brighten skin, or Acne Solutions Serum ($45) for breakouts.
- Tip: Apply serums after exfoliating but before moisturizing.
Sample Daily Routine:
- Morning: Cleanse (Facial Soap) → Exfoliate (Clarifying Lotion) → Moisturize (Moisture Surge) → Sunscreen (optional, e.g., Clinique SuperGlo SPF 28, $30).
- Night: Cleanse (Take The Day Off Balm) → Exfoliate (Clarifying Lotion) → Serum (Dark Spot Corrector) → Moisturize (Moisture Surge).
Benefits of Using Clinique Products
Clinique’s products are loved for more than just their pretty packaging. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your routine:
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: No fragrances or harsh chemicals mean less irritation, even for the most sensitive skin.
- Backed by Science: With 55+ years of dermatological research, Clinique’s formulas are tested to deliver results.
- Versatile Options: From acne to anti-aging, Clinique has products for every skin concern and age group.
- Quick Results: Many users see brighter, smoother skin in just a few weeks, thanks to gentle yet effective ingredients.
In 2024, Clinique teamed up with New York’s Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to research skin health, proving they’re still pushing the boundaries of skincare science.
How to Choose the Right Clinique Products for Your Skin Type
Not sure where to start? Clinique’s range is designed for every skin type. Here’s a buying guide to help you pick the best products:
For Dry Skin
- Concern: Tightness, flakiness, or rough patches.
- Products:
- Cleanser: Creamy All About Clean Rinse-Off Cleanser ($25)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion 1 ($20) for gentle exfoliation.
- Moisturizer: Moisture Surge 100H ($40)
- Extra: Moisture Surge Overnight Mask ($38) for intense hydration.
- Tip: Look for creamy, nourishing formulas to lock in moisture.
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
- Concern: Shine, clogged pores, or breakouts.
- Products:
- Cleanser: All About Clean Liquid Soap for Oily Skin ($25)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion 3 ($20) to control oil.
- Moisturizer: Dramatically Different Oil-Free Gel ($30)
- Extra: Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel ($15) for spot treatment.
- Tip: Choose oil-free products with salicylic acid to keep pores clear.
For Combination Skin
- Concern: Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but dry cheeks.
- Products:
- Cleanser: All About Clean Liquid Soap for Combo Skin ($25)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion 2 ($20)
- Moisturizer: Moisture Surge 72H ($35)
- Extra: Even Better Moisturizer ($30) for balanced hydration.
- Tip: Use lighter products on oily areas and richer ones on dry spots.
For Aging or Sensitive Skin
- Concern: Fine lines, redness, or sensitivity.
- Products:
- Cleanser: Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($36)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion for Sensitive Skin ($20)
- Moisturizer: Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Cream ($60)
- Extra: All About Eyes ($35) for delicate eye areas.
- Tip: Opt for gentle, anti-aging formulas with peptides or retinol.
| Skin Type | Cleanser | Exfoliation | Moisturizer | Extra Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Rinse-Off Cleanser | Clarifying Lotion 1 | Moisture Surge 100H | Overnight Mask |
| Oily/Acne | Liquid Soap (Oily) | Clarifying Lotion 3 | Oil-Free Gel | Acne Clearing Gel |
| Combination | Liquid Soap (Combo) | Clarifying Lotion 2 | Moisture Surge 72H | Even Better Moisturizer |
| Aging/Sensitive | Take The Day Off Balm | Clarifying Lotion (Sensitive) | Smart Repair Cream | All About Eyes |
Buying Tips
What Is Clinique?
Clinique is a skincare and beauty brand that’s all about keeping your skin happy and healthy. It’s part of the Estée Lauder Companies, a giant in the beauty world, and was born from a big idea in the 1960s. Back then, a Vogue beauty editor named Carol Phillips teamed up with dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich to shake up skincare. They wrote an article called “Can Great Skin Be Created?” which caught the eye of Evelyn Lauder, Estée Lauder’s daughter-in-law. This sparked the creation of Clinique, the world’s first dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested beauty brand.
Launched in 1968 at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, Clinique started with 117 products, including its famous 3-Step System. The brand’s mission? To offer safe, effective skincare tailored to different skin types, without fancy fragrances or harsh ingredients. Today, Clinique is sold in over 100 countries, with more than 22,000 consultants helping people find their perfect routine. Its focus on science and safety makes it a standout in the crowded beauty industry.
Why Choose Clinique Products?
With so many skincare brands out there, why pick Clinique? Here’s what sets it apart:
- Fragrance-Free & Allergy-Tested: Clinique products are free of perfumes, which can irritate sensitive skin. Every formula is tested 12 times on 600 people to ensure it’s safe.
- Dermatologist-Driven: Developed with skin experts, Clinique’s products tackle real concerns like acne, dryness, or dark spots with proven results.
- Customized for You: Whether your skin is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, Clinique has solutions designed for your needs.
- Trusted Globally: From Hollywood stars like Emilia Clarke (Clinique’s ambassador since 2020) to everyday users, Clinique has a loyal fanbase.
Clinique’s commitment to safety and science makes it ideal for anyone who wants glowing skin without the guesswork.
Most Popular Clinique Products
Clinique has a lineup of superstar products that beauty lovers swear by. Here’s a look at four must-haves, perfect for building your routine:
1. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
- What It Does: This lightweight gel-cream delivers 100 hours of hydration, even after washing your face. It’s oil-free and great for all skin types.
- Why It’s Loved: It sinks in fast, leaving skin soft and plump without feeling greasy. Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.
- Price: Around $40 for 50ml.
2. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
- What It Does: This serum brightens skin and reduces dark spots, sunspots, and acne scars in as little as 4 weeks.
- Why It’s Loved: It’s gentle yet effective, with ingredients like vitamin C to even out skin tone.
- Price: About $55 for 30ml.
3. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
- What It Does: This silky balm melts away makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without stripping your skin.
- Why It’s Loved: It turns into a lightweight oil when massaged in, making cleansing a breeze. Great for sensitive skin.
- Price: Around $36 for 125ml.
4. Clinique All About Eyes
- What It Does: This eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes.
- Why It’s Loved: Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, and it’s safe for contact lens wearers.
- Price: About $35 for 15ml.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture Surge 100H | All skin types | Long-lasting hydration | $40 (50ml) |
| Even Better Dark Spot Corrector | Uneven skin tone | Brightens dark spots | $55 (30ml) |
| Take The Day Off Balm | All skin types | Removes makeup gently | $36 (125ml) |
| All About Eyes | Eye concerns | Reduces puffiness & dark circles | $35 (15ml) |
Clinique Skincare Routine: Step-By-Step Guide
Great skin starts with a solid routine, and Clinique’s 3-Step System is the foundation. Here’s how to build a simple, effective routine using Clinique products:
Step 1: Cleanse
- Why: Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup, prepping your skin for other products.
- Product: Use Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap ($25) for a gentle, thorough cleanse. Wet your face, lather a small amount, and rinse off.
- Tip: Cleanse twice daily—morning and night.
Step 2: Exfoliate
- Why: Exfoliating sweeps away dead skin cells, making your skin smoother and brighter.
- Product: Try Clinique Clarifying Lotion ($20), available in versions for dry, oily, or combination skin. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing.
- Tip: Use twice a day, but start slowly if you have sensitive skin.
Step 3: Moisturize
- Why: Hydrates and locks in moisture to keep your skin soft and balanced.
- Product: Clinique Moisture Surge 100H ($30) is a fan favorite for all-day hydration. Apply a small amount to your face and neck.
- Tip: Use morning and night for best results.
Step 4: Targeted Treatments (Optional)
- Why: Addresses specific concerns like dark spots or acne.
- Product: Use Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector ($55) at night to brighten skin, or Acne Solutions Serum ($45) for breakouts.
- Tip: Apply serums after exfoliating but before moisturizing.
Sample Daily Routine:
- Morning: Cleanse (Facial Soap) → Exfoliate (Clarifying Lotion) → Moisturize (Moisture Surge) → Sunscreen (optional, e.g., Clinique SuperGlo SPF 28, $30).
- Night: Cleanse (Take The Day Off Balm) → Exfoliate (Clarifying Lotion) → Serum (Dark Spot Corrector) → Moisturize (Moisture Surge).
Benefits of Using Clinique Products
Clinique’s products are loved for more than just their pretty packaging. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your routine:
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: No fragrances or harsh chemicals mean less irritation, even for the most sensitive skin.
- Backed by Science: With 55+ years of dermatological research, Clinique’s formulas are tested to deliver results.
- Versatile Options: From acne to anti-aging, Clinique has products for every skin concern and age group.
- Quick Results: Many users see brighter, smoother skin in just a few weeks, thanks to gentle yet effective ingredients.
In 2024, Clinique teamed up with New York’s Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to research skin health, proving they’re still pushing the boundaries of skincare science.
How to Choose the Right Clinique Products for Your Skin Type
Not sure where to start? Clinique’s range is designed for every skin type. Here’s a buying guide to help you pick the best products:
For Dry Skin
- Concern: Tightness, flakiness, or rough patches.
- Products:
- Cleanser: Creamy All About Clean Rinse-Off Cleanser ($25)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion 1 ($20) for gentle exfoliation.
- Moisturizer: Moisture Surge 100H ($40)
- Extra: Moisture Surge Overnight Mask ($38) for intense hydration.
- Tip: Look for creamy, nourishing formulas to lock in moisture.
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
- Concern: Shine, clogged pores, or breakouts.
- Products:
- Cleanser: All About Clean Liquid Soap for Oily Skin ($25)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion 3 ($20) to control oil.
- Moisturizer: Dramatically Different Oil-Free Gel ($30)
- Extra: Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel ($15) for spot treatment.
- Tip: Choose oil-free products with salicylic acid to keep pores clear.
For Combination Skin
- Concern: Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but dry cheeks.
- Products:
- Cleanser: All About Clean Liquid Soap for Combo Skin ($25)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion 2 ($20)
- Moisturizer: Moisture Surge 72H ($35)
- Extra: Even Better Moisturizer ($30) for balanced hydration.
- Tip: Use lighter products on oily areas and richer ones on dry spots.
For Aging or Sensitive Skin
- Concern: Fine lines, redness, or sensitivity.
- Products:
- Cleanser: Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($36)
- Exfoliant: Clarifying Lotion for Sensitive Skin ($20)
- Moisturizer: Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Cream ($60)
- Extra: All About Eyes ($35) for delicate eye areas.
- Tip: Opt for gentle, anti-aging formulas with peptides or retinol.
| Skin Type | Cleanser | Exfoliation | Moisturizer | Extra Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Rinse-Off Cleanser | Clarifying Lotion 1 | Moisture Surge 100H | Overnight Mask |
| Oily/Acne | Liquid Soap (Oily) | Clarifying Lotion 3 | Oil-Free Gel | Acne Clearing Gel |
| Combination | Liquid Soap (Combo) | Clarifying Lotion 2 | Moisture Surge 72H | Even Better Moisturizer |
| Aging/Sensitive | Take The Day Off Balm | Clarifying Lotion (Sensitive) | Smart Repair Cream | All About Eyes |
Buying Tips
- Start Small: Try travel-size kits (e.g., Clinique’s 3-Step Set, ~$25) to test products.
- Check Skin Type: Visit Clinique’s website for their Skin Analysis Tool to confirm your skin type.
- Look for Bundles: Clinique’s “Better Together” bundles offer full-size products with free miniseries at a lower cost.
- Shop Smart: Buy during sales or use promo codes on sites like Clinique.com or Amazon Premium Beauty.
