I was lucky that at the age of 15 or 16 my mother introduced me to the wonders of Clinique. It was not so much for the makeup, but for the skincare products to wash and moisturize with.
Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's as a teenager, my mom wore what every other girl at the sock hop was wearing - CoverGirl - and she loved it. My mom's makeup always looked fresh and neat, that is, until she had three kids and her skin began to change. More and more, she noticed sensitivities appear in the form of itchiness and blotchiness. It was embarrassing for her because she always took great pride in her skin and makeup. Her primary physician recommended a visit to a dermatologist and that changed everything. The dermatologist told her that it was the newer artificial ingredients in over-the-counter drugstore bought makeup that was causing her discomfort. She recommended she try Clinique, a makeup formulated to be 100% allergy free, and see if her skin issues could resolve.
Within a few days, my mom visited the counter at a local department store and started on her regimen that is widely known as the Clinique 3-Step - cleanse, clarify and moisturize. After a couple weeks, my mom fell in love with Clinique and began to love her skin again. Not only did she use the the skincare line, but she also switched to the Clinique makeup.
So, when I was teenager and started to experiment with makeup, my mom asked me if I would like to try Clinique - and that she would buy the products I needed. She explained that it would be worth it to start now and keep my skin looking young and bright without wasting gobs of cash on drugstore products I knew nothing about.
Fast forward 20 years and I am still using Clinique. I have never used anything else on my skin, except for a weak moment when I tried a sample Philosophy cleanser in a gift bag and broke out on my cheeks - awful, I tell you. I use the skincare and the makeup - right down the line. The best part is Bonus time - when you spend a certain $$ amount and receive a free bag of Clinique goodies. This is a great way to test new products and maybe discover something delightful.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to environmental allergies like me, try Clinique. The products are dermatologist made and tested and are 100% allergy free. The line is formulated for 4 distinct skin types - Very Dry, Dry, Dry-Combination, and Oily. Visit a Clinique counter and have them 'type' you skin. I recommend you go bare-faced to get the most accurate information. My biggest recommendation though is to find a Clinique specialist who has a 'look' similar to what you are trying to achieve - not only makeup, but overall style. Most Clinique specialist's have been good, but a few I found are just plain fabulous. Stick with whom you feel most comfortable and who listens to your needs and desires.
Take the leap and switch to the Clinique line. Try and see if you love it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
*My favorite newer product is the Even Better Skin Toning Corrector that I use every night after my 3-Step to help diminish sun spots and uneven skin tone. Holy cowzers, this product is amazing! My skin is brighter, smoother and even after 3 weeks of using it religiously. I am one happy girl!
Less is always more when it comes to makeup. (Except for that fancy night out in a fabulous dress for dinner and dancing!)
