Back to Basics- Clinique Skincare that just works

I’ve always held a special place in my heart for Clinique as a brand because it was the first makeup I ever used. When I got acne as a teenager, the Clinique counter was also my first stop to try and clear my skin up. Fast forward almost 20 years (yikes!) and I am still turning to Clinique when I need my skin to look great. As a blogger, I test out lots of different skincare and makeup products on a regular basis. But when my skin starts to freak out like it has lately, I go “back to basics” as I would call it and I dig out my trusty rusty cleansers, moisturizers, and serums to calm my complexion again. 

Clinique skincareRecently, Clinique came out with the new Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam and the new Sonic System Extra Gentle Cleansing Brush Head.  I had integrated some new Clinique exfoliators into my skincare routine about a month or so ago to brighten up my complexion so I was eager to test out something that promised to be gentle on my skin while I was cleansing. 

I have normal/dry skin and I wasn’t sure how much a gentle formula would do for me. The Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam is a very mild formula and works great in conjunction with Clinique’s Cleansing Brush. I’ve been using these together over the past month and I have noticed that my skin is feeling extra clean but not stripped of moisture with this combination. I have been removing my makeup with Bye Bye Makeup and then going in with the cleansing foam after. To use the cleansing foam, I pump one to two pumps into my hand and work into a rich lather. It’s velvety soft, non irritating, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry. 

I’ve always been really impressed by Clinique’s skincare formulas, and after working for them years ago I learned how stringent the requirements are that they follow when introducing any new product to the market. Everything they come out with is allergy tested. They don’t use any known allergens in their products, and they allergy test every product 12 times on 600 people. If even one of those 7,200 applications incites an allergic reaction, they start over. I’ve always found this fascinating and it’s definitely given me brand loyalty over the years knowing that they care so much about their customer base. 

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing BrushBack to the cleansing brush. The one pictured here is the one that comes with the Sonic System but the new one is white with no green. I do own it and have been using it but had forgotten to swap it out for this picture. The brush head is extra-soft and super gentle on my skin. The bristles are rounded which helps ensure the brush is gentle enough on the skin that it can be used daily by very dry and sensitive skin. I always have dry skin but my skin is a lot more sensitive during pregnancy, so these are features that make it perfect for me right now. The difference between using your hands to wash your face and a brush like this one is that you get a much deeper clean. When I use my #2 toner afterwards I always find the cotton ball is cleaner when I have been using a cleansing brush than when I hand wash alone. 

Clinique liquid facial soap extra mildOccasionally I will use Clinique’s Liquid Facial Soap Extra- Mild just for a change up but I’ve mostly been a foam cleanser girl for the past month or so! I really like the way the foam feels with the brush, but if I don’t use the brush for a day or two sometimes I feel like doing a total change up and I use the liquid soap. I had written in my March Beauty Buys post that I bought two new exfoliators and I’m alternating using those as well. Aside from cleansing like it’s going out of style, I have also been using this new product from Kiehl’s that I will be sharing with y’all soon and the new It Cosmetics moisturizer. That about sums up my recent skincare routine! Trying to get rid of acne, dullness, and dryness is the name of the game over in these parts.

What do you use for skincare? Have you tried any of these products by Clinique? I’m really enjoying them! 

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11 comments

  1. 5.2.16

    Clinique was my first “real” skincare brand too, and I have a soft spot for it as well. I tried their cleansing balm recently but to was too thick for me. Nevertheless, they still have so many impressive products. I didn’t know they had a cleansing brush. Cool

  2. 5.2.16
    Erika said:

    I need to try Clinique’s skin care, some time. I read raves.

  3. 5.2.16

    Glad Clinique works for you, I used to use it when I was your age.

  4. 5.2.16

    Clinique is such a classic brand – I actually used to use their products when I was a bit younger!

  5. 5.2.16
    MarciaF said:

    I spent a fortune at Clinique when I started using skincare. I lived for the gwp since it was the only way I could get new makeup too. Those were the days. I still have the toner #2 in my collection.

  6. 5.2.16

    I agree with you. Everyone starts w/ Clinique. It’s nice to revisit this brand sometime in the future

  7. 5.2.16

    I haven’t purchased Clinique in awhile! This was one of my first “real” skincare brands. I need to go back and try them again after all these years

  8. 5.3.16
    Mai said:

    I remember using Clinique early on when I was first introduced to skincare too and my mom continues to swear by it!

  9. 5.3.16
    Renu said:

    I used to love the Clinique three-step system when I first got into skincare. That brush looks interesting!

  10. 5.3.16

    Clinique was the first prestige skincare system I used, too, when I was in my 20s. I’ve kept their 7 day scrub in my travel bag forever – it’s like a spa vacay for my face! I recently discovered their sonic cleanser, and though it’s made to be used with their sonic brush, I love it with my Foreo Luna.

  11. 5.3.16
    Anastasia said:

    I used to love Clinique products! Back in the day buying their 3-step system was a no-brainer for someone who has no idea what skincare products to buy.

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