My Honest Clinique Review

Clinique has been around for decades, long before social media turned skincare into a viral moment. However, despite the fact that my mother always kept the bathroom stocked with Clinique products, I haven't used their formulas since my preteen years. I dropped my skincare routine after my acne cleared up and didn't think about Clinique again--until now.

Ulta always has free Clinique samples in stock, so with this in mind, it seemed like the perfect time to write an honest, non-sponsored Clinique review. I should mention that I used each product individually without layering, and my oily skin might have affected my experience. Fortunately, Clinique has products for a diverse range of skin types, so don't be afraid to visit Ulta and grab some samples of your own.

What is Clinique?

In 1968, dermatologist Norman Orentreich launched Clinique to make healthy skin accessible to everyone, including people with allergies or fragrance sensitivities. Since its inception, Clinique has performed nearly 6 million allergen tests on its products before releasing them to the public. The Clinique line includes makeup, fragrances, skincare and gift sets for women and men.

Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum

Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum aims to brighten and exfoliate your skin with a formula that includes vitamin C, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. You'll apply a few drops twice a day as part of your regular skincare routine. This product may increase sensitivity, so make sure you wear sunscreen after use.

The milky formula had a sweet chemical smell that reminded me of glazed doughnuts. Shortly after application, my pores were less visible and my skin had a professional, cohesive look. For the rest of the day, my face had a clean, dewy glow. The only downside is that the surface felt a little stiff, not plump and moisturized like I'd expected.

While the lack of hydration was disappointing, this product mostly fulfilled its promises. It's a great way to give your skin a healthy glow in the morning--and, since you don't have to rinse it off, application is a breeze. Plus, you don't need to use much, so your bottle will probably last a while.

Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

With a blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe bioferment and hyaluronic acid, Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is your source for intense hydration. You can apply this product twice a day, use it as a face mask or apply it over your makeup for a quick highlighter.

I decided to use this formula as a face mask for maximum benefits. The gel-like texture spread easily across my face and clung to my skin without dripping. After I rinsed off the mask, I immediately noticed my skin's clean, smooth appearance, cushiony texture and reduced pore visibility--all the benefits that I needed.

I expected the effects to wear off overnight, but the next morning, my face still looked clean and fresh with a consistent skin tone and nearly invisible pores. This was the best my face had looked in a while, and it only took five minutes for the mask to refresh my skin. The price is also reasonable, although it doesn't hurt to grab a sample at Ulta or Sephora first.

7 Day Scrub Cream

7 Day Scrub Cream exfoliates your skin with silica, supposedly making it gentle enough to use every day. You'll start by using this product 2-3 times a week, then gradually advance to daily use. For best results, you'll massage it into your skin after removing your makeup and rinse it off.

Despite the "gentle" claims, this lotion's abrasive texture stung a little when I rubbed it into my skin. Afterward, my face felt sensitive. However, my skin also had a plush, cushiony texture with less redness and reduced pore visibility, so I'd say the formula did its job. Still, I'd recommend following the website's instructions and taking it slow.

All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap

When I picked up a sample of All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap at a department store, the employee gave me a tip that she'd learned in beauty school: never use bar soap on your face because it will clog your pores. This cleanser's gel-like formula may offer a safe, noncomedogenic alternative, with aloe and plant extracts included for nourishment.

All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap comes in three varieties: Extra Mild, Mild and Oily Skin. Each blend includes a unique set of ingredients, such as caffeine, olive oil and saw palmetto extract, that treat your skin's needs. If you're not sure what you need, I recommend talking to a store employee before making a purchase.

Back at home, the gel produced a mild lather when I rubbed it on my face. Once I rinsed it off, my skin felt cool, smooth and refreshed as if I'd just removed a cooling face mask. The formula also relieved redness and irritation while decreasing the size of my pores. Clearly, I hadn't realized how much gunk had built up on my face until I tried this product.

Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm uses safflower seed oil to dissolve makeup and remove excess oils. The formula also includes linoleic acid, which may nourish your skin, eyebrows and lashes. To use, you'll apply this balm at the start of your nighttime routine.

This product's thick, waxy texture reminded me of LUSH products, making it a delight to use. Once I'd applied the balm, my foundation came off easily as I wiped my face with a damp cloth. Afterward, my skin had a pillowy, satin texture, implying that the balm had hydrated the surface.

I don't think this is the most essential product in the Clinique line, but the balm helps you remove your makeup and get some nourishment along the way. If you don't mind the extra step, this balm is a decent addition to your evening regimen.

Clarifying Lotion 4

Clarifying Lotion 4 uses salicylic acid and witch hazel to exfoliate your skin, reduce oil and unclog your pores. This version is for people like me with excess oiliness, but Clinique also sells Clarifying Lotions for dry and combination skin. You'll apply this lotion twice a day with a cotton ball.

Unlike the lotion-like products in this article, this formula had a thin, runny formula that made the sponge or cotton ball non-negotiable. After application, I could see the benefits immediately: my skin tone was more even, and the sheen and oiliness had almost disappeared. I did see some redness, but it quickly faded.

If you have excess oils, Clarifying Lotion is a good way to cleanse your pores without drying out your face. The Clinique website recommends using this lotion after applying a cleanser to remove pollution, dirt, grime and dead skin flakes.

Overall Verdict

My experience had a few hiccups, but for the most part, Clinique was a decent brand that lived up to its promises. The cleansers kept my skin clear and refreshed, and the lotions added moisture, reduced oiliness and gave my skin a healthy glow. Plus, the prices aren't too outrageous, so you can try Clinique without blowing your budget.

Is Clinique part of your beauty routine? If not, what's your favorite brand to use? Let me know in the comments.