I used Clinique when I was in high school. And that was 20 years ago, no kidding. I mostly used their three-step skincare system. You know what I’m talking about: the bar of soap in the pale green dish, the purple toner, and the light yellow lotion.
I remember liking those products, but let’s face facts, I really just wanted the gift that came with it — usually a cosmetic bag with samples of makeup. I still have a few of the bags today and I still use them!
But I don’t recall really using Clinique since then. If I’m being 100% truthful, I have never even considered Clinique as a player in my makeup or skincare game.
However, the last few times I’ve gotten my hair done (I have a regular stylist at Ulta), the same woman, who works for Clinique, comes into the salon and offers samples of products.
From her, I’ve tried samples of Clinique’s Moisture Surge, Clinique Happy Body Cream, and their Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser.
I’ll start with the Clinique Moisture Surge. It’s more of a gel facial moisturizer and feels light when you put it on, but offers intense hydration. I’ve never been one to pay much attention to the moisturizer I use, but I put this to the test when I packed my two samples for my London trip.
London chilly wind be damned! This stuff kept my face flawless — seriously I had no wind burn, not even a spot of dry skin with this stuff. I have been using it morning and night ever since.
I tried out the Clinique Happy Body Cream on a random day after a bath and… I forgot how great Clinique Happy smells?!? Amirite? The body cream was not greasy and it is a pretty light orange color 🙂
Onto the Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser. I thought this was so cool because it comes individually wrapped, so I packed it in my carry-on and used it to wash my face during a layover on my way overseas.
Technically, you’re supposed to use it in the mornings, as it has Vitamin C in it and helps brighten the skin and reduce age spots. However, I just thought the powder aspect of this was so cool; haven’t seen anything like it.
So, when I made my little trek to the outlet mall over the Easter weekend, I wanted to check out more Clinique products.
Of course, I spotted the Moisture Surge first (it was on my list of things to buy), but I also saw the 7-Day System they put together surrounding the Fresh Pressed Powder Cleanser — it’s the cleanser packets plus a Vitamin C booster, and it promises to give brighter skin in just seven days.
Then, I started looking at all the products, and here’s what I took home: Pep-Start Hydrorush Moisturizer, Clinique Fit Workout Makeup, Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight, and their Foundation Buff Brush.
When I was sampling the Moisture Surge, I started looking up reviews online weeks ago and I came across the Pep-Start line. The entire line is packaged in bold, bright colors, and it includes an exfoliating cleanser, cleansing wipes, bubble mask, moisturizer, lip balm, eye cream, and a nighttime lip mask.
The Hydrorush Moisturizer has an SPF 20 and is free from fragrance, oil, and parabens. It’s a cream, but isn’t heavy… and I love it! I like a bit of a thicker face cream, at least right now, and this delivers. I’m excited to keep using it.
Ok, let’s talk about the Workout Makeup. I know the name alone is likely a little controversial, but… I used to always wear makeup to the gym. Not on purpose, but I’d be coming straight from work and just kept it on.
Now, I don’t wear makeup unless I have a meeting, so I’m always at yoga or dance sans makeup. I know this is totally fine and preferred by most people, but… I love makeup and I feel much more confident with it on.
Just a few days before seeing this Workout Makeup, I thought to myself, “I should get a tinted moisturizer or something” purposefully for workouts, just to give myself a little coverage. So, when I saw this on the shelf, I lunged for it and couldn’t get my hands on it fast enough.
There were four available shades and I got the lightest one (fair 02), and it has an SPF 40. I used it right away and am really enjoying it. It’s very light — almost seems water-based in texture. It offers medium coverage and really melts in with the skin so it doesn’t feel like you have anything on. I use this in combo with the Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlighter pre-yoga and I feel so much better.
If you’re not a makeup-at-the-gym gal, this would be good if you’re going to be outdoors, or maybe just for an option for the beach or a pool day.
It should be noted that Clinique has an ENTIRE LINE called Clinique Fit, which includes Post-Workout Moisturizer, 24-Hour Mascara, Workout + Go Dry Shampoo, Post-Workout Face and Body Wipes, Post-Workout Neutralizing Face Powder, Face and Body Hydrating Spray, and Lip and Cheek Flush.
All of these products are sweat-proof and said not to cause breakouts. I honestly wanted to buy every single thing — the dry shampoo is the fine powder type, and I’m a sucker for any face powder… but honestly I felt like many of these products were made for people who workout at lunch and go back to an office, or workout and then meet people for social events… and I do none of these things.
But I mean, I still might need to buy all of it. I just think the idea of it is so great!
Finally, I got the Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight — I love these types of things. They are great for travel and not only can you use it as a highlight, but you can also rub a little on your lids or under the brow. Heck, swipe a little on the lip if you’re feeling fresh.
I have been using the foundation brush to apply the Workout Makeup and buff it in, which has been working great. And then I wash the brush after every use because it’s one of the nicest brushes I’ve ever had!
There you have it — now I see you, Clinique. This post was NOT sponsored, but I will definitely be paying much more attention to this brand from now on. Do you use Clinique? I’d love to know what products you love so I can add them to my “to try” list!
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The Bitter Lemon 