About 6 months ago i purchased a 3-Step Clinique skincare regimen from Elder Beerman in my local mall. I wasn't sure what to think of it as none of this system claims to clear or control acne (they have an acne line specifically for that). So my assumption was since my skin is basically clear anyways, except for the occasional hormonal breakout, this should work okay for me.
According to the test i took online and at the Clinique counter, the products below are what suit my skin best. Above are photos of the backs of the labels so you can read more about them.
My Skin Type: I have combination-oily skin and i am sometimes acne prone in my t-zone. I typically only have hormonal breakouts during "that time of the month", lol.
Clinique Mild Facial Soap, $16.00
I started using this 2x per day as instructed, and even though i have oily skin, this "mild" facial soap STILL dried me out really bad. It could be because its new and my face needed to get accustomed to it, but idk. Now i only use it 1x per day instead and the results are a lot better. It comes with a convenient pump and because the bottle is slim i can stick it in the shower or on my vanity with no problems. One pump of this is more than enough to cover your whole face and it does lather really well. But as i said, it does dry me out a little and give me some tightness on my face which i don't like. I suspect one bottle of this to last me roughly 4 months.
Clinique #3 Clarifying Lotion, $12.50
Other than the moisturizing gel, this is by far my favorite product of the 3-Step system. This toner, called a "clarifying lotion", cleanses pores, removes dirt & oil, AND exfoliates at the same time. Not sure how but it definitely removed skin build-up and any flakiness. Its also very gentle but effective at the same time. I don't notice any strong scent, just your typical toner smell i guess. I use this 2x per day (morning and night) after i cleanse my face. I put a cotton ball on the top and simply tip the bottle upside down to allow some of the product to soak into the cotton ball. I then wipe my face with it and thoroughly as i can. Im really pleased with this toner and because its only $12.50 for a HUGE bottle i will continue to repurchase this. Lasts forever!
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $24.50
This is the gel, not the lotion (yes there are two). It is more sited towards oily skin tones and I have to say i really love this stuff! It has a sort of light minty scent that fades very quickly and for the first couple minutes my skin is a tad sticky then once the gel soaks in its very soft and smooth. This is the most expensive of the entire 3-Step system, but the most useful in my opinion. Not to mention it takes me ½ a pea-sized amount for my ENTIRE face! Its crazy just how little you actually need. As i said ive been using this for 6 months (every morning) and i still have about 45% of my bottle left.
Overall i guess im pretty pleased with this 3-step system, but i do have to admit it doesnt really control my oily face it just keeps it clear and blemish free. My face still gets pretty oily. And my only disappointment is the Mild Facial Soap. Although its meant for dry-normal skin (and as i said, mine is oily) it still dried me out really bad so i would hate to see what it would do to someone with dry skin already! I still use my beloved LUSH Angels On Bare Skin cleanser in the mornings because it has never failed me and i use the Clarifying Lotion #3 and Moisturizing Gel after it also. At night i use the full 3-Step Clinique system.
All together the three products will cost you about $53 every 3-4 months which isn't too bad for me considering i used to pay $60 every 2 months for Proaciv. Im actually saving myself money by using Clinique AND it'll last longer.
