Clinique Makeup Review: A Comprehensive Guide from a Beauty Enthusiast
As a longtime beauty lover, I‘ve tried my fair share of makeup brands over the years. But one brand I keep coming back to time and time again is Clinique. With over 50 years of experience creating high-quality, dermatologist-developed products, Clinique has earned its reputation as a leader in the beauty industry.
In this comprehensive Clinique makeup review, I‘ll be sharing my honest thoughts on the brand and diving deep into some of their most popular products. Whether you‘re a Clinique devotee or considering trying the brand for the first time, I hope this guide will help you make informed decisions about which products are worth the splurge. Let‘s get started!
About Clinique
Before we jump into the product reviews, let‘s take a quick look at Clinique‘s background. Clinique was founded in 1968 by the Estée Lauder Companies with a mission to create high-quality, fragrance-free skin care and makeup products that are safe for all skin types—even the most sensitive.
The brand was a pioneer in creating allergy-tested, dermatologist-developed formulas at a time when that was far from the norm in the beauty industry. Today, all Clinique products go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet the brand‘s strict safety and performance standards.
In addition to its commitment to creating safe, effective formulas, Clinique is also dedicated to sustainability. The brand has set a goal of having 100% of its packaging be recyclable, refillable, reusable, recycled or recoverable by 2025. Pretty impressive!
Clinique Makeup Products Review
Now, let‘s get into the good stuff—the products! Clinique offers a wide range of makeup items from foundations to mascaras to lipsticks and everything in between. I‘ve tried a good chunk of the line over the years, so I‘ll be focusing on the standout products that I think are worth the investment.
Foundations and Base Products
Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15
If you‘re looking for a foundation that will even out your skin tone and give you a natural, your-skin-but-better finish, look no further than the Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15. This liquid foundation comes in an impressive 56 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones.
The formula is lightweight yet buildable, so you can customize your coverage level. It contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to help brighten and hydrate the skin, as well as SPF 15 for added sun protection. I love how this foundation makes my skin look smooth and radiant without feeling heavy or cakey.
Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
For those days when you need a little more coverage, the Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer is a fantastic option. This 2-in-1 product provides full coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts all day long. The larger doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply the product directly to your skin, and the built-in concealer on the opposite end is perfect for spot-concealing blemishes or dark circles.
This foundation comes in 30 shades and has a lightweight, creamy texture that blends seamlessly into the skin. It‘s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin feeling hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.
Eye Makeup
High Impact Mascara
If you‘re looking for a mascara that will give you bold, dramatic lashes, the High Impact Mascara is a must-try. This bestselling mascara has a large, fluffy brush that coats every lash from root to tip, creating a full, voluminous look.
The formula is long-wearing and smudge-resistant, so you don‘t have to worry about midday touch-ups. I also appreciate that it doesn‘t flake or clump, even after multiple coats. The High Impact Mascara comes in both regular and waterproof formulas, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen
As someone who struggles with achieving a perfect cat eye, I was thrilled to discover the Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen. This felt-tip liner has a flexible, precision brush that makes it easy to create thin or thick lines with minimal effort.
The formula is intensely pigmented and quick-drying, so you don‘t have to worry about smudging or transferring. It‘s also long-wearing and won‘t budge until you‘re ready to remove it at the end of the day. If you‘re new to liquid liner or just want a foolproof option, the Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen is definitely worth checking out.
Lip Products
Pop Lip Colour + Primer
The Pop Lip Colour + Primer is a must-have for anyone who loves a bold, vibrant lip. This lipstick comes in a range of gorgeous shades from nudes to berries to reds, all with a creamy, satin finish.
What sets this lipstick apart is the built-in primer, which helps to smooth and hydrate your lips while also extending the wear time of the color. The formula is enriched with shea and murumuru butters to keep your lips feeling soft and nourished all day long.
Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm
For a more low-key lip option, the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm is a great choice. These twist-up lip balms come in a range of sheer, flattering shades that add a hint of color while also hydrating and conditioning your lips.
The Chubby Sticks have a smooth, buttery texture that glides on effortlessly and feels comfortable on the lips. They‘re perfect for everyday wear or when you want a more natural, understated look. Plus, the compact size makes them easy to throw in your purse or pocket for on-the-go touch-ups.
Other Face Products
Cheek Pop Blush
If you‘re looking to add a pop of color to your cheeks, the Cheek Pop Blush is a fantastic option. These powder blushes come in a range of flattering, natural-looking shades that blend seamlessly into the skin.
The formula is silky smooth and buildable, so you can customize your level of pigmentation. The blushes also have a subtle sheen that adds a healthy glow to your complexion without looking glittery or shimmery. I love how easy these are to apply and how long they last on my skin.
Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder
For those with oily or combination skin, a good setting powder is essential. The Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder is a cult-favorite for good reason. This oil-absorbing powder helps to control shine and keep your makeup in place all day long.
Despite its mattifying properties, the powder has a sheer, natural finish that doesn‘t look dry or cakey on the skin. It comes in a range of shades to suit different skin tones, and the compact size makes it perfect for touch-ups on the go.
Pros and Cons of Clinique Makeup
Now that we‘ve gone over some of the standout products from Clinique‘s makeup line, let‘s take a look at the overall pros and cons of the brand.
Pros:
– High-quality, dermatologist-developed formulas that are safe for sensitive skin
– Wide range of shades and options to suit different skin tones and types
– Long-wearing, high-performance products that deliver on their claims
– Commitment to sustainability with goals to reduce packaging waste
– Available at a wide range of retailers, both online and in-store
Cons:
– Some products can be on the pricier side compared to drugstore options
– May not have as many trendy or Instagram-worthy products as some other brands
– Some customers have reported issues with the brand‘s customer service and website
What Do Customers Think?
Of course, my opinion is just one perspective. To get a better sense of how Clinique‘s makeup products perform for different people, I scoured online reviews from the brand‘s website, Sephora, Ulta, and other retailers. Here‘s what I found:
Overall, Clinique‘s makeup products have very positive reviews from customers. On the brand‘s website, their best-selling products have thousands of reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher.
At Sephora, Clinique‘s foundations, mascaras, and lip products are consistently top-rated, with many products receiving 4-star ratings or above. Customers praise the brand for their high-quality formulas, wide shade ranges, and products that work well for sensitive skin.
There are a few negative reviews here and there, with some customers reporting that certain products didn‘t work well for their individual needs or preferences. However, these reviews are definitely in the minority compared to the overwhelming amount of positive feedback.
Where to Buy Clinique Makeup
Clinique products are widely available both online and in-stores. You can shop the full range of Clinique makeup on the brand‘s website, as well as at major beauty retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, and Macy‘s.
Many department stores like Dillard‘s and Bloomingdale‘s also carry Clinique products, as do some drugstores like Walgreens and Target. Prices are consistent across retailers, so you can shop wherever is most convenient for you.
Clinique Promotions and Discounts
Like most beauty brands, Clinique offers promotions and discounts from time to time. Here are a few ways you can save on your Clinique purchases:
- Sign up for the brand‘s email list to get 15% off your first order and be notified of future sales and promotions
- Check the "Offers" tab on the Clinique website for current promotions, gift with purchase offers, and promo codes
- Shop during major sale events like the Sephora VIB sale or Ulta‘s 21 Days of Beauty to get discounts on Clinique products
- Take advantage of free samples with your purchase to try out new products before committing to a full size
FAQs About Clinique Makeup
To wrap up this comprehensive guide, I wanted to answer a few common questions I see about Clinique makeup. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
Is Clinique makeup good for sensitive skin?
Yes, Clinique is known for creating makeup and skincare products that are safe for sensitive skin. All of their products are allergy-tested and free of fragrances, which can be irritating for some people. If you have sensitive skin, Clinique is definitely a brand worth checking out.
Is Clinique makeup non-comedogenic?
Most Clinique makeup products are non-comedogenic, meaning they won‘t clog your pores. This is especially important for people with acne-prone skin. However, it‘s always a good idea to check the individual product description or packaging to make sure.
Is Clinique cruelty-free?
Clinique is not cruelty-free, as they do test on animals when required by law. However, the brand does not test on animals in the US or EU and is committed to finding alternatives to animal testing. If being cruelty-free is a priority for you, there are many other brands that fit that criteria.
How long does Clinique makeup last?
The wear time of Clinique makeup products varies depending on the specific product and your individual skin type. However, in general, Clinique‘s foundations, mascaras, and lipsticks are known for being long-wearing and staying in place throughout the day.
The Bottom Line
Overall, I highly recommend giving Clinique makeup a try if you‘re looking for high-quality, dermatologist-developed products that deliver real results. While the brand may not be the most trendy or Instagram-worthy, their products consistently perform well and are loved by many for a reason.
Whether you‘re looking for a new foundation that will even out your skin tone, a mascara that will give you bold, voluminous lashes, or a lipstick that will stay put all day long, Clinique has options for you. And with the brand‘s commitment to sustainability and creating safe, effective formulas, you can feel good about supporting them.
I hope this comprehensive guide to Clinique makeup was helpful and informative. Do you have any favorite Clinique products? Let me know in the comments below!
