The 3 step saga (Clinique 3-Step Skin System)

Member Name: coco&yoyo

Product:	Clinique 3-Step Skin System
Date:	03/09/03 (1350 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: products last some time, the dramatically different moisturiser is ok, good for teen skin?

Disadvantages: a load of rubbish, clinique marketing ploy, strips skin

~Introduction~

This 1960's 3 step is what gives Clinique the bad name it has with industry professionals and savvy beauty addicts. The special 'system' is basically a routine of totally stripping and then greasily replenishing your skin. If you are left with anything that resembles normal skin at the end of this saga, you are one of the lucky ones. You could use paint stripper and sunflower oil and your skin would still look great! Actually, that isn't a bad comparison. . .

~The packaging~

*The soaps are hard-milled and pretty huge. They look nice. Modern (ironically). They differ in colour (white - extra mild, yellow – mild, oily – beige) but are big and bold and stamped with the Clinique sign of quality (ahem).

*The Clarifying lotions also differ in colour and come in two sizes. There are 5 options altogether – Mild, 1, 2, 3 , and 4. The mild doesn't come in the large size, which is a bit stupid considering it is the only one that should come in a large size, or be sold at all in my opinion.

*The Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion comes in a plastic square bottle of 30ml or 50mls and is yellow.
All Clinique packaging is no-nonsense and looks retro, although that is more to do with the fact these actually ARE products from the 60's!

~The Products~

*Firstly, the soaps. I have tried the extra mild and the mild. Neither are much to get excited over. The extra mild is more creamy but doesn't remove make-up as well (and some complain it gives them spots), and the mild is drying and a slightly abrasive lather. Both made my face itch. They last for ages. You can get sample packets that will last you a good month, so if you are thinking of trying this system PLEASE take advantage of the freebies at the counter. Tell the SA you are thinking of changing your skincare regimen but are prone to allergy- they'll happily sort you out with a mini-3 St
>ep.

*Next, the horrific Clarifying Lotion. This is the key to the "famous Clinique glow". It is an exfoliator that basically takes your face off. It is no secret that was it's job- it used to have acetone in it (so the wives tale goes). I can vouch that it is HARSH stuff that STRIPS. No.2 is minty and tingly, but soon becomes itchy and raw, and No.3 smells of paint stripper and does a similar job. It could melt plastic I swear! Of course your skin is going to glow! This reminds me of the Clean & Clear lotions I used at school, only even more offensive. I asked at varioius Clinique counters if they contained alcohol and got a 'No, a special sort of alcohol, well yes, sort of' from one and a 'Not alcohol, no' from the other. But it is obvious that they do contain a type of astringent and potent alcohol-esque ingredient and it is widely thought these are very chemical products. Except the mild clarifying lotion which the ladies at the counter loathe to recommend. It is actually quite good and, actually IS mild. It contains a 0.5% BHA (some people like to use about a 2% BHA product for exfoliating and skin-clearing properties) and is quite soothing. Not really for my sensitive skin, but it's quite nice. You will have to ask for it though because it won't be offered to you.

*Lastly, the Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. This is okay. It is nothing special and is certainly NOT for all skin types like Clinique claim- be careful if you have oily or acne prone skin. It is a bit greasy but adequately absorbent, and doesn't irritate my skin. I use it when I have very dry areas, and reach for it in the winter. It doesn't have an SPF, and really is a basic product, but it is worth trying a sample. It may agree with you! If you have oily skin Clinique have added some more recent oil-free products which are actually very good (I especially recommend the Oil-free moisture formula – known as 'skin
texture lot
ion' in the US) and the 'pore minimizer' has been getting good reviews.

~so~

I think Clinique should face the fact that this system of theirs is out-dated and unkind to all but the toughest of skins. They are stubbornly pushing it as the key to their line- and their line is actually very good, save this awful routine. More consumers will not buy what they are told to buy without questioning, and as we get more and more educated in skincare, it becomes more apparent that gentle routines are most effective to all skin conditions, even acne. When you try to get questions answered by the Clinique sales assistants on the real benefits of 3-Step, many seem to not be able to explain why we should use these products. 'Because you should' is the message. Until I get a proper answer other than 'because you should' I am leaving this system well alone.

Note: This 3-step has had an addition- the pre-cleanser cleanser. Now Clinique have decided you need to remove your make-up and the day's dirt with another product (which by the way they say not to use on the eyes- there is an additional product for that too). It will either be the Creamy Comforting Cleanser, the Rinse off foaming cleanser or the gel cleanser. Clinique say "When people ask us why we need an additional product to remove make-up, we say you don't go into the shower without removing your clothes". Purlease. . .

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