Clinique and other "proper" skin care regimes...

[Surprise]

I've always used Dove soap, followed by Boots own moisturiser. That's it. Mornings only, night times I do nothing. But over the past few months I've noticed that my skin is much dryer than it used to be (I'm early 40s)so thought perhaps I should invest in some decent skin care products. So the nice lady in Boots today sold me Clinique liquid soap, clarifying lotion and moisturiser, all small sizes, for £20. Is it worth it? Will I notice a difference? I also bought a new foundation as I needed some more but haven't tried that yet. Would just like anyone with experience of these sorts of products to convince me I'm doing the right thing!

You will notice a difference. I used to use Clinique and my skin was fabulous (I was only 20 at the time so that may have helped!).

I would definitely consider going back to it at some point but I'm currently having a love affair with Boots Protect and Perfect.

I would also recommend you think about eye cream of some sort.

I used the clinique 123 step routine a few years ago and really liked it - but I only buy it when it is on offer (or you get some fabulous free gift) so have only just bought some more the other day - have not tried it yet as have some other stuff to finish (plus the clinique lady gave me loads of free samples!)

I found it a faff. And you have to cleanse as well. Who's got time for that?

you're right shaz it is a bit of a faff - though the liz earle cleanse and polish is also rather faffy (although is really really good too)

Maybe if you want great results you have to put the effort in?

I tried Clinique years ago and hated it. Within a few hours of using it, I was full of spots. It obviously didn't suit me for some reason. I use the Liz Earle cleanser now and I quite like it.

I use clinique and am also in my 40's.I tend to use superdefence cream as is anti-aging,an eye cream[but at night i use almond oil with a few drops of lavender in].I think using an expensive cleanser is a bit of a waste of time so use aqueous cream followed by the liquid facial soap.I get told i look much younger than my age - most people think i am in my 30's[tho' maybe thats the fat padding out the wrinkles.I have no time to do tha clarifying thing as I would never get out of the door in the morning.

I have recently been a huge fan of Elemis but seemed to develop an allergy to it - my skin came out in hideous burning lumps This is a real sod as i spent a fortune on it! I don't know know whether to risk clinique..

I love skincare stuff and have tried loads over the years. I blame it on my mum being an Avon lady when I was little!

Clinique can be very harsh. Exp the clarifying toners. As you have bought it try it and see if you want.

I tend to agree that expensive cleansers are not necessary - Nivea, Garnier, Boots own, Simple ranges etc are just as good. In fact the Simple range got great reviews in papers a while ago when compared with more expensive brands. Olay also good. Or the Skin Wisdom range in Tesco.

I would say that at this stage you should think about a gentle facial wash if you like to wash your face. I have to say I don't feel clean if I don't wash my face with a wash and water. The Simple one is fine. Then rose water is great as recommended above. Nice and gentle and cheap. Then an eye cream for morning and night. A cream cleanser for night time, rose water afterwards and then a night cream.

I used Clinque but my skin gradually reacted over a few months and I had to see the Dr in the end.

Someone told me their products can be stringent and to try cleaning my sink with the toner - blimey it really shone!

I find Clinque great for cosmetics though.

Perhaps you just need a more intense ( and more expensive) moisturizer. My mother has fantastic skin - 60 and no lines. She has used Oil of Ulgy moisturizers. And that Boots Protection one gets raved about.

I tend to tnink clinique is worth it as I have been allergic to every single other brand i have tried.Now i have got to the stage/age where its easier not to experiment!.But if you don't have sensitive skin why not try some other brands?.I think it sounds as though you need a more nourishing regime if your skin is getting dry.

Find Clinique very drying although it didn't irritate my rather sensitive skin.

Now use Iseree, the Lidl stuff. Works wonders

i had a love hate relationship with clinique during my 20s, it seemed to suit my skin for a weeks and then i would be spotty and dry skinned at the same time. Have tried most brands and then discovered liz earl.....its the only brand i've bought several times, i've finally learnt to stick with what works and not dabble in the latest products. You can buy small trial sizes to see if it suits you.

Jewelsandgems I think you're right about the effort!

prefers sleep to scale-free skin

I use Clinique's dramatically different moisturiser which I find good. Don't bother with toner as I don't see the point and use a Bodyshop facial wash (the seaweed one). That's in the mornings, at night I just wash with warm water and put nothing on. If wearing make-up, I remove with baby or olive oil. The Clinique counter women would probably be horrified at my pick and mix approach but meh. I'm a bit wary of these systems where you can't just buy one product - think they're a bit of a marketing scam.

I just find the least I use, the better my skin is...and I'm a Clinique make up devotee, I've used it all over the yrs, always found the Clinique skin care range too harsh for my skin. I stick to olive oil now, not every night either at that.

Like mangoandlime I like Clinique makeup but not skincare. Too harsh and DD moisteriser brought me out in eczema.
I use Dermalogica special cleansing gel and microexfolient, and Clarins Bloody Expensive Super Restorative cream- it is truly wonderful.

Another Clarins Bloody Expensive fan here but it has an amazing feelgood factor about it. I think my skin is better for it. I'm not convinced TBH but I still keep buying it. Not keen on Clinique as if I'm going to spend ££££ I prefer a gorgeous smell (and all Clarins products smell divine)and even though I have sensitive skin and eczema, the perfume doesn't seem to be a problem.

Also with Clarins if you wait til the special offers you get some great freebies. And if I needed any more incentives - in John Lewis you can get a Clarins loyalty card and build up minutes to spend in the spa. They have me completely brainwashed.

I have used clinique in the past but never found products moisturising enough, have now discovered brand called murad - really excellent, has totally transformed my skin, no longer need to use foundation and mid priced.