My skin condition was rather bad before i started using Clinique 3 steps (Type 2). Main reason was due to stress and a change in my facial regime. I switched to Olay Total Effects foaming cleanser after finished using my Biotherm cleanser. The Olay Total Effects cleanser made my skin dry and my pores enlarged.
The Culprit
During the initial month, the 3 steps really helped regain my skin to its original condition. As i've mentioned
here, the only complain i have was that the moisturizing lotion is too oily (I have combination skin). Fastforwarding to week 14, i finished up the system 2 weeks ago and switched to my backup skincare.
1. Step 1: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap
My thoughts:
Did a good job as a cleanser but i was expecting more due to the price & hype from reviews. Perhaps a glowing face or smaller pores? I gotta admit that it leaves my skin clean, fresh and soft. However, my current cleanser (Olay Natural White healthy fairness foaming cleanser) is doing the same thing. And comparing the price, Olay can be bought at less than RM10 (100g) but a bottle of Clinique liquid facial soap is RM 78 (200ml).
Current Cleanser
Verdict: 3.8/5 ; I will go for Olay since it's doing the same job at lower price.
2. Step 2: Clinique Clarifying Lotion
My thoughts:
This has a strong sense of alcohol in it and it stings my face whenever i have pimples or cuts from eyebrow shaving. I'm pretty fine with the smell but some may find it unbearable. Like the cleanser, it did a good job as a toner for me. It helped my pore size to regain to their original size after my skin disaster. But i did not find it to further minimize them. Now i switched to Loreal White Perfect Whitening Toner, i find that Loreal is doing the same thing to my skin. It maintained my pore size and the better part is that it has whitening effect which i love!
I put my toner in the Anna Sui spray bottle for easy & fast application.
The smaller bottle is easier for traveling too!
Verdict: 3.5/5; If only it had further minimized my pores! =(
Anyway Loreal is a whole load cheaper too (Loreal 200ml RM 23 compared to Clinique 200ml RM 83)!
3. Step 3: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
My thoughts:
I dislike this lotion. It made my skin really oily and because of that, i never use it as a day lotion. I used it as a night lotion and again i don't see any 'dramatically different' changes in my skin. The only thing it did was to prevent my cheeks drying. I'm currently using my Biotherm White Detox Hydrating Milk Lotion as my night lotion (it was my day lotion). It's doing a better job and i prefer it due to its less oiliness and whitening effect.
Verdict: 2/5; I definitely need a new moisturizer after i'm done with my Biotherm as well. Will not repurchased the Clinique one again.
Overall:
I don't think i will repurchase this system again. I don't mind spending more money on skincare but i'm always expecting more results from higher end products and this system was only doing good and decent but not fantastic job.
xx