While still in my twenties, I started using Clinique skin care products. However, after I reached my mid-thirties, other, more “glamorous” product lines enticed me away.
After Beautycounter closed the website and filed for bankruptcy last year, many of us were left searching for a replacement for our skin care products.
None of the brands I’ve experimented with in the past year have delivered the desired results. Some even caused new issues like breakouts and itchy flaking areas. Frustrated, I met with Robin, the Clinique counter manager at our local Belk store. She studied my skin, asked me several questions, and showed me the products that would address the dryness and redness I always experience in the dry winter air. Within two days, I knew I had found the right products. I’m still very pleased with the results, so I want to share what I’ve been using.
The products above are my routine year-round. The three products below are perfect for my dry winter skin but may be too heavy for use in the warmer months.
In the evening, I use Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm here to remove makeup, followed by the treatment steps outlined above.
I have always found Clinique to be a reliable product. This post makes me want to go in for a consult and see some of their newer products! I never leave comments, but just felt the need to say a big thank you for your blog. It has helped me save on making impulse purchases. Buying clothing just because they are located on a sale rack is no longer a temptation. I can now think, ” would Susan wear this?” Staying with the classics allows for fewer garments that can be worn for years. You are the best! Hugs from Texas!
What did you not like about the Lancome products you were using? I used Clinique as a younger woman also but switched to Lancome . I am concerned about the cost increase and not getting the desired
results from Lancome. I believe Clinique may be a cleaner product. Thank you.
I was getting small blister-like breakouts near my eye area and redness in my cheeks, but I haven’t experienced any of that with Clinique.
Hmmm…so interesting to see Clinique again. So many of us used it long ago. My skin is exactly like yours, and I’ve been struggling to find products that work for me. I’ll have to try your suggestions. Thank you for sharing.
I am a Clinique girl ! their skincare line is second to none!
Your skin looks great Susan. Do you use sunscreen and if so, where does that fit in with your regimen? Thank you
When hiking or otherwise spending much time in the sun, I use sunscreen and re-apply it after an hour. We may not use all of the products listed, but this is the order of application according to the “experts.” If you use a retinol product sun exposure is not recommended.
Step 1: Cleanser
Step 2: Toner
Step 3: Face Serum
Step 4: Eye cream
Step 5: Spot treatment
Step 6: Moisturizer
Step 7: Retinol
Step 8: Face Oil
Step 9: Sunscreen
Clinique! I have always liked the products. I also used to work at the Clinique counter at a local department store and know this line quite well. I will say that the consultants do get excellent training on how to address certain our skincare concerns. I have used the Dramatically Different moisturizer for years. I like it because it doesn’t feel greasy on my face. I also have Moisture Surge which I use at night. Clinique does have the Skincare basic products for different skin types.
They also wonderful makeup products. Like you, I felt now that I am older I needed something more. I did try Lancôme but yes it is pricey and almost more than what I need.
You look wonderful on that close up picture. I’m always amazed that you don’t wear any foundation.
I’m looking forward to your eyewear suggestions. I need a new pair of glasses.
Thanks for the Clinique post. I’ll look to see if any products include SPF. After having graft surgery for skin cancer, I never go without sunscreen. I’m outdoors almost every day, and I need it! I even wear sun protective clothing outdoors if I am gardening or outside longer than 30 minutes. Doctor’s orders…Maybe some of the foundations have it…
Your portrait is beautiful!
Susan – as always you look lovely. I bet seeing your face makes Mr. Mickey smile!
Do you use a retinol product? And what sunscreens (I am fair and burn very easily) do you use? Facial oil?
This was a very helpful post – I’ve added back in to my rotation the Estée Lauder Advancd Night Repair and it’s a wonder.
Be well and stay warm. We have a few days of freeze coming to Texas but in the 70s & 80s next week. Nice before summer hits!
Thank you.
Some of the Clinique products do include retinol and all these products have an SPF.
You do look fabulous! Clinique was a favorite when I was in my 30’s and 40’s. Maybe it is time to revisit their products for my almost seventy-eight year old skin.
Unfortunately, Clinique is not considered cruelty free by most standards.
Clinique’s policy is to not test on animals unless required by law, and to support the development of alternatives to animal testing.
I’ll admit I’ve tried a few skin products over the years, but Clinique has been tried and true for me and I’ve been using it since I graduated from college and had my first job. I still trust them for my facial skin care needs.
I heard that Beauty Counter is coming back online Summer of 2025? In the meantime they have some of their products available at Ulta.
Have you tried Colleen Rothschild products? Their cleansing balm is amazing. I like it better than Clinique’s. It is so buttery and soft.
Hi Susan. I had been in touch recently regarding your missing posts. Happy to report that I have received the last two or three.
Just wanted to let you know.
Thank you for all of your excellent advice!
Glad to hear your good experience with Clinque! I too have returned to Clinque recently and am pleased with the results.
On another note, that red coat is striking on you!! Love, love, love it!
Thank you, Karen. I’ve been looking for a red coat for years. I’m happy to have found one at last.
I use several of those products. I just love “ Take the day off.” I seem to always return to Clinique products.
You have aged beautifully
Thank you!
Putting the all about eyes roller ball in fridge is very refreshing
I’ll do that right now! Thanks for the tip.
I love clinique products. I also love their aromatic exilar and prefer it as my fave perfume
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing Clinique finds! Your skin looks amazing.
Your skin looks lovely & smooth. Glad you finally found some skin care products that work.
May try Clinique, if my skin indicates that it is time to change from my current skincare routine..
Thank you for your posts, which are always helpful & informative.
Thank you for your wonderful recommendations. What about replacement for Beautycounter face makeup. I love their tinted moisturizer. It will be difficult to find a suitable product that is as fabulous.
Try Clinique’s CC Cream here.
What about sun screen?
All the Clinique foundations have SPF, including their Moisture Surge here.
Susan, I’ve followed you forever!! Love your blog! I used to use BeautyCounter due to your advise. Then I was introduced to Riman products. Everyone I know who has tried it loves it. Do yourself a favor and check it out!!
I used Clinique facial products & lipsticks for years . Purchased them from the Sears stores. Then I too needed a change for my aging skin. But it is so frustrating when beauty companies discontinue products you love. I recently started using Antepodes facial products made in New Zealand, natural ingredients & oils. They are very refreshing.
I also have tried Bernard Cassiere products from France. He makes a lovely refreshing line with bamboo & aloe vera. The night moisturizer in this line is wonderful!
I used Origins skin care for years- I gather it was the more organic version of Estee Lauder products. Unfortunately very little is now available in my country so I have been exploring Clinique and also using a local organic brand available here based on rose hip oils which I have found soothing.
I used Clinique in my 20s 30s then I switched to to Estée Lauder. Every time there was a gift promotion my Mum and I would go into the city and buy our Clinique or Estée Lauder and be thrilled with our Bonus Gifts . My Mum change to Lancôme and she was hooked. When my daughter was about 15 I started her on the Clinique 3 step, she is now 43 and has never missed a day of using Clinique 3 system and uses all their make up products and her skin and make up is gorgeous. At 70 my skin is good but sometimes tired looking (aging grrr) I have been using Simple range I find it adequate for my needs since retirement as I don’t wear a lot of make up now but lipstick is a must.
Love the red coat with pretty scarf, do you wear brooches Susan ? I doo like a pretty brooch on a lapel of smart coats.
Enjoyed your post on Clinique.
Pamela UK
I have a few pretty brooches, but I forget to wear them. Thanks for the reminder!
Welcome back to Clinique, I have used it for forty years. These are exactly the products I used and love them. I enjoy you blog and your style. Thank you
Thank you! I was waiting for an updated skin care routine. I think the small commission made is worth much less than the hours of research I would need to do on my own.
Have you tried Oliveda?
No, I haven’t. I have allergic reactions to so many things, I hesitate to try new products.
Used Clinique many years ago, using Clarins, Lancome and Elizabeth Arden currently. I’ve always felt that Clinique wasn’t equal to the higher end products but your skin looks wonderful so it might be time for a rethink. I also love to purchase when free products are included. Have a terrific day, best wishes for Mr.Mickey and your parents.
It is good to see Clinique again! What sunscreen are you using with these products? Thanks!
Clinique has an SPF 50 sunscreen here.
Wow! I didn’t know about the Beautycounter financial difficulties. Thank you for that info. I have friends that swear by Clinique so when I need to refill, I’ll definitely stop by their dept at my local (I mean right down the street) Ulta. Thanks again for your beautiful posts.
Thank you for this excellent post. I’m so glad you did the research to replace your Beauty Counter products. You have done the research for many of us I’m sure. The photo of you is beautiful and it shows that you have always taken good care of your face. Some people just get prettier with age and you are definitely one.
Your post made me remember how I loved Clinique as a younger woman so I appreciate very much this update and listing the products in order of use. I always get confused between toners, moisturizers, sun blocks…when to use or not use so this post is very very helpful. And THAT coat. As soon as I saw it I snapped it up on line at a really good price. Even though I live in FL my family is all in PA and NJ and I just needed something nicer than my puffer coat; it will be perfect. Thank you for sharing, as always.,
I began using Clinique when I worked in a department store as a college student in the late 1970’s and have continued to use their make-up to this day as a 65 year old. Love their semiannual Gift With Purchase packages. Take the Day Off (liquid) is such a good mascara remover, better than Lancôme’s similar product. I have never found a better brow product for my sparse brows than Just Browsing. However, in my 50’s, I began to get an occasional dermaplane from a licensed aesthetician and she introduced me to skin care product lines sold in dermatology and plastic surgery doctors’ offices. I have been using the ZO product line since with dramatic results. I do not use botox, fillers, or anything else. I also skip wearing foundation even though I am a pale white woman. The price tag is high and although we are not a high income household, I prioritize these purchases and wait for sales and special offers. The products do last a long time. You do not need a prescription for these and once someone helps you with the best choices for you, you can repurchase without an appointment. They have online shopping as well. So much love to BOTH Clinique and ZO for helping me age gracefully. I mostly serve women in their 20’s and 30’s as a birth and postpartum doula, so I like to stay current.
I was frustrated as well when Beauty counter closed its doors. My favorite product was the cleansing balm and even though the company has reopened with a different management, they no longer carry this fantastic cleanser. I do hope they will bring it back one day since it was the best thing I have found for my very dry skin. Thanks for you information on your new routine.
I am a newly re-committed Clinique fan! I’ve use the Super Balanced Foundation for over 50 years. But recently I decided to explore … I mean 50 years! It didn’t take me long to run right back to Clinique! I use almost the same skincare routine you described in this post. But I’ve never tried the Chubby Stick. Next up. Thanks for this post.
I, like you have used Clinique for years!! I stray off when a new line comes out but I always return to Clinique. My friend went to work for the line when we were both in our 30’s. She brought me a lot of samples and I was sold. I will be 70 next month. I can’t wait for your video on picking eyeglasses…that I struggle with!! Stay warm we have snow in Tennessee this morning.
I’ve been waiting for this skin care update since Beautycounter closed. Thanks!
I’ve always liked Clinique products but haven’t bought them in years because I cycled into using Estee Lauder facial products.
I’m interested in the Clinique eyes serum here because I’m not seeing results from using EL’s eye serum. I often wonder if it’s just aging pushing back against any kind of repair. (Like, give it up, lady, this stuff can’t work miracles!)
Obviously, every bit of this is working for you because your skin is glowing. May I ask, what do you like about the eye serum? I’m looking for something that addresses puffiness and also brightens. Do you find this eye serum effective in those respects?
Thanks, Susan!
I have had the same conversation with myself, Rebecca! I like the eye serum because, as someone mentioned earlier, you can keep it in the refrigerator and enjoy even more soothing benefits. I can see a difference from before I started using it. There are fewer obvious wrinkles and puffiness.
Love the red coat, just beautiful with your hair. Thanks for the info on Clinque products. I’ve used Meryl Norman for years but have been disappointed lately. I’m 80 & need to do something else. Will check out Clinique as soon as the weather gets warmer here in Texas… its 18 degrees now.
I’m so glad to see that you recommend Clinique. I never see it recommended by anyone. I’ve used it since I was in my 20s (I’m now almost 68.). I had been wondering if I needed to look into other products. What retinol do you use?
Your complexion looks lovely. I love your red coat. After wanting one for 30 years, I finally got one this year.
Thanks for all you do to educate us. I have learned so much from you. I no longer make impulse or clearance purchases just because of a whim or the price.
There is retinol in some of the Clinique products, but I don’t use any otherwise.
I don’t use Clinique any more because they are not cruelty free. I use the Ilia brand skin care and have been very happy with it. It’s a little bit expensive, but I don’t need to buy it very often. I highly recommend it!
Clinique’s policy is to not test on animals unless required by law, and to support the development of alternatives to animal testing.
I won’t use products that are tested on animals. Clinique is one of these. My conscience won’t let me be part of such cruelty in the name of vanity.
Clinique’s policy is to not test on animals unless required by law, and to support the development of alternatives to animal testing.
I am happy to see you back with Clinique. I have tried other skin care and makeup brands also but keep heading back to Clinique for my skincare. I started using it in my twenties also. The moisturizers are the best.
I always meant to try BeautyCounter because of your recommendation, but it was hard to leave Clinique. I’ve been using their products since I was 14!
Have you tried Rodan and Fields? I switched from Beautycounter to them and love their skin care. I’m sure you could find a consultant near you. They have a great money back guarantee too.
Rodan and Fields did not work for me at all.
Once you become a Clinique Rewards Member the perks are great. Percentages off, free kits, free minis to try products. I’ve used Clinique for many years. Glad you are happy with their products, Susan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and routine.
I went back to Clinique a few years ago and so glad I did. Now that I am 73 and retired my make up needs are minimal beyond the basics. I usually get a free gift and share with my 20 year old granddaughter who is in the Army and she just loves it. She is an Artillery Mechanic and says the products keep her skin looking great and I couldn’t agree more!
It’s great how Clinique does well no matter what age!
Thanks for all you do Susan and thank you for your service.
Thank you Susan for all the effort you put into your articles. I rarely comment, but always pay attention to
what you show us and appreciate the help so much.
I recently stumbled upon some of your youtubes from a few years ago, and thought they were great. You came across as being very sincere.
Good to know. I use LimelLife by Alcone but hate ordering and waiting. Plus they sold out to a big corp.
It’s so helpful to know that you’ve had good luck with Clinique products. I, too, used their products in my early 20’s and will consider going back after I finish my current products. Yes, your skin does look beautiful, but I can’t help but to add that your true beauty comes from within and how well you take care of yourself inside and out. You’re such an inspiration!
Thank you for the kind comment Kerry.
I am so thankful you shared your experience about Clinique. The Wrinkle Correcting Rich Cream almost came home with me today after shopping at Ulta. I started using BeautyCounter after seeing your post about your routine and acknowledged you in my orders. After I empty the rest of the BeautyCounter products, I will try Clinique. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you for this informative post. Your skin is beautiful. Is the De-Puffing Eye Massage serum the only item you use around your eyes? I have used Beauty Counter’s Renewal Eye Cream, but my supply is about empty. I will be looking for a new product for wrinkles around my eyes.
I’m testing some more of the eye products from Clinique. They have several good ones. The serum is my favorite so far, but I also like the “All About Eyes” cream.
I also love Moisure Surge products from Clinique. Also they have great specials. Thankful for your blog it’s always so practical and informative.
Susan, are you using Clinique mascara? If so, which product?
I received a sample of High Impact Mascara here and I love it. I’ll be buying that the next time I restock.
What are your thoughts on collagen supplements and serums with vitamin C?
Firstly, I try to get all the things my body needs through food. Here a list of all the foods that are high in collagen. I take a B12 supplement and Caltrate 600+D3 Bone Strength Tablets because my doctors urged me to based on my lab results. Here is a list of foods high in vitamin C.
I love the red coat. I really tried to find a red coat this year. I was unsuccessful.
I really miss Beautycounter! Hoping it comes back! Don’t care for Clinique, just not right for my skin. Have been trying products from Murad & Biossance!
Susan, your skin is flawless! It is so true that as we age our face will tell on us for poor eating habits and not hydrating well. Clearly you have mastered all of the above!
I love all of your inspo, please keep it coming.
ps….I recently made a major move from Louisiana to Texas. Even though I donated 3 truckloads to charity I still am overwhelmed with “stuff” now that I am in my new place, including clothing. I plan to do more slashing of “stuff” and would love a blog post with any tips, tricks, and recommendations for minimizing/downsizing.
Kaye Deane
Have you ever used the CeraVe products, if so what did you think of them? Thanks!
No, I haven’t used CeraVe products.
Thank you for this article! After reading it I went out and bought the products you mentioned as starters and I couldn’t be happier. I had to switch the moisturizer to Moisture Surge because my skin is dry and I am in Arizona
Just curious on your thoughts about fillers and Botox
I’ve never tried either, so I can’t comment from personal experience.