With so many beauty brands in the world competing for your attention, it can be hard to decipher which ones are worth your time and money to try. One that’s proven its track record is makeup and skincare mecca Clinique, which was founded in 1968 as the “first-ever line of dermatologist-developed skincare.” There you’ll find top-notch products that fill the bill, whether you’re looking to replace a mascara, try a new moisturizer or add a blush into your routine. These 15 items in particular have racked up thousands of reviews and excellent ratings across Clinique’s website, and they’ll make for great additions to your cosmetic bag.
1. Lightweight gel moisturizer
Though it may sound contradictory, oily skin needs moisturizer just as much as dry skin. However, a gel formula may suit this skin type better as it absorbs quickly and feels lighter in texture. The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel claims to balance oily and combination skin types using hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin barrier-protecting sunflower seed cake, barley extract and cucumber fruit extract.
2. Creamy lotion moisturizer
If your skin leans drier, you’re still in luck at Clinique. The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ uses the same key ingredients as the gel, but has a richer lotion texture that’s suitable for normal to dry skin. It claims to bring about a smoother, glowier look to the skin.
3. Blemish-busting gel
Anyone can get acne, regardless of skin type. This Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel claims to get rid of acne using salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine that dissolve dead skin cells, brown algae extract that minimizes shine and witch hazel that reduces the size of pores. Apply a thin layer of the gel all over the face—or use it as a spot treatment on a specific area—up to twice a day to see a reduction in blemishes.
4. Moisturizing lip balm
No Clinique list would be complete without at least mentioning its cult-favorite Almost Lipstick in Black Honey or Pink Honey—it’s so popular for looking great on every skin tone, it’s often sold out. If you want more shade variety and a product you can get right now, scope the Clinique Chubby Sticks, which moisturize with mango and shea butters and come in 14 colors ranging from nudes to bright pinks to berries to suit your style.
5. Hydrating face wash
A cleanser is the first step in a great skincare routine. This liquid facial soap works for all skin types and claims to clean the skin with a non-drying lather. It contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate the skin and sucrose (sugar) to soothe. Use this wash in the morning and at night with lukewarm water to remove dirt, oil and traces of makeup.
6. Serum-foundation hybrid
It’s not common to find skincare ingredients in makeup products, but this foundation includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, salicylic acid to smooth texture and vitamin C to brighten the skin. It comes in 42 shades ranging from warm fair to cool deep and claims to offer a full-coverage, natural-looking finish.
7. Dark circle-reducing eye cream
Dark under-eye circles can draw attention to your face in a way you don’t want. Using an eye cream can moisturize the area, prep it for makeup and even tackle pigmentation issues. The All About Eyes Eye Cream claims to reduce puffiness, discoloration and fine lines and wrinkles with ingredients like caffeine and fruit and plant extracts. Pat a pea-sized amount into the eye area using your ring finger in the morning and at night.
8. Eye makeup remover
Stubborn eye makeup like waterproof mascara, eyeliner or glitter can be a drag to remove. This makeup remover is specifically made to clean the eyelids, lashes and lips without causing irritation. Shake the bottle and massage the oil-free formula into the skin using your fingers or a cotton pad. The brand recommends holding a soaked cotton pad up to the eye area on tough-to-remove makeup for several seconds before wiping it away.
9. Ultra-hydrating moisturizer
When your skin is especially parched, whether it’s the dead of winter or you live in a dry climate, this product is a must-have. It contains “aloe bio-ferment” that claims to moisturize, “activated aloe water” to retain that moisture and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. The gel-cream hybrid claims to feel lightweight while hydrating the skin up to 100 hours.
10. Smooth-gliding eyeliner
Eyeliner on the top or bottom lash line adds drama to any eye look. But dry, thick pencils are difficult to work with, which is why Clinique reviewers love the Quickliner, a “silky” twist-up pencil. The transfer-resistant liner comes in 11 neutral shades from light brown to navy to black. Use the smudge tool on the opposite end of the liner to diffuse harsh lines.
11. Volumizing mascara
One of the easiest ways to play up the eyes is with a touch of mascara. The right one will add both volume and length to the lashes. The Clinique High Impact mascara claims to make the lashes look lusher and bolder with a pigmented formula, available in black and black-brown shades. Apply one coat for a natural fanned-out look or more for a faux lash effect.
12. Full-coverage concealer and foundation hybrid
Mascara can make your eyes look bigger and more awake, but so can concealer by eliminating any darkness on the under-eye area, while also concealing unwanted blemishes or discoloration. The Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer claims to have a 24-hour wear time and a full-coverage, natural (not matte or dewy) finish. As a concealer-foundation hybrid with a lightweight feel to it, this formula can be used anywhere on the face that you want to cover or even out. It comes in 40 shades ranging from cool-neutral fair to cool-neutral rich.
13. Makeup-removing balm
A cleansing balm is a great option if you want to take your makeup off without added tools like wipes or cotton rounds. All you need is to massage the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm into made-up skin and watch it dissolve even waterproof makeup. Though it starts as a balm, it turns into an oily formula once warmed up on the skin and rinses away with only water. For best results, follow up with a face wash to remove any excess oil.
14. Shine-tamping powder
To set down your makeup or tamp down shine throughout the day, turn to the Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder Foundation that offers a light layer of coverage and a matte finish. The compact comes in translucent and 13 shades ranging from a fair to deep.
15. Cheek-brightening powder blush
Liven up your makeup look with a burst of blush on the cheeks. The Cheek Pop Blushes have a silky powder formula that’s buildable to allow you to control how much you apply. It comes in nine natural-finish hues and four shimmer hues, including pinks, oranges and berries.
