Clinique • Almost Makeup [DISCONTINUED] • Liquid

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*TOP REVIEWER* mxk2 on 1/26/2010 12:42:00 PM more reviews by mxk2

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I'm undecided whether to pick up a tube after sampling and comparing to Px Traceless (which I have quite a few tubes of, since Px announced it's going out of business), so this review is mainly a comparison between the Almost Makeup and Px Traceless, LM Tinted Moisturizer...

The Almost Makeup in shade Light looks good on me, better than the lighter shades they have. It's a good shade for me, but not the perfection that Px Traceless #2 is . It blends easily and dries to a nice finish fairly quickly. Definitely need powder with this one (which I normally use anyway). It gives more coverage than Traceless, which is neither good nor bad, just different - the Almost Makeup is more of a lightweight foundation as compared to a sheer TM-type product. It wears fairly well - needs touch up/blotting to get rid of the oily break-through after a couple hours, but so does everything else on me (even Px Virtual Matte requires me to blot by noon ). I put it on at 6:00 a.m. and washed my face before bed at midnight (yea, long day...) and I noticed my face still looked pretty decent 18 hours later - not fresh as a daisy, but not bad at all after all that time, so the foundation does stick around (I blotted and powdered later in the day again, though). It does feel a bit heavy - it is not weightless like Traceless.

To me, this feels *exactly* like LM Tinted Moisturizer on my skin in terms of coverage, blending ability, and how it feels on the skin. I think it's better than the LM, though, because the color match is better, and it didn't rub off on a tissue when I blew my nose - when I wore the LM, I found it wore off very easily on collars, tissues, etc. - and it's a lot less expensive than the LM.

Another advantage of the Almost Makeup over the LM or Px is the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, and the last time I checked it was all-physical blocker (might have changed, not sure, and I just have a sample jar with no ingredient list right now).

The Almost Makeup would be too heavy for me to wear in the summer, though (just like the LM was). Yesterday I wore it with no moisturizer underneath and it's January and it felt heavy and got oily, no way will this work for me in the summer. If any of you have dry skin, though, the Almost Makeup might be a good choice.

Update 6/8/10: Bumping to 5 lippies. I'm really liking this a lot and am using it regularly. Yes, it does feel a bit heavy on my oiler skin, but it offers a bit more coverage than Traceless (but is still on the sheer), which I find I am needing lately, and it lasts well on me (no wearing off like the Traceless or the LM). I will definitely purchase again, this is quickly on its way to replacing Traceless as my HG product.

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shelovesyou on 1/19/2010 12:43:00 AM more reviews by shelovesyou

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I got this after a sephora ma recommended it as a good tm with spf. I have it 'neutral fair' and it is a perfect shade for my skin. I can never find a sunscreen that i like so this is a great alternative with spf. It leaves your skin looking dewy and natural. You can't really tell that you're wearing anything, which is a huge plus for me. It diminishes minor flaws, evens out tone, and leaves your skin looking polished. Love it!!

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satanlovesemo on 1/18/2010 2:56:00 PM more reviews by satanlovesemo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Oh, I am loving this! It feels light and fresh. It gives sheer coverage, which is exactly what I was going for. I have clear skin with some uneven pigmentation and this helps even everything out without looking or feeling like foundation. Other oil-free tinted moisturizers I've tried feel slightly heavy due to the lack of oils (I have acne-prone skin, so I have to do oil-free!). Or they don't feel heavy but are water-based and dissolve immediately upon contact with water ... this is water resistant! Yes! I also love the SPF. The smell is a bit herbal-y. I would prefer no scent at all, but I can deal with it. At least it doesn't have that funky latex-y smell that some other TMs have. I set this with the Clnique loose powder in Transparency 3 and I'm good to go.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

greenbuggirl on 1/15/2010 3:44:00 PM more reviews by greenbuggirl

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Gives a little coverage for people with little flaws. Sheer coverage makes it blend. It really looks like ...No makeup...almost makeup

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dafyophi on 1/12/2010 4:09:00 PM more reviews by dafyophi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I have other foundations that I use, but I keep coming back to this. It's not perfect, but it does what I want it to do, which is even out some slight ruddiness around my nose and cheeks without making me look like I'm wearing a kabuki mask. It's not meant to cover major spots or discoloration, but it works great if you want more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but less than a regular liquid foundation. I apply concealer to my undereye area and around my nose and then apply this with my fingers or a brush. A lot of people get an oily t-zone by midday with this stuff, but with a light powder application, I have no problem. I use a light dusting of MAC blot powder on my t-zone and then set everything with Neutrogena Healthy Skin loose powder. I get a nice semi-matte finish that looks natural and works really well with blush, bronzer, whatever.

This stuff is oil-free and will hang around all day if you set it properly, but it's not great for going out dancing or whatever. I also probably wouldn't recommend it to someone with super oily skin. My skin is pretty normal and doesn't break out very often, so if you fall into that category, this is a really good option for light coverage that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

As far as the packaging, it's sanitary and closes tightly. The product tends to separate in the bottle, but just shake it. It's really not a big deal. For half the price of NARS, I'll shake it as much as I have to.

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HRubin on 11/24/2009 2:10:00 AM more reviews by HRubin

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I put this on when my face feels very dry, but I still need a little makeup. It is very sheer (i wish it was just a LITTLE more opaque) and a good moisturizer. The SPF is great. And, true to clinique, i have never had a singe breakout thanks to this.

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leah1980 on 11/15/2009 4:09:00 PM more reviews by leah1980

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I received this product as a GWP and do not like it at all! I like a little coverage and it doesnt even give that! Not sure what the price is, but I would not purchase this product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mu5icbtch on 11/8/2009 10:34:00 AM more reviews by mu5icbtch

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I used this last year and remember discarding it after afew weeks. I used the darkest shade available and it was too light for my NC40 skintone. It was very sheer and looked like I was wearing nothing, but not in a good way. Got oily on my t zone area even after powdering.

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Tgallop on 11/8/2009 10:17:00 AM more reviews by Tgallop

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Been using this product for years! Tried other drug store brands before but because my skin is so fair (just went for a MAC consult and found out I'm a NC15) everything was too dark or too yellow... because this is so sheer, I don't have a problem with blending or anything. For those that found this too oily, I just started using a primer and have found that helps with not having to blot during the day and also with putting on the foundation with a brush. Love this product - why change something that works!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

harperjean07 on 11/8/2009 9:56:00 AM more reviews by harperjean07

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

i'm astounded at the good reviews for this product, but i'm glad it works for some people. but for me, however...
this stuff is goopy, thick, greasy, and provides no coverage. i just have to say again, impossibly thick and greasy. i don't know what the heck you're supposed to do with this stuff, or how the people at clinique could think this stuff is even semi passable as something to put on your face. disgusting product.
the almost makeup POWDER, however, is very good. but not this stuff. yuck.

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stinkypuppy on 10/13/2009 7:10:00 PM more reviews by stinkypuppy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I like this foundation. I don't know if it's the absolute best out there, but it's much cheaper than most non-drugstore brands, and I think its a good value. It's pretty sheer, which works for me since I have freckles and heavy foundation is a bad look for me. It blends easily, so you can put on a small amount just to even out the skin tone a bit, or build up to more coverage. THe finish is a bit more dewy than I would like, but overall its a nice alternative to full coverage.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Maya88 on 9/22/2009 11:26:00 PM more reviews by Maya88

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This is the only kind of foundation I've ever used (once in a while), although I still prefer to go au naturelle, whenever possible. I just need
a little coverage to even out my summer sun spots, and this is perfect
I like that it has SPF, no fragrance, it's very moisturizing, and my face looks like air-brushed. I am using "fair" which fits my color perfectly. HG status: highly recomended for people who do NOT need much coverage.
PS. it tends to separate after awhile, but just give it a good shake, not a big deal..

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

emily897 on 9/22/2009 10:36:00 PM more reviews by emily897

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This stuff is the best foundation I've ever tried! Why it doesn't have higher ratings is a mystery to me. My skin: clear but very acne prone, gets really oily. So naturally I've always used matte finish foundations...I never thought a tinted moisturizer would work for me because I figured it would make my skin too oily and not have enough coverage. This is the only foundation I will ever purchase again! It offers just enough coverage to even out skin tone while looking completely natural. And the best part is the finish...it makes my skin look dewy and my face, oddly enough, does not get anywhere near as oily when I'm wearing this as it does when I wear foundations formulated for oily skin. I think its because my skin absorbs it, whereas most foundations just sit on my face. Another thing I like about it is that it doesn't even look or feel like a mask. I wear it with primer underneath and Make Up Forever's HD finishing powder on top. My only qualm about it is the shade selection...there are only 4 shades to choose from and they are all pretty light. My skin is naturally very fair but I have a tan right now and am using the darkest shade, Deep, which matches me perfectly. I would probably cry if they discontinued this.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

LailaE on 9/20/2009 5:28:00 AM more reviews by LailaE

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This has been discontinued.

WRITE TO CLINIQUE AND DEMAND IT BACK PLEASE GIRLS!!!
-------------------------------

BEST MAKEUP EVER!!!

I used this when I was in high school 15 years ago. I've been using all sorts of makeup since, chanel (overpriced shite), laura mercier (yuk, first ever breakouts), dior (expensive goop), armani (silk looks matte!), you get the picture.

I came back to this and I can't believe I ever left it behind.

Shake the bottle, pop it in your hand and rub in fingertips to warm up. Spread over face. Yes, it's amazingly creamy and smooth, makes you look amazing. Then wait for it to set, tapping occasionally as it dries to smooth out.

This amazing makeup looks dewy, but sets waterproof. So you can sweat and go in the rain and still look amazing. Once it sets, you are good to go all day.

It does sting sometimes if I pop it on after scrubbing, but it doesn't break me out as it's oil free and I will never shop around again.

Only issue is, as it's dewy, don't over powder as it grips to the colour in the powder and your face will change colour. Lightly does it, if at all!

Only thing that could improve it is removing the spf as I think this is what's causing my skin to sting. Packaging is fab, as germs stay on your hands, not in the squeezy tube.

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lifedespitegodtwopointoh on 9/19/2009 3:02:00 PM more reviews by lifedespitegodtwopointoh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This stuff isn't great, but somehow I wind up purchasing it over and over again. I have sensitive skin that can't tolerate fragrance and a lot of chemical sunscreens, and this product has neither. I also find a lot of foundations to be too drying. I can apply this product on a busy morning, and have some coverage and sun protection and moisture, without anything irritating my skin, and it's cheap. It doesn't break me out, but I always remove makeup with an oil cleanser. However, none of the colors are perfect matches for me and I'm not crazy about the finish, as it sometimes looks a little unnatural. Also, the product tends to separate in the tube and sometimes I have to shake it for a few minutes just to keep from getting a handful of water when I squeeze it out.

Unless I find another product with a more flattering finish or color match that has an equal or higher SPF, mineral sunscreens only, no fragrance, and is fairly inexpensive, I'll probably keep repurchasing this. It's not great as far as foundations go, but for people with sensitive skin who can't afford high-end brands, it's a good option. I think it would be suitable for all skin types except very oily or very dry.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

graciegurl on 9/6/2009 5:49:00 PM more reviews by graciegurl

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

All in all, this is a very good sheer foundation--well, more like a tinted moisturizer, but that's all the coverage I need. It's easy to use and to blend into my skin. I like that it's waterproof, too. However, I don't know why, but something happened to mine and it got runny, which is really odd . . . well I guess I'll figure it out.
EDIT: Okay, I got a new one, and it's perfectly fine. And it really is waterproof--and sweatproof too! I put this on with all my other makeup at around 6 a.m., and it's still there at 9/10 p.m.! And I run track, so I sweat like crazy and wipe the sweat off!! HG!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

heytherenicolex on 9/4/2009 3:24:00 PM more reviews by heytherenicolex

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product last week and used it twice. The first time I used it, I was shocked at the fact that it actually kind of BURNED my skin. Not anything bad, but I could feel my skin burning. It also didn't provide much coverage at all; I had to use another powder over it to make it have more coverage. I did like that it didn't feel like I had anything on, but that's just about all I liked. If you're looking for such sheer coverage, I'd say just go for a tinted moisturizer, and if you're looking for more coverage, you can try Clinique's Superbalanced Makeup, which is so much better.

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sweetheart13 on 9/4/2009 3:17:00 PM more reviews by sweetheart13

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I used this for the first time today, and hot damn, does my skin look fantastic. It has sheer coverage that is just enough to even out my uneven skin tone, but it looks completely natural. I found I did not even really need a powder over it, but then again, I have extremely dry skin. It's heavy enough for winter and light enough for summer. I can see myself buying this over and over again.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

itismebutterfly on 8/10/2009 5:34:00 PM more reviews by itismebutterfly

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

i did return it :-( but it s summer ann i am very oily anyways and this added more shine on my forehead,probably in winder days i ll be better.

also,i found it to ber VERY difficuld to spread on my face. i bet there s NO way to use a faoundation brush for that,just some warmingfor you!

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MaverickBelle on 7/28/2009 3:26:00 AM more reviews by MaverickBelle

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

This goes on sheer, and is amazing at evening out my skin. I don't have too much blemishes/ acne scarring on my face so I don't need total coverage. If you need total coverage, this product probably isn't for you. But it's wonderful for that light, everyday look. I love that it doesn't feel cakey or make my skin oily. I just put this on and a bit of powder to control shine, and my skin looks amazing! The best part is that it has SPF so I don't have to add that to my makeup routine.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No