Clinique • Almost Makeup [DISCONTINUED] • Liquid

Where To Buy?

jeneefaa on 3/16/2009 8:36:00 PM more reviews by jeneefaa

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This product is teeny tiny and runs $20.50. I know it's a department store brand, but the coverage is ultra sheer (it's comparable to your average tinted moisturizer/lotion). You better make sure you have incredibly good skin/no undereye to pull it off (which I clearly don't). Also, it has this really disgusting, dewy film that annoys me. Worst, I broke out like crazy! Ugh! I have combination skin but I rarely break out. This product gave me so many red splotches. I can only speak from my experience, but if you're curious, make sure you get this product from a store that has a great return policy (Sephora is amazing). Don't think that the in-store display sample will substitute; only consistent use with a product will show if it's effective for you.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

akimakeiya on 3/15/2009 3:52:00 PM more reviews by akimakeiya

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

This was actually the first foundation I ever used. I've had multiple skin issues throughout my life- and my mom got this for me when I was 11 and my skin was as red as a lobster(I wasnt sunburned). I've tried other foundations but always come back to this- it's light, but gives the perfect amount of coverage. My skin isnt red anymore, but I still need the coverage. It's also very moisturizing and leaves my skin beautiful. I just wish it had more foundation in the tube!!! Favorite!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Sarasotagirl on 3/12/2009 11:30:00 AM more reviews by Sarasotagirl

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I give this three lippies because if you can find a match, it's an affordable, full-spectrum SPF tinted moisturizer, and that is a beautiful thing.


I tried Neutral Fair, which looked like just the ticket under Sephora's preposterous lighting: a pale, neutral beige. (I wear Porcelain in LORAC, which *is* a very pale, neutral beige.) Alas, once I got it into sunlight, I discovered that it's a peach beige, which is what I've discovered in all of the Clinique foundations -- "neutral" for them means "pink plus yellow" not "no pink, no yellow."


Other than that, I echo the nice things about it: light, easy to apply, wears well, provides full-spectrum coverage.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

cutie1723 on 3/6/2009 10:40:00 PM more reviews by cutie1723

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

For a tinted moisturizer, this stuff is pretty tops. The coverage is light and the product nice and smooth. I love the feel of my face with this on! Sometimes it isn't quite enough coverage for me because I have red blotches along my jaw bone/bottom of my cheeks, but it's great for evening things out and giving a dewy glow.

One gripe I have, though, is it is NOT transfer-proof. This stuff will get on clothing and such. Since I have allergies, I always find myself wiping it all off as I wipe my nose throughout the morning. I wish that when this dried it would set a little better, even with powder.

However, if you're looking for light, smooth coverage with a hydrating feel, I definitely recommend this. It runs about $20, but it's well worth it when compared with the prices of other high-end foundations and tinted moisturizers.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Maddieo87 on 3/3/2009 1:39:00 AM more reviews by Maddieo87

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This is my one true love. I use shade 02, as shade 01 is for some reason unavailable in Australia.

I have been using this foundation for a couple of years now, and I always go back to it. No idea why i try to change my foundation sometimes. I just do.

Pro's: It goes on easily, and blends so well. The colour matches my skin. Hides my pores and doesn't look cakey. Neutralizes any redness. Does not make me break out, and only needs to be touched up every now and then with Almost Makeup powder.

Con's: Price some times annoys me.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* charms09 on 2/27/2009 2:41:00 PM more reviews by charms09

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

I quit using this in the fall when my skin went CRAZY after I went off Seasonale. I needed a bit more coverage to keep my face in check. But I loved it and now that I have my skin problems under control, I will def. go back to this. I love that it has a TM feel to it while providing a little more coverage. It looks great in the summer when I have a bit of a tan because it lets my natural color come through while covering the less-than-perfect aspects of my skin. Blends beautifully but it is quite pigmented so use sparingly near the outer perimeters of your face but its a great way to help create a flawless face without a heavy make-up feel.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* pupster on 2/24/2009 11:06:00 AM more reviews by pupster

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Decided to try this because I liked the Almost Powder but found it too dry and caked on my dry skin. I really like this so far, it is really a tinted moisturizer with chemical free sunscreen. Very moisturizing and easy to blend, Clinique recommends this for all skin types and it is oil free, however, I would hesitate to use it if you have oily skin - go with the almost powder rather than this one. Almost Makeup used to only come in around 3 shades, but they have added new shades so it's easier to find a good match. UPDATE: Used for a week, loved it, perfect color match, dewey finish, unfortunately I was starting to break out which hasn't happened to me for a while. I noticed a few blackheads and blocked pores. I use Rinse off foaming cleanser followed by 3 step and I really think this leaves a film that does not remove easily.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mule84 on 2/24/2009 7:17:00 AM more reviews by mule84

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I find this product easy to use (a simple, hygenic squeeze tube), and it gives good enough coverage for every day use (and it is quick and easy enough to use everyday). I apply it with my fingers after my Clinique 3-step, and top it off with my YSL 'semi-loose' powder. This gives a lovely, even, dewy finish.

My nose gets quite oily in the humid summer months, so I do need to touch up. And I find that without powder, the product gives me a shiny look all over, even if I have just washed my face. But with the powder, my pores are hardly visible and my complexion is nice and even. It doesn't have very good staying power, however.

I don't use it for night time, because I prefer a more flawless look when I'm heading out.

I don't think I would buy this again. I'm going to keep searching for another tinted moisturiser type product that lasts a little longer and hopefully keeps me shine-free a little longer...

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* HotCurry on 2/24/2009 12:18:00 AM more reviews by HotCurry

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I went on a shopping spree at Sephora and this was one of the items I scooped up. I got this in "Neutral Fair" which is just that, it's a very fair neutral shade that should work for most fair skintones. This (IMO) should be considered a non-greasy TM with good coverage. I am normally a TM junkie, but have put them all away, and now only use this. This looks totally natural, is an absolute dream to blend (using a sponge), and provides a natural matte finish. Holds up/stays fresh looking all day on my oily skin, and does not oxidize. This product has an excellent pricepoint, and also contains an all mineral sunscreen, making it an excellent option for those seeking both UVA & UVB protection, or with a sensitivity to chemical sunscreen. Also, Clinique's packaging is so pretty! UPDATE: Now that I'm tan, the darkest shade "Deep" is still too light, I have switched to Clinique's Perfectly Real makeup in #36N and I love it just as much as this. So for gals who couldn't find a colormatch with the Almost Makeup, I strongly recommend the Perfectly Real as it comes in a multitude of shades.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* fancyxamy on 2/23/2009 12:55:00 PM more reviews by fancyxamy

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

im slowly beginning to accept that clinique foundations dont ever work out for me. my biggest problem with the almost makeup liquid was that i couldnt get a color match and it made my skin look slightly orange and muddy.


everyones descriptions of the texture are accurate. its basically a tinted moisturizer/foundation hybrid--a little more creamy than a TM and slightly more sheer than a full on foundation. using enough for this to function as a sunscreen, it was cakey. combined with the fact that it was too dark...just a bad look for me overall. very "hi, im wearing foundation."


i was always under the impression that clinique offered a good color selection for pale skintones but both this and the sheer tint have proved me wrong. after 2 days of use, i took it back and will probably avoid clinique foundations from now on.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

gracebaldwin on 2/14/2009 1:43:00 PM more reviews by gracebaldwin

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I had the same problems that Eternal Rose experienced - it took a long time to apply and it never felt as if it soaked into my skin. It's fine for winter, when my skin tends to be quite dry, but in the humidity of summer, I think it would just feel to sticky.

Edited: Well color me surprised! After using this in a hot and humid summer,I found that, applied sparingly, it performs very well.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

EternalRose on 2/13/2009 10:44:00 AM more reviews by EternalRose

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

*EDIT* 2/18/09

ok so i'm upgrading this to 5 lippies. i think i was too hasty in writing the initial review (see below). i tried this and the moisture sheer tint, and i must say, this feels much better on my skin. yes, it takes a little bit longer to blend in, but i think using a foundation brush helps. i also noticed that compared to others, this actually keeps my face looking fresh throughout the work day. oilies tend to come through but seriously NOTHING STOPS OIL! after applying i dust my face with clinique's blended face powder and it makes my skin look flawless, without looking like i have makeup on. my recommendation? ask for a sample. use it up (i'd recommend using it at least a week). if you can get used to the texture and blendability (is that a word? lol), it's actually a very good product.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:

this product just doesn't work for me. the coverage is fine, it evens out my skin tone (exactly what a TM should do, they're not SUPPOSED to cover every pore), i found a perfect color match (neutral), the problem is that for me, if i'm using a TM, i want it to be QUICK. it's for a light makeup day where i can just thrown on some of my TM, mascara, and some lip gloss, and be out the door.

for some reason this stuff takes me forever to put on! i'm blending and blending and blending...don't get me wrong it blends ok after a little work, but i didn't think it should take that much work! i think maybe it has something to do with the texture, it's quite shiny and doesn't really dry to a matte finish, so i feel like it's never quite absorbed.

it also feels a little oily on my face by the end of the work day. the spf, coverage, price, and packaging are all fabulous but it's just not the right product for me.

when i purchased the almost makeup, i also received a sample of clinique's moisture sheer tint, because i was having a hard time deciding between the two and the SA said i should try both. i chose the almost makeup at the time because the price was more reasonable ($20.50 vs $27.50 for the moisture sheer tint), and they looked almost the same on my face. but after using the sample of the sheer tint she gave me, i think i'm going to exchange the almost makeup for that. it doesn't feel as greasy and is a breeze to apply. will probably write a review for that soon!!

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

*TOP REVIEWER* goofyhusky on 2/10/2009 7:44:00 PM more reviews by goofyhusky

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I have pretty bad skin - flaky surface with oily base! I'm also allergic to everything except a few lotions.
Well, no allergic reaction to this so far, it moisturizes well. Coverage is pretty light, but my dark circles are less noticeable. It does create the good skin look on my face. The only complaint I have is the very slight and barely noticeable sheen it gives my skin.
UPDATE: after using it for weeks I started having allergic reactions to it. I'm sure this is the cause as this is the only thing I put on. What a pity!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

missamerika67 on 2/6/2009 6:47:00 PM more reviews by missamerika67

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Love it, I use to only wear Aveda Liquid Power (which is more powdery than liquid... just not as dry as powder), but then I switched to this... Not really sure why I switched (maybe I tried a Tinted Moisturizer and liked it). But I haven't gone back! Not to mention it is pretty inexpensive compaired to so many other foundations out there. Anyways... I agree with everything every good review says about the product, so No need to go On!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

muandbbjunkie on 1/18/2009 2:50:00 AM more reviews by muandbbjunkie

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

I'm not gonna lie...I used to be a powder girl...in the fact that I wouldn't even touch foundation, or anything of the sort...well, I just happened to see this product...and the fact that it said almost...well, I'll admit it intrigued me! It really is exactly that...more than a TM, but a little less than a foundation. It's somewhere right in between, and for my skin...it's perfection. I am in my mid twenties...pretty fair but not pale, and I hardly have any imperfections, with combination skin, so if you are someone like me, this would be perfect for you. It lasts nearly the entire day for me. I just love this. HG product for me!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Stephie2705 on 1/14/2009 2:05:00 PM more reviews by Stephie2705

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

I think this may be replacing my beloved Gentle Light makeup! (also by Clinique). It gives a lovely, light coverage, and makes my skin beautifully even and naturally flawless! I use a full coverage concealer on my horrid spots on my chin, but this is perfect for giving a glowing finish which lasts all day! A little goes a long way too! I think this has been reformulated recently, it used to be very watery, which is why I never went for it before - but now it is more of a cream consistency, which my dry skin loves! I can see this lasting a long time!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

elleme on 1/14/2009 7:55:00 AM more reviews by elleme

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

Among many foundation products I've tried, this is one of the few that doesn't seriously irritate my skin. I have rosacea and the hypersensitivity that seems to go hand in hand with it. After having to throw out many other tubes and bottles of makeup, I found this one and kept on buying it when I ran out. The coverage isn't that of a full foundation but when you have a 'problem' complexion like mine, you can clearly see the difference between bare face and the makeup - the redness is significantly minimised even though it hasn't entirely disappeared. I also appreciate the natural, non-cakey look of it. It doesn't cause breakouts for me (when some so-called non comodegenic products have) so it's a winner in that sense too. I'm only knocking a point off because I feel the colour range could be wider - medium is a bit too orange for me, fair a little too pale and I would love to see an in-between shade.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lindanail on 1/9/2009 3:24:00 PM more reviews by lindanail

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

This has become my favorite makeup. I was buying, and trying, tinted moisturizers like crazy but couldn't find one that I loved. I finally gave Clinique Almost Makeup a try and now I've stopped searching for a light base. I've been using this everyday and haven't even looked at other foundations or tinted moisturizers (rare for me).
I apply this over my SSC A-cream, dot on a dab of concealer on problem areas, and finish with Lauren Hutton's Aqua Elements powder.
This makeup does not get cakey or settle into fine lines or pores at the end of the day. I think it is waterproof, and it is definitely sweat proof. It just stays fresh looking all day and doesn't make me look older like most foundations do.
I am fair and I can wear the light if I blend it really well (for when I want to cheat and have a lot of color). I usually wear the Neutral Fair everyday though. It blends right into my fair complexion, but isn't too pale like some of the lighter shades in other makeup lines.
This is great for light coverage and if you need something that will last all day. You can always put powder on top for more coverage.
UPDATE 2/25/11 I got tired of all of the blending and wanted more coverage. I've switched to L'Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup SPF 17.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* dominicangirl on 12/30/2008 6:33:00 AM more reviews by dominicangirl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

After reading some good reviews on this, I thought I'd give it a go. Recently, my skin has been absolutly DISGUSTING - whiteheads everywhere, irritation to almost every product I use...just plain nasty. I wanted something light to give me some colour and a bit of coverage, and seeing as many people had described this as 'inbetween a tinted moisturizer and a foundation' I caved in and got this on ebay.


Retail price is pretty pricey...£18.11 for 45ml...I wouldn't pay full price for this, it's too expensive for what it is IMO. I got this for £12 and my shade choice was 'deep'. I hadn't colour-tested this as I got it online, but I wasn't worried as many people had said this was sheer so colour wasn't all that crucial. I have olive skin and usually wear NC37-40 or C5. Needless to say, the colour choice with this wasn't spot on...it is quite light...but 'deep' is the darkest shade available here in the UK...it really isn't that dark at all. I had only a very very slight touch of colour to my face. It was too light to match the colour of my neck, which was disappointing - my skintone really isn't even that tan in these winter months...I'd dread to think what this would look like on me in summer! When they say this gives a subtle colour, they really aren't joking. Especially after this thing has soaked into your skin after about 20 minutes, there is virtually NO colour on your face whatsoever.


Anyway, in regards to coverage, I was really suprised. Many people here said there was no coverage whatsoever. Wrong! This stuff covers my small blemishes quite well without masking them. As for bigger blemishes, well, of course this stuff doesn't cover them all that great, but it does still offer minimal coverage! Rest assured, you will still be able to see blemishes through this stuff no matter what, but it makes them look less worse than they really are. I love that this stuff isn't cakey or thick. It honestly looks like you aren't wearing makeup...this is a good thing as I hate looking caked in something thick. My boyfriend calls me "foundation face" if he can actually see product on my face, but he hasn't called me that once whilst wearing this (what a relief!)


Application-wise, I'm not really too keen on this. I shook the tube like people advised to, but even after shaking it, when I squeezed out the product a whole load of water came out...and ran all down my hands/arms...very messy stuff. After shaking it for the 3rd time, the product finally came out less watery, but there still was some water surrounding it. The texture isn't greasy at all, something I was worried about. It blends so easily and doesn't leave a dewy finish on my skin. It is not matte either, I'd say it's between dewy and matte. Normal?! I also use my fingers to apply this and it works fine.


I have combination skin (oily t zone, normal cheeks) and this stuff did not make me oil up. MIRACLE. Almost everything makes my skin oil. Granted, I don't wear this stuff all day long...but in the 4-5 hours I wore this, I wasn't oily. I usually oil up within 2 hours so this is saying something. I didn't set it with powder either. I don't think this stuff would make me stay completely oil-free all day though, no product does, but still, I'm happy with that. The added SPF is a bonus too, but make sure you use enough to get the maximum protection available. Cause this is a physical sun block (titanium dioxide), there is less chance of sensitivity. As I only use this for about 4-5 hours whenever I wear it, I can't comment too much on the lasting power. However, it lasts well for those few hours I wear it. Even though it's waterproof, it comes off easily with a makeup wipe.


Overall, this product is pretty decent. It provides minimal coverage with added SPF, and is oil-free (I can only use oil-free products on my combination skin). However, I'm really disappointed with the colour selection (much too light, in my case!), it's too pricey and I think this may be causing some small blemishes, even though it says it's nonacnegenic. I don't think I'd repurchase...


WHAT IT CLAIMS:
"Protects all skins with subtle colour and the sheerest coverage. Contains antioxidants; helps protect skin from harmful environmental elements. Provides SPF 15, chemical free protection. Oil-free. Non-acnegenic. Ophthalmologist tested."

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

bluelilly on 12/14/2008 2:29:00 PM more reviews by bluelilly

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I've been searching for a long time for the perfect foundation that doesnt feel make-upy and I think I've found it! My skin is slightly oily, a little drier in the winter. I use this over 10% Vitamin C serum every morning and my skin looks smooth and even. No shinies, even without powder, which is a miracle for me. If you just need a little evening out, as was previously mentioned, and don't need a ton of moisture, this is for you. SPF is a def bonus!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No