Clinique • 3 Step System • Skincare - Face

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gdavis01 on 6/4/2012 4:21:00 PM more reviews by gdavis01

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I bought the Clinique 3-Step system about 2 months ago and have mixed reviews on it. My skin is combination/ oily, as well as sensitive. It is very hard for me to find a cleansing system that treats one without irritating the other.

I purchased the Mild Liquid Facial Soap, the Clarifying Lotion 3 (for combination oily skin types) and the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. I like the cleanser, as it gets my skin glowingly clean. I think my problem lies with the Clarifying Lotion. I am finding that my skin is developing dry patches - a problem that I have never had before. Another negative that I have found is that the Clarifying Lotion has a very harsh alcohol smell & it burns my eyes, even when I don't apply it anywhere near my under-eye area.

The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is a very nice consistency & moisturizing without being too greasy. It absorbs quickly & isn't harsh at all.

Packaging for the Cleanser and the Moisturizing Gel are great. My only complaint for the Clarifying Lotion packaging is that the bottle is a little too tall to fit into my medicine cabinet. I also wish that the Clarifying Lotion had a pump; the twist-off cap is slightly inconvenient, but nothing to stop buying it over.

Pricing is actually not bad at all for a name brand product. The Cleanser was $16.00, the Clarifying Lotion was $21.00 (for the large size) and the Moisturizing Gel was $24.50 (also for the large size). Total it was about $61.50 plus tax.

I would recommend this system to anyone, but just make sure that you get the proper products for your skin type. I think that I am going to change my Clarifying Lotion down to number 1 or 2, rather than the 3. However, I am very happy with the Cleanser & Moisturizing Gel, & would recommend them to anyone!

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truthandtragedy on 6/3/2012 11:15:00 AM more reviews by truthandtragedy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I have used the 3 step system in both version 2 and version 3. I have oily combination skin which starts off quite dry in the morning but gets very oily throughout the day. I also suffer from cystic acne on my chin, but I don't break out anywhere else.

Version 2 wasn't right for me at all, but version 3 is just perfect. I've been using it for over a month now and my skin has never been better. I used to use it when I was about 16 but I stopped using it for some reason.

The facial soap (oily formula) is perfect for me. It leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh, but not too tight or dry which is often a problem for me. The toner removes any leftover make-up or residue and also seems to lift any dry flakes that I have and leaves my skin so smooth and clean. The dramatically different moisturising gel is my favourite part of the system! It moisturises my skin but DOES NOT leave a film or any greasy residue which is my main concern. It just leaves my skin so smooth and I can't resist feeling my cheeks after I've applied it!

I have had a couple of blemishes since using the products, but they clear up much quicker and it also seems to be helping fade the marks left on my chin. I also used to have very red, inflamed-looking cheeks which could only be covered with LOTS of foundation, but since using this they have been completely minimised which I'm so happy about because I love being able to not cake my face in make-up anymore.

I will not be leaving my 3-step ever again!

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SlmS1992 on 6/3/2012 11:14:00 AM more reviews by SlmS1992

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

Was very excited to use it but it didnt really do anything for my skin and my blemishes. I still had pimples and it wasnt clearing it in any way. The toner is too strong for my skin as it contains alcohol. It might have actually done more harm than good for my skin. Won't be purchasing it again. I might consider the moisturizer though due to its lightweight formula.

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alypagz on 6/3/2012 11:09:00 AM more reviews by alypagz

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I used the 3 step system for years with good results, so I am not sure why I stopped, however, I am glad I went back to it. My skin is clear, moisturized with no clogged pores. Sometimes the stuff that has been around for a long time is still really good.

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MSar on 6/1/2012 4:28:00 PM more reviews by MSar

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

I think the Clinique 3 Step System is solid! I have oily/combination skin. My forehead, t-zone, and chin area tends to get rather oily throughout the day which causes me to get minor breakouts. I've always been hesistant to try the 3 Step System because many Clinique products have broken me out and made my skin worse. Coincidentally, I've used the Clarifying Lotion many times throughout my life and have always loved it. I had periods where I've stopped using it just for the sake of trying out all the different products out there, but I always end up going back. I was looking for a new moisturizer though, as my previous one did not help my oil problems. I saw the 3 Step System at Sephora and thought that it was actually a good deal so I grabbed it. The first day of using it, I already noticed a difference in my skin. Not only was the shine gone, but my skin looked so matte no matter how much makeup I had on in a given day. My skin is also so smooth to the touch and the surface is so even. Lastly, I am no longer breaking out. I do feel that if you don't use the products together, you won't get these results. I've been using this for months now and I've never loved my skin more. For my oily/combination skin, this is so perfect! The cleansing soap and clarifying lotion does dry out your skin, but the moisturizing gel puts all that moisture back in and leaves my skin so matte and moisturized! I think this product is especially great for the summer and when winter comes back around, I'll go back to my creams for that extra needed moisture! I absolutely love this!

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MissMelanieM on 5/31/2012 7:52:00 AM more reviews by MissMelanieM

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Out of all of the skincare products that I have used, Clinique three step is the only one that I have gone back to again and again. Its the only line that doesn't wreak havoc on my skin.


I love that it can be customized as your skin changes. I have the mild facial soap and extra strength for different seasons. I have 2 different clarifying lotions for the same reason, and I love both the DDML and the gel. Really there isnt anything that I dont like about this line. The trick is using products that arent TOO strong for you with the clarifying lotions. This is where most people seem to have problems, so they throw the whole line out!


Even when I am very oily, like right now (its the beginning of summer) I still will use the clarifying lotion 2. 3 or 4 was better on my younger oily skin, but now I find that 2 is great for summer and 1 for winter or if my skin is sensitive from chemical peels/products.

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Emma32 on 5/31/2012 6:34:00 AM more reviews by Emma32

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

I think it's important to cover some of the myths associated with 3 step.

3 Step is (obviously) a 3 step system designed for taking care of your skin.

Facial Soap - I use the facial soap morning and night as recommended and it really does make your skin feel really clean and soft. I have heard many people say that the facial soap dries out their skin but actually Clinique put loads of emollients in their products that stop this from happening. Particularly if you use the soap for a skin type 1.

Clarifying Lotion - They key to having really great skin is exfoliation. The clarifying lotion sweeps off all the dead skin cells that make your skin look dull, as well as getting in pores and causing spots and reduces oil. It really does make your skin look really fresh and smooth and radiant. For people who are complaining about the smell of alcohol - Clinqiue doesn't have any more alcohol than any other brands, it just doesn't mask the smell with irritating fragrance!!!

DDML - The DDML is a great product but what is important to remember is that it re-balances the balance of water and oil in your skin. It is not the only moisturiser you need and doesn't claim to be, it re-balances your skin ready for a treatment moisturiser.

You also don't see the full effects of the system until two weeks after you've used it properly, all together, morning and night.

I love my three step system ♥

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Schristal on 5/21/2012 4:57:00 PM more reviews by Schristal

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

I really don't waste my time in writing bad reviews but I just had to with this product. Everyone is different I admit, but personally speaking this product made me break out new pimples all over my chin, neck and cheeks. A nightmare....I'm so disappointed because It felt refreshing but it did not clear or make my face better at all...at least I can get my money back. Can I get my face back too??

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lolailo on 5/20/2012 9:41:00 AM more reviews by lolailo

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Don't think it makes any difference! Not buying again.

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Amelia6789 on 5/19/2012 12:01:00 AM more reviews by Amelia6789

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Before you judge this product based on it's ingredients/lack of organic natural goodness etc, visit this website: www.personalcaretruth.com

I understand step one (the facial soap) contains so called 'nasties' such as sodium laureth sulphate. I understand that step two is alcohol based. I especially understand that the moisturizer contains nothing more than petrochemicals and mineral oil. Before I visited that website, I wouldn't have looked at this system twice. But, Personal Care Truth (Or Scare) is a website run by scientists, as opposed to people in the beauty industry, who will tell you the honest truth about ingredients as opposed to simply scaring consumers for a profit.

Now, onto the effectiveness of this system. I am 18 with dry/normal skin which leans towards the sensitive side. I do suffer from hormonal breakouts along my jawline and on my cheeks near my nose. Prior to purchasing this system, I was using weleda products. Lovely, but I was still breaking out. I bit the bullet, and despite the negative reviews, bought Cliniques 3 Step System (Skin Type 2- Dry/Combination).

I have been using it religiously for approximately 5 weeks and my skin is lovely. Evenly toned, far fewer breakouts, no reddness, no tightness, nothing. My skin just looks like really lovely skin. To assist in curbing my breakouts further, I use a Phisohex wash prior to step one.

The soap leaves my skin feeling soft and smoothe, the facial toner/exfoliator does tingle but thats because it is working, and the DDML soothes. I also use Cliniques Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer (Skin Type 2) over the top at night time.

Please stop obsessing over ingredients. I know my mindset may be the minority, but I used to fret over parabens and petrochemicals and all that and my skin never looked worse! If a system works for you, it works. Who cares what it contains. Give this a go- ask for a sample. (Remember, skin renews itself every 28 days so it may take that long to see results.)

As a sidenote, the packaging is attractive, clean and simple. I feel comfortable having it sitting on the bathroom shelf for all to see.

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bethany389 on 5/17/2012 11:40:00 PM more reviews by bethany389

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

Ahh the 3-step system. I used this in my mid teens for a while and also used their acne line 3-step but just wasn't wowed by it (probably because I wasn't being consistent with it).

Jump ahead about a decade and now I work for the company and was forced to start using it, despite having an undying love affair and worshipping my origins system. I still think about switching back quite often, yes I love it that much.

Anyhow on to the review. I got my 3-step as a gratis item for being a consultant. Otherwise the cost would be about $67 with tax. Meh, I've paid a lot more for a skincare system before so its about average I would say. I'm a 3 so my products are liquid facial soap oily skin formula, clarifying lotion #3, and DDMG.

Liquid cleanser- Pretty great cleanser. Lathers very well and has a cooling feel on my skin. Makes me know that its really getting down into my pores and clearing them out. NOTE: it is NOT a makeup remover, repeat, not a makeup remover. I use the wash away gel cleanser and its great too. I also use my clarisonic just at night with the facial soap.

Clarifying lotion #3- Hate the smell of it, but I'm getting used to it. Hate the packaging, they all need to come with a pump but alas only Nordstroms sells the bottles with the pump. (Mental note to order from there when I run low) Slight burn/tingle, but I like that. Not drying at all, as long as you follow with a DDM(G/L)

DDMG- I've literally used this stuff for years now. It's always been in my arsenal, even when I wasn't using 3step. Its just an all around great lightweight hydrator. Also for those looking into 3step, you might need more hydration than what this gives you, or maybe you are using a serum as well, but you cannot skip the yellow moisturizer. It almost acts as a sponge, making everything on top of it work better. For those who are confused the golden rule is to NEVER BREAK UP 3-STEP!!

For example the order I use my products in are as follows:
Makeup remover
Liquid soap
Clarifying lotion
DDMG
Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
Superdefense SPF 25

so a serum would go after DDMG and before any additional moistuizer.


Overall I'm really liking the system. I was surprised that I noticed clearer skin and overall a brighter and much less dull appearance.

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DisneyAnimeFan92 on 5/16/2012 6:11:00 PM more reviews by DisneyAnimeFan92

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Let me start off by saying I have Combination/Oily skin (which places me in type 3 in the Clinique system). I have an oily forehead, nose, and cheeks, but the back part of my cheeks (near my ears) is dry, as well as the skin around my mouth and between my eyebrows. I am also very acne-prone. Proactiv worked well for me for years, but I found that the benzoyl peroxide dried my skin out too much, even with moisturizer being applied afterward. It made my skin dull and listless over time, and I decided I wanted to try a different skincare routine to give my skin a natural glow again. My acne is better, so drying up pimples isn't my primary focus anymore.


Enter the Clinique 3 Step Skincare system. I was put off by the price at first, but the bottles are large and I don't see myself running out anytime soon, so it was worth the investment. I've used it for almost a month, and I already see great improvement in my skin's tone and texture. Breakouts are less frequent, my skin feels smooth, and it's even reducing acne scars I have been trying to get rid of for months.

A lot of people seem to dislike Step 1, the facial wash, but I love it. It cleans my skin without leaving it completely stripped of moisture like most cleansers for oily skin tend to do. The menthol is very soothing and feels wonderful when it sinks into my skin after a minute or two of scrubbing. I also don't understand the complaints about this wash not removing makeup -- Clinique says on both their website and the packaging that it does not remove makeup, so that is something the customer should know in advance. I take off my makeup with CVS makeup removal wipes first and then cleanse. It was certainly not a dealbreaker for me.

The Clarifying Lotion is the step that does the most for my acne. It dries out the pimples without completely drying out my skin as a whole. My skin is not sensitive, so I haven't experienced any burning or irritation. It only stung once when I grazed some of the toner over an open pimple. This product as alcohol in it, and alcohol stings on open wounds of any kind, so I knew that was coming and it didn't bother me. It stung for a split second and then went away, and hasn't happened again since then.

The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel may be my favorite product of the three. A tiny amount (one pump) is enough for my whole face, and it adds just enough moisture without making my skin greasy. In fact, it helps control oil throughout the day, and my face takes much longer to become oily than it did before I started this system.

If you're interested in real skincare, and not just killing acne, Clinique 3-Step may be for you. I recommend it to all my friends starting out on skincare systems, and will certainly repurchase. For those of you with a Clarisonic, the scrub works very well with it -- I just bought the Clarisonic Mia, and I put one pump of the cleanser on it and use that to clean my face. It bumps up the quality of cleansing and really makes sure my makeup is completely removed.

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Badoumba on 5/14/2012 1:32:00 AM more reviews by Badoumba

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I have been using the 3 steps system (#3 for oily skin) for almost 2 months now.
My skin is quite oily, especially on my forehead and I do breakout regularly around my mouth and between my eyebrows.

After 2 or 3 weeks, I could see a difference in the quality of my skin, the pores looked smaller and my forehead wasn't as shiny as it used to be. I didn't breakout for about 2 weeks which rarely happens usually.

Then after 3 or 4 weeks, I started breaking out quite badly on my chin. I thought it could be a hormonal issue (as I messed up with my birth control pill at the time) and continued using it.
It did not improve, I tried using a richer moisturiser, not insisting on my chin so much when using the soap and the toner. It only got worse so I have just decided to stop using this system.

I really wanted this to work. I am back to looking for a skin care routine that would work for my oily, hyper-pigmented, prone to breakouts skin :(

If you are looking for a good skincare system, I still think you should try this one as some people had great results with it. I bought the trial kit and I would suggest anyone to do the same to figure out if this is right for you or not.

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kaaejukes on 5/10/2012 4:54:00 AM more reviews by kaaejukes

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Very Dry   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Leela,

I just wanted to suggest that you try clarifying #1 instead of #2. They're virtually the same strength, but the #1 doesn't have the menthol! I had used CL#2 for decades, and decided to try CL#1 just for fun. My skin totally improved...and I'm 55 years old.

I love the tingle of the menthol but, like you, my dry skin sometimes burns a bit with it. Try the #1...I really think you'll like it! Also, the "Liquid Soap" isn't soap at all...it's detergent (according to the ingredients). So you might want to try the soap, instead of the liquid soap, as it's not so harsh on your skin.

Your English is better than most native speakers/writers.

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PhatMuffin on 4/28/2012 3:41:00 PM more reviews by PhatMuffin

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

I've been using the 3-step system no 3 for combination-oily skin for about a month now and so far I've been very satisfied! It has made a remarkably change on my t-zone! It's far less oily than it used to be and I have a lot less break outs. My skin looks matte and even throughout the day, something I've never been able to accomplish with other brands.

The liquid soap smells pleasant and I love the slight tingly feeling (it has menthol in it). The packaging is super elegant and if you buy the 400 ml (!) full size bottle you're set with cleanser for months. The price is not so bad, not cheap but considering you get so much product It's great value.

The only downside is that the "dramatically different lotion" can be a little bit drying, I choose to ignore this because it does wonders for the oily parts of my face. Use a moisturizing night cream and it shouldn't be a problem.

Too bad it didn't work out for a lot of the reviewers here but for me it's my new HG of cleansers!

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samerajome on 4/26/2012 2:12:00 PM more reviews by samerajome

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

A great product but found it to make not a great difference as far as preventing breakouts. I would stick to cheaper products with the same ingredients such as Biore or Clean & Clear

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missjenjen88 on 4/14/2012 12:47:00 AM more reviews by missjenjen88

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I just recently purchased Clinique's 3 Step System to try this product and see if was any good and it has been 2 weeks and my skin has really cleared up and is looking 100% better than a few weeks ago. I must admit that the Clarifying Lotion felt quite harsh on the skin when I first used it due to the alcohol content (kind of felt like I was wiping Vodka on my skin!) but I've actually gotten use to it now and can see that it is working for me.

My skin is quite oily, especially in my T-Zone area so this system has worked in really controlling that without completing stripping all the oil off my face. I have noticed an immense change in my skin texture and can see that my blemishes/skin irritations are fading. I did notice a few breakouts after using the product for the first time but the Clinique specialist explained that this may happen because the product is penetrating into the skin and will surface pimples/blackheads under your skin so you should be patient and keep using it a little longer before giving up.

I guess for some people it will work and for others it won't. You won't know until you try and I don't think the products are expensive at all, they are quite affordable compared to other brands out there but of course it would be considered expensive if you used drug store brands prior.I definitely think it is worth a try if you haven't used it! I do have quite sensitive skin which is prone to breakouts and skin irritations and wanted to see if Clinique would live up to my expectations and it did!

PROS:
- Packaging looks good together and is hygienic.
- The products will last for quite a while.
- The moisturizing gel is really good for oily skin - leaves a matte feel on face.
- It gives you a fresh and clean feel after using the products.
- Affordable (in my opinion!)

CONS:
- Clarifying lotion being harsh on skin

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TresJolee on 4/12/2012 9:39:00 AM more reviews by TresJolee

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

The 3 Step System was one of my first serious skincare products. I got started out with sample sizes and I loved it. So I decided to get the full-sized bottles despite their outrageous pricing. It cost about RM300+ for the whole set. The cleanser is quite nice, quiet gentle and lathers up nicely. One pump is enough and it just cleanses the skin without drying it out. However, the toner, or clarifying lotion is very harsh. It really has a very strong, alcohol smell that really dries out the skin, even for oily skins. But it was able to dry up any whiteheads or tiny pimples. The moisturiser I got was gel-based and had dimethicone(a kind of silicone) in it, so it managed to mattify my skin quite nicely. But because of the silicones, it just covers my pores, making me break out. The only thing I like about this system is the packaging. It's hygienic. That's it. I feel that it's just a simple system. And the toner is too harsh, especially for sensitive skins.
In a nutshell:
PROS:
Simple system
Hygienic packaging
Cleanser didn't strip moisture from the skin
Can last for quite a while. It lasted 5 months for me.

CONS:
Hefty price tag
Toner was too harsh, had strong alcoholic smell, definitely not suited for sensitive skins.
moisturiser had silicones, may cause breakouts in some people.
Can be duped with cheaper alternatives

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*TOP REVIEWER* bloodymerry52 on 4/9/2012 4:00:00 PM more reviews by bloodymerry52

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

As a former Clinique makeup artist, I have been using 3 step off/on for several years and I like it. My skin is always changing from super oily to acne to combo. If you have mega oily skin, try using the men's products like the toner or even some of the scrubs. I've used the 3.5 toner and its great, it's a little stronger than the regular #3 toner. The acne toner is really good too, I like that it has salycilic acid in it. The yellow moisturizing gel is a wonderful product especially during the warmer months. I get my products at the military base, and they are a lot cheaper than department store prices so I'll continue to buy them.

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Ninbazi on 4/8/2012 7:08:00 PM more reviews by Ninbazi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I'll be honest. I have tried almost all cleansing systems they sell in the drug store and all of them leave my skin super dry even after I apply moisturizer. Clinique 3-step is cheap compared to other brand names and words perfectly on my skin texture. I would def by this again.

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