CLINIQUE

I bought a sample of this and Drunk Elephant's Slaai to compare. I purchased both of these products, so this isn't a sponsored review. I tested both of these on the back of my hands, rather than my face, so I could see the effects better. Here's a comparison of the two: Skin type/background: Dehydrated skin prone to hormonal acne. Packaging: It's a toss-up. They're both in tubs (which I'm not too stressed about), but Slaai has a handy magnetic spoon in the full size. I think the Clinique looks MUCH more elegant on the counter, which is a factor for me (I like my skincare routine to be a luxurious experience). I would think with Slaai being a higher price point (and DE in general is insanely expensive), they'd market toward a more mature customer with a higher expendable income. The packaging is functional on Slaai, but I think the bright green packaging looks like it was marketed to tweens. Obviously, this is just a matter of personal opinion. Product feel, smell: TTDO wins here. The texture is extremely smooth, slippery, almost Vaseline-y. Slaai is fine, but feels more like just applying coconut oil to your skin--nothing bad, but nothing luxurious or special. TTDO has an extremely light scent (I'd call it no scent), Slaai smells very slightly like carrier oils. Dr Dray mentioned that she smelled strawberries, and I can get that too, but it's LESS than the hint of strawberry in LaCroix water, if that makes sense (cue LaCroix jokes about how subtle the flavors are). I like the Clinique experience better, but you may not. Performance: Clinique again for me. Although the TTDO is slightly more drying, I have concerns with the Slaai; It doesn't rinse cleanly (yes, yes, I read other reviews that said this, but as you know skincare acts differently on different people, so you really have to try things for yourself). The Clinique turns milky-white as it emulsifies, and it seems like every single bit is removed surprisingly quickly with water. Slaai doesn't turn any color, and there is some of the product left behind after rinsing. This effect is more moisturizing than TTDO, and is FINE if you are doing a second cleanse, or if you don't have siliconey sunscreen or makeup to remove. Unfortunately, I don't second cleanse, unless it's just with a face lotion to replenish moisture, because my skin is very sensitive. My current sunscreen has a lot of silicones (it's a Japanese milk type) so I just don't think Slaai would do a good job removing it. However, I WOULD consider using the Slaai on no-makeup days, or if I find a good spf without silicones (it's a goal of mine, but the spf search is arduous). TL;DR: Clinique is a much more luxurious experience, though a bit more drying after rinsing. Slaai seems like an ordinary/fine experience, and although it's more moisturizing, it definitely leaves product behind after rinsing. Slaai is a perfectly fine product, but not what I was looking for in a balm cleanser. I've used the Clinique on half my face now for 4 weeks (my usual oil cleanser on the other half) and had no additional breakouts from it.

As others have said, this is just a basic moisturiser and seems overpriced given the lack of results. I honestly felt as though this made no difference to my under eye area.

Although the citrus top notes are clear, heavy floral notes weigh down Happy too much to suit its name. Compared to other fragrances that stand out as bright and uplifting, Happy has some heft to it. It's a distinct and well-blended fragrance with decent longevity and sillage, but to me, the scent is reminiscent of potpourri. Pleasant enough, but not what I want to smell like.