3 Step Skincare System by Clinique

If you have never heard of the unique 3-step skincare system by Clinique, then your skin is missing out! I have been using it for just over 2 months now and I have seen a real difference in the look and feel of my skin.

I must admit, I am a beauty-product junkie! I will buy pretty much anything that looks good and I must be a department stores dream! When I turned 25 last year, my skin suddenly became prone to oiliness and breakouts. Before this, I had never suffered from bad skin in any way and it behaved itself all the time. Suddenly, I had bad skin and I didn't know what to do to change it. I tried medicated soaps, scrubs and face washes, all to no avail. I would put my make-up on in the morning, with powder, and by lunchtime my face would be so shiny I would have to blot it. I became really self-concious and didn't go out as much. Enough was enough.

I went to my nearest department store and headed to the Clinique counter as they had one of their Bonus Time offers running and I'm a sucker for a freebie! After my consultation with a really friendly therapist, she recommended the 3-step products and told me that it would take a little while, but I would soon notice a difference. As the name implies, there are 3 products that need to be used in turn in order to achieve good results. These are soap (available in liquid or solid bar), Clarifying Lotion (available in 4 strengths, 1-4) and one moisturiser (Dramatically Different, available in normal or gel-cream formulas).

Before using the soap (I use the "Mild" one in liquid form) skin must be free of make-up. It will not remove make-up! Simply wet your face and dispense a small amount of soap into hands and work it into a lather. Then massage over your face and rinse off. Despite being a soap, it does not leave skin tight or dry and you will always be advised on which strength is the one for you.

The next step is the Clarifying Lotion (I use "2"). I originally started using number 4 as my skin was quite oily, but I have now "downgraded" to number 2. As with all skincare products, it is always best to use ones that are suitable for your skins needs according to how it behaves, i.e. use a richer moisturiser in winter and a lighter one in summer. To use the Clarifying Lotion, simply apply a small amount to a cotton wool pad/ball and sweep over your face, avoiding the eye area. You will feel a mild stinging sensation, but this is normal. The Clarifying Lotion has been designed to clear away any dead skin cells and it really prepares your skin for moisturiser.

After a couple of minutes, apply the Dramatically Different moisturiser (it is one of the best-selling ones in the world and is instantly recognisable due to its yellow color). Just massage it into your face and neck to hydrate your skin and complete the 3-step system.

Due to the sizes of the products, they last for ages and you do not need much of each. Just follow the 3-step system twice a day (removing your make-up before you do!) and you will be on your way to great skin.