The 12 Best Clinique Products, According to a Beauty Writer

Essence Gant holding Clinique cleanser — Essence Gant

I came to love Clinique, the nearly 60-year-old skincare and cosmetics company, about 16 years ago. I was 21 years old and had just been crowned Miss Albany State University, the queen of my HBCU. My usual makeup routine, which consisted of mascara and lipgloss, would no longer cut it for all the photo ops and appearances over the next year. A total makeup novice with no idea where to start, my second attendant recommended Clinique. She had glam down pat way before YouTube's GRWM era, so I trusted her.

I went to the mall and left with the Even Better Foundation and Sheer Pressed Powder. For the rest of my reign, and quite a few years after, Clinique would be the only complexion makeup I used on my face. In grad school, a year later, I also started using their three-step skincare system. I didn't introduce new makeup or skincare into my beauty routine until 2015, and that's only because it was my job to test and write about new products that had hit the market.

My relationship with Clinique runs deep because I know firsthand that the products don't just work; they excel. Here are some staples I've loved for over a decade, plus some new additions I tried for the first time.

01 of 12

Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

$44 at Sephora

This wasn't part of my three-step routine back in the day, but I do love a good cleansing balm to break down my makeup before going in with a water-based cleanser. Take The Day Off is incredibly gentle, removing all traces of my mascara, lipstick, and foundation. I am genuinely pleased with the results, but it's not likely something that I would keep purchasing at $44 for a 3.8-ounce jar. I can't justify that price tag when more affordable drugstore options are just as effective. But if you like to stick with one brand across all your skincare products, I'd recommend it.

02 of 12

All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap

$28 at Sephora

While I won't splurge on cleansing balms, I will pay a pretty penny for the rest of my skincare products. Fortunately, the Liquid Facial Soap won't set me back too much. There are three formulas: Very Dry to Dry Skin (Type 1), Dry Combination Skin (Type 2), and Combination Oily to Oily Skin (Types 3 & 4). The product is just as good as I remember it, cleansing my skin without stripping it or making it feel tight and dry. What I love about this cleanser is that it feels like it penetrates beyond the surface, and in my experience, it works to clear my period breakouts really fast. A bonus is that you don't need a lot. One little squirt lathers my entire face and neck.

03 of 12

Clarifying Lotion 3

Essence Gant after applying Clinique Clarifying Lotion toner — Essence Gant

$22 at Ulta

The Clarifying Lotion is your toning step. This product also comes in multiple formulas based on varying skin types. The toner helps to sweep away any remaining dirt or cleanser. You can use a cotton ball, but I usually use my hands, sweeping it upward. The Clarifying Lotion doesn't leave the face tight as some stronger astringents do, but it does leave my skin feeling light and clean. While there are other toners, the Clarifying Lotion is worth it because it's such a perfect balance of gentle and effective. Because it's exfoliating, it also minimizes the appearance of pores and prevents breakouts.

04 of 12

Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum

$65 at Ulta

Like the balm, this was my first time trying the Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum. Formulated with lactic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, the serum immediately makes your skin look glowy and feel hydrated and supple. It's an amazing step after the Clarifying Lotion because it restores the radiance and bounce back into my face.

05 of 12

Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

$30 at Ulta

I first tried Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator about three years ago; I was impressed then, and I'm still impressed. In a word, my skin looks and feels healthy whenever I use this product. Aloe bioferment and hyaluronic acid work overtime to add moisture and maintain it. When I apply this in the morning, my face remains soft and supple throughout the day until I cleanse it at night. It's also incredibly soothing. I'm in Georgia right now, and the pollen wreaks havoc on my allergies, drying out and itching my under eyes. After I moisturize my face and neck, I dab a little of this stuff around my eyes, and it provides instant moisture and relief that lasts the whole day.

06 of 12

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

$34 at Sephora

Another OG product, Dramatically Different was step three of my skincare routine when I first started using the system. While I now prefer Moisture Surge, this moisturizer is still a good, effective option. It's a tad heavier and absorbs quickly into the skin upon application, making it ideal for dry skin types. There is a faint fragrance; nothing offputting, but it's noticeable.

07 of 12

Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser

$32 at Sephora

This is my first time trying any Clinique concealer. A simple, no-fuss product, the Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser was easy to use. Before application, my eyes were visibly tired with bags. The concealer greatly minimized the puffiness and made my eyes look more lively. Although it's full-coverage, the formula is lightweight with a natural finish. As someone not always in the mood for foundation, I appreciate that I can use the Even Better Concealer alone to spruce up my eyes and give me a no-makeup look. Another major pro is that it's not cakey and easy to blend and set without creasing.

08 of 12

Pop Lip + Cheek Oil

$27 at Sephora

So concealer, mascara, and Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey might be my new everyday makeup routine. I love how this trio gives you a little coverage and zhuzh with minimum effort. The Lip + Cheek Oil, in particular, is definitely one of my favorite products of everything I tried. I love the versatility and glossy finish. It makes my cheeks look dewy, and my lips look juicy. It's also very nourishing, keeping my lips soft and nourished. The tint is versatile and great for every day. It is a constant in my purse.

09 of 12

Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Essence Gant in Clinique Even Better Makeup Foundation SPF 15 — Essence Gant

$39 at Sephora

What I first loved about Even Better Makeup 16 years ago was that it felt like skin. I've always been more into skincare than makeup, so I don't like it to feel heavy or cakey when I wear a full face. This foundation is lightweight but still provides me with the perfect amount of coverage. Another major perk is that it actually improves skin with continued use, minimizing dark spots for a more even skin tone. While I found a perfect match, shade 116 Spice, it is worth noting that some beauty TikTokers found that the darkest shade, 127 Truffle, was not dark enough.

10 of 12

Pop Longwear Lipstick

$27 at Ulta

Pop Longwear couldn't be a more appropriate name for this lipstick. The collection comes in matte, satin, and shine finishes, and the pigment packs a major punch. I particularly love the shade Pow Pop. It appears to be a plum color on the website, but it photographs more like a fuschia on my skin tone. Even though I was expecting a deep purple, I still really loved the color and will wear it a lot for the spring and summer. Pow Pop is a matte finish that glides on the lips very smoothly and doesn't feel dry. I also appreciate that it lasts for hours before a touchup is needed.

11 of 12

High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara

$27 at Ulta

I'm not as picky about mascara as other makeup, like foundation or concealer, but I look for a few qualities. It absolutely needs to make my lashes look longer, more voluminous, and none of that clumpy, gunky mess. The High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara passes the test, and I especially like how it lengthens and fills out my lashes but with a natural finish. You can layer it for more drama, but I like about two or three strokes for an everyday look.

12 of 12

Almost Lipstick

$25 at Ulta

Sometimes, you just want a soft touch of color, and Almost Lipstick is perfect for those instances. The sheer, lightweight formula has a subtle, shiny finish and feels soft on the lips. I love the shade Black Honey because it shows up as a deep neutral on my lips, but it also comes in the shade Pink Honey.