My love affair with Clinique is pretty young, but there is none a love more passionate and consuming. Lol. Theatrics aside, Clinique is probably my favorite brand out of all I've tried so far - because of it, I have come to realize that there is so much more to skincare and makeup than the drugstore products I've been using before.

Adik! Most of my Clinique stuff. Some I've already repurchased. Read my reviews here.

So why am I in love with the brand? Simple. Before Clinique, my skin looked like crap. Now, I use AT LEAST three Clinique products everyday: the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Oily Skin Formula), Derma White City Block Anti-Pollution SPF40, and the Moisture Surge.  Barring any hormonal stuff and new products breaking me out, these three keep my skin glowing and smooth. I've tried other cheaper and more expensive products before, but I always go back to Clinique.

Wearing the Superbalanced Powder Makeup here

Expect me to be excited when one of my favorite brands comes up with something new. This time, Clinique is bringing in a reformulted version of one of their best-selling products, the Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer (P3,250) and the Lid Smoothie Anti-Oxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour (P1,550).

The Turnaround Concentrate is a "fast acting exfoliating serum that instantly creates a luminous-from-within radiance. Reveals skin's finest texture, too. Works to optimise natural cell renewal, gently, continually, unveiling skin that's brighter, healthier, more uniform." Intriguing.

I'm a huge, huge fan of Lisa Eldridge. She's a celebrity makeup artist based in London, who has done the faces of Emma Watson, Katy Perry, and Nicole Richie to name a few. Even with a successful career in makeup artistry, she still took the time to go into vlogging on YouTube. What sets her apart is how clearly she explains and demonstrates makeup techniques and trends with the experience of a true professional.

So, when she posted this video of her top makeup favorites after twenty years of using tons of products on herself and her clients, I got interested in the Clinique Airbrush Concealer (P1,300). If you've watched a number of her videos, you'll notice that this concealer is one of very few products she constantly uses. It's practically her default undereye concealer. Of course I had to get one for myself!

What I love about the product

• This concealer was not designed to be opaque like, say, the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit. Its coverage is quite light, working more as an undereye illuminator than as a traditional concealer because of its light-reflective properties.

Product samples will be the death - and/or financial bankruptcy - of me! I fell in love with many a Clinique product just because I tried one of their devious sample sizes. You think, "Oh, I like what I'm using already, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a gander at this new tester size I have." Before you know it, boom, you're buying a product worth 2 gs. 

At least, you already know that it's totally worth it.

So that's how I discovered the Clinique Derma White City Block Anti-Pollution SPF40 PA+++ (P2,045). I got a sample of it from one of Clinique's gift pouches, not really expecting that it would be The Sunblock. There are other City Block versions available, but I find that they break me out so I never got around to buying them. Not the Derma White though. This works so well on my skin and I've been using this since May!

What I love about the product

• Has SPF40 PA+++, so it offers pretty good sun protection.
• NO BREAKOUTS. I don't know what's up with sunblocks, but most of them give me pimples - if not immediately, they do eventually.

It's that time of the year again! The Clinique Bonus Time promo has a really, REALLY fab set of goodies this year. For a minimum single purchase of P4,500, you get this awesome gift. It's full of generous travel sizes of some of Clinique's best sellers, and it's worth P4,000!

What's in the set:

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief 15ml / Moisture Surge Thirsty Skin Relief Face Spray 30ml / All About Eyes Rich 7ml / Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 30ml / Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser 30ml / Super City Block SPF 40 Oil-Free Daily Face Protector / Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss Circle C Mirror with Pouch

Clinique's annual bonus time is a great way for you to try Clinique without paying full-price for them. Besides, the set is practically free. If you don't know what to buy yet, allow me to recommend some of my super duper favorite Clinique products. I use all these all the time, if not every day (I rotate depending on what my skin needs at the moment).

 Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF15/PA+++ 

Clinique Derma White Cream / Derma White City Block Anti-Pollution SPF40 (recently bought this, will review soon! This is my super favorite face SPF product, and I've been using the samples for two months.)

I went to the office yesterday so, again, I wore a neutral look. Actually I just really wanted to play with my new toy, the Bobbi Brown Tortoise Shell Palette in Sand. Will write a full review on it soon! Off the bat though, I find the palette gorgeous when it comes to the unique packaging and the timeless shade selection. Bobbi makes the best neutral eyeshadows; they never look like makeup, instead melting and blending into the skin as if they've always been there.

I also wore my new favorite foundation, the Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF15/PA+++. Other than concealer, I didn't use any other face product - no silicon base, illuminators, or finishing powders yet the finish is absolutely fantastic! I didn't edit my photo here except for a retouch of the eye bags (my eyes are SUPER puffy lately due to late nights), so you wouldn't believe that I have several dark, big acne scars underneath.

Ahh, the power of opaque concealer and a glowy foundation.

Face: Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer, MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer, Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup in Medium

I mentioned before that Clinique has some of the best foundations out there, and with the brand's latest product called Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup (P2,400) I haven't changed my mind! The Superbalanced is a pressed mineral foundation that you can shave off to turn into loose powder. It has physical sunscreen at SPF15 with UVA/UVB protection, a shield that's good for a neat three hours.

Other than that technical stuff, this foundation delivers a beautiful, smooth finish that seems to look better as you wear it. I must admit I raised an eyebrow when I saw it on my face the first couple of minutes I applied it. it looked too powdery! After a while though it started melting on my skin and it looked absolutely amazing.

Case in point:

What I love about the product

• Looks beautiful when worn. I like how it makes my skin look glowy and natural without shimmer or shine. Coverage is light to medium so don't expect this to cover blemishes; use a separate concealer.
• Has the benefits of mineral powder (friendly to sensitive skin, doesn't clog pores or make you break out) combined with the convenience of a pressed compact.

It's no big secret that I have an ongoing love affair with Clinique. The brand is quite pricey locally, but the products I use work extremely well on my skin. Again, it's always a matter of being hiyang, so I'm really lucky that I found my skin's "soulmate"!

I'm a fan of the Clinique Moisture Surge because it gives me a nice glow and more supple skin without the oiliness. However, it's not designed to help much during and after a big breakout. I try a lot of products for this blog so something always ends up giving me pimples - I need something that can help clear them and deal with the pesky blemishes that crop up afterwards. That's why I wanted to try the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturizer (P1,600/50mL).

It's pretty good. Here's why!

What I love about the product

• Helps dry up pimples faster, especially the smaller ones. It has salicylic acid, a key ingredient that targets acne. It has no parabens and has very little comedogenic ingredients. (See here for reference)
• It lightens blemishes, but this takes time, two weeks at least. I'm very happy with it nonetheless.
• Blackheads and whiteheads are no longer a problem whenever I use this.

Super light gel texture

Last Wednesday, I met up with Kira, who was incidentally meeting up with Mira (the Marketing Manager of Clinique). Haha. It was great seeing my girls since it's been quite a while! I also got to shop a bit (more Ferretti shoes and some Forever 21 pieces - more of that in the next post) so overall a nice Wednesday even though I got a ton of work then.

Yes, I'm wearing glasses here. I look kind of...off now with spectacles outside the house. I actually meant to buy a new set of contacts but I got sidetracked! 

Thrifted chambray polo/ Redhead skirt/ Ferretti tan wedges/ SM hat and necklace/ Parfois bag

So anyway, even though I was just sabit that day, Mira generously gave me a cute gift. I already have a number of Clinique pouches lying around the house but I swear, I will never get tired of that stuff. The brand makes some of the best cosmetic bags out there (great fabric, high-quality make) so if you have the chance to get one, don't hesitate. You can usually get them during promos since they are not for sale.

Curious to see what's inside?

Mascara for your bottom lashes? Why not! It's an awesome idea, actually. I've poked my eyes many times with a normal mascara wand, trying to coax those itty bitty bottom lash hairs into existence. For someone like me with sparse, short lower lashes, a mascara specifically designed for them is heaven sent! It's perfect for getting that clean, wide, doll-eyed look or just generally younger-looking peepers. Lush fringe of lashes = illusion of younger, less tired eyes.

The Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (P1,150) is exactly as it is called: a mascara for your lower lashes. It has a small, conical wand that can easily coat fine lashes without messing up the skin around it. The wand is a breeze to maneuver and could actually also be used as a mascara for those hard-to-reach upper lashes near the inner corner of the eyes.

It's pretty awesome. Here's why!

What I love about the product

• Volumizes and lengthens in one coat. One coat is usually enough to bring the lower lashes out; two coats give a little too much va-voom for me.
• Doesn't smudge. Very valuable since the mascara is precariously used in the smudge zone - the lower lid.

I attended a couple of meetings last Thursday in Makati. They weren't really the formal type so I wore something comfortable, heat-friendly, and non-fattening! Anyway, I've been wearing this block-striped bodycon dress a lot lately. It's my absolute cheat dress right now, if  you must know. Thought the Ferretti wedges matched the dress's stripes so in they went.

No brand dress/ Thrifted chambray polo/ Satchel from Muradito/ Accessories from Avon/ Ferretti wedges

For the FOTD, I chose to wear as little makeup as possible. Since I like my skin lately, I opted for a sheer formula, lush lashes, and fool-proof red lips. It's my good ol' red lippie look only with different products.

Don't you just hate how our faces turn into impromptu grease pans when the heat goes up? When I know that I'll be out the whole day, I take extra precautions to keep oil at bay. I use a reliable primer (Guerlain L'Or) and dust a generous amount of loose translucent powder on top of my makeup.

The Clinique Blended Face Powder and Brush in 20 Invisible Blend (P1,800) has been a trustworthy ally this past month or so. It's a huge help in absorbing oil! I like that it has very little coverage; since it's translucent, it doesn't make my face look too white. I love using it on top of tinted moisturizers like the Clinique Supermoisture Makeup and the Colour Collection Gluta-White BB Cream. This combo feels lighter than full makeup, plus it looks more natural since coverage is sheer. I just cover up spots with concealer.

What I like about the product

• The powder is fine and well-milled. It is easy to distribute evenly with a big fluffy brush.
• Helps control oil. When I have it on, oil becomes a problem only after four or five hours. (But then again, I use the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for oily skin, which helps tremendously).

Say hello to my new favorite facial wash - the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Oily Skin Formula)! I've been using it everyday, twice a day for the past two weeks and my skin has definitely improved. I am a lot less oily, I don't break out as much, pores are tighter, blackheads don't bother me anymore (!) and my skin is generally smoother. I so, so love this product.

My first experience with a Clinique facial wash was about two years ago. I got samples from an event and was pretty psyched to use it. However, I found it disappointing since it didn't lather (not a fan of washes that don't soap up), made me oilier, plus it also broke me out! So since then I stayed far away from Clinique facial washes, thinking they're all like that.

Well, I was obviously wrong. About a month ago during my first Clinique party, I was talking to Mira (Clinique's Marketing Manager) about my search for a new cleanser.

This post is a little late, but that's only because I was waiting for the second Clinique Party attendees to write about our private event. I thought it would be fun to narrate what happened using their own words! 

Photos from Kari

The cute-as-a-button Kari was the first girl to come in. She narrates, "I decided to go ahead with the skin consultation and makeover while waiting for everyone else. Dindin, one of the Clinique consultants, helped me go through a comprehensive skin test and patiently explained the reasons for each of my skin problems...[she] gave me tips on how to keep those skin concerns in check, which basically boiled down to: 1.) exfoliation and 2.) sun protection. My dry-combination skin (type 2) needed regular but gentle exfoliation to scrub old skin cells away (which caused flaking) and sun protection to take care of the new ones that emerge."

The bubbly Angeli (who I met before) enjoyed meeting her fellow beauty enthusiasts. "Another best thing about Clinique party is that I had the opportunity to meet other beauty afficionados from different walks of life

One of the gifts I got from Clinique is this sample tube of their Long Last lipstick in Blushing Nude. It's practically full-sized though! Anyway, I find the shade name amusing because it's neither "blushing" nor is it "nude". It's a very warm MLBB brown-pink lipstick that's perfect for a work-safe face.

I love the formula. It's incredibly creamy, moisturizing, and fairly long-lasting. I'm not that fond of the shade though - I find it too warm for my skintone, coming off a bit reddish brown on me. This will look good on morena skin, however.

Oil-based makeup removers are recommended for waterproof makeup, especially eyeliners and mascaras. The oil breaks down the product easier and faster than cream removers. I like the Muji Cleansing Oil, but I find that it doesn't do much against stubborn mascara which is why I opted for a more potent makeup remover: the Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover (P1,300)

I've heard a lot of good things about this product so I didn't hesitate to spend P1,300 for a bottle. I've been using it for the past three weeks, and this is my demonstration and verdict!

What I love about the product

• Takes off even the most stubborn waterproof mascara and other eye makeup easily (yes, even the Majolica Majorca Lash Expander mascara). I massage my lashes gently with my fingers to break down the product, then I wipe it off with a cotton pad. 
• Important: doesn't sting my eyes or skin. It also doesn't make my eyes cloudy when it comes in contact, unlike other makeup removers!

Clinique Philippines was happy with how the first party for Project Vanity friends and readers turned out. So, upon insistent public demand (humor me) we have decided to throw a Clinique party again!

Who is this party for?

• It's exclusive only to Project Vanity readers
• Girls (and boys too) who want to experience what Clinique has to offer
• People who want to make new beauty addict friends!

What's going to happen?

• You'll get a Clinique skin consultation. Are you oily, dry, combination? What products will best work for your skin type?

Last Saturday, I hosted a Clinique Party for my friends and readers. It was an afternoon of beauty consultations, kikay talks, and discovery. Mira, the Marketing Manager of Clinique, said she thought that everyone knew each other. I guess that's a compliment to everyone, because most of them met each other only for the first time!

I think everybody had fun because the event was so chill yet very informative. Clinique has its own beauty system - philosophy, if I may call it - that's been consistent since it was founded in the 60's. The core of the brand is the skin consultation where a Clinique expert determines your skin type and prescribes products for your personalized 3-step skincare system.

Aside from the 3-Step System, Clinique has the half face makeup demo. This is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to apply cosmetics on themselves. The Clinique consultant does half a face of makeup and then teaches you how to duplicate it. Neat right?

Here are more photos!

Clinique contacted me last week and asked if I'm interested in holding a Clinique party for Project Vanity readers. What a cute question - of course I am! As you know, I am crazy about the Clinique Moisture Surge and Clinique makeup. I would like you, dear reader, to try Clinique for yourself with no pressure to buy.

If you've always been curious about Clinique but never got around to trying it, going to my party is the best time. ;) Clinique agreed to lower the minimum purchase for their Clinique Bonus Time promo exclusively for Project Vanity readers. Instead of P3,900 worth of products, you only need to spend P3,000 to receive this gift.*