linique
Clinique's products, particularly the skin-care products, are aimed at oily or combination skin types, which is probably why Clinique attracts a younger clientele. But beware: some of Clinique's products contain a lot of alcohol, which could be drying, and the emollient moisturizers could trigger breakouts. The strong points of Clinique products are the lack of fragrance of any kind in many of the products, some great moisturizing formulas, and excellent sunscreens.
Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer SPF 25 ($39.50 for 1.7 ounces) has a great name and is sold with the tag line "makes SPF alone seem almost primitive." I assume what Clinique means is that today we know so much about how skin functions and the role sun damage plays in hurting healthy skin, that we recognize it takes more than just standard active ingredients to protect and restore skin. If this was their intention, then I agree!
Given what we now know about antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and barrier-repair ingredients, and the way their presence in sunscreens can make them even more effective on skin, it is a good idea to examine sunscreens beyond what's in their active ingredient list. This particular product is a winner, featuring an in-part avobenzone sunscreen in a light, silky feeling lotion base.
What makes this product excellent is its broad-spectrum sun protection and blend of antioxidants to support the health of skin and reduce inflammation. Clinique deserves commendation for combining those elements in a cosmetically elegant product.
By Paula Begoun, author of The Beauty Bible and Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me
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