Clinique 1,2,3 Step Skin Care System Review

I'm a big fan of all things Clinique, I use their foundation (both powder and liquid), concealer, blusher, their contour kit and I used to use their mascara. To say I'm a fan is probably an understatement!

If I'm completely honest, I used to be a make up wipe and go kind of girl. I never thought about moisturising, I didn't really know what toning was and I had zero routine. So, when I went looking for a skincare routine, naturally, I went to Clinique first. That isn't to say I haven't tried using other products in my 24 years though. I did go through a phase of using Olay and then the Seaweed Body Shop range. Both are fantastic, but they weren't right for my skin and I kept breaking out.

So I went to my local Clinique concession at Debenhams to see what they had to offer! One of the first things I said to the consultant was that I was looking for a skincare routine which wasn't too fussy and a tonne of effort. She suggested the 1, 2, 3 Step Skin Care System. I'd not really heard of it before so I decided to give it a go. She explained, and demonstrated, what I'd need to do- and to be honest it seemed simple and showed results (they did a test of how much grime came off my hand before the products and then after!). I got diagnosed as having Dry Combination skin- and therefore 2 was perfect for me.

The first step is a simple mild facial wash, I use warm water and lather my face up using a small exfoliator sponge type of thing in a circular motion. In the shop they used their Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush, which I can't rate enough. However, it was slightly out of my price range at £79.00! The point of this step is to cleanse the face and remove impurities.

The second step is a clarifying lotion which I apply with cotton pads. This lotion is a gentle exfoliator and removes flaky skin so that it's clearer for when you moisturise.

The third and final step (how quick and easy is this!) is the Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ which I find is quite light and non-greasy. It also keeps my skin hydrated all day! I apply this with my fingers in (again!) a circular motion.

Although more expensive than your basic drugstore skincare products, I do personally think that the Clinique 1, 2, 3 Step is worth the money. I bought all 3 products as a set (a special deal for big size bottles at Christmas!) for £69.00 and they have lasted me all year. However, if you're unsure and don't immediately want to take the plunge- there is a introduction kit which has smaller size versions of all 3 products for £20.00.

Overall, I find that my skin stays clear and is well hydrated which means when I apply my make up it doesn't apply cakey and look awful on my skin! I would definitely recommend this skincare routine to anyone- and it's perfect for all skin types because it's been designed for different types of skin! If you are interested, I'd suggest popping down to your local Clinique concession so they can match you with your perfect system.

Have you tried the Clinique 1, 2, 3 system? What skincare routine do you have? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO Molly