Clarifying Lotion 2 (Step 2) Reviews

In general I have always had good experience with Clinique products so it was a little bit of a surprise for me that this clarifing lotion was such a let down.

After use it left my skin feeling very dry and dull and stung my eyes as I gently went near them with a cotton pad. Overall this clarifying lotion seems to be a very harsh and has a strong chemical feel and smell.

I only started using this product about 2 months ago buy im definately a convert and my skincare regime wouldnt feel complete without it. I use the one for Dry/Combination skin.
I use it after cleansing morning and night before I apply serums etc. It just leaves my skin feeling fresh, smooth, clean and glowing. I love the fact that I can feel it working so to speak. I always get a slight tingling sensation on my skin which only lasts a few seconds but it tells me that its doing its job properly.
It does contain alcohol, menthol, and witch hazel so if you have sensitive skin I would definately steer clear of it.
But for me its a must have and is especially good for preparing your skin for any other treatments as its exfoliating properties will have removed any dead skin which enables your skin to absorb any further serum or moisturiser better.
Its a personal favourite of mine.

For years I've heard of the famous Clinique 3 step system, and for years I've wanted to try it. A very friendly sales rep at the Clinique counter gave me some samples for which I am very thankful, as I've discovered that I really dislike this exfoliating toner.

My skin is normal/combination so according to the book this should be a great match for me. However I found that even after 2 uses it stripped my skin of all moisture and left me with rough patches and painful cracks in the crease my nose.

The overwhelming smell of alcohol was also too strong for me, and encouraged the sensation that this a way strong product. I don't doubt that this product works, but you would really want to make sure it was right for your skin before committing to purchase.

I have been using the three step routine for many many years. I am very loyal to Clinique as a brand and love the quality and performance of their products in general.

This product is designed to be used in conjunction with their 3 step program. It is formulated for dry combination skin. I have found mine has now migrated to more oily or oily combo so when this is used up I will be considering other products instead but I still can't fault this.

It seems to have a very alcohol-ey smell though, which some people may not like. I do find that as part of the 3 step it works very well.

I have used Clinique for many years and was one of the first 'high-end' skincare brand I purchased, particularly their infamous 3-step skincare program.

I purchased this in the 400mL bottle and would last me a long time so was good value for money. There is no stopper on the top of the opening so it is very easy to pour too much or spill the contents of the bottle if it is accidentally knocked over.

The toner is of very strong alcohol smell, so much so that when I poured some toner on a cotton pad and applied it to my face, my eyes would sting. I think this is more suited to oily skin rather than dry skin and found that my skin felt tight after use. Tight because my skin was dried out from the alcohol. I have used it less in the winter as it was just too drying.

What I really liked though was that it was very effective in removing the remaining dirt and grime after cleansing with the leftover visible remnants on the cotton pad -just when you thought you had thoroughly cleansed in the first step.

My mother has never been big into skincare or makeup, so once I got my first job at age 15 and had disposable income, I used a lot of it at the Clinique counter.
The 3-step program made my acne-prone teen skin even worse, and I persevered for a few years before reading further and thankfully coming across Paula Begoun's (of Paula's choice) website and books.
I can't think of anyone I would recommend this or the 3-step to - I find it a recipe for disaster.
I think Clinique has some impressive anti-aging formulas, good make-up and removers etc, but every time I see this I just feel sad with memories of how awful it was for my skin.

I know this has mixed reviews & a bit of a bad rap but I really love this product as a toner! I tried it a few years ago and loved it, then tried other toners in between but I've recently started using again as nothing else really compared!
I have oily combination skin but I find this works well for me, I use as a toner before moisturiser and my skin feels completely clean & fresh afterwards, ready to absorb the next product!
It's a bit pricey but the large bottle lasts quite a long time so feels like it's good value
I imagine if you have dry skin this may be irritating and harsh but personally it does the job for my skin type

I used the Clinique 3-step as my first skincare regime stepping out of the supermarket brands. At that time my skin was a lot younger and stronger. I could totally tolerate this back then.

It smells very strongly of alcohol, and the packaging isn't exactly user friendly (a big opening and if you carelessly tipped the bottle then you will spill all the product out).

I have always used a cotton pad. The best thing about it is that it actually further cleanse the skin. So even though I have double or triple cleansed my skin with cleanser, once the cotton pad soaked with the product was wiped over my face, I can actually still see dirt (yellowish grey colour) on the cotton pad.

Moisturiser that is put on after the toner will sink right in.

Unfortunately, over time my skin does not react as well towards alcohol. I have "downgraded" to Number 1, and then to the alcohol-free version, and now I am completely off it and opted for a spray-on toner instead.

Although I have oily combination skin I have used the clarifying lotion for dry skin after being given a bottle from someone who did not like the product.

I have found it cleans and tones very effectively and feels very refreshing although I can see why it may be too harsh for those with dry or sensitive skin.