We’ve all been there. You go to the drug store planning to buy a new face wash. A half-hour later, you’re still standing in the same aisle, picking up every bottle of every brand, debating whether or not the commercial you saw about it will leave you just as happy as the actress dancing in her living room.
Why not bypass the unnecessary efforts and speak with a professional? No, you don’t need to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. You can find just what you need over the counter at your local department store.
Her Campus IU sat down with Emily Kesmodel, a Clinique skincare consultant to find out what their over the counter beauty products can do.
So, why Clinique?
According to Emily, Clinique has a dermatological background. It may be over the counter, but employees are trained to educate their customers on their products. At a Clinique counter, you get one on one treatment, and walk away with a product specific to your personal skin type.
“We can type people by asking what their main skin concern is; acne, redness, discoloration, dullness, and pore size,” Emily says. “From there you ask them to describe how their skin feels, and where they accumulate oil on the face.”
Clinique products are unique because they are fragrance free. They test their products on real people, which include 7,200 applications to one person.
“If there is any reaction (to the product) at all, they don’t send it out on the market,” Emily says.
What can you find behind the counter?
Photo credit: http://www.clinique.com/templates/promotions/tiered_samples.tmpl
“Our 3-step skin care lines are Clinique’s bread and butter,” Emily says.
The 3-step kit includes a soap cleanser to remove oil and dirt, followed by a clarifying lotion that works as a toner, and finally, a moisturizer.
“The clarifying lotion is a chemical exfoliate that’s less harsh than a scrub,” Emily says. “This is so that your moisturizer can be soaked up better.”
Each 3-Step set is different, depending where the attention is most needed on your own face. It’s primarily used as an everyday, routine treatment.
If you are looking for something more specific, Clinique has a kit for just about everything, from constant redness, to skin renewal, and of course, acne.
One of Emily’s favorite products is the Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector.
Photo credit: http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY4919/PROD866/Skin_Care/Pores/index.tmpl
“It’s kind of like a concealer and also works as an oil controller,” says Emily who uses this product to cover and to heal acne scarring.
What’s new?
This spring, Clinique will release a Pore Solutions line.
“The pore line is really cool. Basically it’s the only product of its kind. It’s a serum that strengthens the pore walls,” Emily says. “UV rays, dirt, and other toxins stretch the pore lining. Once they (the pores) are so far damaged, they can’t ever get back to their original size.”
The serum will control oil production and help to keep sun damage under control.
But wait, there’s more!
“Everything is 100 percent guaranteed,” Emily says.
Clinique puts their guarantee on every one of their products. If something doesn’t work for you, everything is totally refundable.
Source: Emily Kesmodel, local Clinique Counter Consultant at Macy’s .