Clinique purchases & Bonus Time

 Mild Facial Soap with Dish (100g) - Clinique - £11

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (125ml with pump) - Clinique - £29.50

Bonus Time Freebies: 7 Day Scrub Cream - Full Size £17.50, Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer - Full Size £27-£37, All About Eyes - Full Size £24, High Impact Mascara - Full Size £16, High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in '11 Peach Pop' - Full Size £16.50, Blushing Blush Powder Blush in '10 Precious Posy' - Full Size £21

It's that time again; Clinique Bonus Time! As I've mentioned briefly before, I have been using Clinique skincare products since before I can remember. My mom introduced me to the brand when I was younger and paranoid about my oily teenage skin and horrendous spots. Since then, as my skin has developed and as I've grown up my loyalties have truly stuck to the brand and I just can't seem to break that bond. I try out a wide range of brands for my make up, but for skincare? Always Clinique! 

Before my holiday I popped to Harveys department store and stocked up on what I feel are my holy grail of skincare products. First of the two products I purchased is the Mild Facial Soap. The mild version suits dry-combination skin types, comes in lovely soap dish and cleanses skin brilliantly. This non-drying soap bar is perfect to use day and night. When I use this in a morning my face feels literally so clean and fresh, it's great! When I'm feeling lazy I use it in the shower to remove make up, which it does perfectly. Although it says to apply to make up free skin I feel that every last bit is removed as well as cleansing; pretty much two products in one! 

Clinique's famous '3-Step' skincare plan involves an exfoliating stage in which a clarifying lotion is used to remove build up of oil, stubborn make up as well as freshening the skin and prepping the skin before moisturizing. I don't tend to purchase the clarifying lotion; this is mainly due to laziness, money and I don't particularly enjoy the smell or 'stinging' feeling the Clinique clarifying lotion contains. When I feel I have had build up of oil or perhaps after a hectic weekend, I will use it, however I don't repurchase it as much as I do the facial soap and the moisturizer.

Secondly is the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. This version is, again, for dry-combination skin and is the largest size with a pump for ease of use and dispenses just the right amount of product. This is the 'third step' within Clinique's skincare plan and most definitely my favourite. When I was younger I used the gel version of this moisturizer which is predominately for oily-very oily skin. I find that the latter is definitely more lightweight and I prefer to use the lotion due to how much more moisturized the skin feels afterwards. I do have a relatively oily t-zone which develops more during the day, however the Dramatically Different Moisturizer doesn't make this any worse at all; it just seems perfect for my combination skin. I like to use this mostly after showering or cleansing with the Mild Facial Soap, as well as lightly before applying make up and overnight. It smooths on perfectly and sinks into the skin leaving is baby soft and well hydrated. 

Bonus Time freebies! These can be received in selected department stores, check out when your nearest Clinique is having Bonus Time, here! First of all I received this cute little make up bag which is perfect for travelling and holding the essentials. 

The 7 Day Scrub Cream is a product I already use, so it was fantastic to get another tube to take to uni and stock up on! I probably use this scrub around once a week; it is brilliant for making skin feel brighter, clear and more fresh, it's a great pick-me-up-scrub to relieve dull skin. Using this before applying the Dramatically Different Moisturizer makes my skin feel so so smooth and it really is the perfect combination. 

Next is the Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer. I guess I haven't been using this product for it's number one use, which is for anti-aging, however I do highly rate it from using it just a few times. A word of warning though, this product smells horrendous. When I put it on my face I could smell it for so long afterwards which wasn't very pleasant. It's super creamy but lightweight at the same time making skin feel thoroughly hydrated whilst also protecting from the sun.

All About Eyes is a lightweight eye cream designed to reduce dark circles, puffiness and darkness. I personally have quite dark circles under my eyes so when I received this product I was really happy. However after using it a fair few times now I haven't seen any reduction in my dark circles, however it's fantastic when used in the morning to reduce my tired, puffy eye area. I will continue to use this though because I've heard amazing things about it!

High Impact Mascara; lengthens, thickens, curls and makes eyes appear more bold. Great product, but for me I won't be purchasing it due to the price and my theory on mascara. If you didn't read my last post, my theory is there's no point in me purchasing high end mascaras because my lashes are already pretty long; therefore why splash out when I can get the same results for a third of the price!

High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in 'Peach Pop'. Lovely, moisturizing texture and great that it is SPF 15 but this colour is so not for me! It makes me look really washed out and perhaps a little bit ill. I'd be interested in testing out other shades though.

Last but not least is the Blushing Blush Powder Blush in 'Precious Posy'. I've always been a fan of Clinique's blushes, despite their unnecessarily long name, due to their natural look and ability to build up the intensity. This is a lovely pinky peach shade a hint of golden pearl. This suits my skin tone perfectly and I have been reaching for it constantly! 

Could this post be any longer? Apologies for the rambling but I am just so in love with Clinique's products and what they do for my skin. Are you like this with any brand in particular? Have you tried any of the products here, or maybe another Clinique product that you'd recommend?