I realized pretty quickly in my life that makeup simply was not for me. I was blessed to have relatively few breakouts in high school so, when I discovered that wearing makeup tended to induce pimples, I set about perfecting a skin care regimen. My mother was a big Clinique user so in my early teens she took me to the counter for my very own skin consult. After discovering I had combination oily skin (oily T-zone but dry everywhere else), we purchased my first Clinique three-step. I have been forever hooked. While I have tried other products along the way and added a few new discoveries since those early teen years, my Clinique three-step has remained a staple by helping me maintain flawless skin. As such, I thought I would share with you my tried and true skin care regimen.

Morning Routine

In the morning I start by washing my face with Clinique’s oily-combination liquid facial soap and follow with my Clinique clarifying lotion.

Next, I add Clinique’s Even Better Dark Spot Corrector. This stuff works well on its own but it works even better when combined with the Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20 (this is different than the moisturizer, which is intended for dry skin). After three years of law school and five years at a law firm, I had quite a few acne scars as a result of many major breakouts. The Even Better skin care line brought happiness back to my face by removing those old dark spots. While I no longer use the SPF lotion now (I barely have any breakouts since leaving the law), I still use the serum as a way to maintain and eliminate any dark spots I might get here and there.

After applying Clinique’s Even Better serum, I follow with Clinique’s Repairwear Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream for my eye area and then a product with retinol A for the rest of my face. I previously used a wonderful Shiseido product for my retinol A needs, however, it was recently discontinued. Therefore, I am currently experimenting with Boots No. 7 and will let you know how that goes.

Finally, I follow with Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel and a good SPF. I am currently using Clairins Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which, fortunately, does not clog my otherwise very oily skin.

Evening Routine

My nighttime routine is pretty similar to my day except that I prefer to use Origins’ Zero Oil product line as my skin cleansing base because it contains salicylic acid. In case you did not know, salicylic acid is essential to preventing or reducing pimples.

One thing to note, Clinique also has a product line containing salicylic acid, which is referred to as Clinique Acne Solutions. However, for my skin, the line is simply too strong for me to use it every day. Now, if you tend to have frequent breakouts, I would definitely recommend your trying Clinique’s Acne Solution line as it is highly effective at reducing and eliminating breakouts. However, for me, I only use the Clinique Acne Solutions a few times a month and I always pull it out the moment I notice a pimple on my face.

So, I begin my evening routine by washing my face with the Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser. At least twice a week, I will exfoliate with either Origins’ Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion or Olay Total Effects Refreshing Citrus Scrub Cleanser. Both products are amazing and will work wonders on your skin. Modern Friction is a bit stronger so I would not recommend it for every day use. However, Olay Total Effects is gentle enough to use every day and I promise you will notice a change in your skin after just one week!

After I finish washing my face, I apply the Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner and, if I did not perform a scrub, I wipe my face with the Modern Friction Instant Brightening Pads. In order to maintain clean, acne free skin, you have to minimize the chances of clogged pores and the Brightening Pads are an easy, fast way to clear out any remaining dead skin.

Next, I apply my Clinique Repairwear Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream and then, again, follow with my retinol A product, currently Boots No. 7. Finally, I apply my Origins Zero Oil-Free Moisture Lotion and I am good to go.

Additional Considerations for the Hands and Neck

You tend to show your age soonest in your hands, neck and around the eyes. So, while my beauty regimen definitely focuses on the eye area, I recently decided to also give my neck and hands a little bit of attention. Since I tend to purchase my products during Clinique bonus events, I have several Clinique Repairwear samples that I am currently using on my hands. I apply these samples every night to my neck and face. My goal is to eventually settle on a product to use on an ongoing basis.