The claim: Clinique has transformed its men's grooming line to deliver a simple solution to achieving the healthiest skin. The customizable system begins with its simple skin-care regimen of cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize.
Cost: $16.50 for Face Wash, $13.50 for Face Soap, $13 for Exfoliating Tonic, $20 for Face Scrub, $16 for Aloe Shave Gel, $28 for Anti-Fatigue Eye Gel, $19.50 for Post-Shave Soother
Where: Department store Clinique counters or www.clinique.com
I've never been one to use many grooming materials. I'm a simple get up, shower and go kind of guy in the morning. Will Clinique for Men's new product line change that for me? Well, not really, but it was a good try.
The cleansing lotion didn't seem to do a whole lot for me. I still had the shaving-related acne I sometimes get and other blemishes, nothing out of the ordinary.
The moisturizer did live up to one promise, though. It was billed as fast-absorbing, and it was. Within just a few minutes, I could lay my head on my pillow without getting lotion all over it.
But do I look 20 years younger thanks to these products? Not really. That would take a true miracle of science.
I typically attach a negative stereotype to products for men aimed toward moisturizing and doing wonders to clean my skin. I've dealt with many different ones, including the popular and expensive long processes with facial treatments such as Proactiv. All it seemed to do was add more steps to my daily personal routine and gave me no significant results.
Clinique for Men has been the best experience I've had for facial cleansing and appearance. A simple two-step process requires a cotton ball to rub the exfoliating tonic on my neck and face. There was a brief burn and alcohol smell to get used to, but I took it as reassurance I was using the product the right way. This was followed by a simple application of moisturizing lotion, which made my skin feel good and look good.
There was an instant glow and feeling that gave me confidence. I used the Clinique for Men products for a little over three weeks, and they became a welcome addition to my daily routine that wasn't difficult, annoying or intimidating — only exciting when I started seeing results.
One of the new Clinique for Men products I tested left me holding the bag. It was supposed to minimize or lessen the bags under my eyes, but they're as baggy as ever. (I think I'd be better served by working fewer hours in a week and getting more sleep, to be honest.)
But the application was cool to the touch, and I almost always remembered to use it, because it felt good on my skin.
The face wash I tested left my skin feeling cool and refreshed. I didn't shave during the two weeks I used it and didn't have any of the beard breakouts I sometimes get because I can't scrub well enough under all the facial hair.
In general, my skin is pretty sensitive, which is one of the reasons I don't shave a lot, and it held up really well with the face wash. I'd buy it.
