Even though I tried Clinique several years ago and did not like it, I thought the time was right to give it another shot. So much for that idea. I still can't use their 3 Step System of soap, Clarifying Lotion, and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. The first two steps are way too harsh for my skin, and the moisturizer makes me break out. Now don't get me wrong, I think Clinique has some fine products, it's just that I can't use them. I have a friend who swears by Clinique and would never dream of using anything else, so to that I say good for her!

When I approached the Clinique counter this time, I was looking for an AHA product that actually works. I had tried one from Garden Botanika and was not impressed, which, incidentally, was shocking to me considering that I've been happy with most of their products. Anyway, the woman at the Clinique counter really seemed to know her stuff (hooray!) and was very good at determining my skin type and needs. I collected some samples and promised to let her know what I thought.

So what did I think of the products? Here's a list of the samples I got plus how I feel about them:

• Turnaround Cream
  This product felt nice going on but ended up being too harsh for my skin. The active ingredient that makes the product an AHA-type product is salicylic acid, the same stuff used in acne medication. This approach at AHAs did not work for me. Clinique claims that the reason they use salicylic acid instead of lactic or glycolic acid (true AHAs) is that they have not been proven safe and effective according to Clinique's standards. They can believe whatever they want, but I know what I like, and their salicylic acid product is not it.
• Turnaround Cream for Dry Skin
  I feel the same about this version of the product as I do about the original version (mentioned above). I didn't feel any difference between the two, and I found that whatever extra moisturizers they put in this version did not cure the excessive dryness that I experienced from the salicylic acid.
• Gentle Exfoliator $13.50 for 5.4oz tube
  This is the one product from Clinique's skin care that I could actually use. The consistency was nice and the tiny waxy beads were not harsh or gritty. If I didn't already have a full container of my favorite scrub from Garden Botanika, I might have considered this product.