Almost every woman has at least one Clinique product in her medicine cabinet or makeup bag. After all, who can resist those cute little gift-with-purchase (GWP) bags filled with samples? My friends and family members know that I am crazy for those little goody bags and I am usually first in line during Clinique's promotions. Thanks to Clinique, I've amassed quite a collection of cosmetics bags!

A devoted Clinique customer for twelve years, I have tried many of their products and they have some really great cosmetics and skin care products. The list below may seem daunting, but I have organized the products by category, which I hope will be easier to sift through. Clinique is available at most major department stores. You can also shop via their Web site at www.clinique.com.

Clinique Skin Care

Cleansers, Makeup Removers & Scrubs:
Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser ($15.50 for 5 ounces)
This foaming cleanser removes makeup easily and thoroughly. One drawback to this product is that it tends to make my face feel dry and taught, which is saying a lot because my skin is very oily and rarely dries out. I use this cleanser when I'm wearing my Revlon ColorStay Compact Foundation because it is the only product I've found that can easily remove this long-lasting makeup.

Wash-Away Gel Cleanser ($15.50 for 5 ounces)
This cleanser is non-foaming and does a nice job of removing most makeup. It is a refreshing cleanser that doesn't dry out my skin like the Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser can.

Soap for Oily Skin ($9 for 6 ounces)
Step One in their 3-Step skin care system, this soap has worked well for me and I have been using it for several years. It cleans my oil-slick skin without causing dryness and it doesn't leave a film like many soaps can. A lot of people don't like to use soap on their face because they feel soaps are drying. However, if your skin feels greasy and you need a cleanser that can cut through the oil, this soap is great. Also, one bar of soap can last me up to four months.

Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent ($12 for 4.2 ounces)
This is my favorite eye makeup remover because it's gentle, yet effective and it does not sting or burn my eyes. I also use this product to remove lipstick.

Take the Day Off Makeup Remover ($14.50 for ounces) This makeup remover works well on long-wearing or waterproof eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick, but I don't like the oily feeling it leaves on my face (it contains silicone oils). However, if your skin is dry, you may want to consider this product.

Exfoliating Scrub ($13.50 for 3 ounces)
I love this scrub! It feels cool and tingly (it contains menthol), and it's non-greasy. I have tried several different scrubs over the years, but I always come back to this one. My face feels and looks smoother and my makeup goes on better after using this product. Although it works well for my skin type, it may be too harsh for drier skins.

Toners:
Mild Clarifying Lotion ($9.50 for 6.7 ounces)
Clarifying Lotion is step two in the 3-Step system. This is a mild alcohol-free toner that contains salicylic acid (BHA). I've used this toner off and on for years and it's never caused any dryness or irritation. They recommend this product for sensitive, delicate skins, but it works great on my oily, acne-prone skin.

Clarifying Lotion 2 ($9.50 for 6.7 ounces)
This version of Clarifying Lotion does not contain BHA but it does contain a lot of alcohol, which normally does not irritate my skin. This product works great in the summertime when my skin is producing more oil. It's cool, refreshing, and tingly (thanks to menthol). As with the Exfoliating Scrub, my makeup goes on smoother and looks better when I've used Clarifying Lotion 2.

Clarifying Lotion 3 ($9.50 for 6.7 ounces)
According to the Clinique "computer," this is the appropriate Clarifying Lotion for my skin type. However, every time I've ever used this product, my skin burns and stings and I have to rinse it off right away. A saleswoman once told me that I would eventually be able to "work up to using Clarifying Lotion 3" but it's been over ten years and it still causes a stinging sensation. I think the combination of alcohol and BHA is just too strong for my skin.

Moisturizers & Eye Creams:
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($10 for 2 ounces)
Step three in their 3-Step system, this is Clinique's best-selling product. I never have to buy this product because it's always in their gift-with-purchase bags; I have dozens of those little yellow bottles lying around the house! It may be a good moisturizer for dry skin, but it feels greasy on my skin. I usually use my samples as hand lotion or give them to my drier skinned friends and family.

Moisture Surge ($34 for 1.7 ounces)
A lightweight gel moisturizer, Moisture Surge is not greasy and provides just the right amount of hydration for my skin. I use this product during the winter to ward off dryness and my makeup glides on over it.

All About Eyes ($25 for 0.5 ounce)
This is a velvety smooth gel cream. It is a great eye moisturizer, but it doesn't eliminate dark circles-nothing I've tried has been able to do that.

Daily Eye Benefits ($25 for 0.5 ounce)
This is my favorite eye cream. It's thicker and creamier than All About Eyes and Daily Eye Saver (see review below) but it does not feel greasy. Also, it does not cause my concealer to crease. I use this eye cream every morning and night.

Daily Eye Saver ($25 for 0.5 ounce)
This eye gel doesn't offer as much moisture as the eye creams, but it feels fresh and cool when it's applied. (Helpful Hint: In the summertime, store your tube of Daily Eye Saver in the refrigerator for an extra cool, invigorating feeling.) Clinique often includes this product in their GWP packages, so I've never had to buy a full size of this product.

Sunscreens:
Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector ($14.50 for 1.4 ounces)
I use this sunscreen every single day, under makeup and alone (except with Almost Makeup, see review below). It contains titanium dioxide, which provides broad-spectrum sun protection. It hasn't caused any breakouts for me, but it does leave my skin looking shiny; however, that is a small price to pay for sun protection. Also, it has a slight tint to it, but if you blend it in completely it will disappear.

Clinique Makeup

Foundations & Powders:
Almost Makeup SPF 15 ($16.50)
I use this sheer coverage makeup on days when I don't want to wear a lot of makeup (I used Medium). I usually like to wear at least an SPF 25, but this is fine for cloudy days (yes, you do need to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days!). As with the Super City Block, this contains titanium dioxide and leaves my face looking shiny, but a little loose powder takes care of that.

Clarifying Makeup Clear Skin Formula ($16.50)
I am always looking for the perfect foundation. Although I've found some awesome products, I still haven't found that one foundation that will encourage me to toss out the others. I've added this foundation to my list of "Awesome Foundations." It goes on smoothly and feels cool. It provides medium coverage and leaves a matte finish on my face. (It contains alcohol so it may not be the best foundation for drier skin types.) I have been using Light Beige, which matches my skin tone pretty well.

Superfit Makeup ($18.50)
This is also on my "Awesome Foundations" list. Superfit Makeup is a wonderful medium to full coverage makeup that leaves a matte finish on my face. It helps control oil and leaves my skin looking even and smooth. I use Honey, which is just a tad too dark, but the next lightest shade is too light.

Blended Face Powder and Brush ($15.50)
Recently I've been using Jane Loose Powder, which is a great bargain at $2.99. However, I received a sample of Clinique's Loose Powder in a GWP and was reminded what a great product it is. It's oil free and leaves a matte finish. It also comes with a new brush every time you buy it. I can use both Transparency Neutral and Transparency 3.

Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder ($15.50)
Oily skin types know how important it is to have a good oil-free pressed powder in our makeup bags. This one is great! It is lightweight and provides a matte finish. I have been using Stay Neutral for several years. It works perfectly over any foundation or alone.

Eye Shadow, Eye Liner, Brow Products, & Mascara:
Pair of Shades Eye Shadow Duo ($14.50)
Clinique offers a nice selection of soft, natural eye shadows-some matte, some shiny. I have tested or sampled many of the colors (Bronze Satin/Ivory Bisque and Pure Cream/Brown Light are my favorites) and there is something for almost everyone in this collection. FYI: Most of Clinique's eye shadows are very soft and subtle. Deeper skin tones may not find very many shades that work well for them. However, Clinique has recently introduced their High Impact eye shadows that may work better for deeper skin tones.

Stay the Day Eye Shadow ($11)
These are supposed to be longer wearing eye shadows, but I really cannot tell any difference. However, they are nice, soft eye shadows with a great color selection. My favorite colors are Blushing Nude, Buttercream, Honeybunch, and Spiced Mocha.

Touch Base for Eyes ($11.50)
These creamy eye shadows are intended to be worn under powder eye shadows to give them more staying power, but I like to wear them alone. They do not fade or crease and the color selection is great; my favorites are Nude Rose and Canvas. Word of warning: This product tends to dry out quickly. Make sure to close the case after each use.

Shadowliner ($13.50)
This is a soft eyeliner pencil with a sponge on the other end. It goes on smoothly and doesn't smear or smudge. Also, they have a nice range of colors; I've used Lush Black and Dark Chocolate.

Quickliner for Eyes ($13.50)
This is a twist up eyeliner available in a lot of great colors; I have tried Roast Coffee and Smoky Brown. This one also has a sponge for blending. One drawback: this eyeliner tends to wear off easily. I usually have to reapply it at least once during the day.

Brow Keeper ($14.50)
This is a soft brow pencil with a brush for blending on the other side. It works just fine, but it can smudge. I usually carry this with me during the day for touchups. I use Almost Black, which is great for black and dark brown hair.

Lash Doubling Mascara ($11.50)
Normally, I don't like dramatic lashes because they tend to look overdone, but this mascara builds dramatic yet natural looking lashes. It doesn't clump or smear during the day and it washes off easily with cleanser or makeup remover.

Longstemmed Lashes Mascara ($11.50)
I wonder if Clinique is aware of just how poorly this mascara performs? It goes on clumpy and makes a huge mess when more coats are applied. I usually do not return cosmetics, but I asked for a refund the very next day!

Naturally Glossy Mascara ($11)
This is my favorite mascara. It goes on smoothly without clumping and builds thick, natural looking lashes! Also, it doesn't smear during the day. What more can you ask for in a mascara?

Lipstick & Lip Liner:
Almost Lipstick ($13.50)
If you like a sheer, glossy lip color, you'll love this lipstick. It's more of a lipgloss in stick form, so it's not at all long lasting. All the shades are great; I wear Black Honey regularly, which is a great color for many skin tones.

Chubby Stick ($12.50)
This is a "chubby" lip liner that can be worn as lipstick. It goes on creamy, not dry, and is longer lasting than many lipsticks (although it is not transfer resistant). They have a nice selection of colors (I have tried Grapevine and Pink Fringe).

Different Lipstick ($11.50)
This is very similar to the Almost Lipstick in that it is very sheer and glossy (it wears off easily). This lipstick comes in several beautiful shades. Over the years I have tried many of the colors, but Angel Red is the one shade that I keep buying.

Glosswear for Lips ($11.50)
This lipgloss used to come in little pots with a brush applicator, which was kind of inconvenient. Clinique recently changed the packaging and they are now available in a tube with a wand applicator. The glosses are just the right consistency-creamy, but not thick or sticky. My favorite color is Air Kiss, an almost clear, light pink that looks great alone or over lip liner or lipstick.

Liquid Lipstick SPF 15 ($12.50)
Between a lipgloss and a lipstick, this product offers more coverage than a gloss but less than a lipstick. I like this product, but it wears off very easily and I find myself having to reapply it often.

Superlast Cream Lipstick ($13.50) If you're looking for a longer lasting lipstick, this is a great one! It goes on creamy but then dries to matte finish. It definitely lasts much longer than their other lipsticks, but you will have to reapply it after eating.

Lip Shaping Pencil ($10)
This is a good, basic lip pencil that comes in several shades. It is a little on the dry side, which helps it stay on longer, but it can also cause it to go on kind of choppy.

Quickliner for Lips (12.50)
A twist-up liner, this product goes on softly and smoothly. The color selection is great; LipBlush is a must-have color for almost all skin tones.