Review: Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation
I’ve been using the Clinique Superbalanced Makeup for several weeks now and it’s about time I give this product the glowing review it deserves. When I scored a bottle at the Super Real Foundation Launch, I had some serious doubts about whether this particular foundation was right for me. For one thing, I dislike using liquid foundation. I only wear it when I really have to (e.g. during yearbook photo days) because to me, liquid foundation feels like a thick mask of pore-clogging gunk that might melt upon contact with the sun. Secondly, I had no clue where to begin applying liquid foundation and I was scared I’d put it on all wrong. I figured that the bottle of foundation would end up sitting on my dresser, untouched until its expiration date.
But curiosity got the better of me one evening and I learned how to apply liquid foundation through one of Michelle Phan’s tutorials (girlcrush!). When I saw how it looked on my face, the first thing I thought was, “Holy shit! The Clinique MUA was right! My skin looks amazing!” And, “I can’t believe I lived 23 years without ever using foundation on a regular basis!”
Of course, there’s no such thing as the perfect liquid foundation. Click on the jump to read what I liked and didn’t like about the Clinique Superbalanced Makeup.
DO LIKE
* The coverage and finish. According to the product description, the Superbalanced Makeup has oil-free coverage that provides moisture and absorbs oil when and where needed. It really does deliver what it promises! According to the skin type test I took, I have combination oily/dry skin (oily on the t-zone but dry in other parts), which the Superbalanced Makeup should even out. Well, it really does! Aside from this amazing evening-out power, the foundation is heavy enough to cover my blemishes, and it has a nice, slightly dewy finish.
* Easy application. Unlike many liquid foundations, this one is really light, fluid, and easy to apply with my fingers. I know that this isn’t the “correct” way to go about applying foundation, but according to Liz, a very liquid foundation like the Superbalanced Makeup would be wasted on a sponge because the sponge would end up absorbing too much of the product. So yeah, I use my fingers.
* Does not feel like a thick layer of pore-clogging gunk. I was worried that I’d feel the foundation on my skin all day, but it’s so light that I don’t even notice that it’s there! Also easy to remove with facial wash and a toner.
* No breakouts! I did notice a few, small, clogged-up pores on my skin last night but nothing to panic over.
DO NOT LIKE
* The price tag. Thanks to Liz, who was conscientious enough to actually inquire about how much the Clinique foundations costs, I found out that my 30 ml bottle of foundation sells for P1,750. Eep!
* Skin looks oily after a while. I’m not sure if it’s the nature of liquid foundation to make your skin look kind of oily several hours after application, but I find myself having to constantly retouch with my pressed powder, especially on the t-zone.
CONCLUSION
While good makeup doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg, foundation is worth selling out a little more money for, especially if it comes in your skin tone and provides excellent coverage. Based on the makeup blogs I’ve read, it takes lot of shopping, money burning, and testing to find out the foundation that looks perfect on you. I’m really lucky that I found mine in just one go (and that I got it for free :P)! I highly recommend it to anyone who has the same skin type that I do (oily in some parts, dry in some parts).
WILL I REPURCHASE?
Yes! But 1,750 is a lot of money and it kind of makes me think twice. If I can find a foundation that’s equally effective and costs far less, I’ll probably buy that instead.
Clinique is probably the most expensive make-up I know. A small tube of concealer costs 1600! Good thing you got your liquid foundation for free :) 1750 for 30 mL is something way beyond what I am willing to spend for make-up though.
On a totally unrelated note, I love your eye make-up :D
[Reply]
Lauren Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Yeah, Clinique’s face stuff are hella expensive, but my skin breaks out when I use other brands. :( I’d rather stick to what works than experiment and risk a major break-out, but I think I’ll be using mineral foundation as an alternative. I tested an Ellana sample last weekend and no reactions so far!
On a totally unrelated note, I love your eye make-up :D
Thanks! :D I practiced it in advance so I wouldn’t freak out and get it all wrong on the day itself.
[Reply]
I’m a Clinique loyalist, thanks to my Mom. I don’t use their make-up though; what I use from them instead are their skin care products. You should try their Turnaround Cream. It’s an anti-ageing and anti-acne product that also gives you a subtle glow upon application. :) You can also try their Superfit Foundation; that’s actually the one good for everyday and outdoor use. I think the Superbalanced one is only good for special occasions—not to mention, colder climate, since it was formulated with the American / European market in mind.
P/S – Rustan’s products are overpriced. Clinique is almost 50% cheaper in HK.
[Reply]
Lauren Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I’m a big fan of their skin care products too! I swear by Clinique’s facial wash, toner, and moisturizer. I haven’t tried the turnaround cream though, I think I’ll invest in it when I turn 25.
I don’t use the Superbalanced Makeup everyday, mostly because I don’t go out everyday. On normal days, I just use my pressed powder, also from Clinique. :P
Thanks for the tip about the prices! Are you by chance going to HK anytime soon? :P
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The only Clinique stuff I swear by would be their lipstick. Were you using this last Saturday?
[Reply]
Lauren Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Nope, I was road testing my Ellana mineral foundation sample! I’m happy with it so far and I’ll most likely buy a pot. :D I didn’t like how it faded towards the end of the night though, but then again, I was out for like 12 hours.
[Reply]
nikki Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
12 hours isn’t that bad. I usually retouch every 8 hours or so (if powder).
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although it’s a bit expensive, it can really last that long..
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[...] Fix 26 before but my skin became fairer and soon my daughter started using it. I am now using a Clinique Dermawhite (forgot the shade) Superbalanced foundation powder that has an SPF 29. You can only buy Clinique at [...]