As beauty editors, we’ve tested countless face creams, cleansers, and serums, but the best Clinique products have a way of sticking around in our collections. Through every trend, reformulation, and viral moment, the brand balances staying timeless and cutting-edge. A great example is the Moisture Surge line, which keeps evolving yet remains a go-to for moisturizing dry skin. Another is the Black Honey Almost Lipstick, the sheer berry shade that refuses to be anything but universally flattering—a term we use very sparingly. It’s been a mainstay in our bags for years and reenters the spotlight every few years with a new color, or as a “trendy” product the younger generations of beauty lovers discover and can’t get enough of.
Our Top Clinique Products
Allure editors have done the work—a.k.a. slathered, swiped, and tested our way through over 30 of the brand’s best sellers—to bring you the 10 absolute standouts. Whether you’re here for a newer launch or the makeup staples that have been around for five decades, these are the best Clinique products we’ll never stop recommending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stick With Me: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm
Clinique
Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm
Why we love it: Like a crayon for grown-ups, the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm makes applying color effortless—no mirror required. It’s sheer enough that you can easily swipe off any mistakes, but it still delivers a flattering wash of color with each (buildable) layer. Available in 14 shades, the balm is packed with mango and shea butters to leave lips feeling plump, soft, and subtly shiny. Plus, there’s no sharpening needed—you simply twist to reveal more of the balm, making it the ultimate fuss-free, on-the-go lip essential.
“I’m all about a low-maintenance lip that’s easy to touch up throughout the day, and it doesn’t get any easier than the Chubby Stick. This is a one-swipe wonder. Fuller Fig is my favorite shade—not too pink, not too nude, and not too brown. The formula is moisturizing and feels pillowy soft on my lips (not too thick or heavy). And, it looks great on its own or paired with a lip liner.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
- Key ingredients: mango butter, shea butter
- Shades: 14
Balm Dot Com: Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Why we love it: Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, an Allure Best of Beauty darling, is basically a spa day, jarred. A tiny scoop melts into a silky cleansing oil that glides over skin, breaking down even waterproof makeup without irritating your eyes. The secret? Safflower oil, which softens and nourishes as it cleanses, so your skin feels baby-smooth instead of stripped. Massage it in as step one of your double cleanse, and suddenly removing your makeup will feel less like a chore and more like a treat. With fewer than 10 ingredients, it’s one of our top picks for more sensitive skin types.
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“Hands down, this is the most buttery cleansing balm I’ve ever used. It easily glides onto skin, melts away dirt, oil, and makeup (base and eye), and leaves a silky sort of finish. I can’t tell you how many jars I’ve gone through over the years!” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
- Key ingredients: safflower oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Beauty Icon: Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Clinique
Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Why we love it: Clinique’s Almost Lipstick isn’t quite a balm, but it also isn’t quite a lipstick, and this Goldilocks-like formula is exactly why we love it. First launched back in 1971, the sheer formula has found a whole new life on TikTok thanks to Gen Z’s obsession with the shade Black Honey, which snagged a 2023 Best of Beauty Award. The lineup also includes its mauve sibling, Pink Honey, and the latest addition to the fam, Nude Honey, which sits perfectly between the two. “But, what makes Black Honey unique is that it’s so universal—it’s perfectly between a warm and cool tone,” New York City-based makeup artist Jewels Grogan told Allure. The featherlight wash of color and texture, infused with castor seed oil, candelilla wax, and vitamin E, makes it a comfortable formula you’ll actually want to reapply all day. It’s no surprise a tube of Black Honey flies off shelves every four minutes.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“What I’ve always liked about the Almost Lipstick formula is that it’s hydrating enough that I don’t need to apply a balm beforehand but it delivers the pop of color I so often crave from regular lip balms. Because of it’s balmy nature, it glides on so smoothly and is super buildable—I like to take my time layering on the color to its fullest potential. The downside is because it’s balm-like, a good amount comes off during a meal, but I don’t mind reapplying—it’s second nature, no matter what kind of lip I’m wearing. If I’m not eating, it lasts throughout the morning or afternoon without losing enough pigment to be noticeable.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: castor seed oil, candelilla wax, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
Lash Legend: High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it: If there’s mascara I trust to survive long days, surprise tears, and the kind of humidity that usually spells disaster for eye makeup, it’s Clinique’s High Impact Waterproof Mascara. Unlike most waterproof mascara formulas that can leave lashes feeling stiff or flaky, this one keeps them soft and lifted while delivering major volume. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes, making it a go-to for contact lens wearers, anyone prone to irritation, and even brides on their big days. “I especially love this mascara for my teary-eyed brides—it applies smoothly, evenly, and never smudges or clumps, even over false lashes,” Lauren Lumsden, an Austin-based makeup artist, told Allure. The tapered brush grabs every lash, defining and lengthening without clumping or flaking. The result? Long, fluttery lashes that stay put.
“Don’t tell anyone but…I’m terrible at mascara. So if I give one my approval, it must be beginner-friendly. I use the top of this cone-shaped brush to concentrate on areas that I like to emphasize, like the outer corners and the small inside hairs. It has a medium-size wand so even I can avoid smudging product on my lids (a miracle for sure). Also, it doesn’t clump after I add about one hundred layers in my attempts to get an even coating.”—Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
- Shades: 2 (Black, Black/Brown)
Complexion’s Confidant: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Why we love it: True story: The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion was a mainstay on many of our moms’ and grandmothers’ vanities 20 years ago—and for some of us beauty editors, it was one of the first skin-care products we ever tried. (Throwback!) Over the years, Clinique has expanded the line to better suit different skin types, including the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, a lighter, oil-free version designed for oily skin. Formulated with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate—two well-known humectants that draw in moisture—it hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy, keeping skin balanced and feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Tester feedback from visuals director Kathryne Hall
“I have really sensitive skin and heavy creams make me break out. This is light enough that I can use it twice a day without it clogging my pores. My skin feels moisturized all day and it layers well under my SPF.” —Kathryne Hall, visuals director
- Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Statement Piece: Pop Longwear Lipstick
Why we love it: With 36 shades to pick from, Clinique’s Pop Longwear Lipstick is the kind of lippie you can wear anytime, anywhere. It delivers bold color payoff and sticks around for up to eight hours, so you’re not constantly reapplying. The formula glides on like silk but leaves behind a soft stain that gives it that true long-wearing power. You can also choose your finish—satin, shine, or matte—depending on your mood for the day. And yes, the sleek green tube makes the product just as cute in your makeup bag as it is on your lips.
“This long-wearing lipstick really goes the distance. Though not as strong after a few hours and a meal, it leaves a nice even pigment across my lips (which is really the only acceptable way to fade!) The satin finish gives me a creamy, moisturized feeling without being too heavy, and leaves a light sheen. The shade Mocha Pop is a neutral but bold color, and it’s full coverage and highly pigmented, so I prefer to wear this in the evening.”—Ingrid Fowler, senior art director
- Key ingredients: castor seed oil, candelilla wax, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
Makeup Melter: Take The Day Off Cleansing Mousse
Clinique
Take the Day Off Facial Cleansing Mousse
Why we love it: Unlike the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, which melts makeup off with an oil-based texture, the 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse is all about the lather. The airy mousse texture delves deep into skin to break down stubborn sunscreen and long-wearing products, with help from coconut to tackle impurities as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to replenish hydration. While it removes makeup or washes away the day’s buildup, it maintains the skin’s moisture balance, making it an excellent cleanser for mature skin that needs extra hydration. Use it as a second step in a double cleansing routine after the balm formula.
“This is my ideal cleanser. It foams up luxuriously, doesn’t feel stripping, and actually gets rid of makeup. It’s also unscented, which I know is a big selling point for some.” —Kara McGrath, content director
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, coconut
- Fragrance-free: yes
Bottle of Light: Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
Clinique
Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
Why we love it: A more recent addition to Clinique’s Moisture Surge lineup, Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum is all about skin that looks fresh, healthy, and radiant. Lactic acid (5%) works gently to smooth and refine, while multi-weight hyaluronic acid floods skin with lasting hydration. Vitamin C brightens and evens tone, refreshing dull, flat skin. This lightweight, milky formula absorbs instantly—no stickiness, no greasiness—just soft, bouncy skin. Wear it solo for a dewy boost, or layer it under your favorite moisturizer for an extra hit of hydration.
Tester feedback from editorial assistant ElleAnna Revell
“This serum has the most velvety-smooth texture. My skin tends to be dry and somewhat dull, so I prioritize hydration and brightening products in my routine—and this serum accomplishes exactly that. Since I incorporated it into my morning lineup, my usually-dull skin has developed a morning glow that extends well into the evening. It leaves my face feeling magnificently hydrated and so soft. It has become an absolute go-to for me!” —ElleAnna Revell, editorial assistant
- Key ingredients: 5% lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
- Fragrance-free: yes
Spray N’ Stay: Set The Day Makeup Setting Spray
Clinique
Set the Day Makeup Setting Spray
Why we love it: On the opposite end of Take the Day Off on the Clinique spectrum, there’s Set The Day Makeup Setting Spray. Just a few ultrafine spritzes hold your look in place, making it transfer-proof, sweat-proof, and humidity-resistant, without causing any smudging. The alcohol-free, sensitive-skin-friendly mist is packed with hydrators like aloe water and vitamin E, adding a fresh burst of hydration with every pump. And, since it’s fragrance-free, it won’t feel like you’re dousing your face in perfume. Keep it on hand for an afternoon pick-me-up or a quick hydration hit on the go.
“As a combo-skin girl, my makeup tends to slide off by the end of the day—but this spritz keeps everything put. I use it in the morning, and sometimes for a mid-day refresh or extra hold. By the time I get home, my makeup’s still in place, and my skin isn’t looking as greasy.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
- Key ingredients: aloe water, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
Fragrant Forecast: Happy Body Spritz
Why we love it: Clinique’s Happy Eau de Parfum is an icon in the fragrance world, so when they launched the Happy Body Spritz, a lighter take on the classic, we almost jumped out of our chairs. Scented with red grapefruit, bergamot, Hawaiian wedding flower, and wood, this body mist imparts a perfect blend of florals, citrus, and woods for a summery burst of sunshine that’ll boost anyone’s mood (and maybe even a friend’s upon going in for a hug). With every spritz, it transports us to a beach vacay.
“The original Clinique Happy EDP was one of my very first perfumes back when I was a baby beauty editor. Over the years, I haven’t worn a ton of fragrance, but I was so glad to discover this latest iteration in a lighter, airier format than the original. I love that it’s not overpowering and feels made for everyday wear—versus those special-occasion-only scents you spritz on with caution.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
- Scent family: citrus
- Key notes: ruby red grapefruit, bergamot, Hawaiian wedding flower, wood
- Size: 4.2fl oz
Screen Queen: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Clinique
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Why we love it: Another member of the Dramatically Different line, this face sunscreen is built the same as the OG Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (hi, glycerin and hyaluronic acid), just with a boost of chemical-based SPF 35 for added protection. You can use this on top of your everyday moisturizer if you have drier skin, but it’s hydrating enough to be used alone if you err on the oiler side and don’t need an extra layer of hydration. The biggest pro of this formula is that there is absolutely no white cast (thank you, chemical UV filters)—it blends in like a dream and leaves skin feeling soft and supple.
Tester feedback from Wohlner
“I can’t stand a white cast, so this SPF instantly won me over. It doesn’t irritate or break out my acne-prone skin, and it melts into the skin like air. Although it’s fragrance-free, there is a faint sunscreen smell when you first apply it, but it disappears in seconds. It also layers perfectly under makeup since, at its core, it’s really a moisturizer.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
- Sunscreen type: chemical
- SPF rating: 35
- Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 4.5 octisalate, 5% octocrylene, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best Clinique products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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