Selfridges Oxford Street

Do you remember visiting the Clinique counter and playing with the pastel-coloured board that deciphers your skin type?

Things have moved on since my last Clinique counter visit and some of Clinique’s most highly trained consultants are based at the flagship store at Selfridges Oxford Street, offering clients a custom-fit experience at the high-tech hub.

I booked in for a skincare and make-up consultation, with my main concern being blemishes and break-outs.  I was introduced to one of Clinique’s top skin experts, Sue – a formidable lady who looks effortlessly classic and as though she’s got her beauty regime locked down.

Sue asked me about my skin complaints and peered closely at my skin, while also using Clinque’s Diagnostic Mirror to identify the key problem areas.  She said, with a refreshing lack of reserve, that she was ‘very concerned’ about the area above my brow that she said might have left slight scarring due to using an exfoliating scrub.

She pointed out the areas that need attention, such as enlarged pores around the t-zone and signs of small blemishes spreading out towards the cheeks. The advice given is honest and objective, but there’s no reason to be afraid of what you might hear, as I was told that the marks would fade if treated properly.

I told Sue about my utter confusion about choosing the right skincare regime, as all brands tend to offer different solutions to blemishes, particularly on the subject of exfoliation and night conditioning.

She explained that she wouldn’t like to discredit any other brands and their methods, but assured me that Clinique has a medical approach to relieving and improving skin conditions and that the products are rigorously tested in large focus groups.  If any tester has an adverse reaction or disappointing results, the products is sent back to the lab to be reformulated.

Sue then suggested the Anti-Blemish 3-step solution to help combat my excess oil, purify the skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.  She then cleansed my face and demonstrated the products step by step.  Afterwards my skin felt super clean, silky and slightly tingly, which comes from the anti-bacterial ingredient.

I got some brownie points for already using Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 as a daily primer, as Sue warned against the significant effects of sun damage and pollution to the skin.

With the skincare consultation over, make-up expert Janine came to help me out some new shades and techniques.  All smiles and incredibly enthusiastic, Janine asked me about my current make-up daily ritual and seemed to understand instantly what kind of daytime look I usually go for.

She colour matched my foundation and applied Clinique’s Anti-Blemish foundation, which works to tackle spots while you wear it.  It gives good, medium coverage and dries quickly, so it doesn’t feel like it’s lying on your skin, like some foundations.

I told Janine that I am on the hunt for a matte, velvet-soft mink eyeshadow and she brought my dream palette of mink, taupe, espresso and cream called Teddy Bear.  She showed me how to create a natural day look and how to incorporate all the colours for a more defined, smokey look.

My eyebrows were defined using a grey/brown pencil and as I was already wearing eyeliner, the last step was a coat of Clinique’s new High Impact mascara in Brightening Black – a deep black with a hint of blue to really make your eyes pop.

My cheeks were coloured with a peachy blush to bring out the blue in my eyes and the look was completed with a slick of Vitamin Smoothie lip gloss in Guava.  I’m not usually such a fan of lip glosses, but this one won me over with its delicious flavour and promise of added nutrients.

Finally, all of my product recommendations were written down for me and Janine made a profile for me on the store computer, so that all my preferences are recorded.

The Clinique ladies really took time to help me discover more about my skin and colouring and I loved their ‘no nonsense’ approach to skincare.  Each brand has its own philosophy, but this consultation taught me everything I need to know about the Clinique method and how their regime would fit around me.

To book a complimentary appointment, visit Clinique at Selfridges Oxford Street.