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As a beauty editor, my bathroom shelves have seen their fair share of the latest face creams, cleansers, and serums, but the best Clinique products have held their ground through every trend, formula upgrade, and fleeting obsession. There's just something about the brand's ability to make skin care feel both classic and cutting-edge at the same time -- like how the Moisture Surge line keeps evolving yet remains my go-to for plumped-up, hydrated skin. Or how the Black Honey lipstick, the sheer berry shade that refuses to be anything but universally flattering -- a term I use very sparingly -- has been a mainstay in my bag for years, only to resurface every few years as the trendiest product on the internet yet again.
Clinique's catalog is stacked with icons, from the cleansing balm that melts a full face of makeup in just seconds to the pale yellow moisturizer in a rectangular bottle -- otherwise known as the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion -- that's graced vanities for literal decades. With so many products to choose from, narrowing down the ones that truly deliver can feel like a challenge. So, I did the work -- a.k.a. slathered, swiped, and tested my way through over 30 of the brand's best-sellers -- to bring you the nine absolute standouts. Whether you're here for the brand new glow-boosting serum launch (more on that below) or the makeup staples that have been around for five decades, these are the best Clinique products I'll never stop recommending.
Why we love it: With fewer than 10 ingredients -- making it perfect for sensitive skin -- the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is my top pick and a past Best of Beauty Award winner. As someone who often wears heavy, waterproof makeup for a night out or event, I dread nothing more than taking it off when I get home -- but, beauty editor here, so a clean face is non-negotiable. This is the fastest-working cleansing balm I've ever used. As the first step in my double-cleansing routine, just a small scoop of this safflower-powered cleansing balm removes makeup, excess oil, and sunscreen. The best part? It's incredibly gentle, even on the eyes, thanks to safflower seed oil -- rich in fatty acids -- that conditions both lashes and skin.
Tester feedback: "The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is chef's kiss for melting away every trace of makeup -- even the stubborn stuff like waterproof mascara," says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. "It transforms from a silky balm to a gentle oil, leaving your skin clean but never stripped."
Key ingredients: safflower seed oil, vitamin E | Who it's for: makeup wearers or anyone who double cleanses | Fragrance-free: yes
Why we love it: Use the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Mousse as the second step in a double-cleansing routine, after Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, or on its own. A 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, this mousse-to-foam cleanser is packed with hyaluronic acid and glycerin -- two powerhouse humectants that draw moisture into the skin. 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. The formula also includes lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut milk that acts as a cleansing agent, with recent studies showing it can help prevent acne-causing bacteria as well.
Tester feedback: "This is my ideal cleanser," says content director Kara McGrath. "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."