When I started looking at skincare as the basis of good, clean makeup, I was surprised at just how much I learned.  I’m not skincare trained, but I do know the basics, and understand that every skin is different and every skin needs different products in different combinations.

I asked the question, is it possible to reteach a generation of women who’ve grown up using soap and water, and does skincare need to be quite as complicated as it seems?

I came to the conclusion that yes, we can reteach women, and no, it doesn’t need to be overcomplicated.

I was also fortunate enough to try out the new skincare consultation bar at Clinique’s counter in Selfridges in London where those fabulous/horrific consultation mirrors point out every part of your skin that needs work!

Clinique has been around for many years, in fact, generations, and their philosophy has always been simple, 3 small steps.  In fact, they have a range called 3-step, comprising of a cleansing product, exfoliating product and a moisturising product.

This is their basic skincare plan, after that you ‘bolt on’ the additional treatment products that you need for your personal skincare plan.  A bit like buying a mobile phone, you buy the basics and add on the call/text plan that is specific to your needs!

But is it really that simple?   Well yes! You choose the 3 step plan according to your skin type, and in my case, I don’t like bar soap, so chose the facial wash instead, the clarifying lotion in number 2, and everyone has the dramatically different moisturising lotion, regardless of skin type.

After that, I felt, at 35, that I needed to be looking at age sign prevention, so I then added on the super rescue day cream, night cream and eye cream.  All of them are layered over the top of the 3 step.  Had I been older or had blemishes, I’d have chosen the appropriate products for those issues.

I also have the odd dry day here and there, so we decided that I ought to have the Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, and I have to say, it does a wonderful job of flooding my skin with extra moisture on those days when I need it.

See, simple, start with the base skincare, then add on the bits you need to treat certain areas!

Over the last 2 months, I’ve been using these products and I have to say, that my skin is looking much better.  The lines around my eyes are never going to disappear, unless I’m prepared to go under the knife, but that’s actually okay, I laugh a lot, and am happy to show that!

What I have noticed is that my skin is considerably smoother and I get less dry patches.

I’ve always maintained that for someone who doesn’t know much about makeup or skincare, then they should head for clinique, and I certainly reinforce that now.  The makeup is easy and well thought out with great quality behind it, and the skincare system is simple.

Sam Donald

www.SamDonald.com