Clinique are a brand I’ve loved for a long time now. Ever since I discovered their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion … A couple of weeks ago I noticed that InStyle Magazine were giving away a free sample of Clinique’s Smart Custom Serum with their latest issue, and I just couldn’t resist picking it up to give it a try!
I’ve used serum’s for a good few years now, and my friends are constantly asking me what it actually does, and how I use it. And I think they do that because serum’s aren’t talked about as much as a lot of other skincare products are.
So, what’s the answer? Well, I believe that a good face serum penetrate’s deep into the skin (much deeper than a moisturiser does) and replenishes it with nutrients and moisture.
They are often designed to focus on specific areas, such as making your skin tone brighter or helping to diminish red patches and skin discoloration. I think of a face serum as a nutritious drink for my skin, and I use it around five minutes before I moisturise.
Because I’ve only had good experiences with Clinique products in the past, I had high expectations for the smart custom serum. When I read up on it I found out that it’s called a ‘smart’ serum because once applied, it can tell what your skin type is and any imperfections it needs help with, such as pigmentation, wrinkles or dark circles, as well as helping it to look more radiant.
Now, I also read that you will start seeing results after 12 weeks of using the serum, and I obviously I haven’t used it for that long, but I wanted to post about it today incase any of you wanted to try and get your hands on a free sample with InStyle mag before everywhere sells out. And to be honest, I do think it’s changed the appearance of my skin a little anyway so I do have some positive things to say about it. I hope that’s alright?
Let me start by talking about the packaging. Like all Clinique products, the Smart Custom Serum has very sleek and sophisticated looking packaging. It has a pump dispenser and the sample size I received with InStyle is 10ml, which I think is quite generous.
When pumped, the product dispenses straight away with no fuss or mess and I find that 1-2 pumps is enough to do my whole face. Clinique suggest using the serum twice a day for maximum impact.
The serum itself is a gorgeous pearly colour and has a beautiful, gel-like formula to it. It glides on to my skin smoothly and sinks in really quick. I have to say that it feels really luxurious, and I look forward to using it every morning and evening as part of my skincare routine as it leaves my skin feeling utterly refreshed and, I have to say, looking a lot brighter and more radiant than it has done recently.
It is also 100% fragrance free, and because of its smartness, it is suitable for all skin types. I have combination skin – it’s mostly normal but I have a couple of small dry patches – and I’ve found that this has really helped to mask those patches when I’ve used it. This is really handy for me as I usually use two different moisturisers because of the dry patches, but since using the Smart Custom Serum I’ve only needed to use one!
The product is available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml tubes, priced at £48.00, £68.00 and £96.50 respectively. I do realise that it may be a little bit pricey for a lot of people, but I also know that many of you who read my blog are really in to skincare products, so I thought it was worth talking about anyway.
And while I’m on the subject of price, if you’re looking for a serum that’s not quite as expensive, I’ll be posting about serum’s for all budgets in a couple of weeks time, so make sure you look out for that.
Overall I am absolutely loving this serum! Clinique most certainly didn’t disappoint. I’m hoping to get my hands on a full sized version really soon so I can see just how much of a difference it makes over a 12 week period. And I may have to go out and buy a second copy of InStyle just so I can have a sample size to take away on holiday with me in a couple of weeks time. It’s fantastic.
Clinique Smart Custom Serum – £48.00-£96.50 ||link||
Do you guys use a serum in your skincare routine?
I’d love to hear which you’d recommend!
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*Product came free with InStyle Magazine
Copyright protected by Digiprove © 2015 Louise Smith
The real price is so extortionate!!
I have a post featuring some great budget serum’s coming up in a couple of weeks time T 🙂 X
I’ve just started using a serum and it definitely makes a difference. I’ll look out for In Style.
Helen @Fuss Free Flavours recently posted…Recipe: Mediterranean chicken, quinoa & chia burgers
I think so. My skin always looks better when I incorporate a serum into my routine 🙂 X
Oooh, my mother-in-law LOVES Clinique, I might treat her to this! I’m not into spending this much on something for me, but I know she really loves it! 🙂 Thanks!
Codie recently posted…That time I exposed myself on a video… CRINGE!
Aww, she would love you for that Codie, I’m sure 🙂 X
My mother-in-law LOVES Clinique so I may have to treat her to this! Thanks for the review! 🙂 x
Codie recently posted…That time I exposed myself on a video… CRINGE!
I love Clinique ans serums, so I am sure you are right and that this serum does change the appearance of skin, for better, of course! Such a great present, I think it’s even worth buying 2 magazines 🙂
Its working for me so far Denise. It might not be for everyone though 🙂 X
I only ever get to use Clinique products when my mum hands some unwanted/unused things to me (which is every girls dream I think) but I have been wanting to get my hands on their skin care range for a long time. I might have to go pick InStyle magazine tomorrow and give this a go, see if it sorts out my uneven skin tone.
Wonderful review!
Georgia xx
I love their skincare range Georgia. If you see InStyle mag on sale I’d definitely try it 😀 X
Whilst I don’t need this, I am tempted just because it is such a bargain x
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The best things in life are the things we don’t need 😉 X
I love Clinique skin care, everything is so gentle and effective. This serum sounds lovely, I will definitely look into it when my current serum is gone! 🙂
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I totally agree with that Julie! They are a great brand 🙂 X
I have this sample and have really broken out since I started using it, I’m not sure if this is to blame or if it’s just hormonal but I’m giving it a break for a couple of weeks then trying again I think 🙂 it sounds like its worked really well for you!!
Jess xo
Jess recently posted…Review | Dr. Jart+ Pore Refine Tight Effect Toner
Aww no, that’s such a shame 🙁 Have you used any other serums in the past? It might just be that it doesn’t agree with your skin X
I love serums too! And I have a few dry patches so if it helped you it would likely help me too. It is a bit pricey though, so I’ll definitely keep an eye out for your serum post 🙂 x
Stephanie
It’s really helped my dry patches. I’m not sure that’s what it’s supposed to do, but I’m definitely not moaning about it! LOL X
I just love it when magazines give away great products like this, will grab one tomorrow.
#UkBloggers
Me too 😀 The only other magazine freebie I saw this month was nail polish, but I have too much of that already so I went for the skincare option. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of Clinique? 😉 X
freebie! we all gotta love a magazine freebie. ive never really thought about using a serum before. I’m definitely picking this up to see what all the serum fuss is about 😛
I really like serums Nicol! I definitely feel like they help make my skin look better 🙂 X
Its a great way to try a new serum and it sounds like a good one. I have yet to try their skincare out x
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Hi there, I just came across your site as you applied to the Tesco programme. I loved your write up on this but baffled by your url to the product as it directed me to FeelUnique’s home page. Wouldn’t it be better to have directed me to the Clinique product?
Thank you so much for the heads up, Claire! It was pointing to the serums on Wednesday when I published, but for some reason reverted back to the homepage. It’s all fixed now – fingers crossed it works properly this time 🙂 X
So gutting I missed out on the sample of this. I currently only use Keihls midnight recovery so would like to try some other things too!
Tarnya recently posted…First Impressions: Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm.
Aww, that’s a shame. I managed to get my hands on a second copy today so I could get a sample for my holiday at the end of May 🙂 X
I love Clinique but I haven’t tried this product! 🙂 great review!
I don’t know this one but sure looks good, I have used a few from this brand and has been very good
I will have to look out for this, sounds like a great product to use x
StressedMum recently posted…My Week 8/11/15
Sadly Clinique is one brand I can’t use on my skin as it breaks me out, it does however look like a great serum x
Rachel recently posted…Christmas Traditions – Pyjamas
Heard lots of good things about serum but never thought to use it!
Catstello recently posted…A Gift For Beer Connoisseurs
Really not a huge fan of Clinique. I think their products are vastly over-hyped and over-priced. To be honest I think some of the drugstore brands are just as good, if not better.
linda hobbis recently posted…Teach Your Kids To Save & Understand Money With Jangle
I love a good serum, and this one sounds great so it’ll be great to test and try!
The London Mum recently posted…October Round Up
What a great sounding serum, such a shame it costs so much though! x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Win a Pamper Hamper
I thought this sounded good so I had a look for it when out in town. How much?! Will be reading your budget serum guide with interest.
This sounds really great but there is no way I would pay that kind of price for a serum
Natasha Mairs recently posted…Christmas Scandi Style
I love clinique products, I always buy their foundation, moisturiser etc. but I’ve not tried the smart serum 🙂 I will definitely check it out 🙂 x
I love Clinique and the idea of a serum that works to match your skin is one that makes my heart leap with joy.
thank you for explaining what a serum is – I didn’t know! I don’t use many products on my skin, this looks great. Yes a bit pricey but your review makes it sound worth it! Kaz x
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That’s so expensive! I might have to go out and grab a copy of the magazine just to try it. I like what you said about this being a drink for the skin, the weather we’ve been having has played havoc with mine! It defo needs lots of hydration!
I tried Clinique once – Didn’t do wonders for my skin unfortunately.
Such a shame I really liked it. Ive never tired a serum though – I tried their face wash
Thanks for sharing hun
Charlotte
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I find that serums make a real difference to the way my skin looks and feels. Although Clinique is a brand I trust I think I will be waiting for their sales before trying this one.
Gotta love a magazine freebie, especially when its something that i’d actually use xxxx
Have never used a serum before but now that you say they’re really good, I will look into them! I love clinique too but this one seems very, very pricey for slow results :/
I’ve tried cllinique products before but they don’t agree with my skin.
What a great freebie! I love Clinique – their products never fail to live up to the hype.
At first I thought this was a hair product. I never realised that you could get serums for your face.
Charlotte recently posted…The Size Of Celery
I’m looking forward to your post on more budget friendly serumns! This one looks great though.
I’ve been thinking of trying a new day serum (still loving the Estee Lauder night time serum!) so I might try and get this sample to try out – thanks!
Sally Akins recently posted…3 Christmas Treats from Hotel Chocolat
A good serum is worth every penny but I am so lazy at the moment my skincare routine is non existing. I will def try it out in the future once my current products are used up.