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Clinique is one of the most well-known cosmetics brands in the world. They’re worth $5 billion USD and their products are ever-growing, from several mascaras all the way to lipsticks. Clinique even sells its own line of skincare.
But Clinique is probably best-known for its foundation. From traditional foundation to BB creams, Clinique sells any type of face makeup you could ever look for. They’re also well-known for carrying foundations for all skin colors.
But that may be why shopping for foundation at Clinique could be difficult. Don’t worry, as in this Clinique Foundation Line guide, we break down all of the different types of foundation they offer as well as useful advice, such as finding the best color and understanding the different foundation formulas.
Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum
The Even Better foundation is one of their best-sellers, and for good reason. It’s not only a high-quality foundation, ideal for just about all skin types, but it offers skincare benefits. It’s available in 56 shades, so you’re bound to find a shade that matches your skin.
Clinique claims the foundation brightens skin tone with every wear. They note the foundation will brighten dark spots, such as aging and acne spots.
Looking at the ingredients, the foundation contains Vitamin C-rich ingredients such as grapefruit peel extract. Vitamin C has skin brightening benefits, so you’ll get a dose of skincare with this foundation! That’s actually what Clinique is famous for, as you’ll see with their other foundations.
The foundation has moderate and buildable coverage with a natural finish. It has a creamy formula that’s humidity and sweat-resistant. The foundation has SPF 15. To blend, Clinique recommends you start at the middle of your face and blend outward.
Helps create a brighter skin tone. After 12 weeks of daily wear, dark spots from acne, age, and sun damage are reduced. Creamy formula hydrates and smooths, gives skin a natural finish.
Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
Are you looking for a, well, even better version of the Even Better foundation? If so, you should try the Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation. This foundation is made with three different serums for even-toned and smoother skin.
These serums include:
- Hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump aged skin
- Vitamins C and CL302 to brighten dark spots
- Salicylic acid to smooth acne and reduce breakouts
The serums used are ideal for oily and combination skin types.
Even though it’s a serum-based foundation, it has a satin-soft texture with a matte finish. It has fuller coverage than the original Even Better, though it still has a natural finish. Clinique recommends you use a little bit and build it up.
While this foundation has more benefits than the original Even Better foundation, it’s only available in 42 shades, (which is still a lot). It does have an SPF 25, which is more than the original. The bottle is also recyclable!
Built with 3 serum technology, a powerhouse blend of good-for-skin ingredients: Clinique’s dark spot-fighting molecule UP302+ vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid.
Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup
If you have dry skin or want to treat/prevent aging, Clinique offers the Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing foundation.
It’s a full-coverage foundation, formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep skin smooth and cover the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The foundation also contains salicylic acid, making it a great option for acne-prone skin. Because of its moisture properties, this foundation is only recommended for those who have either dry or very dry skin.
This is also a foundation that has full coverage that you can build up. Clinique recommends you start with a little foundation, applying it in the middle of your face and blending outward.
24-hour hydrating foundation with flawless full coverage and a natural finish. Creates a virtually poreless look. Smooths and plumps for younger-looking skin.
Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup
If you want a radiant finish, you would love Clinique’s Even Better Glow Light Reflecting foundation. The foundation is formulated with vitamins C and E to improve your skin’s texture. This foundation also has an SPF 15 to protect your skin from the sun.
This foundation has moderate and buildable coverage with a dewy finish. Even with the dewy finish, it’s ideal for oily skin types. Start by applying the foundation to the center of the face and blend outward.
Instantly creates a natural radiance with subtle luminizing pigments. Vitamins C and E help create a brighter-looking skin tone. Stay-true pigments won’t change color on your skin, for flawless, undetectable coverage.
Superbalanced Makeup
If you have oily skin, you understand it’s difficult to find a foundation that truly works with your skin type. Clinique’s Superbalanced Makeup is unique because it not only removes oil from the skin but adds moisture where needed.
The result is a balanced complexion, giving you the best look. The foundation has moderate coverage and a natural finish. In addition, the Superbalanced foundation is long-wearing and water-resistant for all-day perfection.
Clinique recommends you apply this foundation to the middle of your face and blend outward. You can use either a brush or your fingertips (I personally use a brush). If you do use your fingertips, Clinique recommends dampening your fingertips before blending.
Whether you're dry in the cheeks or oily in the T-zone, this innovative, Superbalanced Makeup delivers just what your skin needs for a naturally perfected look.
Superbalanced Makeup SPF 15
The original Superbalanced formula, but with sun protection. This foundation has a silky feeling but is formulated to control shine and hydrate when needed. This makes it the perfect foundation for combination skin. It has a matte finish, ideal for oily skin. It’s meant to be a natural-looking foundation, offering sheer-to-moderate coverage.
This ultra-thin makeup from Clinique protects your skin with SPF15 and leaves your skin looking flawless and feeling light. Its lightweight formula ensures full coverage which applies easily with a matte finish that reduces the look of pores, lines, and wrinkles.
Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
So I tried the Beyond Perfection Foundation + Concealer and looking at the description, I’m not that impressed. The Clinique website says this foundation has full coverage, but I noticed it only has moderate coverage. I will say, it did last a long time. The Clinique website does state the foundation may appear darker, but I think I tried a shade that was too light. It still looked okay, though.
Lightweight, moisturizing makeup covers thoroughly without clogging pores. Skin breathes comfortably, and color stays true, even through sweat and humidity. Due to the rich pigment level that enhances this flawless-coverage makeup, shades may appear deeper when first applied.
Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer
Clinique claims the Beyond Perfecting Powder + Concealer is a foundation and concealer in powder form, all in one compact. Clinique also states this powder has full coverage. I usually hate powder foundations, but I would be curious to see the coverage on this product. Even powders that say they’re full coverage, usually don’t have full coverage, from my experience. This powder also lasts all day.
What I find interesting is the applicator. The sponge has two sides: a traditional sponge side for the application and a smooth side to build up the coverage. If I were trying this, I would follow Clinique’s advice. The sponge side will absorb most of the product, so I would try applying it with the smooth side.
Weightless powder makeup covers thoroughly without clogging pores. Skin breathes comfortably, color stays true. Lasts all day, even through sweat and humidity. Oil-free.
Stay Matte Sheer Pressed Powder
Hate liquid foundation? Do you prefer a powder foundation? Or maybe you’re looking for something light or a powder to wear over a liquid foundation? The Stay Matte Sheer Pressed Powder offers slight coverage and has a matte finish. It controls oiliness and shininess, making it ideal for oily skin.
The sheer powder is ideal for touch-ups throughout the day. You can use this product all over the faces or on the areas that get oily. The product is available in a compact with a sponge applicator. I suggest you apply it with a powder brush, though. Sponges have the tendency to absorb the product.
Ultra-sheer texture gives skin a perfected matte appearance. Great for oily skin and oily spots. Maintains a fresh look and feel, even after frequent touch-ups.
Super Powder Double Face Makeup
The Super Powder Double Face foundation is more flexible than its other powders. It offers moderate coverage, so you can wear it on its own, if you prefer powder foundation. Or, you can wear it over foundation if you want a little more coverage.
The powder has a matte finish, but it’s also ideal for dry skin. It’s long-wearing for a flawless look. Clinique instructs you to use the sponge applicator that’s included, but I would personally use a powder brush.
Powder and foundation combined in one portable compact. Long-wearing, full-coverage powder works as an over-foundation finisher or as a powder foundation. Extra-cling formula for double coverage.
Stay Matte Oil-Free Makeup
If you have oily skin and are looking for a liquid foundation, this is the product for you. The Stay Matte Oil-Free foundation absorbs oil, prevents shine, and controls sweat. I don’t have oily skin, but this sounds like an amazing foundation to wear during the summer.
This foundation has moderate coverage, ideal if you want a natural look. It’s long-wearing but lightweight, and humidity tested to ensure it stands against the weather. Clinique recommends you start applying this foundation to the middle of your face, blending outward.
Tested for streaking and fading at 88°F with a constant 80% humidity, all to prove Stay-Matte stays fresh. At the same time, this patent-pending formula absorbs shine, controls oil, resists sweat. And you stay matte all day.
Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
Do you have acne-prone skin? So do I, so I understand how difficult it is to find a foundation that doesn’t break out your skin. Clinique has been one of the most trusted names for producing makeup ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. So it’s no surprise that their Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation has received stellar reviews.
This foundation is unique because it’s formulated with salicylic acid, which helps clear and prevent breakouts. Clinique also claims this foundation is non-irritating and neutralizes redness.
It has moderate coverage and a natural finish. That’s honestly what I have a problem with, though. Most of my friends with severe acne prefer a full-coverage foundation. But I prefer moderate coverage, so this foundation would be okay for me.
Feels so fresh, looks so natural. Non-irritating, oil-free makeup helps blend away blemishes, neutralize redness. Medicated formula helps treat existing breakouts and keep them from coming back.
Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Okay, before going into this product, let’s discuss what a BB cream is. “BB” stands for “beauty balm.” A BB cream gives your skin an extra dose of hydration in addition to coverage (though I never replace a moisturizer with BB cream).
Many BB creams also offer additional skincare benefits, which is what the Age Defense BB Cream offers.
It’s formulated with antioxidants to prevent skin damage while offering full coverage to minimize the look of imperfections. I come across few BB creams with full coverage, so that’s a plus if you’re unsure if a BB cream or foundation is a good choice for you.
Keep in mind, this BB cream only has two shades: Shade 2 and Shade 3. I would be Shade 2 but Shade 3 is only a little darker. Too bad they don’t make this product more inclusive.
Age Defense BB (Beauty Balm) Cream offers SPF protection, antioxidants for prevention, plus enough coverage to banish imperfections. The perfect primer, too.
Redness Solutions Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 With Probiotic Technology
Woah, I don’t often come across a foundation formulated for skin redness. Ones that minimize redness? Sure. But one that promotes it TREATS redness? Very rarely.
Well, that’s what the Redness Solutions foundation offers. It’s formulated with Grapefruit Peel extract, which if you remember can brighten the skin. The foundation states it has color-correcting benefits and minimizes the appearance of blushing and flushing, though it only has moderate coverage.
I’m also curious about the probiotic technology, stating it strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. Some studies that were done state that probiotics battle skin aging and boost the production of ceramides that trap moisture, so that’s interesting. Finally, the foundation has an SPF to prevent future redness.
Comforts redness-prone skin as it covers. Helps protect with SPF. Natural finish. Moderate coverage.
Almost Powder Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 18
If you prefer a mineral powder, then you will love Clinique’s Almost Powder foundation. It’s a long-wearing pressed powder, though it only has sheer coverage. It’s also very lightweight and has an SPF 18.
I would personally only wear this over foundation, but it’s also a good option if you want to put on some powder throughout the day. This compact comes with a sponge, but again, I would apply it with a brush.
It’s so lightweight, you'll never even feel it. So foolproof, you can apply it with a sponge, a brush—and almost with your eyes closed. Long-wear formula helps keep pores out of trouble. Broad spectrum SPF 18 protects skin.
Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Color Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
So we went over a BB cream before, let’s talk about a CC cream. “CC” stands for “color corrector,” as the name suggests. This makes a CC cream ideal if you have any spots, scarring, or discoloration on the skin. Looking at the ingredients, this CC cream is formulated with caffeine, which offers many skincare benefits but namely brightens the skin.
Since this is the Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Color Corrector, this product has some moisture benefits. The CC cream is also made with several moisturizing ingredients, such as Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Linoleic Acid, and Glycerin.
This CC cream has moderate coverage. If you want the skincare benefits but want fuller coverage, I suggest wearing it under foundation. CC cream makes an awesome primer! But you can also wear it by itself, I would suggest wearing powder over it, though.
The nice aspect about this CC cream is it’s available in different shades, more than the BB cream. But the darkest shade they have is “Medium,” which is less than ideal.
Lightweight formula instantly color corrects a range of complexion concerns—redness, dullness, sallowness—so all you see is a healthy-looking glow. Oil-free hydration and sunscreen mean a more flawless look tomorrow, too.
Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick
If you prefer foundation sticks, the Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick is creamy, but with a natural finish. It has sheer-to-moderate coverage, so I would suggest using these for contouring (especially since they have a deep color). Actually, Clinique also provides instructions on contouring and highlighting with this product.
It does seem like this foundation is buildable, so this is also an option if you want fuller coverage from your stick foundation. Clinique also says this is an easily blendable foundation that’s long-wearing.
How do you apply a stick foundation?
As long as you have a good quality foundation, they’re not difficult to apply but they’re personally not my favorite. Clinique recommends applying several strokes across your cheeks, forehead, and chin (what I usually do) and to blend using your fingertips or a brush (I would use a brush).
Contour with another to add depth, and yet another to highlight. There's no need to stop at just one. Appropriate for sensitive eyes and contact lens-wearers.
Perfectly Real Compact Makeup
The Perfectly Real Compact powder foundation is another simple compact if that’s what you’re looking for. This is a lightweight powder with moderate/buildable coverage, ideal for wearing on its own or over foundation as a setting powder. If you’re wearing it on its own, it has a natural finish.
It’s an oil-free powder that’s silky smooth, so it won’t feel like there’s any makeup on your face. The product includes a sponge applicator, but do I have to keep saying this? Use a brush.
Silky, oil-free formula looks like your skin only better. Optimizes your skin's varying tones to create a more even, perfected appearance.
CliniqueFit Workout Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Okay, I’m pretty intrigued by this one. This is a sweat and humidity-proof foundation. So yes, you can wear it during your workouts. But am I the only girl who doesn’t wear makeup while exercising? I just feel like it’s pointless, but that’s just me.
But this also seems like a good foundation when it’s hot and humid outside. It’s also on sale for $10, which is a steal for Clinique foundation (it seems like their foundations average in the $30 range).
However, it only has sheer-to-moderate coverage. It does have a natural finish and is extremely long-wearing. If you plan on being outside, it has an SPF 40, which is appealing to me. As a workout makeup, it won’t clog your pores, which is something I need to experience to believe.
Perfect for after a workout at the gym or for travel.
FAQs
Question: Which Clinique Foundation Is Best for Me?
Answer: Did you go down this list and aren’t sure which Clinique foundation you should buy? Here are some of their highest-rated foundations:
• Superbalanced
• Even Better Glow
• Stay Matte
• Chubby in the Nude
• Acne Solutions
I suggest you take a look at the descriptions of these foundations to know which one will work for you.
Question: How Do I Find the Right Shade of Clinique Foundation?
Answer: Clinique actually offers a Shade Finder tool that picks a foundation shade for you based on your skin tone and undertones.
Still unsure of which foundation shade to buy? Find a Sephora near you that sells Clinique foundation and get the Color IQ done, which is a tool that measures your skin tone and gives you a code. You match this code to the foundation colors that Clinique offers.
Question: What Does MF Mean on My Clinique Foundation?
Answer: “MF” stands for “moisturizing foundation.” If you want a foundation that offers a dose of hydration, look for this label or the BB cream label.
Still have Questions about Face Makeup?
If you’re new to makeup, face makeup may be one of the most daunting products. Don’t worry, we have a whole guide on face makeup and picking the best products for you. Read more about face makeup here.
Bottomline
Clinique is a brand that’s best known for its skin-healthy products, such as its foundation.
I’ve honestly tried their foundation and it didn’t “wow” me, but this is definitely a great brand that has an extensive line of products and has a foundation suitable for your skin. Look through this list and find the best Clinique foundation for you!