Clinique has been a household name for nearly half a century, and millions have grown to love its lipsticks, eye shadows, foundations and more. It remains a favorite brand with a solid reputation for high-quality formulations, which is why Clinique makeup always makes a great gift.
To find the right Clinique makeup gift for someone, you’ll need to take their preferences into consideration. No matter which shade or formula they’re partial to, Clinique has a diverse collection of products to explore.
Clinique makeup is available in powder, liquid and stick formulas. It’s essential to know the benefits and drawbacks of each formula so you can choose one that suits the recipient’s preferences.
Powder formulas such as Clinique Matte Stay Sheer Pressed Powder are known for their lightweight feel. They’re easy to apply and the recipient can either wear the powder on its own or as the top layer of foundation. However, powders may transfer easily or have a drying effect on skin.
Liquid formulas such as Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen offer a smooth application. While many of Clinique’s liquid formulas are buildable, several are highly pigmented and may only require one coat. One of the drawbacks of liquid formulas is that they can be more difficult to remove.
Stick formulas, including Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, are easy to apply and spread across skin. These formulas blend well with most liquid and cream foundations. Some stick formulas, however, may not be ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Most of Clinique’s eye, lip and cheek shades are considered universally flattering, versatile and neutral. While some shades are more suitable for certain eye colors or skin tones, recipients will be able to work with almost any Clinique makeup shade you give them.
If you’d like to give something to accompany a Clinique makeup gift, opt for practical makeup-focused items.
A Clinique skincare set can help prep skin for smoother application. Many of these are available in what the beauty brand calls “Introductory Kits,” which are sampler-size varieties of popular products.
A set of quality makeup brushes can make a notable difference in application, particularly with powder and cream formulas. For more information on different types of makeup brushes, visit the full BestReviews buying guide.
A small makeup bag keeps Clinique makeup organized, especially for on-the-go application. They’re also ideal for storing small beauty tools such as travel makeup brushes or manicure kits.
Small Clinique introductory samplers can cost as little as $10. Full-size products, including lipsticks, liners and duo shadow compacts, run between $18-$27. Clinique eye shadow quads and deluxe makeup sets cost between $30-$100.
Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer
A creamy, luxurious formula, this Clinique Pop lipstick has saturated color and a built-in primer. The formula goes on weightless with a velvety finish and keeps lips moisturized. It’s available in 19 shades.
Sold by Ulta, Sephora and Macy’s
Look no further for an all-in-one palette that meets your needs for blush, bronzer and highlighter. The four shades, which are buildable and blendable, are carefully curated to create a natural glow. The palette is considered ideal for light and medium skin tones.
Sold by Ulta
Clinique Triple the Impact Mascara
This Clinique mascara is best-known for creating lush, fuller lashlines by adding volume and thickness to each lash. The deep, high-impact color defines eye looks, day or night. The formula is gentle enough for sensitive eyes as well.
Sold by Ulta
Clinique Touch Base for Eyes Eyeshadow Primer
This classic Clinique eye primer has a creamy formula that helps shadow colors pop and shine. It comes in three glimmer shades, all of which can be worn on their own for daytime minimalist looks. Its compact even has a tiny built-in mirror for touch-ups on the go.
Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes
Praised for its quick-and-easy application, this chubby stick swipes across lids effortlessly. The cream color is buildable and blends well with other Chubby Stick shades. The formula is safe for contact-lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes.
The Cheek Pop collection emerges as Clinique’s boldest blush colors with shades such as Pansy and Cola Pop. The blush has a silky-smooth application and blends well with foundation to create a natural, “just-pinched” flush.
Sold by Ulta, Sephora and Macy’s
Clinique All About Shadow Quad
It’s easy to build a variety of eye looks with Clinique All About Shadow Quads. The quads include four versatile shades that emphasize the eye. Their mirrored compacts include two sponge-tip applicators and illustrated how-to look guides.
Give a little bit of everything Clinique has to offer with this Clinique makeup and skincare sampler. The set includes a mascara, lipstick, moisturizer and liquid makeup remover. It’s packaged in a gift-ready box.
Sold by Macy’s
The Clinique Quickliner is one of the beauty brand’s best-selling eye products because of its water-resistant formula. The retractable pencil has a smudge tool at the opposite end to create dramatic smokey-eye looks.
Sold by Ulta, Sephora and Macy’s
Considered an iconic makeup product, the Clinique Blended Face Powder has been a customer favorite for decades. The lightweight setting powder absorbs oil without drying out skin and leaves a natural, smooth finish. The powder is available in six shades.
Sold by Ulta, Sephora and Macy’s
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Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
