Clinique is a worldwide superpower when it comes to cosmetics and skincare, and it’s no wonder why. It’s a brand with decades of experience, and whilst it’s still a little behind on the times with some things (animal testing to name but one), it must be getting something right to have gone on for so long.
The Superdefense Daily Defense Moisturizer* is one of those somethings.
Now, technically this is labelled as an “age prevention” moisturiser, aimed at those experiencing the “first signs” of aging (as told to me by a Clinique advisor in a department store last year). I am 22. I am technically not that old at all. I am not an advocate of moisturisers and serums and special concoctions that cost hundreds just to stop myself from looking wrinkly and saggy. It’s going to happen whatever I do, but that’s not to say that some of the “age prevention” aspects of this don’t appeal because THEY DO. The inclusion of SPF 20 into this moisturiser is a huge must for me because of my pale skin, but with sun damage being a big factor in ageing skin too… it’s kind of a great added bonus to something that I want from a moisturiser anyway. It also claims to have antioxidants and whatever else in it but… I don’t particularly care about those. I’m all about that SPF. (And did I mention it’s scent free? Because it’s scent free.)
Also, as a person with very sensitive skin that will go from dry to greasy to erupting with grossness, and then back to being painfully dry but with little face demons still erupting all over, all within the space of a week, it’s often difficult for me to find a moisturiser that works for me. Either they do nothing to ease the drying effects of daily washing and being battered by the UKs glorious weather, or they turn my face into a total oil slick. I struck lucky with the Superdefense moisturiser when I found it over a year ago. It’s very thick, but it glides on easily and absorbs into the skin very quickly too. Unlike highstreet brands that I’ve used (Nivea is one that springs to mind) it does not absorb quickly and then half an hour later your skin is the same as it was pre-moisturisation. It absorbs and leaves your skin feeling very smooth and hydrated for most of the day, dependent on the conditions you’re putting your face through.
Of course with all high end cosmetic products you will find that it is quite expensive for a relatively small amount. The standard price for 50ml of Superdefense is £39.00. Luckily, it is also a thick consistency, so tends to last quite a while. With daily use I can get a good 4-5 months out of this. Also, always try to look out for discounts and special events that will reduce the price (Feelunique often have discount codes and events going on for customers to take advantage of).
This moisturiser comes in the “combination oily to oily skin” and “very dry to dry combination skin” formulas. I always opt for the former, as my skin does tend to get more oily with moisturisers than it does dry. From what I’ve seen from tester pots in stores, they both seem to be very similar in formulation… quite thick but then easily absorbed and very hydrating.
My only hope is that, one day, I will find a facial moisturiser (with SPF) that is ethical and works as well as Clinique Superdefense Daily Mouisturizer, but until then I’ll happily continue using this little pot of miracles.
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*Excuse the fluctuation in spellings of moisturiser/moisturizer. Clinique is a US brand, and it names it’s products with US spellings and I am from the UK. As such I’m having to spell the product name differently to how I naturally would… but I refuse to alter all my spellings so instead we have this weird uncomfortable mash up of English spellings. Eurgh.
Literary Lorren 