Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - Was the +ReallyWorth It?

I have had a bunch of people ask me very recently about my opinion on Clinique skincare and more specifically what I thought about them reformulating their iconic Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and adding that precocious (+) at the end. My guttural reaction was very quick and painfully clear "its about time!" 

Official Description;
Step 3 in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System. The moisture "drink" developed by Clinique's dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry skins, or skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone. Softens, smooths, improves.\
The big plus: with a new complex, this formula strengthens skin's own moisture barrier by 54%. More moisture stays in. Skin feels soft, springy. Has a glow.
* For Skin Types: 1 - Very Dry to Dry, 2 - Dry Combination

I am not really a big Clinique skincare user, even though i had dabbled in their 3-Step Skin Care System I never found anything to be impressed about and moved on to bigger and better things. I, however, am I extremely brutal when it comes to product evaluation so for something to stick around in my bathroom cabinet for any amount of time it really has to blow me away or at least have something unique to be excited about. 

The original Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion was too basic for me and the ingredient list, despite all their claims of sensitive-skin & allergy testing, resembles a 1960's chemistry lab experiment, without any skin-loving additions to speak of. Granted this moisturizer is probably the world's most recognizable beauty product and those who use it are fanatically loyal, plus we can't ignore the fact that according to the Clinique team one bottle of the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is sold every 4.87 seconds.

I can see why Clinique did not want to change or alter a product that was already so popular and so lucrative in sales and sheer demand for constant supplies all over the world. In fact their team is very open when it comes to the reasons decisions were made, what is different about the new version, what their criteria was during development and in true Clinique fashion the promises and claims made are not over the top nor are they unrealistic. That is actually one of the biggest reasons why I respect their company - their expectations and projections when it comes to skincare are very down-to-earth, respectable and precise, without any of the usual "miraculous power" proclamations of some other worst offenders.

However leaving a moisturizing formula the same since 1968 when their skincare specialists had every opportunity to improve or alter the cream, just because the sales and demand was there seems a little unsavory to me. The problems the skin needed to deal with in 1968 or 1978 were somewhat different from the challenges skin cells had to overcome in 1998 or 2008, meaning that a proactive approach could have been implemented a while ago.
We all know that the past can't be changed now but I hope Clinique continues on this road of self- improvement and reflection in the future.

Clinique has always referred to this famous yellow lotion as a "moisture drink" that is meant to maintain and restore optimal hydration balance to your dry areas but also keep the "oily zone" (usually T-zone) comfortable and calm. Essentially what the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion represented was a very basic moisturizing formula whose primary and only function was to hydrate and soften skin. This lotion had absolutely no anti-aging ingredients, enzymes, antioxidants or even sunscreen. I suspect that it was the "bare-bones" formula that attracted the attention of so many skincare-oholics, especially since simplicity can work wonders in terms of "calming" over-reactive complexions.
However for me personally, the high price tag for such a bland moisturizing formula could not be justified and besides being in my late 20's has made me hyper aware of anti-aging products, which are now starting to show up in my skincare routines more regularly than just a few years ago.

 In summary the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion has to really up its game significantly and offer my skin a bit more this time around, if it even has a prayer of gaining  that "coveted spot" in my skincare & beauty routine.

The new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + is described as a new, updated, fine-tuned, reformulated and modern version of its predecessor. Clinique's skincare specialists and as always backed by independent dermatologists took great care to retain the same lightweight texture and impressive absorption of the of the original but boost the formulation with a certain "complex +", which is said to strengthen skin's natural hydration barrier by 54% and in turn improves, softens, smooths and protects your complexion. The moisturization factor of the new (+) lotion is further enhanced by adding hyaluronic acid, glycerine and urea, whose combined benefits result in a skin that is hydrated, silky soft and radiant.
Check out the new Clinique commercial for their new moisturizer;

What ultimately swayed me completely towards the new Clinique Dramatically Different MoisturizingLotion + was the importance of its research findings and the time it took to ultimately get the final product on our skincare shelves. It took 6 years, 600 "real" women and 5 countries to test and approve the new Clinique moisturizer. 

No matter how loud the sceptic inside complains there is no way for me not to admire and respect that kind of dedication and hard work. I appreciate skincare and as such appreciate any brand that stands behind its products to that degree.

My experience with the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + was a lot better than I expected and the difference in "feel" between the original and this new "souped-up" improved formulation is definitively palpable. While my original encounter with the first Clinique moisturizer was a rather underwhelming one, this time around I would have to describe the experience as "hopeful". The "complex +" hydrated my skin deeply with absolutely no residue or "tacky surface" feeling and my complexion remained calm and radiant the whole day.

In conclusion I will admit that I was rather impressed with the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + and despite the fact that this still isn't a moisturizer with specific anti-aging or other treatment properties, I appreciate the new formula and will happily keep this little "yellow potion" in my skincare cabinet for days when my skin needs a break from the actives I enjoy so much.
I would recommend the Clinique + to everyone as well but I have a feeling that the masses won't need much encouragement with this product.
Very soon Clinique will have yet another "cult" product to add to their hall of fame and I for one am happy to have had a chance to try it and change my mind about their skincare in general.

For more information and retail visit the Clinique website. The Clinique Complex + retails  for $14.50 for 1.7 oz and $26.00 for 4.2 oz

I hope this was helpful to someone :-)

Have you tried the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +? Did you like the original?

XOXO

ANJA

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