This is one of the best advertised skin care regimens but one of the least effective out there IMHO! I remember this was such a treat for me when I was a teen and it was a 'splurge' for me to head to Clinique and buy their famous 3-step system. This did not work on my skin type at all, which was felt to be at level 3. I have combination skin with oiliness in the T-zone and occasional breakouts. This system did nothing for it.
- Soap - LIke any ordinary soap but at a huge mark-up. Very drying.
- Toner - As mentioned, I was told I was a level 3. I also tried level 2 since the 3 was so strong! Incredibly strong alcohol scent that is quite irritating and dries out the skin, but did work okay in the T-zone.
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - aaah, the yellow lotion! Works okay in my drier areas, but not good for my oily areas. Again, you almost had to use it since your skin was so tight after the toner, so I think this is why they are marketed together.

Honestly, save your money. There are much better systems out there.

This did not work for me. I have combination skin and bought step 2. I used it for a month and there was no discernible difference. This pretty much follows the 3 basic steps for skin care: cleaning, exfoliating, and moisturizing.

Step 1 is a mild face soap for cleaning: The face soap is the best thing out of the three. It's mild and cleans like it's supposed to do. Doesn't have a strong smell, and lathers well.

Step 2 is the clarifying lotion which is supposed to exfoliate: This contains alcohol which evaporates quickly giving you a nice cooling sensation on your face. The alcohol probably kills the bacteria and might reduce break outs for some people. I'm not too fond of it myself. My eyes are pretty sensitive, so when ever I put the lotion within one inch of my eye it starts to burn/sting from the alcohol vapor. The lotion is a liquid so I don't feel that it works very well at exfoliating, a face scrub would be better.

Step 3 is moisturizing: I had the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. It DOES absorbs into the skin quickly, but does NOT work for my skin type. It made my T-zone look oilier, it works on my cheeks for a while but after 15 minutes the skin on my cheek became dry and flaky again.

I would buy the soap and skip the other two.
Just look for a good face scrub to exfoliate, and a lotion for oily skin or a cream for dry skin to moisturize.

I've been using the Clinique 3 step system for a few weeks now, and have marked a noticible difference in the look and feel of my skin. It is very smooth, radiant even! I have stopped wearing foundation / powder because my face simply does not need it anymore. I apply some blush and gloss and I'm good to go..!!

The 3 step includes:
Liquid Facial Soap
Clarifying Lotion
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

I've also added to that:
Superdefense SPF 25 (day time moisturizer)
Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer
All About Eyes (eye cream)
7 day scrub (exfoliant)

Each of these products are made in various formulae to custom fit each of our skin. My friend has combination / oily skin, she uses the 3 Step, I have dry skin and I use it as well. We're both getting amazing results.

I use each twice a day - when I wake up in the morning, and before going to bed, and started noticing a dramatic difference on the second day of usage! I have to admit, I've skipped many day and nights (in fact I didn't do it last night or this morning... oops!!) but skipping it once in a while doesn't seem to make any difference. You just get right back on the bandwagon and no one knows any better.

The clinique experts at Bay @ Eatons diagnosed my skin and determined which type of skin I have and what products it needs to look its best. They also call regularly to follow up and make sure I'm liking the product, that its suiting me, etc. I also get a free Clinique Facial which is valued at ....a lot (sorry, not sure how much top of my head)!!

The whole thing cost me about $250-ish, and in my opinion worth every penny. Our face is the first font we show the world, and with these results, its more than worth it.
I know I'll be sticking to this product for a very long time.

I love this product. It is my first clinique purchase and I love it!!

This face care system totally changed my skin, and made it look so much better and healthier. All the products last for a long time, for about 4-5 months at a time. Definitely a good buy for a good price.

I received a four-day sample pack after parting ways with a small fortune at my university's Clinique counter. Being a drugstore product diva (Cetaphil's cleanser and moisturizer suit my needs just fine) I waited a couple weeks before using it. I finally tried it out this evening, and I can't say that I'm particularly impressed with this system. The cleanser is mild, but foamy, which I like because it reminds me of my Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, save for the foaming action. I felt it cleaned my face well enough. The clarifying lotion was next, and I used what the SA gave me (Type 2) based on my skin type. The moisturizer is too heavy for the face. I like the system in general, so I'm willing to give it a chance.

You can actually see the difference on ur face, it feels clean and refreshed. It gives ur skin a firm feeling.
This is really a great product! I use it before i go to bed, and it removes all kinds of makeup. It is a little expensive, but if u wait for the clinique bonus time, you might get one as a sample to try out!!! :)

This cleanser is why too pricey for it is worth. I found it extremely drying and it didn't do anything that a drugstore cleanser couldn't do. I would not recommend this product, especially if you're on a budget.

I recommend buying the kit what includes this product for it save you money. This Facial cleanser dose a great job of cleaning the skin and taking the dirt out of the pores. My skin used to be rough, and acne every wear plus the acne scars. Ever since I have been using this my face has cleared up dramatically where my skin is smooth, less acne, and my skin looks brighter.

It is very over-rated. Tried it, and didn't do anything for my skin. The only good thing was the bar of soap. I found it was very good for washing my face, and would buy that again, just not the other stuff.