Hands up everyone who is familiar with this yellow lotion from Clinique! Come on come on, don’t be shy 😀
I’m sure many of you would have, at one point or another tried the very popular Clinique 3 Step system and the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion or Gel. I have but the Clinique basic skincare range doesn’t suit my skin. Breaks it out, in fact. My skin plays much better with Clinique’s targeted products e.g. Moisture Surge Gel Cream or the Youth Surge Cream and their serums.
So, when under hush-hush circumstances, in the confines of the historic Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, it was unveiled to the press recently that Clinique was reformulating their iconic Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, you could almost hear the collective gasps of surprise in the room. Beauty editors are usually very poised and unflustered people but you could see the well groomed eyebrows shoot up into the air when the news was announced.
You will see the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + (note the Plus please!) roll out in stores starting from about now and it will be out in full force in July 2013. I’ll just share a little about what’s new, gleaned from what we were told, and briefly how I found it.
The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion or DDML as it is affectionately known as, was formulated back in 1968 and the formula has remained pretty much unchanged since then. Imagine, 45 years of the same formula! The purpose of this lotion is just one – basic moisturizing. That’s all it does and that’s all its supposed to do.
No anti-aging, no super hydration, no whitening – nothing. Just your basic moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. You know at the pretty affordable price tag (for a department store brand), you really shouldn’t be expecting too much more 😉 Not many lotions do this anymore. Most products these days come with a host of multitasking properties so it is interesting that Clinique is sticking to this one purpose. The original version is targeted at those with Very dry to dry-combination skin and there is a gel texture for those with oily-combination skin. The latter is one that I believe is more popular here in the tropical climate.
So what’s new then? This.
The new formula now incorporates Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin and Urea to improve hydration and also to strengthen the skin barrier so less moisture escapes your skin. What this is therefore supposed to do, is to help your skin remain more hydrated throughout the day.
Texture wise, I honestly can’t remember how the previous version feels like. This new one feels light and although it was the heavier version, absorbed quite nicely into my skin without a sticky feel. I’ve been told to take it for a spin which I have. The original DDML breaks me out which is why I said the products in Clinique’s 3 step range just don’t do it for my skin. The cleanser is drying, the Clarifying lotion is too drying and the DDML breaks me out. I’m told that DDML+ may not but sadly it does. It was fine for about a week but I noticed little spots pop up thereafter. Its also rather heavy on skin. Well, this is supposed to be for dry to very dry skin so I wasn’t really surprised. So, DDML+ doesn’t work for me but then it didn’t in the first instance either so, no real surprises there 🙂
Yeah, Clinique’s HQ trainers were really pleased to be part of the launch too LOL Its their biggest of the year and I must say, taking on something as iconic as this yellow lotion is no mean feat. I can almost hear the screams of DDML fans at this point “Don’t mess with my Holy Grail moisturiser!!!” because we know that reformulations can only go one of two ways – much better… or worse.
Clinique is hoping that it will be the former for you 🙂
Are you already a DDML user? How do you feel about this reformulation?
I’d actually love to know if you are already a user and if so, how long you have been using this, because I know fans of DDML are very loyal! 🙂
Paris B
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Price: RM68/50ml, RM145/125ml Availability: Clinique counters from 18 July 2013
You’re right. For a departmental store product, it is very affordable! I’ve never had much luck with Clinique’s range of skincare but I did notice something.
The gentleman in the picture wore a yellow tie to complement the yellow moisturiser! I’m saying it was a deliberate act and a very nice one at that too 😉
Ooh I didn’t notice it! Good eye 😛 I haven’t had a lot of luck with Clinique’s 1-2-3 line but their targeted ranges work for me. Strange. Still, I have been taking this moisturiser on a second trial run, using less after getting some feedback and its turned out a lot better! No more breakouts and seems to be fine. But then, it is also a bit basic for me I think 😛
I tried the 3 steps range before but I wasn’t WOW-ed by it. Like it did to you, it breaks me out. I went back to the counter but the SA said it wasn’t their product, I should use make-up remover even when I’m not wearing makeup to remove all the dirt from the skin. Then followed with the 3 steps.
But then it would no longer be a 3 steps process, wouldn’t it? That’s 4 steps. Other brands that I’ve uses doesn’t requires me to remove dirt with make-up remover when I’m not wearing any. Their cleaner is sufficient enough to clean my makeup-free face.
I thought the DDML was just okay. it can feel heavy on the skin and slightly greasy. I used tiny drops and spread it thinly. it took me A LONG time to finish one bottle. So sometimes I used it to moisturize my dry elbows to speed up the finishing process. Hah!
You have a point, Hani. I would also expect the cleanser to work on its own without a makeup remover (if you aren’t wearing makeup) But I’ve just come to terms with the fact that the range just doesn’t do it for me. The targeted skincare does, but not the basic range. Maybe the change in formula is timely 😉 BTW good idea on using it on dry parts of the body! A bit pricey for that but hey, its a moisturiser after all! I’m now trying it again and am using only a tiny little bit because I was told to, and it seems ok. No more breakouts. BUT it’ll take me forever and a day to go through a bottle.
I love the DDML. before the birth of my first child and my skin was less sensitive this moisturiser worked marvellous. later I am told that the mineral oil content is making my skin problematic. that is, after all my hormonal issues. after my 2nd child, they had the gel, it was cheap and I bought it. it didn’t have mineral oil in its content and I was hooked. it worked to hydrate and I love its smell! brings back memories to my younger years studying in uni.
the gel is no longer working for me in terms of hydration as my skin gets more matured and needs more intense hydration. but am not willing to use the normal DDML if it still has mineral oil in its list of ingredients. does it still?
I’m trying to find out about the mineral oil and the new ingredient list, Juan. I’ll be updating once I get it (if I get it 😛 ) but I do hope they have taken mineral oil off the list. They’ve gotten a lot of flack for it over the years but still, we never know. Maybe they don’t want to mess with a winning formula.
No luck with Clinique for me either. My skin never liked their iconic 1-2-3 range. Dried me out like crazy.
Going through my skincare stash, just realized that I have zero Clinique skincare item. 😛 My husband is a loyal Clinique user though. Haha! But he uses the men’s range.
Haha! I really like the Even Better serum – really works! As well as Moisture Surge, and the Repairwear range isn’t bad too. Used them all at some point in my life 😛 Good on your husband for having a proper skincare range! Most men don’t 😉
No prize for guessing who got him hooked! 😉
He used to have problematic skin: acne, oily, the whole nine yard. After trying the Clinique Men range moisturizer, he was hooked. There’s a noticeable difference in the texture of his skin and he’s not breaking out randomly anymore. So, yeah, he graduated to using their cleanser and toner too. Now…gotta think about introducing that eye cream. Need some sneaky method for that… 😛
Good teacher! 😉 But yeah, eye cream is a toughie. I don’t even use it myself haha! 😛
tried the 123 too in my early 20s. Big meh.. break me out, leaving my skin with dry flaky surface, major redness… and I bought the set after a consultation. At KLCC, I still remember. It is a lot of $ for me who just came out to work. Ouch! Never touch any Clinique product after that.
I’m one of those people who NEVER tried the Clinique 1-2-3 step as a teen or young adult haha! I do wonder if it might have been good for me 😛 I went straight to Estee Lauder and was using it for a few years before I started straying. Pity it didn’t work for you Shannen. But I’m sure you’ve now found a skincare product/range that does!
I used the DDML for years but I switched to something else when it was not moisturising and hydrating enough. Ironically I started using it again a couple of months ago because it was part of a special gift with purchase thing. My skin is okay with it now, but it could be because I’m mixing it with Kiehl’s MRC. I heard abt this new DDML version but hv not had a chance to try it yet.
Isn’t it funny how our skin works? Quite often products that don’t work for me at some point will eventually work or vice versa. Its no wonder beauty companies can stay in business! HAH!
No luck with their iconic 123 products too!
Tried the 3 steps few years back, it make my cheeks area dry, flaky, breakout and super sensitive. 🙁
I have combination oily skin which cheeks area are normal skin type before I tried Clinique, but now it has become dry even after few years. Fortunately, it has become less sensitive compared to the time while I’m using clinique 3 steps.
I wasn’t really pleasant with the SA too! When I return with my feedback with the proof of dryness, red and flaky skin on my face, they kept trying to convince me that it is purging process where the skincare is trying to ‘cleanse’ the toxic from my skin. Can you imagine how do I felt when there is 2 big uneven red patch on my cheeks due to peeling and overly sensitive skin? Neither concealer nor foundation (both liquid and powder) is able to ‘stick’ on my face…technically no base foundation can be layered on my face then.
How interesting that the 123 step didn’t work for so many of us! I’m actually really puzzled because I know its really popular. Or maybe all of us are just really strange 😛 I found the products too drying too especially the lotions. I too have been told about the purging process and that “it’ll be worse before it gets better” but to be honest, I don’t believe it at all. Not from anyone. So sorry you had a poor experience but I hope everythings better now!
Sorry No!!! Aint going near this at any time..breaks out my face like no other and thats saying alot coz most products dont… tried it in my teens & again in my 20s. Not gonna risk it in my older years..haha
Haha! I hear ya! To be fair, I’ve been using it again for the past week in a tiny little amount and it’s ok this time. No spots. But still not quite sold.
Like you, I had similar issues with the traditional Clinique three step system. Other products in the line are fine in many instances. I always hated that the main ingredient in the yellow moisturizer was mineral oil and also broke me out. It seems everyone is reformulating. I just got a notice from Lauder about the reformulated Advanced Night Repair. It seems as if that one was changed not that long ago. It is always a challenge to see if the new version works as well and doesn’t cause breakouts.
Oh goody! Someone else who can handle the targeted skincare but not the 123! 😀 You’re right about reformulations. So often, it can go wrong (New Coke anyone?) but yet, sometimes it can work much better. Such a gamble for long time users! Still, I was very happy when they changed the formula of ANR (I think it was in 2011) because its now so much lighter and absorbs so much more easily. It’ll be interesting to see them top that! Let you know 😉
Nooo! I love my DDML/ DDMG (I switch between the two depending on season) and I like it as is. I’m the opposite to you – the targeted stuff breaks me out. I am a fan of the 3 Step system, but I combine it with other brands. I’ve been using DDML/G since erm, 1994 *blush*.
Oooh finally a DDML fan! 😀 I was hoping there’d be at least 1 reader who is a fan haha! I think you’d be very interested to know how the new formula fares! I hope it works better but it’ll be interesting to have a comparison from a long time user!
Had bad experience with Clinique 123 also
got clog pores from the moisture surge…never tried the DDML tho..
gave to friend the GWP DDML …read some reviews b4 got them and afraid t try…
not so nice reviews…maybe with our climate and whether the DDML+ is not suitable..
maybe targeted to dry skin and very dry skin type
Aww I love Moisture Surge. Its a pity it didn’t work for you. I do think that DDML is a bit heavy for our climate too. The gel version should be better.
Wow, I’m amazed to read that so many people had bad experiences with the Clinique 123 coz I thought I was the only one! I remember being quite demoralised then coz the DDML was supposed to be a “good” basic moisturiser but my skin didn’t like it! Anyway, no motivation to try it now even though it’s been reformulated.
Its so interesting isn’t it Polly? Quite often, we think we are alone with our problems until someone speaks out and then suddenly we find everyone agreeing with us! Sorry to hear it didn’t work for you either but at least you now know you aren’t alone 🙂
Aww, I’m so sorry to hear it breaks you out! I think I tried the 3-step system when I was in high school, but I found the lotion much too rich! I received a bottle of the new formula earlier this week. It seems much lighter than what I remember. It might be because I’m living in a very different climate now though.
I don’t really want to try it on until I get to read the full ingredient list (my bottle didn’t come with a box). What I don’t really understand about this product is Clinique boasts a dermatological image, yet they’re still putting coloring in this one. I can see how they don’t want to change how it looks, but why not put it in a yellow bottle instead, for example?
My bottle didn’t come with a box either, Sunny but I’m waiting to get the list… hopefully. I have been testing it again with just a tiny dollop as advised and happily am not breaking out anymore. Its ok. Not great for me though 😛 As for the colouring bit, I was told that the yellow colour is food dye and in keeping with the original creator’s idea of differentiating his lotions from the other white creams out in the market. I suppose they wanted to keep to that bit of product history 🙂
I know i won’t be touching this still. I had breakouts with the original. And plus it smelled really bad if i remembered right. Scent is really something. It makes one cringe even after more than 20 years.
I agree with you about scent. It could bring back really good memories or really bad ones 😛 I don’t remember a scent in this one but maybe I should sniff it again 😛
I would like to see the ingredient list first. The previous one, full of mineral oil, was such a joke. For the amount of money, why do they put a cheap ingredient ?! Oh yes, I know : to get more money. I’m so disappointed by all this high-end brands 🙁
I’m waiting for the ingredient list and will update when I do, Sarah 🙂 I have read many complaints about the use of mineral oil in this product (and in many products) but I do know many brands have now reformulated to remove or reduce the use of it. Hopefully this one has too!
I desperately wanted to like Clinique’s 1-2-3 skincare system and but no luck for me either. I actually have it a go when I was 21, 25 and 30 – and every single time the cleanser didn’t feel clean enough, the toner dried my skin out like patches of the Saharan dessert and the moisturizer – well, let’s just leave it at that, shall we? I tried almost every single combination Clinique could throw at me but nope, no happy ending for me. I will definitely be giving this a miss as I am now quite happily settled wit REN :-p
I like REN stuff! They are lovely and gentle and so far, everything works fairly well for me one way or another 😀 I’m glad we have options these days although I can imagine the brands must be really feeling the heat of competition! 😉
I am still afraid to try Clinique skincare because I have heard horror stories from people with sensitive skin. Will need to check the full ingredients list if I were to buy.
Yep, still trying to get hold of the ingredient list! Its one of those things I think that work for many but also don’t work for many. Its hard to say because its been around for so long, but sometimes I do wonder if waiting this long to reformulate was a good idea! HAHA!
I have been using DDML since I was in Jr. High. I just turned 30 this year. You have no idea the heart attack seeing that little + sign gave me! I was certainly part of the collective gasp heard round the world with the re formulation news. I have been using the + version for about a month now and I like it! As I get older my skin is getting just slightly more dry, it really does take longer to absorb which is nice at night however I think I like the lighter gel formula for a morning routine as I do wear concealer and a pressed powder over it. Overall throughout my teen years and into adulthood DDML has served me very well. No breakouts, just smooth moisturized skin. Thank you Clinique!
Another Clinique 3 step skincare fan here! My skin seems to love their products and has been using it on and off for the last 4 years. Gonna try DDML + after I have finished old DDML. Hope it will still do good, or even better for my skin.
Got this moisturizer back then. I remember the BA told me to use it on dry areas on my face. Yesterday, I went to get a bottle of it. This time, the BA told me to use it all over my face. Not risking it though – am just going to apply it on forehead and see how it goes.
Yeah I think this is best used on dry bits only. For all over use it might be too heavy for us especially in our weather here. I’ve sent my bottle off to someone who loves it so we can expect a comparison soon once she’s had a go at it! 😀