Clinique

Alternatives to Discontinued Clinique Favorites at Sephora

Clinique has a knack for creating cult classics that leave us heartbroken when they vanish. Whether it’s a perfect lipstick shade or a game-changing foundation, those discontinued gems deserve a second life. I’ve scoured Sephora to find alternatives that echo the vibes, tones, and finishes of Clinique’s retired stars. Here’s your guide to keeping the Clinique magic alive with fresh swaps!

1. Clinique Touch Base for Eyes
What It Was: A creamy eyeshadow stick in shades like “Natural Suede,” loved for its blendable texture and subtle shimmer before being phased out.
Sephora Alternatives:
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in ‘Au Naturel’ ($32, 0.05 oz)
This velvety stick delivers a soft, neutral beige with a hint of sheen, mirroring “Natural Suede”’s easy, everyday glow. It glides on and blends like a dream.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in ‘Golden Pink’ ($32, 0.05 oz)
A shimmery taupe-pink that captures the Touch Base’s versatile, no-fuss vibe—perfect for a quick lid wash or base.

2. Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadow
What It Was: A doe-foot applicator cream shadow in shades like “Latte,” discontinued but missed for its speedy application and soft finish.
Sephora Alternatives:
Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Shadow Paint in ‘Golden Taupe’ ($7, 0.11 oz)
This creamy taupe shadow applies with a wand and blends effortlessly, offering a close match to “Latte”’s neutral charm.
Sephora Collection Colorful Shadow & Liner in ‘Taupe’ ($14, 0.058 oz)
A creamy stick shadow with a smooth, buildable finish—think Quick Eyes’ ease with a modern twist.

3. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup
What It Was: A lightweight, hydrating foundation in shades like “Ivory,” retired as Clinique shifted to newer bases, adored for its natural coverage.
Sephora Alternatives:
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint in ‘2’ ($32, 1.08 oz)
This sheer-to-medium tint offers a soft, natural finish like Superbalanced, with a light beige tone that nods to “Ivory.”
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare in ‘Light Cool 20’ ($47, 1.08 oz)
A hydrating, medium-coverage base with a radiant finish—perfect for recreating Superbalanced’s effortless look.

4. Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick
What It Was: A glossy, moisturizing lipstick in shades like “Apple Brandy,” discontinued but cherished for its creamy shine.
Sephora Alternatives:
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick in ‘Nude Lavalliere’ ($45, 0.11 oz)
A glossy nude with warm undertones, this echoes “Apple Brandy”’s juicy, wearable shine with a luxe feel.
Pat McGrath Labs Lust: Gloss in ‘Bronze Venus’ ($29, 0.15 oz)
A shimmering bronze-nude gloss that captures the Butter Shine’s glossy glow with a hint of richness.

5. Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control
What It Was: A matte gel to control oil in the T-zone, discontinued but a staple for shine-free skin.
Sephora Alternatives:
Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting & Blotting Powder ($34, 0.28 oz)
This universal powder mattifies and blurs like the Pore Minimizer, keeping shine at bay with a lightweight touch.
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation ($40, 1 oz)
A matte, oil-controlling base that doubles as a shine stopper—think Pore Minimizer’s effect in foundation form.

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