#123 Clinique Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Review
A Glowy Throwback with a Modern Shield
Clinique was my first “grown-up” skincare brand—the one that ushered me from teenage breakouts to my first real serum. Who remembers the astringent No. 4 toner? Smelled like nail polish remover, but boy, did it work on oily skin in its hormonal prime. Then came Turnaround, my gateway into glycolic acid. And of course, the iconic DDMG—now with SPF 50, which I’m itching to try.
But the real MVP? City Block. That lime-green tube was my daily armor. SPF 40, mineral-only, slightly tinted, and surprisingly elegant for its time. It doubled as my base, gave me a healthy glow, and never left a chalky trace (on my skintone). I went through tubes like water—until Japanese sunscreens came along and stole the spotlight.
Fast forward to today, and Clinique’s back with a sleeker, smarter upgrade: Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector. Yes, the name’s a mouthful, but the formula? Surprisingly refined.
This new version blends mineral and chemical filters for a smoother, more spreadable texture—think liquid foundation, not watery essence. The tint is subtle but buildable. If you're like me and tend to skip full foundation on most days, this gives just enough coverage to get away with a bit of pinpoint concealing and call it done. No stickiness, no caking, just a soft, breathable finish. My only gripe? It transfers a bit—collar stains, and this get on my nerves. A light dusting of translucent powder minimise this issue.
What’s inside? Clinique’s Stop Signs™ Technology—a cocktail of antioxidants, carnitine, and pollution-fighting ingredients that shield your skin from urban stressors. It’s not just sun protection; it’s skin defense with a side of glow.
The packaging’s had a vibrant makeover—gone is the classic green, now replaced with a bold, energetic orange that feels fresh and modern. Sadly, I haven’t spotted this on Clinique Malaysia’s site. It seems the local market is leaning into the Even Better range—more focused on brightening and pigmentation. I will be tracking down this product when I am abroad next time.