Clinique Laboratories, LLC (/klɪˈniːk/) is an American manufacturer of skincare, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances, usually sold in high-end department stores. It is a subsidiary of the Estée Lauder Companies. As of 2019, Clinique has over 22,000 customer consultants worldwide.[1]
In 1967, American Vogue magazine published an article called "Can Great Skin Be Created?",[2] written by beauty editor Carol Phillips with Norman Orentreich, discussing the significance of a skin-care routine. Evelyn Lauder, daughter-in-law of Estée Lauder, read the article and brought it to Estée's attention.[3] Both Carol Phillips and Orentreich were recruited to help create the brand, and in April 1968, Clinique premiered as the world's first allergy tested, dermatologist-driven line at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, US,[4] launched with 117 products.[5]
Evelyn Lauder, an executive at Estée Lauder and member of the Lauder family, created the Clinique brand name and developed its line of products.[6] Lauder worked as the training director for Clinique.[6] She was the first person to wear the trademark white lab coat, now worn by Clinique Consultants worldwide.[6]
Clinique was the third brand that was "born" from the Lauder Group after Estée Lauder and Aramis.[7]
In 2008, Clinique announced a partnership[8] with Allergan, the maker of Botox and former cosmeceutical partner of Elizabeth Arden, with the result being a new line called Clinique Medical. The line is only available in physician's offices. The five-product set is designed for pre- and post-operation skin care, and targets complications such as redness, tightness, burning, irritation, discoloration, among others that "slow the healing process."[9] In 2022, Clinique launched in the Metaverse and released a new NFT campaign.[10]
Awards
In 2019, Clinique was "awarded Best Ecommerce Experience at the inaugural Glossy Awards Europe."[1]
In 2020, Clinique publicly announced British actress Emilia Clarke as their first Global Ambassador.[11][12]
