Skin Care Review: Clinique Clarifying lotion

As I finished my usual mosturizing cream, I started looking for new products. I have normal skin, but, being 33, I wanted to start preventing wrinkles and taking better care of my skin. The 3-step method of the clinique sounded interesting but a bit expensive, so I bought the clarifying lotion 2. After some days I realized it dries my skin, it feels very tight, and after I actually have to apply a mosturizer twice or 3 times before it feels all right. I want to go back to the counter and ask them to change the lotion, as it doens't work and it doesn't have salicylic acid as the product-counselor told me. It is just alcohol and water. I could have done it myself at home with a far lower cost!!!