Clinique products are higher end than say drugstore products, but they are comparable to MAC or Estee Lauder cosmetics. The products that stand out the most are their anti-aging creams.
Depending on your specific makeup or skin care needs, Clinique products can be superior to other brands. Clinique has several stand-out products such as facial lotion.
Clinique products are of great quality. They have some wonderful mascaras, eye shadows, and eye liners. They are a little pricey but definitely worth the cost.
Clinique is better than drugstore as far as amount of time it lasts, but it isn't as good as some of the other department store brands that may be a bit more expensive. It's usually a good place to start if you are starting to get into higher end makeup.