Friday, February 14, 2014

All in One: Clarins


I had a fair few Clarins products for Christmas off my wonderful other half and family but have only just had chance to give them all a real test, and what better way than to pile them on all in one for Valentine's Day?

This little makeup look would be so ideal for Valentine's Day - whether you're staying in, going for drinks or a romantic meal tonight, the simple girly theme works perfectly.

None of these are new releases, in fact most are discontinued, but it's given me a good introduction to the brand's makeup offerings. Prior to these gifts, I'd tried numerous skincare bits but only one makeup item - an eyeshadow quad I got as a gift last year - so I was super excited to get a range of products to try.

Before we get on to each item, I have to give a huge round of applause to Clarins for their packaging! It's so luxurious and classic. The gold is so simple but it's crazy what a bit of mirrored packaging can do to a beauty girl's heart rate. Now, on to how these beauties stand up...


I started off with the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch as a primer. This stuff is beautiful. I'd heard good things about it but jeez it makes my skin feel so smoothed over and the perfect base to apply the rest of my face. The texture is similar to a thick mousse and it's the whipped texture that leaves my skin so ultra smooth and perfected. It doesn't feel greasy or oily and does a really good job of making things stay put.

The next item I tried was the Clarins Instant Sunlight Bronzing Powder in Morning Sun. Unfortunately, you can't get this anymore but I'm sure Clarins do something similar. It's very light making it super easy to wear, perfect for pale skinned girls. It's also super matte which I love - never been into shimmery bronzer - and easy to get a soft contour. I don't think I'll reach for this everyday, but on no makeup-makeup days this could be a contender!

To give a pop of colour, I applied a dab of the Instant Light Blush in Vitamin Pink. I adore this! Again, it's discontinued but I've found a variant of it here however I'm not familiar with the site so don't quote me on it being secure! Back to the blush, it's a liquid formula that applies like a stain. It's such a pretty pink and so buildable that I can wear it whatever the occasion. I'm really getting into cream/liquid blushes at the moment so trying new ones excites me! I use a Real Techniques stippling brush or simply my fingers to dab it on the apples of my cheeks for a natural girly flush. If you see this anywhere- get it.

Mascara wise I've layered on Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara - thankfully you can still get this - and I was super impressed. I've not tried a Clarins mascara before but this really gives you volume whilst leaving them pretty natural. It's quite wet so you do have to be careful not to get it all over the place but once you've got it down, you can get some beautiful lashes. Really love it! If you want a more in depth review, let me know.

Finally on my lips I have Rouge Prodige lipstick in Paradise Pink and Gloss Prodige in Vibrant Rose - both discontinued, boo-freakin-hoo. Paradise Pink is a super bubblegum pink but is super glossy and not too highly pigmented meaning it looks more natural than if it were a heavier formula. I've worn this dabbed in lightly with my fingers for a sweep of colour too which works really well. On top, a layer of Vibrant Rose finishes it off wonderfully. The gloss has series sparkles in it, something I wouldn't normally opt for, but I can't deny the crazy high shine it leaves left me staring it my smackers for a long while afterwards! Both stayed on really well and wore down nicely. I'm gutted they're discontinued but I found them online here and here, again from sites I've not used so tread carefully.

Overall, this is a really natural look, without the lip combo it'd be even more natural and I can't wait to use bits and bobs within my normal routine to see what else they can achieve. Clarins, you've done me good.

What Clarins bits would you recommend?

Ax


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