Clarins Garden Escape Collection Review- Spring 2015

The spring collection by Clarins includes beautiful pigments for the lips, cheeks and eyes as well as nourishing oils and healthy botanicals to help undo the drying effects of winter.

Every so often I come across a palette that is so lovely I hesitate to dip my brush in to avoid disturbing the beautiful colors and the Garden Escape eye shadows are simply exquisite! Encased in Clarins signature red velvet pouch the intricately etched mirrored palette holds 6 long-lasting shades that are soft, earthy and elegant. Like most palettes I've used from this brand the shadows can be applied dry for light, neutral looks or wet for increased intensity and vividness. Paired with a good primer you are able to control the saturation and enhance the pigments although most are quite subtle for a delicate, sophisticated effect.

The silky mineral texture is soft, smooth and non-creasing with a satin, iridescent finish. The deeper shades are designed to compliment and contrast the fresh light pinks and pearly white and you can mix and match the shadows or pair them with other palettes for a variety of alluring spring looks.

I love the effect of blending the dark green into the pinks and taupe for a soft gradient of color and the silvery hue works nicely as a highlight to accentuate the eyes. The shadows contain subtle shimmer but nothing too glittery or distracting and the palette retails for $44.00.

The Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil Is available in two shades- Honey which is the one I have and Raspberry which has a slight berry tint. The nourishing formula is a combination of “makeup and skincare” with a cocktail of plant oils to soothe and enhance lips with beautiful shine. Fatty acids, rosemary extract, hazel seed oil, sunflower and organic jojoba protect from dehydration and environmental aggressors to keep lips luminous and healthy.

Although it does look like oil in the packaging the texture isn't slick, sticky or oily, in fact it feels more like a smooth lip gloss with a clear finish. I like the sweet scent and large applicator and though the texture does initially feel a tad thick once you purse your lips and distribute the formula it thins and evens out. The oils provide relief and moisture for dry, chapped skin but I usually have to reapply quite frequently for best results. The Lip Comfort oil retails for $23.00.

Clarins makes a few great treatments to help keep lips soft and supple and the Instant Light Lip Balm is another combination of makeup and skincare with a luscious formula that melts into skin to create a veil of luminous color. The pampering texture moisturizes, protects and soothes for “3D radiance.”

The balm smells deliciously sweet and is available in 6 sheer shades, the color I have is 02- a soft coral hue. The lightweight texture has a touch of shine for smooth comfortable wear and rich plant ingredients plumps and illuminates. Formulated with a natural peptide that encourages the synthesis of hyaluronic acid the balm provides optimal hydration for hours!

This is a great product to have when your lips are a bit chapped or dry because as the tint catches the light it makes them look healthier! The balms retails for $22.00.

Clarin's classic Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick Collection gained two subtle new shades for spring fittingly named Coral Dahlia (seen below) and Rose Petal. The color may look bright and bold in the tube but it actually applies translucent with a shiny finish and a creamy texture.

The lipsticks are formulated to plump, hydrate and soften with mango, shea, vitamin E and plant extracts that help diminish free-radicals for long-lasting moisture. The lipsticks retail for $27.00 each. 

This collection can be found at select drugstores, department stores and at Clarins.Ca

*Press samples featured