Clarins Joli Rouge Velvet Lipstick | Review & Swatches

Last week I attended a glamorous holiday soiree and I wore shimmering gold eye shadow paired with Clarins Deep Red Velvet Lipstick. The rich color saturates my pout in creamy moisture and accentuates the curves of my lips to create a voluptuous effect. The new formula is exquisite so today I’ve swatched 7 of my favorite must-have shades.

Infused with conditioning emollients, apricot extract and glasswort, the sumptuous pigment glides on buttery smooth and envelops lips in layers of nourishment. The lightweight finish is incredibly comfortable with amazing saturation and stunning vividness. Each seamless swipe delivers full-coverage pure color that instantly enhances the complexion.

The quality of these lipsticks encompasses everything you’d ever want in a non-drying matte formula with beautiful shades that range from nude, pink, sexy red, zesty orange and ultra-chic plums.

Although the color isn’t transfer or fade-proof, it hugs the lip contour without bleeding and lasts a few hours before having to reapply. The classic shape defines and accentuates but you can also use the matching Velvet Lip Pencils for more precision.

The deep plum and seductive reds are my favorite for the holiday season! 

Dusty rose and soft pink are very trendy and these beautiful hues look ravishing on all skin tones.

Swatches from left to right: 754V Deep Red, 737V Spicy Cinnamon, 756V Guava, 738V Royal Plum, 732V Grenadine, 742 Joli Rouge and 760V Pink Cranberry.

The Joli Rouge Velvet Lipsticks retail for $29.00 each and Clarins is available at department store counters, Shoppers Drug Mart and online at clarins.ca.

Clarins Water Lip Stain Review

July 7th was international Kissing Day (yes, that’s really a thing) so to celebrate the occasion I tested the new Clarins Water Lip Stains. These sassy pigments resist up to 300 smooches so you pucker-up and plant one on him without worrying about lip prints, fading or smudging.

The unique formula is 77% water so it feels like a refreshing sorbet with a blend of organic raspberry and calming aloe vera to prevent dehydration. Layer it lightly for a soft flush or amp-up the intensity for a bold finish. Once dry, the matte stain is almost undetectable, creating a bare lip effect that feels comfortable and extremely lightweight. The sheer vividness instantly perks-up a dull complexion and as the pigment fades, it begins to look more natural so lips appear healthy and plump. Clarins also added their anti-pollution complex to protect your pout from external aggressors – great for battling city smog and mid-day traffic.

The small brush applicator wasn’t my favorite at first but once you start blending, the color fuses to the skin like a tattoo, leaving behind a juicy long-wear tint that does not transfer. They also withstand eating, drinking and humidity which is perfect for a night out.

Application Tips

*For best results, avoid using lip balm underneath as anything slippery can affect adhesion.
*Expect some streaks while brushing on the stain and purse your lips to distribute the pigment evenly.
*Allow the color to dry between each coat and layer to achieve the desired saturation.

The mouth-watering flavors smell like ripe berries, delicious candy and popsicle (who wouldn’t love that!?) FYI, they also taste pretty darn good...just saying.

For more moisture, top-up the stains with the Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil ($25.00) and transform the finish into a shiny gloss. These nourishing lippies are my go-to for travel and they help me survive Canadian winters. The rich blend of jojoba, raspberry and hazelnut oils keep lips supple, smooth and chap-free plus they lock-in hydration for hours without stickiness.

The Water Lip Stains retail for $25.00 each at Clarins counters nationwide and online at clarins.ca.

Clarins Sunkissed Summer 2018 Makeup Collection

It’s getting hot here in Toronto...really hot. I’m not a fan of humidity and mugginess but when the sun is shining and drinks are flowing by the pool, we all want pretty makeup that captures the season’s best trends.

Clarins Sunkissed Collection is simple and chic – featuring multi-colored bronzer, pops of bright color, dewy skin and lips that shine. The packaging is inspired by Florida's swaying palm trees, sun-washed hues and the vibrant energy of Miami.

The Limited-Edition Bronzing Compact ($42.00) is decked out with pink flamingos and contains 3 matte shades that are adapted to all skin tones. Use the softer hues to highlight and blend while the deeper pigment defines and accentuates. The silky powder is buildable and easy to layer so you can customize your tan or contour for a well sculpted finish. I love that the formula is infused with Clarins Anti-Pollution Complex to protect the skin from free radical damage but I wish the compact included one strip of bronzy shimmer for more radiance.

Some of you may have read about my obsession with Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil (I wrote an entire post raving about them) and now there is a juicy new shade to collect. Delectable Plum ($25.00) is infused with hazelnut, organic jojoba and acai oils that condition your lips all year long. The blackcurrant flavor smells delicious and the large paddle applicator distributes the luscious formula in a smooth even coating. This is the perfect lip oil for long flights because it protects, nourishes and softens to prevent dryness and chapping. The deep berry tint drenches your pout in mirror-like shine that lasts for hours!

I didn’t think there was very much anyone could do to improve basic pencil liners but Clarins has proved me wrong with their innovative Makeup-Pen ($35.00). This awesome design contains 4 bold colors to enhance the lips and eyes. Simply click on the shade you want and twist to eject more color (no sharpening required). Emerald green and intense plum compliment all eye colors while bright pink defines your pout and prevents lipsticks from bleeding. The jet black is perfect for everyday wear and the pigmentation is creamy and full-coverage with smooth glide application. On hot days you might want to keep the pen in your purse for touch-ups because the formula does not appear to be water-proof.

The 4-Color Eye Shadow Palette in Lovely Rose ($46.00) may not be part of the summer collection but these shades are irresistible! The vivid coral is ideal for creating a sunset effect while the champagne, mauve and deep plum look gorgeous together. These velvety shadows are highly pigmented with buildable saturation so you can create a variety of looks from smoldering smokey eyes to daytime glam. Layer the color over primer for all-day wear with no creasing or fading and match with the black, pink or plum liner for more drama.

The Limited-Edition SOS Primer ($39.00) is available in 2 shades – 06 Bronze and 07 Mocha which is the color I received. This luminous liquid is formulated to moisturize, prep and enhance your skin tone but this tint is too dark for me and creates an evident tan. If you’re aiming for warm, sunkissed skin then you might like the extra pigment but I try to keep my foundation balanced. A variety of tone-correcting primers are also available in the permanent SOS range.

Despite the tanning effect, the smooth, mineral base helps blur roughness and textural irregularities for flawless makeup application and longer wear in all weather conditions.

Clarins is available at department stores nationwide and online at clarins.ca

Clarins The Essentials Eye Make-Up Palette – Review & Swatches

The Essentials Palette by Clarins got a sultry new makeover with a beautiful selection of icy silvers and sexy midnight hues that range from royal blue to blackened navy. Previous palette designs featured purple hues and everyday neutrals but these smoldering pigments create bold contrast for the perfect smoky eye.

The packaging is simple yet sophisticated and comes with a small mirror and double-ended brush. I’d prefer a magnetic closure instead of the red band but it fastens securely for travel.

The shadows are enriched with plant extracts and there are 4 different textures: 5 pearl shades, 1 silvery diamond pop, 3 satin finishes and 1 matte. The radiant silver shimmer stands out among the other colors because the bright metallic finish is highly saturated and creamy. You can apply it subtly or layer heavier for a dramatic chrome effect but there may be some fallout as you smooth it on. The deep blues are silky and intense for easy blending and long-wear coverage but some of the black undertones appear quite similar on the skin. These shades can be used to define the crease and accentuate the lower lash line.

I always recommend a good primer to enhance color and when using the lighter end of this palette you are going to need it. These shades are much softer (which is fine) but the color payoff is very sheer. The second grey and the light blue beside it appear very faint which makes them harder to intensify. I use the first 3 shadows to highlight but more variation and vibrancy among these shades would have made the palette even better.

If you’re in the market for beautiful blue pigments, the Essentials Palette ($62.00) creates iridescent eyes worthy of the red carpet.

Now that we’ve talked makeup, let’s move onto skincare essentials. There is always an incentive to purchase Clarins products and I’m not just talking about the nourishing formulas that make your complexion look amazing. Sometimes you receive cute gifts with purchase including bestsellers and this month there were 3 beauty routine bags designed for busy women on-the-go.

The Glamour Set comes with a cute beauty bag, SOS Hydra Mask, Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream, Extra Firming Body Lotion and one of my favorite lip treatments – the Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil. These are perfect for travel and during a long, drying flight they boost hydration levels and keep your skin balanced.

These products are available at Clarins counters nationwide, department stores (including Hudson’s Bay), Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and online at calrins.ca. 

Clarins New Double Serum – Complete Age Control Concentrate

With chilling winds outside and the heat cranked up inside, it’s time to increase hydration levels for optimal skin health. This time of year it can be difficult to keep dryness under control but the right blend of nutrients, botanicals and oils can help protect, fortify and deeply nourish the complexion.

In my family the Clarins Double Serum has been a dry skin savior for years and everyone’s first line of defense against Mother Nature’s harshest winters (even my husband is hooked). Recently the brand has reformulated their bestselling serum to include [20+1] of the most powerful plant extracts that regenerate, moisturize, oxygenate, reduce wrinkles, boost radiance and tighten pores.

Coincidentally, the star ingredient in the new and improved blend is turmeric – a spice I always keep in my pantry for making savoury curry dishes. Recently I’ve been hearing a lot of great feedback on this rich yellow powder and since it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties it is also used to treat and heal acne, scarring, redness and blemishes. Other benefits include: reducing under eye circles, slowing cell damage, purifying, brightening and fading hyperpigmentation.

If that wasn’t good enough the formula is loaded with amazing natural ingredients harvested from around the globe.

*Kiwi Fruit – High in Vitamin C & E.

*Oat – High in minerals that moisturize, soften and firm.

*Organic Teasel – Used to minimize the look of wrinkles.

*Glasswort (a type of cactus) – Strengthens and shields against environmental hazards.

*Cocoa – Smooths and prevents free-radical damage.

*Mango – High in fatty acids that protect from dehydration.

*Banana – Used for its healing properties.

*Leaf of Life – Encourages the synthesis of Hyaluronic Acid to balance and moisturize.

*Jania (seaweed) – Eliminates dead cells to promote a clear complexion.

*Beautyberry – Used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

*Mary’s Thistle – High in Omega 6 to comfort the skin.

*Horse Chestnut – Increases blood circulation.

*Ginger Lily – Stimulates collagen synthesis.

*Edelweiss – High in antioxidants.

Even the bottle is different – the new design allows you to adjust the amount of product dispensed according to your skin’s needs and varying climate changes. I also like that the brand uses a dark bottle to preserve the ingredients and maintain potency.

So how does this serum compare to the previous formula. Well aside from the obvious ingredient enhancements which result in radiant, youthful skin, the texture seems lighter, more water-based and refreshing. It melts in quickly with no oily residue or stickiness and layers well with my other moisturizers and night care for a supple, velvety finish. Needless to say I absolutely love it!

The Double Serum retails for $120.00 at Clarins Counters nationwide, department stores, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and online at clarins.ca.

Clarins Fall 2017 Makeup Collection - Review & Swatches

Clarins is a prestige brand that exudes sophistication and inspires women all over the world. As a Travel Editor, I've visited many cities including Venice and Paris where Clarins products adorn boutique windows - showcasing the hottest trends, amazing skincare and posh new shades. This fall it’s all about smoky greens and deep, sultry blues that contrast beautifully with vivid lip color and graphic liner.

The 4 Color Eye Shadow Palette ($45.00) in the shade Forrest features stylish autumn tones including 2 satiny greens with subtle shimmer, dark matte grey to sculpt the crease and light pink to highlight. The pigments are incredibly smooth and velvety for superior blending and the finishes are multifaceted. The shadows start off soft, elegant and sheer with the versatility to be enhanced for more intensity. I love that the palettes all have mirrored casing with slight magnification for makeup application and the quality is always superb.

The Ombre Matte Eye Shadows ($26.00 ea) have an amazing formula that combines the smoothness of a cream with the wear and finish of a powder. Midnight Blue is simply stunning! The rich, buttery pigment is infused with Bamboo Powder for longevity and embedded with subtle pearl reflections for an iridescent finish. I prefer to wear this shade on its own – saturated on the eyelids and faded into the crease and under the lower lash line for sexy smokiness.

Ivory is a luminous eggshell white which you can use as a base or for blending and highlighting.

The Blush Prodige ($33.00) in Golden Pink has a flattering multi-dimensional effect to illuminate and revitalize dull skin. I love the candlelight sheen and the lightweight, satiny color with hints of coral.

The Jolie Rouge Lipstick in Deep Red ($28.00) is a scintillating ruby that makes lips look full and pouty. It is the perfect mid-tone, intense red for all skin tones and it applies effortlessly for consistent coverage. The moisturizing formula drenches lips in nourishing oils to prevent dryness and the hint of glimmering shine makes the red even more glamorous – perfect for parties and events of all kinds. For neater application, pair the lipstick with Clarin’s Lip Liner Pencil in Red. A blend of jojoba makes the pigment creamy and supple so it glides around the lip contour to accentuate and sculpt.

When the weather cools down you may need to replenish and protect your lips so Clarins has created the Limited Edition Lovely Lip Balm ($18.00) enriched with a hydrating plant cocktail for long-lasting comfort. Lips appear smooth, full and rosy thanks to organic Cocoa Butter and Shea Oil that repair and nourish. The balm is also formulated with “intelligent pigment” which reacts with your pH level to develop radiant, natural looking color. The peach flavor smells delicious and I love the cute packaging!

Clarins is available at department stores, pharmacies and online at clarins.ca

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil Review - NEW Shades

Last winter the cold and flu season hit me hard and I was sick for a long time while working and traveling. The only thing that kept my lips hydrated, protected and chap-free during illness and long, drying flights were the amazing Comfort Oils by Clarins. Compared to other balms and treatments, this healing formula lasts for hours so I don't have to reapply as frequently. It also saves my lips from environmental assaults, painful peeling and dryness, which is why I’m obsessed with the delicious new summer scents and candy colors.

There are 7 delicious shades to choose from and each formula contains a cocktail of 2 plant oils - organic jojoba and hazelnut mixed with 1 replenishing oil specific to the color. From left to right I have - Honey (Hazelnut Oil), Candy (Amaranth Oil), Tangerine (Buriti Fruit Oil) and Mint (with Mint Oil). 

The paddle applicator is large and flat – perfect for slathering on the oil and thoroughly coating lips in lush, glossy moisture. At first the formula may seem a bit thick but once blended it feels light, silky and plush without greasiness. I love how the rich emollients and conditioners seep in deeply over several hours and totally replenish my skin while making my pout appear luminous and healthy. Lips are bathed in supple hydration to alleviate discomfort and irritation without stickiness and the irresistible new scents smell good enough to eat!

The pink Candy oil is composed of cherry, raspberry and strawberry (all my favorite summer berries) and transforms into a personalized tint. Tangerine has a fragrance based on red currant with a subtle coral finish and Honey is the only shimmer in the collection with a dazzling effect. The Mint treatment feels cool and refreshing with a volumizing formula that plumps your pout. If you’re torn between which oils to get, I would choose based on ingredients and scent since the colors are very translucent and provide a natural tint.

TIP: If you're glossing-up on-the-go and forget your compact mirror, the shiny cap is reflective enough to help with application. 

The oils shield and protect during the day and at night they make a wonderful treatment to prepare your lips for bold pigment and matte lipstick. They retail for $25.00 each and Clarins is available at department stores nationwide, Sephora and online at clarins.ca.

Clarins 2017 Limited Edition Summer Makeup Collection & Skincare

If you aren’t vacationing in the tropics this summer then why not enjoy the botanical patterns and bright orange shades in the Clarins Summer Collection. These warm, earthy hues will keep you stylish whether you’re on a beach in the Bahamas or sipping lemonade in your own backyard and the amber packaging is beautiful!

The 4 Color Eye Shadow Palette is definitely on the subtle side with creamy beige, sheer gold and muted bronze but the punch of iridescent coral (which has good color payoff) makes a statement and is very trendy for the season. I also use the coral with deeper shades in my makeup collection to create dramatic contrast in the crease but if you like soft hues, these are easy on the eyes and compliment bronzed skin.

The powders are composed of 100% pure mineral and plant pigments for a smooth, seamless finish and lightweight silkiness. The colors are not very intense and a few of the shadows could use more saturation but with a good primer and a few layers, you can create beautiful looks. The palette retails for $42.00.

To accentuate sunkissed skin, the waterproof eye pencils in Gold and Copper look stunning on the lower or upper lash lines. When used around the tear ducts they also highlight and make the eyes appear wide and bright with a pretty metallic tinge. The creamy formula glides on effortlessly and once set, the color holds up well with a durable waterproof finish. If you don’t have a good gold shadow you can totally wear these on the lids and they come with a smudge brush for blending. The pencils retail for $27.00 each.

The Bronzing & Blush Compact contains three matte shades and a sheer coral blush designed to produce a customized effect with light optimizing particles. On my skin the browns appear quite mellow and neutral but they do retain a warm, bronzy tint which I can layer to create subtle definition. The pigment blends seamlessly with a flesh tone finish so I can use it to deepen the hollows of my face and create natural looking contrast around the forehead and jaw line. The blush is beautiful and the coral-orange hue is flattering on all complexions. Although the pigmentation isn’t intense, it is buildable so you can enhance the color for a pop of summer radiance. The compact retails for $42.00.

While enjoying some fun in the sun it’s important to keep your pout protected and hydrated which is why I love the Natural Lip Perfectors. These creamy treatments nourish, soften, moisturize and heal with a conditioning blend of wild mango butter and African shea. They also boost the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and fight free radicals with a lightweight, non sticky texture and juicy shine. The sun-ripened fruity scents of pink grapefruit and sweet mandarin are delicious and the transparent finish with sheer pink tint makes lips look healthy, plump and luminous. These Lip Perfectors are limited edition and retail for $20.00.

If you plan to show-off some skin this summer, you probably want your body to look as good as your makeup so Clarins has released the Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert ($68.00). In combination with a healthy lifestyle - exercise and a balanced diet, the cream is formulated to reduce the look of cellulite by lifting and firming the hips, legs and thighs for a smooth, toned silhouette. Along with optimum slimming results, Body Fit also moisturizes and nourishes with 7 plant extracts, organic aquatic mint, hazelnut oil, sunflower, phospholipids, horse chestnut and more.

I use the cream with the Multi-Mass Self-Massage Device to facilitate penetration and speed up results. The massager polishes, strengthens, firms and reduces fluid retention on the hips, thighs and buttocks while removing impurities and dead cells. It also helps soothe the legs and lower back to reduce pain and tension. 

(This device is exclusively used in Clarins Spas and is not currently available for sale)

After all the summer parties, vacations and amazing long-weekends, a good eye product is essential. The Multi Active Eye Cream ($45.00) smooths fine lines, diminishes dark circles and protects skin from indoor and outdoor pollution with a soothing blend of natural extracts. It also helps revive strained, tired eyes after hours glued to the computer or smartphone so you look refreshed and alert. The unique texture of the cream reduces puffiness and optically blurs fine lines for a toned, youthful appearance. I love the metal applicator because it feels cool and rejuvenating after a hectic day and it helps massage the product in more effectively to stimulate circulation, brighten and enhance absorption.

Clarins is available at department stores nationwide, Sephora and online at clarins.ca

Clarins Spring 2017 Makeup Collection Review: Contouring Perfection

The Clarins Spring Collection is not your average range of pastels and florals. The brand has strayed from conventional color palettes and incorporated cool grey tones elegantly contrasted with fresh blush, subtle contouring and innovative multi-functional liners that are perfect for the modern woman.

The Face Contouring Palette includes a highlighter, shading powder and neutral blush in 3 universal, easy-to-use shades. All of the powders have a silky matte texture that is easy to blend, layer and enhance for seamless coverage. The highlighter seems to have a subtle pink undertone that makes it more flattering on the skin and although it starts off quite sheer, the formula is buildable for more illumination. At first glance I wasn’t convinced the contour shade would be deep enough on my complexion but I was pleasantly surprised! The pigment may seem a bit light but it can be intensified into a rich mid-tone brown that creates natural definition or deeper sculpting for a chiseled profile. The blush also appears darker on the skin and emits a gorgeous flush of soft pink and berry-bronze with a radiant finish. To fully appreciate these simple yet stunning pigments you may have to swatch them for yourself but the palette works wonders and is perfect for beginners learning to contour. It retails for $49.00 and also comes with a handy little brush.

The Jolie Rouge Brilliant Lipsticks ($29.00) are smooth, buttery and hydrating with 3 new shades to choose from. Tender Nude has a pearly pink undertone that enhances the natural shade of your lips and nourishes dry skin with mango seed oil. The sheer, luminous finish is beautiful and compliments most makeup looks effortlessly.

The 4-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Smoky is my favorite item in the collection. The range of grey tones with silver, platinum, and charcoal create a variety of stunning effects that can go from light and fresh to dark and sultry. The texture isn’t ultra creamy but the pigments have good color payoff and dampening them increases saturation. The deepest shade is great for crease definition and accentuating the lower lash line while the iridescent pearl highlights and brightens. The palette retails for $45.00.

The Ombre Iridescent Flash of Light Single Shadow in the shade Silver Grey is luxurious and reflective. The soft, creamy texture glides on rich and highly saturated for ultra shimmery, full-coverage color that lasts all day without fading or creasing. The dazzling micro-glitter particles reflect light to create mesmerizing metallic shine and paired with a deep crease shade like charcoal or navy, the effect is glamorous. The shadow retails for $26.00 and come in a variety of shades.

The 4-Color All-In-One Pen is one of the most innovative products to hit the beauty scene. It contains 3 eyeliners (dark brown, navy and black) plus one nude lip liner. 

To use simply push down on one of the interchanging colors, twist to reveal more of the pencil (no need to sharpen) and then click another color to snap it back up. This sleek pen is ideal for travel and the liners glide on smoothly with great pigmentation to outline, shape and define. Although the pencils don’t seem to be waterproof, they still hold up well and retail for $44.00.

Clarins is available at department stores nationwide, clarins.ca and Sephora