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 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 Multi-Active Skincare Collection Review

In March Clarins released a luxurious new skincare collection that will take your beauty routine to a new level! When I travel the world from glamorous Paris to the winding cobble stone streets of Venice and the smallest Canadian towns I find Clarins products everywhere! The brand is known and trusted for their excellence and over the years the luscious formulas have transformed my skin from blah to fabulous!

Now that I’ve raved a little, let me introduce the Multi-Active Collection  - designed to counteract the effects of hectic days, short nights, stress and lack of sleep, all the lifestyle habits that leave their mark on your face. This line could not come at a better time since we are slowly but surely transitioning out of winter and trying to recuperate parched skin. Recently I’ve also been jet setting quite frequently for leisure and work plus the parties and press events never end! When your schedule seems to leave no time for pampering, this formula has your back with effective cutting edge technology.

Multi-Active Day Cream

A fast paced, stressful life can be one cause of fine lines and tired looking skin. This breakthrough formula contains fabulous conditioning agents, antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients to fortify and protect. It also includes myrothamnus extract - a South African plant with the capacity to survive water stress during the dry season, a factor that makes it efficient at absorbing the harmful effects of daily environmental aggressors. Worn out, haggard skin will look smooth, toned, energized and youthful!

The anti-pollution complex is ideal for every season and I notice results immediately! The cream instantly provides an incredible boost of refreshing moisture plus it smells fantastic and absorbs quickly. As you massage it onto your face, skin texture will transform from rough to silky with no greasiness. This formulation is suitable for all skin types and provides the suppleness and vibrancy we all crave. The lightweight consistency also works well under makeup and doesn’t make your foundation look oily as the day wears on. Whether I’m downtown at a press event or on a long, tiring flight I can be confidant that my complexion will retain its radiance.

 Although the cream was designed to prevent early signs of aging for women 30+ it is such an excellent moisturizer that it transcends age and gender. It also comes in a gel and dry skin formula and retails for $52.00. I should also mention that it does not contain SPF so for UV protection you can layer with sunscreen.

Multi-Active Night Cream

I love a good night cream because skin heals and regenerates as you snooze and I am totally smitten with this formula! Not only is it a preventative treatment for fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging but it deeply nourishes and replenishes my skin with luscious layers of moisture all night.

Whether you have a good night’s rest or suffer from sleeplessness you can wake up with smooth, glowing skin. It contains organic California poppy - a flower that closes at night to regenerate itself. This powerful extract helps boost collagen and offsets the lowering of antioxidants that can occur during fatigue. My skin feels soft and resilient when I wake plus all the dry patches from winter have disappeared leaving my complexion smooth enough to achieve flawless makeup application. The night cream is available in normal to combination and normal to dry and retails for $55.00.

The Mission Perfection Serum fights pigmentation disorders and restores a luminous complexion without altering your natural skin tone. Dark spots and blemishes are really annoying and they can be difficult to conceal, so fighting them from within is a great line of defense. The serum also works on dyschromia, acne marks, dullness, redness and shadowy areas with a plant extract that helps block hyper-pigmentation on a cellular level.

The cool thing about this serum is that it has a universal coral shade that adapts to all skin tones (from fair to dark) to create a beauty enhancing veil of light. As it treats your problem areas it also makes skin appear fresh and radiant and under makeup it dulls pesky imperfections for a more even finish. The serum retails for $68.00.

Before applying my lipsticks, especially matte formulas and bright shades I like using a primer. I usually get the one from MAC but for the price there isn’t very much in the tube. Thankfully, for us lipstick junkies Clarins has released the Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base. Not only is the formula moisturizing and comfortable it also sets and holds color to prevent bleeding and smooths the texture of lips for even application. It is designed to keep lipstick intact for up to 6 hours so you can bet I’ll be keeping it in my purse at all times! The lip base retails for $25.00.

You can find all of these wonderful products at department stores, pharmacies and online by clicking HERE.

Clarins Holiday Gift Guide for Him & Her

By now many of you are finishing your holiday shopping but if you’ve been avoiding the chaos and are still unsure what to buy here are my top last minute gift ideas from Clarins.

Clarins is a trusted brand that has been around for a long time with a reputation for being high quality, luxurious and effective. I have come across their products all over the world from the bustling streets of Paris to the narrow roads of Venice as women all over the globe have fallen in love with their recipe for beauty.

I think every woman needs at least one fabulous, classic red lipstick in her collection and the Rouge Eclat formula is exquisite! The shade 20 Red Fuchsia is rich, seductive and sophisticated. It has a buttery texture that glides on smooth and moisturizing with a hint of plumping shine. You can layer this hue sheer to medium depending on your mood and the Nutri-Youth Complex leaves your pout soft, supple and mistletoe ready. It retails for $28.00.

Another great formula is the Joli Rouge collection which has a range of gorgeous, flattering pigments for every skin tone. The shade below called 744 Soft Plum is a deep berry that is perfect for the season and neutral enough to go with a wide variety of makeup looks both day and night. This deep hue glides on silky soft with light to medium coverage and lots of moisture for a glossier finish that quenches dry lips. It retails for $27.00.

If you are looking for products for the women on your list Clarins offers a wonderful range of skincare. Since everyone needs a good face wash the Gentle Foaming Cleanser with cotton seed is ideal for all ages and skin types. This water-based mildly scented formula foams away dirt, excess oil and pore clogging makeup with soothing coconut extract to leave skin feeling rejuvenated, soft and fresh. I use this morning and night and apply it directly to my cleansing brush for a more thorough clean. This is a great gift for your mom, sister, grandmother, friends and I suspect the men will like too! It retails for $34.00.

After you’ve cleansed, the Toning Lotion with chamomile removes leftover traces of makeup, gently refreshes and purifies the skin without the use of drying alcohol. Formulated with a soothing herbal blend it addresses the needs of dry, sensitive and problematic skin while preparing your face to absorb the nourishing ingredients of your moisturizers, serums and oils. The toner retails for $33.00 and makes a great set with the cleanser!

The Double Serum is one of my favorite products from the brand and it was such a hit with my husband he finished my other bottle! What I like most about this serum is the light silky texture and how soft and supple it makes my face feel. It also treats dryness and deeply nourishes with a blend of 20 plant extracts that fortify and restore for a radiant, youthful complexion. This formula is basically your all-in-one skin conditioning savior. It provides lush moisture all night long so you wake with a beautiful glow and the anti-aging components firm and minimize wrinkles and lines. The 30 ml retails for $87.00 and the jumbo size is $115.00. This product is great for women and men 25 and up.

Although men can use all of the skincare products I listed above Clarins does have a line specifically formulated for their needs. The Smooth Shave Razor Relief Foaming Gel is something all men would love to add to their daily routine. The lush gel formula cushions the contours of the face for a smooth glide so men can handle their most challenging angles without any nicks or cuts. It also purifies the skin with bison grass, and Chinese galanga. It retails for $22.00.

After shaving he is going to need something that hydrates, soothes and protects so the Super Moisture Balm is a great item to add to your gift package. Infused with sunflower and natural extracts the balm will leave his skin smooth, soft and prepared to battle pollution and drying winter wind. It retails for $38.00.

You can get all of these fabulous products at clarins.ca and Clarins counters at department stores like The Bay and at Shoppers Drug Mart.