Fave 5 Clarins products

I still remember the first time I tried a Clarins product many moons ago; ahhhhh, it was in the infancy of my beauty addiction and I still get nostalgic thinking about it, because it wasn't only the first time I tried Clarins, it was also my very first premium beauty product EVER - a momentous occasion! After a scare with an eye infection potentially caused by a cheapy mascara I decided to invest in a mascara that was both dermatologically and ophthamologically tested and that was the beginning of my wonderful friendship with Clarins. The brand was founded in 1954 and has ever since the start had a very clear emphasis on pure and clean plant based products, many of them traditional medicinal plants combined with a strong eco- and fair trade responsible ethics, which you today can enjoy in local spas all over the world, a real treat! I haven't yet been so lucky to go to one of the spas but today I've got 5 of my favorite Clarins products that I simply can't be without to recreate that spa feeling at home.

First up among my Clarins favorites is the Liquid Bronze Self Tanning (£19) that I also reviewed in another post in mid April but this product is so excellent that it definitely deserves another mention. I'm far from an expert at self tanning so any products that I go for and even end up using repeatedly, simply has to be fool proof and the Liquid Bronze is just that. The consistency is a colorless, thin lotion that you apply by wiping a cotton pad with the product over your face as many times as you like to get the shade you're after. When it comes to self tan products for me this is a one of a kind - it dries very quickly on the skin, it has a soft and subtle scent - far from the burned biscuit smell that we all know, and it doesn't transfer onto clothes, another one of my pet peeves. It feels cooling and light on the skin and after you've applied it, the skin feels moisturised and nourished and a few hrs later you'll have a gorgeous bronzed glow and most importantly the color is perfectly EVEN and streak free. The shade will last 3-4 days before you need to top it up, which I think is fairly good but even if it had been less than that I wouldn't have mind since it's so easy to apply and get a great results - a real gem of sun in a bottle!

In this world, there are hand creams and then there are HAND CREAMS - the princess products that make you feel invincible and gorgeous, and the Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment (£18.90) definitely falls into that category. Let me just acknowledge straight away that there are fore sure more budget friendly and perfectly good hand creams out there, but this pampering moisturising cream with extracts of Sesame, Japanese Mulberry and Myrrh which all soften and protect the skin is worth every single tiny penny. The formula is luxurious and creamy without being oily and it absorbs straight into the skin without leaving any greasiness, making even very rough areas of your hands as soft as a peach, at the same time as it nourishes and strengthens the nails and cuticles. It has an addictive invigorating and subtle whipped citrus scent that lingers for a while which always lifts my mood and makes me feel refreshed. Ever since I first tried this amazing treatment a few years ago, it's been a staple item in my overstocked bathroom cabinet, and I still keep buying it in great value duo packs at the duty free, a testament to how good the cream is from someone who can't even commit to the same color of nail polish for a whole week!

One thing that Clarins does REALLY well is facial oils. Regardless of what your individual needs are, Clarins has a wonderful, luxurious oil to meet them and at one point or another I have been lucky enough to try them all. As my skin tends to be dehydrated or dry, the oil that suits me the best is the incredible Santal Face Treatment Oil (£32). It comes in a lovely glass bottle with a pipette, which is so handy to make it easier to get just the right amount of oil that you need. The Santal Oil is very rich and heavy and as much as I love it I wouldn't wear it during the way since it definitely leaves a bit of a shine on the skin, but for night time it's a wonderful treatment either replacing a serum or mixing a couple of drops with a mask for a really intense over night hydration boost, and in the morning your skin is plump and smooth. It's a very luxurious oil with an amazing warm and slightly oriental scent of aromatic cardamom, and it has such a soothing effect on me that I always bring it with me when I fly, to make me feel relaxed and settled. I adore this oil and since you only need so little of it, it'll last you a very long time so look at it as a long term investment.

I'm the first to admit that micellar solutions are so handy for cleansing your skin especially when you're in a hurry, or too tired to do a full cleansing routine but at the same time there are very few micellar solutions that will give me that incredibly clean sensation that you get from using a separate cleanser, followed up by a toner and my absolute favorite toner is the Clarins Toning Lotion for Dry/Normal Skin (£17.10) It's an alcohol free gentle lotion that is perfect for finishing of a deep cleanse, ensuring all cleanser is removed without leaving the skin feeling stripped of moisture or with dry patches. It contains ingredients that are all frequently used in products for sensitive skin since they eliminate itchiness and redness; camomille, linden and alpine herbs, and it has a wonderful ever so slightly green, peppery scent that feels very refreshing and luxurious on the skin. Using a toner might seem old fashioned to some, but for me it definitely works and you won't get a better or more comforting one than this!

As you may know I'm a big fan of using night creams and last among my fave 5 today is the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream (£44) a great, intense cream for those who are not too keen on the very rich, thick consistency that a lot of night creams usually have. Although it is thicker than moisturisers for day wear, the formula is surprisingly light and it has an amazing fresh herbal scent to it. It's packed with ingredients to help the cells renew and repair over night - the best time for intense treatments, e.g. kiwi, Imudilin, carob extracts and shea butter, well known for it's softening qualities. Gently massage a pea sized drop of this night cream all over your face and in the morning you'll wake up to soft, radiant and restored skin. As I have dry skin I must admit that I feel as if I have to use quite a lot of product to get good coverage and a sense of deep hydration, however my beauty therapist keeps telling me that you can actually apply too much, and in doing so clog up the pores and a small amount of this contains enough nutrients to comfort and replenish the skin. That's my list of current Clarins favorites, and if you haven't tried any of the wonderful products from Clarins range yet I would highly recommend that you give at least one or two of these a go, and I'm sure that like me you'll form a very long lasting friendship with this fabulous brand!

Get ready for new skin with Pixi's glow tonic

When it comes to skincare there are a couple of things that I always look for; intense hydration throughout the day and radiance since for me those are signs of healthy and well cared for skin. If a product claims that it provide one or maybe even both of these things - then I'm guaranteed to want to try it. When it comes to radiance, there's a range of products you can use - masques, serums, creams, exfoliators and toners. One of the most talked about products in blogiverse for radiance is the Pixi Glow Tonic (£16), which is an exfoliating liquid suitable for most skin types, except very sensitive skin and it it also has firming and tightening qualities. Sounds perfect, so let's look a bit more at the product.

The Glow Tonic comes in an unassuming plastic bottle with a generous 250 ml and it has a gorgeous fresh, green and slightly aromatic scent that makes me think of newly cut grass. You just add a little to a cotton pad and wipe it across your face after you've done your cleansing, as you would with any other toner and it will gently buff your skin. Exfoliating the skin removes any dead skin cells that might clog up your pores making your skin tone look uneven and it can also help controlling blemishes and acne. It's the best way to keep your skin radiant and glowing and to prepare your skin to best absorb nutrients and hydration. The Glow tonic contains aloe vera and ginseng, both which are well known for their great skin care qualities. Aloe vera, the plan of immortality is a great moisturiser, it has anti-inflammatory properties which help to treat and heal acne, scars and stretch marks, and its antioxidants help to improve the skins firmness. Ginseng is equally great for skin care and it helps to reduce puffiness, it brightens the skin and it boosts the blood flow which creates a natural glow. In short the tonic is packed with ingredients to help firm and hydrate the skin to enable that radiance that we all want.

Despite being an exfoliating toner it doesn't feel harsh on the skin in any way, and I haven't experienced any tingling or temporary irritation that skin resurfacing solutions sometimes cause, so it's definitely gentle enough for you to use every day if you wish. I have used this twice a week in the evening, for a little over a month together with my beloved Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight cream (£19.80 - currently on offer at Debenhams with 10% off) and when I wake up in the morning, my skin is incredibly soft and hydrated, fine lines are less visible and there's a lovely radiance - as if you've slept for 15 hrs.

The Glow tonic is a great affordable product that gives visible results very quickly, and I can't recommend it enough, and I'm sure this will become a staple item for me. The only thing that I wasn't happy with is that when I received the bottle it looked like someone had already used up quite a lot of it - as you can see in the photo taken as soon as it arrived, and I really hope I wasn't given a sample bottle. Because of my own laziness I haven't contacted Pixi about it, but you might want to double check your bottle especially if you order online. This product has been infamously difficult to get hold of, although it seems as if supply has improved a lot since it's not been sold out online for the last month or so, but you can never be too careful with popular products - so visit a Pixi store or go online and order yourself a bottle of this magic potion, and wake up to new skin tomorrow! 

Winter skincare

As much as I like to experiment and try new products, by now I think I have figured out what my skin needs and when it needs it, so I have a fairly clear view of what types of products I need to have in my skin care kit even though I might change brands. Except for the occasional hormonal break out, I have normal to combination skin and my biggest challenge all year around is battling dehydration. As if it's not enough with the horrible weather we've had lately; storms, rain and the cold, I sit in front of a computer all day long, enjoying the benefits of central heating which sounds cushy and cosy, but it all takes a toll on the skin. So in the winter time this means I have to bring out the big skin care guns and use products that are gentle on the skin and that cleanse and exfoliate without stripping it back, but that also give deep hydration and nourishment to keep my skin supple and smooth. This winter these are the hero products that have helped to maintain my skin.

Like most of us I don't have much time to get ready in the morning, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I prioritise a couple of minutes of more sleep over a time consuming morning routine, so using a micellar water works perfectly for me. The Gatineau Gentle Cleansing Micellar Water (£19) is a very gentle solution that cleanses, moisturises and soothes at the same time. It's suitable even for very sensitive skin, so I know that it won't cause any irritation or make my skin feel tight. Just like Bioderma this product makes your skin feel as clean as if you had done a proper deep cleanse, and all that after a quick sweep with a cotton pad - perfect!

This micellar water also works to remove eye- and face makeup (including waterproof) so I've been using it in the evenings as to take off my eye makeup before using my Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser (£15). Micellar waters are great when you need a quick fix but for me there's no replacing a great cleansing product in the evenings to make sure the skin is nice and clean before applying all the night products. You may remember that I've mentioned this cleanser before - it has the most wonderful light and fluffy, cloud like consistency and it kind of "pops" on your skin. It contains grape extracts, sage and camomile that soothes and purifies the skin, and it's so gentle that you can definitely use it twice a day if you so choose, and the refreshing cucumber scent is a lovely pick me up after a long day.

Call me old school, but I like to use a toner after I've used a cleanser to make sure that there's no product at all left on my skin and Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile (£18) works beautifully together with the Caudalie cleanser, and it helps to rebalance and stimulate the skin's moisture level. It's has a zesty sligthly peppery invigorating scent and a little tip if you don't want to buy an expensive facial spray is to pour some of this in a spray bottle and you can use this throughout the day instead and you'll get almost the same effect.

As you can tell, all these products are about gentle every day cleansing, but at the same time it's essential to get rid of dead skin cells to make room for new ones to push up from underneath, so a few times a week I exfoliate using Origins Modern Friction (£33) - "Natures Gentle Dermabrasion" (in the photo I show a limited edition packaging but it's the same formula as the original). What I like the most about this is the consistency, which is very fine and granular since it uses rice starch as the exfoliating ingredient and although it's gentle, you can feel that it definitely gets the job done. I prefer to use this on damp skin to get a lovely creamy foaming consistency but you can use it on dry skin as well. I find that it gives amazing radiance without any redness or irritation, and since it also has a great aromatic spa scent, this ticks all the boxes for me.

The perfect partner to Modern Friction is the well known, super hyped Origins Drink Up Intensive (£22) Overnight Mask. It contains seaweed that helps not only to repair the skin but also to retain moisture. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely 100% yes. For me this is THE Holy Grail product, that makes your skin look plump, supple, nourished and hydrated. I'll use this at least 3-4 times a week either after my exfoliator, or as a double intense night cream - applying one coat immediately after I've removed my makeup for the evening, and then another coat a few hrs later just before I go to bed, and I have even used this as a pre-moisturising treatment. It is FANTASTIC and the beautiful creamy orange peel candy scent just makes it even more lovely to use and the price for 100ml is more than reasonable. If you haven't tried Drink Up Intensive yet, it should definitely go on your list of products to try this year - you won't regret it!

 

I like to use serums and oils as part of my skin routine and during the winter there's nothing like Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil (£30) for a mega boost of moisture. It's a fairly heavy oil, intended for dry or extra dry skin based on 100% pure plant extracts that soothe, tone, hydrate and decongest the skin. You only need a tiny drop to massage all over your skin or just a specific area that needs some TLC before applying moisturiser, and fortunately it comes with a pipette so it's easy to get exactly the right amount. It is a rich oil, but as long as you only use a tiny amount there's no need to worry about shininess during the day, and it immediately makes the skin look smooth, plump and it feels soft as velvet. Last but not least I have to mention the scent because I absolutely adore it. It's a warm, aromatic and slightly sweet cardamom scent, almost like something from a bakery it's so comforting and relaxing - and if this was a perfume I'd wear it every single day.

For the delicate eye area I've used Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment (£33) which is rich in ingredients to protect and nourish the skin and that builds up moisture. If feels heavy on the skin when you first apply it but it absorbs very quickly, almost turning liquidy and it doesn't leave any shininess at all. The eye area feels protected, bright and soft and you can also use this as a masque both around the eye area and the lip contour,applying a thicker layer and then just letting it absorb naturally for 15-20 mins.

After the eye cream I apply the Gatineau Melatogenine Aox Probiotic Advanced Rejuvenating Cream (£76.25) - now that's a mouthful... It's a very luxurious, rich anti-ageing cream which is more for mature skin, and although I fortunately don't have any real issues with that yet, there's nothing wrong with starting well in advance to try and prevent wrinkles and sagging, or at least delay the inevitable as long as possible. It adds an intense boost of moisture and in the evening when I remove the day's makeup my skin still feels hydrated and nourished which is exactly what I want from a moisturiser. Another reason why I love this cream so much is because of the instant radiance that it gives, and my slightly blue tinted skin tone in winter all of a sudden looks glowy, rested and fresh without having to use any fake tan.

For night time I've turned to an old friend, the Decléor Aromessence Iris Night Balm (£34.50) which I've used during the last few winters and it's amazing for restoring skin that has been battered by the cold and wind. In the jar the balm has a very firm texture but as soon as you rub it between your fingertips, the essential oils heat up and as soon you apply, it just melts into the skin, making it feel very nourished and protected. The skins does feel a little bit sticky from the oils, although that is gradually absorbed into the skin and when you wake up in the morning the skin looks stimulated, rested and refreshed - a great intensive treatment.

The last two products I've used regularly, at least a few times a day starting with the wonderful Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment (£20) which a great moisturiser and softener for both hands and nails and it's almost like it forms a protective soft glove over your hands and it definitely helps to nourish and maintain the cuticles too. The finishing touch of my skin routine, morning and evening as always has been the Caudalie Beauty Elixir (£9.20 - currently on amazing sale from Escentual). This is the limited edition design by L'Wren Scott, but it's exactly the same formula and scent as the original Caudalie. I love this facial mist and find that not only does it help to boost moisture levels and add radiance but the lovely aromatic scent is so energising and perfect to carry with you in your hand bag for a little spritz every now and then to freshen up your skin and makeup.

My skin has actually been behaving quite well this winter (touch wood) and I'm convinced it's not just because the products are suitable for my skin type, but I think it's also down to finding a regular routine and then sticking with for a reasonable amount of time to give the products an actual chance to do their magic. What products have you used this winter and is there something you recommend that I try?

My evening routine

After a long day and before snuggling down to relax I get changed and get my skin ready for the night. It does take a few minutes, but it's a routine that I like and that for me really marks the end of the day - I'm done, I'm home and now it's down time. When I'm really tired it's tempting to want to ignore the whole evening routine, and just to go to bed with make up on (and don't try and deny it - we've all done that!), but with the help of a cleansing solution it'll take less than a minute to cleanse and moisturize to keep those wrinkles at bay! Cleansing solutions are definitely a great option, but for me they don't completely replace a separate cleanser and toner, which is what I prefer to use most evenings.

I start with soaking some cotton pads in Gatineau Floracil Gentle Cleansing Lotion for Eyes which is a super gentle non-oily cleansing lotion that is incredibly effective in removing all eye makeup, including waterproof products, and then I leave them for a few seconds on the eyelids. There's no need for pulling or rubbing, and the lotion also soothes the eye area while it cleanses. It is a pricey product, but considering that you only need very little, it lasts a long time and since it looks after that delicate eye area as well, I like to look at it as an investment - to prevent further cost in 15 years time, if you know what I mean.

I'll follow that with my Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel. It's a light and gentle foaming gel that cleanses the skin, removing any make up but without drying out my skin. I have used this product for about a year and for me it's perfect to use in the shower, it really brightens the skin and I love its fresh and zesty orange fragrance. It's definitely my favourite Clarins cleanser and it's great value for money (£12).

When I've rinsed off the cleansing gel with some warm water I use Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile. I really like to use a toner to get rid of every bit of cleanser or any stubborn makeup, and because it makes the skin feel that extra clean and fresh. This lotion is again a very gentle and alcohol free product and with the Camomile, well known for it's anti inflammatory qualities, this helps to soften and soothe any irritation. By the way, if you are interested in any of these products, and you are based in the UK - hurry up and go to Clarins on line store since they have some fantastic summer offers on at the moment, with great goodie bags for purchases over £60 (offer expires 18/8)!

So that's the preparation done and now the last bit - moisturisers. If I'm using an oil or a serum, I'll apply that at this point before I get to the eye cream. At the moment I have the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Eye Creme which I've talked about in detail in another post. I like to use products that feel as if they are actually doing something, and for the eye area in particular I like creamy textures that moisturise and nourish without any clogging - this eye cream does all of those things. The skin feels so smooth and refreshed and the eye area looks bright and radiant. When I wrote the other post on this eye cream I estimated that I would get a good 3-4 months use out of it, and more than one month down the line I have barely made a dent in the cream. That's how little you need, and my new estimate is that it'll probably still be on my bathroom shelf 6 months from now!

Last but not least is the Decléor Aromessence Angélique Night Balm. Night time is perfect for oils and serums that have a thicker consistency that will leave your skin a bit shiny and oily, but since you're asleep anyway - who cares when it does wonders for your skin? The Angélique balm is suitable for dry skin types in particular and consists of essential oils and 100% natural, preservative-free ingredients. Before you apply it you should rub a little balm between your palms or fingertips to heat it up, to make it easier for it to melt into your skin. As you heat up the balm you'll sense the amazing aromatic essential oils which I find really relaxing. The balm is supposed to soothe dry skin, reduce fine lines and stimulate "the nutritive exhange process" - I guess that means that we'll all wake up looking GORGEOUS! All jokes aside, I use this night balm all year around, but especially in the wintertime as an intense treatment to rebalance and smooth my skin, and I know that in the morning I'll have soft and supple skin.

To finish off I'll spray some on some nice perfume before making a cup of tea or a very naughty hot chocolate. That and reading a few clicks on the kindle will send me off to the land of nod, and a good nights sleep. Zzzzzleep well!