So I decided to brave it into enemy territory and try Clarins Skincare. Clinique and Clarins are two of the UK’s biggest skincare companies (as far as I’ve been made aware). As you all know, I’m a Clinique accredited consultant, and through my work and this site, continue to be a patron for the company as the products are ridiculously amazing. However, how can I pretend to be any sort of expert if I’m oblivious to the products of one of the worlds largest and most popular skincare companies? So I do this for you all:
After visiting the Clarins counter, where I explained my skin concerns to the consultant, and explaining that I want a complete basic skincare system, I was furnished with the appropriate products: a cleanser, toner and moisturiser.
So… what did I get:
- Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed for Normal or Combination Skin
- Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris – Combination/Oily Skin
- Clarins Hydra-Matte Lotion – Combination Skin
I was advised by the consultant that as I would be moving onto a new skincare system (even though, and I do state, this is only temporary, Clinique: Anti-Blemish Solutions ROCK ON!), that I may break out in spots. I was alarmed, but fair enough. I will also say that these products are fragranced, with ‘parfum/fragrance’ being on all the ingredients lists. If you use products that are fragrance free as I was, you will notice the difference quite strongly.
So the verdict:
Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed:
It’s a really luxurious wash that gives you good lather but doesn’t leave the face feeling dry. It’s soft and rich lather just feels lovely on the skin, like something’s actually happening. I’ve been mixing in some Bobbi Brown Adzuki Bean Exfoliating Grains, just to top up exfoliation, as without a clarifying lotion, there was no regular exfoliation in my regime, which as we know, is incredibly important. I’m finding it very hard to describe, but you know what I mean between the difference of a shit cheap face wash that just slides off or has very frothy cheap feeling foam, and something that adheres well to the skin, and can be lathered and massaged through.
Toning Lotion with Iris:
I still don’t really get toning although it did help the Hydra-Matte Lotion to sink in quicker. Sweep over the whole face with a cotton pad, although I’m now avoiding my eye area as it did start to sting a little bit, but I have obscenely sensitive eyes, and the products do state they are allergy tested, which implies it’s just me. The skin definitely felt softened.
Hydra-Matte Lotion
Now, I really liked this. I felt it was more hydrating than other moisturisers for spot-prone skin that I’ve used. It sinks in a little slower than others, but the Toner sped this up. My skin felt silky soft and hydrated all day, not dry at all, which is a good sign, especially as we move into such cold and bitter weather. The product lacks an SPF but I was going to put my Clinique BB Cream over the top anyway. I will state that it felt very hydrated before applying the Clinique BB Cream.
Overall, impressed. My skin feels gorgeous, and after 4 days use, I haven’t broken out at all, but these might be my famous last words, but in all honesty, I doubt it. I think for much colder and harsher weather, these products feel a little richer on the skin, more hydrating.
I will stress that I still prefer my 3 Step, as the technology and principals make more sense to me for maintaining healthy skin.
