Are you noticing changes in your skin now that warmer weather is here? Or maybe you're looking to update your beauty stash? I've got some great finds from French beauty powerhouse Clarins, plus an easy beauty tutorial for a breezy summer look.
start with great skin
Now that the heat and humidity have arrived, most businesses and offices are blasting the A/C. Air conditioning zaps moisture from the air, and by extension, from your skin too. My skin often feels dry and tight this time of year thanks to the A/C overload, but I also don't want to resort to a heavy cream that'll get greasy the second I step outside.
hydra-essentiel bi-phase serum, $59
This straight-forward duo will have your quench your thirsty skin in no time. After cleansing, start with two pumps of Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum. This formula squirts a bit, so I suggest pumping it directly into your other hand. Pat your hands together to spread the product over your fingers, then gently tap/pat it onto the skin. Feels like nothing at all!
Next, choose the Hydra-Essentiel moisturizer that best suits your skin:
hydra-essentiel moisturizers, $49
I tested the Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream - Normal to Dry Skin formula for normal to dry skin. It's heavier than a lotion but on the lighter end of the spectrum for a cream: the texture is almost whipped, and it melts into the skin easily. If you prefer a sensation of clean skin with no residual moisture, you'll be a fan.
I enjoyed this formula for daytime and found it worked particularly well under makeup since it sinks in quickly. If I was looking for a night cream or that feeling of extra hydration on the surface of the skin, I'd go for Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream - Very Dry Skin instead.
botanical beauty
I adore Clarins makeup, because just like their skincare, it's founded on plant-based ingredients that are gentle and effective. There are a few new favourite products I've been using from spring straight through til summer:
4-COLOUR EYESHADOW PALETTE, $45
I'm a fan of Clarins 4-colour eyeshadow palettes and have at least four or five. The colours are believable, flattering, and easy to blend, the compacts are sleek and pretty, and at $45 they cost a lot less than other French luxury brands.
Clarins sent me the 05 Smokey palette in shades of grey and silver, and I'm hooked. Use it dry for a subtle, natural look, or try it wet for a high-wattage evening look. Grab a dampened angled brush and the darkest shadow will work as a cake liner!
ombre iridescente eye shadow, $26
Clarins also sent me two of their Ombre Iridescente eyeshadows, in shades 08 Silver White and 10 Silver Grey. Clarins calls these "a new generation of eye shadows with the comfort and smoothness of a cream, and the finesse and wear of a powder."
Now, I have to be honest that the two shades I tried weren't as creamy as I was expecting - they're definitely more on the powdery side. That said, their staying power was incredible (lasted from morning til late at night), and if you use them wet they really amp up the drama.
face contouring palette, $49
Clarins also sent me their limited edition Face Contouring Palette that launched this spring. To be totally honest, this one was a bit too warm for my skin tone and I found it a tad rosy to be a true contouring palette.
But it worked beautifully as a bronzing kit and I think it'll look gorgeous on many of you with deeper or warmer skin tones, so I wanted to write about it anyway. Here she is:
For $49 you get a generously-sized palette (it's the size of my hand!) and a beautiful wood-handled contouring brush. Use the lightest shade (on the left) on your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose, use the centre shade as a bronzer (or contour if you have a warm skin tone), and use the rosy shade (on the right) as a blush for a healthy glow.
In a pinch you could use these shades on your eyes too, so this'll be a great compact for impromptu getaways this summer.
all silver everything for summer
I whipped up a quick beauty look you can replicate at home in 20 minutes or less:
I started with the Hydra-Essentiel serum and moisturizer for a great base
I used all four shades in the 05 Smokey palette, including the darkest shade as a liner
I used Ombre Iridescente in 08 Silver White on my brow bone and inner corner of my eyes
I used Ombre Iridescente in 10 Silver Grey in the crease for added depth and shimmer
I used the Face Contouring palette as a bronzer and blush
Voila! I hope you enjoyed my first stab at a makeup tutorial, and please let me know if you give this look a try.
Do you folks have any skincare or beauty faves by Clarins? Any tips and tricks for easy summer beauty? Let me know in the comments!
