Clearly, Clarins

Clarins Huile "Tonic" Body Treatment Oil

AFTER MORE than a year of intending to, I finally decided to treat myself to a splurge at the Clarins counter at a popular department store in New York City.

I’ve always been a fan of the brand because of the premium, plant-based ingredients that go into its products. Plus, the anti-aging lineup seems to be very effective, as witnessed by mature women I’d met in the past who have benefited from years and years of using the skincare line.

If you’re planning to spring-clean your beauty stash, I would suggest the following products, which I’m happy to have purchased (or sampled) as well.

1. Huile “Tonic” Firming, Toning Body Treatment Oil

At the moment, this tops my list of the most aromatic, invigorating and excellently-formulated massage oils out in the market today (next to Earth Therapeutics’ Anti-Stress Bath and Body Oil). The skin-softening and toning salve contains no mineral oil—which, in my opinion, obliterates the whole point of aromatherapy—and boasts essential oils of rosemary, geranium and mint. Applied on damp, post-shower skin, a little of it goes a long way. The 100-mL jar is quite pricey, but is hefty and will last for many massage and body-smoothing sessions.

2. Instant Eye Makeup Remover

You’ll probably get the same mascara-dissolving effect from less expensive brands. But when it comes to gently removing makeup on the delicate eye area, the more effective the formula is, the less likely you are to tug and pull on skin to get the last bit of eyeliner out. If you have extra cash to spare, go for a beauty counter brand such as this one (you can also try Lancôme Bi-Facil, as both share a similar double-phase formula).

3. Extra-Firming Foundation SPF15

Nothing beats getting that second-skin effect from makeup. And the latest liquid face base from Clarins hasn’t disappointed. It’s super-blendable, provides good coverage and feels soft on the skin—like a richer tinted moisturizer packed with just the right amount of pigment to even out blotches. Yet it doesn’t feel like makeup when worn. (During the first few days of trying the new foundation, I kept taking pictures on my webcam just to see how nice and dewy my face looked!)


4. Powder Compact

I must be really getting old or old-school, as I have yet to truly warm up to mineral powder makeup. I don’t quite get the level of coverage, and based on a popular brand I’ve tried, the effect on me is more like a highlighting or finishing powder rather than a full-fledged face base. If, like me, you prefer an honest-to-goodness, fine-milled compacted powder, this is something to spend money on. Not only is the formula straightforward, airy and seamless, the compact itself and the red velvet pouch it comes in add instant glam to your beauty wardrobe. You’ll find yourself looking forward to whipping it out of your handbag and touching up in public. Plus, it perfectly “seals in” the foundation mentioned above without looking like you’ve piled on a lot of makeup. Tip: Apply the powder using a brush instead of the sponge for the most feather-light finish.

5. Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate

I didn’t buy a full bottle of this one. Instead, I happily received a sample tube of the extra-nourishing eye cream that promises to target “puffiness, dark circles, crow’s feet and frown lines.” While the “temple to temple” eye treatment is formulated for more mature complexions (50s and up), I find it beneficial to go for the richest and most potent formula no matter one’s age when it comes to caring for the sensitive eye area, which is more likely to show signs of aging than other parts of the face.

Photo courtesy of Clarins.com. Originally published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Inquirer.net ("Rev Up Your Beauty Stash with These New Treats").