Hello Clarins Aquatic Treasures Collection! Summer Make Up Inspiration

Okay, I'm going to be perfectly honest. Once upon a time, I wasn't really a Clarins fan. 

How things have changed...

Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact, £30

I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but Clarins got serious game. Their new Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact is one of my favourite products of 2015 so far - and that is a big claim. It's summer gloriousness in one seriously beautiful package.

The bronzing disk is huge - the perfect circumference for a good bronzing brush, but still lightweight and compact enough to slip into your tote. And let's just take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous pattern.

It's like a work of sun-goddess art.

The palette is split into four shades of bronze so that you can actually create depth and shade within your areas of depth and shade (whoooooah - it's like Inception!) and the powder is perfectly milled to ensure a light, buildable application. It's worth noting that the shimmer is very subtle too, no overload of tacky glitter here.

Clarins Iridescent Shadow in 01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey, £19 each

Alongside this bronzer of sun-drenched dreams, Clarins have released three new shades of iridescent shadow (01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey pictured) These cream-to-powder shadows are really, really nice. They're lovely and smooth on the lid, don't do that pesky gather-up-in-the-crease thing, and are nice and easy to blend together with other shades. Aquatic Rose has become my go-to glow-enhancing everyday shadow, and I occasionally use it as a highlight on my cheeks.

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 04 Apricot, £26.50

The Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 04 Apricot is a new, slightly darker shade of their existing Complexion Base collection, perfect after a few weeks of the summer season (or applications of fake tan) Again, this is not a super-shimmery product - it's a subtle glow enhancer that helps to create a perfect base. It contains Clarins' famous 'anti-pollution complex', which protects skin from the daily toxins that can cause damage and dehydration. 

I tend to use this product under foundation, but as I get a healthier glow I'll probably just use this on its own. So nice to have a light, moisturising, coverage for summer. Plus it smells so nice and clean - I actually feel like I'm putting on something with skin benefits.

Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster, available for face and body, £18+

Interestingly, Clarins have also released a fake tanning serum- the Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster. I'm no longer a fake-tan fanatic, but this is quite a clever little concept. This serum can be added to any moisturiser to add an extra summer glow, just pop in a few drops (depending on your desired intensity). The best thing about this is that you don't have to change your skin care routine, so it's a great idea for those with sensitive skin. I did find that it had a slight fake tan smell before washing off the initial application of moisturiser, but the colour is really nice and natural. 

So that's my summer make-up bag sorted... What's your beauty must-have product this season? xx

Clarins New Opalescence Spring Collection 2014

Clarins have released their new opalescence spring make-up collection, with luminous lip colours, shimmering shadows and beautifully sheer blushes. 

Joli Rouge Brilliant Sheer Shine Lipstick in Coral Tulip and Pink Orchid, £18

I love these super sheer, spring-fresh lip colours. They're soft, sheer and bright all at the same time, gorgeous for day wear. In true Joli Rouge style, they are lovely and hydrating on the lip, but they have added shimmer power. Great for adding a subtle fullness to your pout.

Joli Rouge Brilliant Sheer Shine Lipstick in Coral Tulip 

The 'Coral Tulip' shade is my favourite for spring, it's bright and zingy without being too much for a pale skin tone. 

Joli Rouge Brilliant Sheer Shine Lipstick in Pink Orchid

This sheer pink shade is subtle and pretty, just perfect for adding a 'natural' flush of colour to the lip. 

Mineral Eyeshadow in Smoky Plum, £17

Ooohhh, ahhhh! Shimmery delight! This eyeshadow is actually a deep plum colour, but it has so many shimmering, reflective particles in that the flash of my camera makes it look light. Pigment rich, this shadow is intense and smouldering, and really easy to blend. You can also apply wet for a stronger look. It's a must-have for those who love a sexy, smokey eye. 

I only applied lightly here, but you could create a more dramatic look by building up the shadow.

Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, £26

I cannot express strongly enough how much this radiance cream will enhance your beauty regime. I ALWAYS add a cream like this to my regular foundation, and I always get compliments on my 'dewy' complexion. 

What's more, this formula by Clarins smells gorgeous and helps protect the skin against pollution. It's a really versatile product, you can apply before foundation, mix in with foundation, apply a few dabs as a pick me up to the under-eye area, or blend along the cheekbones for an added glow.

Multi-Blush Cream Blush in Peach and Grenadine, £18

Cream blushes are the perfect way to add a dewy flush of colour to the cheeks, instant healthy glow at your fingertips. The soft peach shade is perfectly warming for light and medium skin tones, while the grenadine offers a punchier blush for a more dramatic look.

Multi-Blush Cream Blush in Peach 

Multi-Blush Cream Blush in Grenadine

Limited Edition Eye Quartet Mineral Palette, £31 

This new limited edition quad palette is beautiful and versatile, the shades can be used for a striking, smouldering evening look or a fresh day look. The colours are well-suited to blue and green eyes, as the purples and grey tones will really make them pop. As with the Smoky Plum shadow, you can dampen the applicator for a richer application. 

All products featured coming soon to Clarins. 

What's your favourite product for spring? Let me know by commenting below. 

New Clarins AW13 Collection Review

Clarins AW13 collection

Whether it's the regal red velvet-smooth gold packaging, or the slightly higher price bracket, I just didn't think Clarins was a brand for a metropolitan girl in her early twenties. 

But after trialling out a hefty cross-section of the AW13 collection, I have been swayed. The products are classy, soft, pigment-rich and beautiful... and I definitely didn't look like my powdery-at-the-edges Aunt Maude. So it's a side order of humble pie for me, please. 

NEW: Clarins Instant Concealer, £20

This new concealer is REALLY good. It has a creamy, rich texture that gives long-lasting coverage of those pesky dark circles, and has caffeine extract to reduce puffiness. The packaging is lightweight and handbag handy, perfect if you're a busy bee. One of my top concealers of the year. 

Extra Comfort Foundation SPF15, £35 (107 Beige)

I'm quite fussy when it comes to foundations, but this one feels really lovely on the skin. It's like a hybrid of a moisturiser and a foundation - really thick and creamy - and smells like fresh cucumber wipes! 

It did sit a little bit awkwardly on dry skin patches, but this was easily fixed with a spot of moisturiser.  The science part is quite impressive, with anti-aging plant extracts, omega 9 and 6, and organic argan oil to preserve suppleness and protect from dehydration. It also claims to plump skin, and contains 'soft focus pigments' to reflect light in the most flattering of fashions. Ohhh la la!  

I gave it a good trial and was impressed with the smell, feel, finish and lastability. The only thing that didn't hit the mark was the packaging, which is not travel friendly and is nigh on impossible to use without getting foundation EVERYWHERE. But maybe I'm just a mucky pup! 

Clarins Extra-Comfort SPF15 foundation swatch

Clarins Crayon Khôl in Platinum, Intense Blue, Taupe, £17 each

I haven't stopped wearing these pigment-rich Crayon Khôl pencils since I added them to my make-up bag. So soft and flattering due to the shimmering, beautiful colours. They are double ended with a natural hair brush applicator on the other side, really handy for creating subtle smouldering finish.

Clarins Crayon Khôl in Platinum swatch

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in 736 Pink Camellia, 737 Royal Plum, 738 Spicy Cinnamon, £18 each

736 Pink Camellia, 738 Spicy Cinnamon and 737 Royal Plum

My favourite launch from the AW13 are the three beautiful colours added to the Joli Rouge Lipstick range - 736 Pink Camellia, 737 Royal Plum and 738 Spicy Cinnamon. They are SO hydrating and glossy, simply lovely on the lip. Unlike other lipsticks, I didn't get any of the dreaded dry-out, and the colour stayed put for hours. The Royal Plum shade is a bold deep aubergine that was really popular in early 2013, and I expect it will come back strong as we head into the winter months. Pink Camellia is my personal favourite, it looks fantastic with green eyes. 

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in 736 Pink Camellia, 737 Royal Plum, 738 Spicy Cinnamon swatch 

Clarins Be Long Mascara, £21

This clever little mascara is packed with genius ingredients, like a peptide to promote lash growth and panthenol to strengthen. I was surprised by the tiny brush, but it was great at catching all the little lashes in the corners of the eye. Great precision for super-defined, clump-free lashes. 

Clarins Be Long Mascara swatch

Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Forest, £31

I am in love with this magical-forest inspired Eye Quartet Mineral Palette. It may be on the pricey side, but it is so beautiful. The packaging is classy through and through, and the shadows are shimmering delights. With khaki green, satin taupe, intense bronze and pale gold shadows, this palette is fantastic for complimenting green and brown eyes. I wear with the Crayon Khôl in Taupe to complete the look.

What do you think of the new AW13 collection? Let me know by leaving a comment below or by commenting on the Pout Out Proud Facebook page, or tweeting @PoutOutProud xx

Clarins Complete Age Control Double Serum: Review

Clarins Extra-Firming New Double Serum, £55 

Okay, so I'm not exactly propping up my wrinkles with a broom stick just yet, but yes, I've decided to start using age control products. The early bird catches the hot, hunky worm, as they (may or may not) say.

Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate has a fairly hefty price tag at £55 for 30ml, but I've been using it for one full week so far (massaging a pea sized amount onto my face and neck area morning and night) and I feel as though my skin is looking better all round. It looks healthier, no blemishes as yet, and the dreaded blackheads which pepper my nose seem to be smaller than before... I'd pay £55 a month to get rid of them alone!

However, the real beauty of a serum is the long-term effect. A serum penetrates where mere moisturisers cannot, hence why you apply the serum first. You are targeting the deeper layers of skin, which will one day rise to the surface, and hopefully look ruddy marvellous when they do. So with this little nugget of beauty knowledge in mind, I am going to keep using the Clarins Double Serum (which, FYI, smells lovely, absorbs fast and is great for slightly dry skin) and will update this post after a few months... If you see someone who looks suspiciously like me, but a few years younger, then please do say hello!

Read more on well-being and TLC

Hair Care: Find out how to repair your hair

Skin Care: How to nourish your skin properly

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Mother's Day: The Gift Guide

Long gone are the days of a slap-dash sweep of Thorntons when it comes to Mother's Day shopping. It's time to spoil those extra special ladies in your life. If you're lacking inspiration for the perfect Mother's Day gift, here's my tried and tested selection of gorgeous goods...

Clarins Palette Eclat Face & Blush Powder, £30... For the feminine Ma

Why? Because it is so elegant, any mum would be rather thrilled to pull this out of their make-up bag. It looks every inch an item of luxury, a splendid little golden compact with a crimson velvet pouch. The palette is ideal for those who like a flawless look with a very natural finish. Understated and oh so classy.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, £34... For the on-the-go Mum

Why? Because it soaks in instantly, leaving skin hydrated but not greasy. Mums who are always on the go will love this beauty staple, I'm not sure if I could live without it. Skin is perfectly primed and it lasts for AGES. A clever little gift for sure. 

Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder, £46... For the happy-glow-lucky Mom

Why? This compact illuminator is so luxury that it's practically off the scale... so beautiful and ornate that it almost seems a sin to wear it! It makes a fabulous gift for those with a penchant for radiance, as it brings eye-catching luminosity without being gaudy. The velvet pouch holder is positively swoon-inducing. Ooohh, ahhhh...    

Nails Inc Spring Summer Collection, £25... For the yummy Mummy

Why? Fashionista yummy mummies will know that Nails Inc (so fabulously British, darling!) are the top when it comes to on-trend talons. This super cute Spring/Summer 2013 collection is the perfect gift for those with an eye for style.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, £26... For the new Mamma

Why? I am a huge fan of the Laura Mercier range, and her secret camouflage concealer does not disappoint. The separate peachy and creamy beige tones mean that you can combat and signs of fatigue with the help of a concealer brush. For mums that are weary, worn-out, and prone to saying: "oh-my-god-will-you-pleeease-stop-crying-now", this one is a total winner. 

Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1932, £110... For the iconic Mother

Why? Because it's more iconic than Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration (nothing tops Audrey) but this latest fragrance launch by Chanel is definitely up there. One whiff and you know you're in classic Chanel territory. The fact that Jacques Polge, Creator of Chanel perfumes, has created 1932, is no doubt to thank. Jasmine-based, this fragrance is initially sweet and crisp with a musk warmth. Sophistication in a classy little bottle.
Available exclusively in the Covent Garden Pop-Up Store, Chanel Boutiques, House of Fraser Glasgow, Fenwicks Newcastle, Selfridges Manchester Exchange and Selfridges W1 from 1 March 2013.

Related Posts

• Read the full review of Poudre Signee de Chanel, with swatch pics!
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Clarins New! Rouge Eclat in True Aubergine: Get the Look!

Clarins have released a brand new lipstick range for Spring 2013! The rather glamourous-looking Rouge Eclat is an 'age-defying' lipstick, which claims to protect lips against dehydration with intense, long-lasting colour...

Clarins Rouge Eclat, £18.50, in 06 True Aubergine, available from Clarins.co.uk

Firstly, this lipstick has gorgeous packaging. A pure handbag delight. It also glided on lovely, and although I usually stay away from the deeper shades - I LOVED the colour of True Aubergine. Slightly sheer with a hint of shimmer, this tone added a subtle fullness to my lips (which, quite frankly, are a bit measly. Thanks for that mother nature.) The bold sexiness of this shade is simply a must-have.

I applied an initial coat of the Rouge Eclat, blotted, then reapplied. Here's a close up of the final effect:

This shade is brilliant if you've got green eyes like me, I found it really made them pop. My lips definitely felt nicely hydrated and soft after application, and the colour lasted well without bleeding. 

Rock the Look

This gorgeous aubergine shade is great for a vampy, stand-out look. I used a warming blush (not too heavy on the pink) to compliment the purple base of the lip wear, and added a subtle smoke to my eyelids for balance. No one likes to be bottom heavy, do they now? I grunged up the look by adding a few spritzes of TIGI Salt Spray to my locks, wearing a loose vest-tee to complete the look.

Related Posts

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