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| 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!
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| 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.
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| Clarins Crayon Khôl in Platinum swatch |
Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in 736 Pink Camellia, 737 Royal Plum, 738 Spicy Cinnamon, £18 each
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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