Just when I thought Clarins had turned its back on its core 30+ customer, along comes a collection that is all of the fun but still sophisticated and grown up. One moment this brand was adoring the older woman, and the next it was chasing down a youth market. I think this collection is one that proves that you can appeal across the board. Clarins is one of those brands that has been so firmly on my radar as a core, reliable, well researched and confident brand for years and years but recently I’ve felt that it has (like so many brands, actually) drifted away. Like it doesn’t know who it wants as its customer. Nobody can afford to drift in this busy skin care market.
Clarins was the first brand (I think) to experiment with the lip oil in 2015 and I can distinctly remember being absolutely THRILLED with it! When I got my Olympus PEN camera, the Clarins Lip Oil was the first thing I photographed with it (was beside myself with the ‘blur’!). They’re still, to my mind, doing it better than anyone else. So, this year’s summer collection has four new (I have three here, my fourth was accidentally a duplicate) shades – the most exciting of which is obviously that minty green. What you have to remember with the Lip Oils is that they’re more glossy lip conditioners than colour because they’re so translucent, but they’re delicious in the wear and I think these have a tiny bit more colour than previous versions. Honey Glam (which I don’t have) contains flecks of shimmer. Shades in the swatch above are: Mint, Candy and Tangerine. Mint has a dash of methol, so expect a little tingle.
Next up, the bronzer, decorated with botanicals to reflect the heritage of the brand and a tropical palm print theme. These brand stamping subtlties are what ties the collection together , but I don’t know how many people really put two and two together on this. The main body of the bronzer is a warming matte, but the bottom semi circle is a shimmery coral blush.
Again, using the botanical theme, there’s a new limited edition 4 Colour Shadow Palette incorporating gold, bronze and a gentle orange. It’s really got me thinking of summer looks and some straight-from-the-beach colour, but at £34 for a fairly average formula, I’m not sure it would grab me quite enough to shell out. I think my favourite things (apart from the Lip Oils) are the two metallic waterproof liners: one gold and one copper. They really do stamp down a decent pay-off – I can see only needing a line of one of these and a dash of mascara to have an easy evening eye.
In the swatch above, I have the eye palette first, followed by the liners (note: one liner broke straight away and I had to re-sharpen) and finally the bronzer.
The Clarins Sunkissed Collection 2017 launches in April – prices are: Oils, £19, Bronzer, £30, Eye Palette, £34 and Eye Liners, £17.50. What do you think? Has this collection got you speed-dialling the travel agent?
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
1 comment
I keep meaning to try the oils- even more so now!