The Low-Down on All Things Clarins
Iantha Yu is an experienced beauty editor with over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. Her words can be found on Marie Claire, Beauty Crew, Women's Health, Virgin Voyeur, SHOP Til You Drop, Broadsheet, and more.
Clarins is one of the OG brands in beautyland and is renowned for its extensive portfolio across the skincare, makeup, and fragrance categories.
What’s great about Clarins products is that there really is something for every gender, age, and skin type.
The History of Clarins
Clarins is a French brand founded by Jacques Courtin-Clarins back in 1954. The first product he launched was a glass-bottled body oil made with100% pure plant-based extracts.
Clarins continued to produce skincare products through the 1980s, when the brand became one of the top sellers in Europe.
In 1991, Clarins launched its first makeup collection. In 2002, the iconic ClarinsMen range came to market.
So, is Clarins a Good Brand?
If you can’t tell, we’re pretty much obsessed with the brand, and we think you will be too.
All Clarins products are based on the efficacy of botanical ingredients but delivered in a scientific formulation.
In the skincare department, there’s the iconic Clarins Double Serum 50ml, Clarins’ leading anti-ageing product.
We’re sure you’ve come across Clarins Beauty Flash Balm too; it’s the ultimate pre-foundation moisturiser as it primes your skin with a smooth, juicy look.
We’re sure this sample from our Clarins reviews sums up Beauty Flash Balm perfectly:
‘This product has seriously changed my life. It gives my skin a beautiful natural glow without making me look greasy and when I apply it under makeup, it makes my foundation look incredible. Would recommend this product to anyone who wishes to look more refreshed and youthful.’—Caz, Adore Beauty customer
Makeup-wise, Clarins offer a range of foundations, eye products, and lippies that can pep up your complexion.
The finishes are never heavy, cakey, or uncomfortable to wear. Clarins makeup is the perfect accessory to enhance your features, not mask them.
The brand also offers a selection of fragrances ranging from light florals to bolder fruity *and* floral tones.
In short, Clarins isn’t just a good brand. It’s a *great* brand!
Why Is Clarins Expensive?
We’ll be the first to admit that Clarins products aren’t exactly cheap as chips.
But we think the prices come down to the quality of the products, from the packaging to the formulas themselves.
Consider each item from Clarins as a high-performance offering that actually works as it’s meant to.
Plus, you only need a tiny amount of the brand’s skincare at a time, so each product lasts the distance.
Yes, Clarins is the gold standard when it comes to all things beauty.
Here are the top four Clarins products available on our site, and why they’re so deserving of a spot in your beauty kit...
Best Clarins Products
1. The Serum That Can Do It All
What it is: Clarins Double Serum 30ml
Who it’s for: Anyone from their 20s upwards, with any skin type
What it does: If you’re looking for the most famous of Clarins face care products, then Double Serum takes the cake.
The formula is based on two parts water and one part oil, but it never feels heavy. In fact, this super-nourishing serum soothes skin as you wear it.
Double Serum carries a multitude of skin-loving ingredients too. Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture, kiwi helps deliver nutrients deep into the skin, green banana firms, and organic green tea protects against free radical damage.
2. The Skincare Buy That Targets Sagging Skin
What it is: Clarins Extra-Firming Phyto-Serum 50ml
Who it’s for: Normal-to-dry skin types
What it does: This Clarins firming serum is a no-brainer if you’re looking to target skin elasticity.
There’s kangaroo flower and Mitracarpus to visibly firm skin, white lupine extract to tighten, and hyaluronic to plump up the skin’s surface. There’s even organic blue agave to further lift skin and make it look taut.
Besides the performance-driven formula, the gel-like consistency also deserves a mention. Extra-Firming Phyto Serum melts into skin and works perfectly under your moisturiser.
3. The Perfect Product To Massage Your Body With
What it is: Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil
Who it’s for: Absolutely everyone—especially anyone who hits the gym hard!
What it does: This body oil is second to none if you’re looking to relax your muscles or even your senses after a tough day.
The unique blend of hazelnut, geranium, and marjoram oils encourages your body to get rid of toxins, and aromatic essences let the oil create a spa-like experience.
All you need is a tiny amount—say, the size of a 10-cent coin—to cover a single leg. The formula becomes less viscous on contact with body heat, thus becoming easier to massage in.
4. The Base That Looks Ultra-Natural
What it is: Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation 30ml
Who it’s for: Those who want a medium-coverage foundation for their normal-to-dry skin
What it does: With a name like ‘Skin Illusion’, this base is clearly a top-notch complexion-perfector.
Consider this foundation as skincare meets makeup; the texture is super-lightweight, just like a serum is.
What’s more, the satiny, radiant finish is surprisingly long-lasting. (If you’ve got combination or oily skin, you should still blot trouble zones with a translucent powder to block shine.)
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Discover more Clarins products in the guides below...
Want to find the best Clarins skin care products for you in under 30 seconds? Take our Clarins Quiz now!
