Review: Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

I am ridiculously happy I took Yu's advise and bought this. As you can see it's been well used, and I do use it pretty much every night. I honestly started to see and feel results with the first week of using it.  Not only does it help to fade red pigmentation, but it also helps to calm my skin if I do I have any any flare ups. I use this at night only, as although it does sink in pretty well, I do still find it a bit heavy under my make up in the morning. 

I probably started off using too many drops, as I felt like because it does sink in, I almost felt like it wasn't doing it's job. But even when I use it as Clarin's direct, which is on a face still damp from toner, using 3-4 drops (which I put onto my palm and then press them together) and then dab it onto your skin, the results are just as good. (If I have a particularly dry patch, I tend to use a teeny bit extra oil and rub it gently into that area.) The applicator is a pipette, so it's really easy to control how many drops you need.

I wake up in the morning with plump, healthy feeling skin. My skin tone looks more even, angry bits have calmed down and the texture of my skin feels smoother with pores looking tightened. This is actually miracle stuff. My mom borrowed some one night, and could't get over how much better it make her skin feel. 

What Clarins say: This best-selling oil contains extracts of Rosewood, Patchouli, and Blue Orchid to tone, revitalise and restore radiance to moisture-depleted skin. Hazelnut oil helps to prevent moisture loss and the formation of find lines.

I 110% recommend this to anyone (no matter what your skin issues are, or aren't!), there are three different choices so you can find one to suit your skin type.  If you're wary about committing, try asking for a little sample pot of the oil from your local counter. If you're unsure which one may be best for you, they are usually pretty happy to chat about the products and which options are best for your skin.

£29 for 30ml

Can't imagine not having this as part of my skincare routine, but I think I'm going to try and not use it every night, otherwise I'm going to go through the bottle far too quickly. The results are so addictive though!

Any other fans of the face oil? Or any other brand recommendations?

Nic xxx

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Review: Clarins Daily Energizer Cream-Gel

If you're looking for a light day cream that sinks in quickly, smells fresh (a plant-like scent), and provides a good base for make up, then look no further! The last few weeks I have been looking forward to using this every morning, I used a probably about 3 pea sized blobs and then gently rub in. The gel/cream formulation means spreads really nicely, making a small amount go a lot way, while leaving your skin feeling fresh. I really wish I could get away with not wearing foundation, as this really does leave your skin looking healthy, but as I mentioned it is great under make up too. My skin feels hydrated, and the feelings uncomfortable feelings of tightness are no longer there. I've used this once or twice without the serum, and honestly, my skin is just as supple as when I use it with it. It really feels great, and I can't say my I've ever appreciated a moisturiser as much as this. My has also started to feel a lot smoother & definitely softer...it's loveeee. I will be repurchasing this when it runs out.

What Clarins say: 'combination of vitamin C, alchemilla and turmeric extracts : energizes skin and helps eliminate minor imperfections.'

I've read that tumeric is supposed to help with skin pigmentation, and I have to say that since using the combination of these three products, I've definitely noticed a reduction in my red marks. The night oil did make a difference before I started using the serum & this moisturiser, but the combination seems to be working a right treat!

(If redmarks/pigmentation is an issue for you, I would definitely recommend you read my review on the Face Treatment Oil which should be up soon.)

This range is specifically aimed at younger skins, it's non-oily with a matte, yet fresh, finish. I really love this line, and have got a deluxe sample of the cleansing melt, which is really lovely too.

£20 for 30ml

(They also do a full cream version, which would probably be better for drier skins, and those less prone to break outs.)

Do you have any recommendations from this line? I would love to try more out. 

Nic xxx

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Review: Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum

The HydraQuench Intensive Serum is mixture of oil and solution/serum (not sure exactly what you call it) so it needs a good shake before you use it. I use two pumps in the morning only, as the Blue Orchid oil (review coming) is little heavy to wear under make up. This, on the other hand works great, it's super light, and sinks in quickly with no greasy residue at all (it can be used in the night time as well if you don't want to splash out for both.) I apply it in dabbing motions from the centre of my face outwards, and within a minute, it's sunk it, my skin feels smooth and soft, with a natural finish. 

The reason I picked this up was because, although my skin was nice and supple when I woke up, within a few hours of applying my foundation, my skin seemed to dry up again with dry patches popping up! I do wear Double Wear, which is generally quite drying, but I had problems when trying out different ones too.  Whether it's been a combination of the moisturiser & serum, or just the serum, my skin has definitely improved. My skin is more supple, feels nicer to touch, and dry patches are kept at bay.

What Clarins say: ' a bi-phase serum which restores vitality to very dehydrated skin, even in exteme climates.' It contains Omega 3, Inca Peanut oil, as well as hyaluronic acid and Katafray bark to restore natural hydration.

Just to let you know, they have recently changed the packaging and formulation of this serum, it's got a runnier consistency, but apparently apart from that the formula is similar. (This is what a sales assistant told me!) I was a little peeved as the new one came out a week after I bought this, and the original girl who helped me didn't mention it! I would have much rather waited a week to try the new one. But hey, never mind.

I have read some reviews saying it can cause breakouts, but I haven't experienced that at all. But for those that can have reactions to products (which I don't) they may need to keep that in mind.

£40 for 30ml (same for the new formula)

It probably was a bit excessive of me to splash out for this, but I do genuinely feel it's been making a difference, as it really gets down into the skin and keeps working all day. I haven't regretted it at all.


Any products you rely on for dehydrated skin? Tried this product yourself?
Let me know!

Nic xxx

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I'm baaaack!

Hello! I am sorry for the silence, between essays/exams/ no internet I haven't had a chance! But I am officially finished Uni forever!! Yaaay. So, I will be back to blogging from now on, (minus the spontaneous trip to Barcelona my housemate and I just booked an hour ago! So, if anyone has any recommendations they would be much appreciated, we are staying in Sitges as we wanted a little beach break out of the city!)

My first post will be on some recently acquired Clarins bits, but I've had to split them up, as together it was just one long ass post that I'm sure no one would read, and they're amazing products so they deserve some special attention.

A little preview!

 

I'll get the first post up either this evening, or tomorrow.

Hope everyone's exam/essays/ etc have all gone well.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Nic xx

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