Although I am a writer, not just a poster of photos, I do believe photos are something the clearest way to get a point across. And when it comes to color cosmetics, photos are important!
There is something about Spring/Summer makeup that doesn’t define itself by a specific month, so although I missed the Spring 2014 launch event for Clarins’ makeup and skincare, and just recently received some of these products, it’s not too late to tell you all about the Clarins Opalessence makeup collection. The collection did launch months ago, in February to be exact, but it is still available and the colors are just right for now. The extensive collection features delicate, romantic hues mixed with bold brights. Some of the pieces are limited edition and some will be permanent editions to the regular collection.
Because it is already so late in the season for these products, I’m including photos and prices for all of them above, and I’m just going to make a few comments about my favorites.
I love the Opalescence Face and Blush Powder. This limited edition multi-tasker arrives in a compact with an opalescent top with interior. Three powders inside look like a Frank Lloyd Wright design, but they mix together to give your skin a warm glow. The three shades are: Pinkish Beige, Coral and Brown. Together, they also mattify your complexion. If you wish, you can use the coral shade as a blush and if you are careful, I’d assume you could use the brown as a contour.
For those who like a velvety but matte cream finish, the Multi Cream blush comes in four user-friendly colors. While cream blush can often be shiny and not work well in warmer weather, these wear well and stay true to color without getting slippery or greasy. I personally liked Rosewood, a soft and subdued rose (the color on the Clarins web site looks very plummy–but the actual color really is a warm rose). The slim, shiny gold compacts are lovely, too).
Lip looks are super-important every season. The three new lipsticks in the Opalessence collection are sheer and very shiny, but they also have the incredibly luxurious, silky feel of a high end lipstick. The formula also plumps, hydrates and beautifies. The graceful, shiny oval lipstick tubes make applying these, a treat.
if you just want to wear a lip gloss you Clarins does it in a glamorous way, Clarins’ lip-plumping formula has something called a “Suprashine Colour Complex” to give your lips intense color, mirror-like shine and lasting hold. Two new colors are a bright coral called “Coral Tulip” and a clear (“Crystal”). The fruity “bubblegum” scent is unexpected, and kind of fun.
There is a single eye shadow in a plum for eyes, and an eye shadow quartet which you can see in the photo above. You can use these wet or dry. Clarins eye shadows slide on like silk, stay put like iron, and the color doesn’t fade or crease. The intense glittery silver is my particular favorite in this collection–an evening stunner/highlighter. But the soft matte grey matched with either the soft pearled pink and the intense pearled deep plum makes a sexy eye look for daytime or evening. A nice touch are the two mini applicators with gold handles that fit right into the mirrored compact. (card with directions, included).
I’m not really a fan of illuminators, but Clarins does this Instant light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base really well. One of two tones, Rose or Champagne, corrects your skin tone, hydrates, and moisturizes (with Katafray Bark extract). Not sure which to choose? Rose brightens all complexions, Champagne corrects redness. Truly, these work like a magic charm. I tried the champagne and all the little broken capillaries around my nose nearly disappeared, without foundation. Now that’s, impressive!
visit your favorite Clarins makeup counter or the official Clarins Web site.
