So, I thought it would be a really clever idea to buy new cleanser and toner for my recent week away rather than take some from home. Little did I know what I expected to be a £20 max purchase soon turned into a £53 purchase... oops!
I was walking around Boots and having not done my research like I normally do before buying new products, I really couldn't decide what to get. I had a look around Fenwick instead to try one of the better brands - Clinique, Liz Earle, Estee Lauder etc - and was quickly drawn into the Clarins stand. I've heard good things about Clarins but never actually purchased their products myself before, so I was intrigued to give them a go.
A lovely lady listened to my needs: I wanted a water cleanser so no rinsing was required (I like my daily routine to be as quick as possible!) and a new toner. She was quick to recommend the one-step cleanser which also acted as a toner so no need for me to buy a separate toner - result! She then informed me that if you buy two products, you got a free sample. I'm a sucker for free samples so I thought I might as well! She quickly talked me into an oil. She then actually let me take four free samples which were all actually of a decent size (not a rubbish 2ml sample!) so I was very happy. My £53 spend was much more justifiable!
Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser
So this water based cleanser smells amazing and is actually really good! My current favourite cleansing waters have been Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water and Bioderma Sensibio H2O Cleansing Water. This one however - wow. You simply pour a little onto a cotton pad and wipe it around your face. Even when you use it on what you think is clean skin, it picks up so much dirt! You can see it on the cotton pad after so you know your face truly is clean. Its good at getting off makeup quickly and you really only do need a small amount on each cotton pad. I'm really impressed and would definitely recommend it.
Overall view: New favourite!
Price: £20.50 for 200ml
Lotus Face Treatment Oil
This oil is just amazing! I LOVE the fact it is a bottle with a little dropper - it reminds me of being in a science lab back at school! It really helps ensure you put the right amount on - you only need two or three drops. I've been using it at night either on its own or mixing it into my moisturiser and either way it just leaves my skin so soft and smooth. I'm also really impressed as this is the only facial oil I've found that works well on both me and my boyfriend - he has really oily skin and this doesn't result in him breaking out or getting that sticky feeling on his face - yay! It may seem a little pricey however as you only need a few drops it will definitely last a while.
Overall view: Absolute game changer!
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Now, onto the four free samples I received...
One-Step Gentle Exfoliator Cleanser
Okay so normally I prefer a harsher exfoliator as I can get quite dry patches of skin which don't smooth off without a larger grain, however this was a really nice exfoliator. It left my skin smooth and I didn't need too much of it. It didn't remove all of my rough patches but it would be a good one to use as an almost 'rest day' between harsher exfoliators.
Overall view: May not work great on someone with really dry skin. Probably wouldn't buy it.
Full size price: £20.50 for 125ml
Beauty Flash Balm
I am really impressed with this balm! Working as a brightening makeup primer, you apply it to your face without fully rubbing it in, and then apply your makeup straight away. It works really well as a base - the first time I used it, my foundation sat on my face much nicer than usual and stayed on throughout wind and rain! I would definitely buy this full size, although it is a little pricey.
Overall view: Amazing product - would definitely recommend!
Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream with Microbeads
This exfoliator is slightly harsher than the other sample from Clarins above, however is still gentle. It also lathered up a little bit, which the other didn't. I didn't really find much of a difference between them, but for me, as it is slightly harsher, I do prefer this exfoliator. The results were pretty similar in leaving my skin smooth and soft.
Overall view: Worked well but I'm not going to buy this full size when it runs out
Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
You can never run out of eye makeup remover and this works amazingly to get off really stubborn eyeliner and mascara. It's got in my eyes a few times and didn't sting at all either! Result.
Overall view: Good but many cheaper options are available.
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I'm really impressed with my first experience with Clarins and would definitely purchase their products again. Although they are a more expensive skin care brand I think you can definitely tell the products are of a high quality.
Jodie x
Labels: beauty, clarins, review, skincare
