Clarins Spring 2015 - Garden Escape Palette 6-Color Eye Palette

Press sample.

As tired as I am of winter, I'm almost more tired of complaining about it. So let's focus on spring, yes?

And nothing says "HELLO THERE SPRING" quite like the verdant, pastel confection that is the Clarins Garden Escape Palette. (Well, maybe not in shouty caps, since that wouldn't be the classy Clarins way.)

How freaking gorgeous is that??

I'm not a jaded makeup consumer. I still gasp with delight over the new, pretty, and shiny - but it takes a lot to truly stop me in my tracks. This palette. THIS PALETTE. I was mesmerized upon opening it, and very nearly petted it lovingly before realizing I needed to take un-besmirched pictures.

(Side note - this is also the palette that inspired me to change up my picture backgrounds from the plain white. Let me know if you like that.)

The outside is simple and classic, but the inside is pure magic. The colors themselves are stunning, and so perfectly spring-like that all the other collections can basically pack up and go home. The imprinted sun and botanical design just notches everything up to 11. I really don't know if I could have asked for a more perfect springtime palette.

In this light, the shimmer is more obvious.

In more direct light, the result is more flat and satin, which closer to how they appear on the eye.

Which is why I was a little disappointed in the formula.

To the touch, it feels absolutely amazing. Ultra-smooth, creamy, soft. I was excited, because it reminded me of the texture of the older, discontinued Clarins mono eyeshadows, which I love, and which are nothing like the new wet-dry formulation.

And indeed, it swatches beautifully. Applied to the eye, however, that intensity is lost. The softness of the powder translates into a hazy, watercolour application. The colors are more muted, as if viewed through a soft-focused filter - delicate and pretty, but not what I was expecting from the look of the palette, hence my disappointment. Used dry, it's also very difficult to build up any intensity simply by packing on more powder.

Applied wet, however, the effect is much stronger, closer to to the depth of the swatches here, and with more visible shimmer. I achieved an even better result applying them over a concealer rather than bare lids or a regular eye primer.

Overall, the shade with the best payoff (wet and dry) and the smoothest application is the taupe. Dry, it's the perfect crease color. Wet, it's a stunner on the lid, picking up the light in the way only taupe shadows can. The two pinks are nearly interchangeable once applied, even if they look more distinct in the swatch. The greens are probably the most different when applied wet or dry - hazy shadows and dappled green light when applied dry, more lush and verdant when used wet.

I know several bloggers have loved this palette, and generally I'm not one to pick on an eyeshadow  for going on softer (I deeply dislike the OMG PIGMENTATION IS EVERYTHING standard, as not everyone is looking for eyelids that precede them into a room). This is particularly true of a formula like this, that is specifically designed and marketed to be used dry for a lighter look, and wet for more drama. I appreciate that the claims are pretty clear about that, and that as a consumer you have the options.

I think it comes down to which you'd rather do - sheer down and blend out a more intense formula, or work up a softer one. I don't think there's an objectively better way, as it depends on what you tend to wear on a daily basis. Personally, I think the former method is usually easier/simpler, which is partly why I was left a little bereft.

The Garden Escape Palette is priced at 44$ CAD, and is currently available at Clarins counters.

(Product was provided by the brand to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or otherwise compensated.)

No Fuss Makeup (ft. Clarins Ombre Matte, Bourjois 123 Perfect, YSL TheMats)

(Contains press samples. Affiliate links.)

I really like the concept of the No Makeup Look. I just can't be bothered to spend all that time on my makeup only to appear the same walking out the door as I did rolling out of bed. If it's a no-makeup day, then it's really a NO makeup day. If I'm going to wear it, it's because I want to do something transformative and fun with my face - not to create a more presentable version of myself for others, but because the ritual and the results please me.

But then there are those days when I want to wear makeup, but I just don't have the time or the energy for the process - I need effect with minimal investment.

That's when I pull out the three staples that I know will always work for a No Fuss Look: a shimmery, mid-toned cream eyeshadow in a neutral but dimensional colour, a matte finish, medium cover foundation, and a MLBB lipstick.

The cream eyeshadow is what really makes this work. It needs to be something that picks up on the natural colours of the eyelid, so something in the taupe, greige, mauve, plum families for my skin tone. A bit of shimmer keeps it from looking too flat (or the look starts to lean into the Hungover Troll category).

The one I've been loving lately is the Clarins Ombre Matte in the shade Sparkle Grey (#05), which is that perfect mix of grey and plum - more silvered grey when applied intensely, more plum when buffed out. The texture is softer and than the Maybelline Color Tattoos, a bit more along the lines of the powder/cream texture of the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill, or the Dior Fusion Monos. (I don't know if that's the case with the other shades in the range, as this is the only shimmer one.) It's ridiculously easy to apply and blend out, which is a big plus for this look, though I generally do need to use a primer as well to keep it from creasing or fading a bit after a few hours.

I usually apply it with a flat synthetic brush all over my eyelid, and run some under my lower lashes (not too thin, the idea is to have a bit of a haze rather than a defined line). Then I take a fluffy brush and buff it out from the crease. Mascara and some black liner to tightline, and done.

Then foundation. Here I do prefer it be matte, because I find the lasting power is generally better, and there's usually minimal need for a concealer or powder on top of it, especially with a medium coverage formula. I always apply with a beauty blender, fas the matte finish is tempered down to a more skin-like satin (which I prefer), without sacrificing longevity.

I've been trying out the new Bourjois 123 Foundation, which is marketed under some dubious claims about having special pigments that counteract the various defects in your skin tone. (Trufact: EVERY foundation has those same pigments. They're what gives foundation the beige/brown colouring. When you were a kid, did you ever mix all your different paints together and get some brown goo at the end of it? Same concept, only with titanium dioxide added to lighten the tone as needed.)

Eye-rolling claims aside, it's actually a very nice foundation. The finish is very comparable to the matte-but-not-flat result you get from the Chanel Perfection Lumiere (not shocking, as Chanel and Bourjois are sister brands), though it shares the latter's similar tendency to emphasize flakiness. (Which is another reason to apply it with a beauty blender.) I don't get the 16 hours of wear promised by the label, but it definitely keeps up during the better part of the day, getting a bit shiny around my nose about 6-7 hours in, but otherwise looking stable. The only touch up I'm likely to do is a quick pat with a kleenex. The coverage is decently medium on its own, and I find that dabbing a little extra on spots is usually all I need to cover those up. (Though I do still need my usual salmon concealer to cover up the epic sleepless zombie purple under my eyes.)

For lips, I like a product that 1) is easy and fast to apply and 2) equally easy to reapply during the day. Usually this translates into a nude-pink shade that just lightly deepens my natural lip colour, and in a finish that's doesn't require precision.

In the past the YSL Volupté Shine in Nude in Private was my go-to, but lately I've been using the YSL The Mats in Nude Acoustic (#210). I have a review here, but the short version: lightweight and comfortable to wear despite the matte finish, superbly flattering colour, and surprisingly easy to apply - no need for lipliner, and can be dabbed on using a window or other shiny surface as a stand-in mirror without getting that lipstick smear that makes me look like a barmy maiden aunt.

If I have more time and/or energy, I'll swipe on a quick blush, but generally I find these three main items are enough for me to feel "done".

Some quick swatches!

And the finished, No Fuss face! :)

The nice thing about this look is that it can be juiced up with minimal effort as well, should I feel like it. The Ombre Matte works well as a base, so I can just dab a lighter shadow in the inner corner, blend a charcoal in the crease and a bit under the eye, and then add more liner if need be. I can add blush or contour or highlight as I wish, maybe powder if the shine is breaking through on my nose, and then retouch the lip, maybe add a dab of gloss. With that extra few minutes, it goes from No Fuss to Casually Sexy Smokey.

Do you guys have a go-to look for those days when you have limited time or resources? What are the staple ingredients for you?

(I purchased the Clarins and the Bourjois items, the YSL was compliments of the brand. This post is not sponsored or compensated, opinions are my own. Contains affiliate links.)

Clarins Opalescence Spring 2014 - Blush, Lipstick, Eyeshadow, Base

The Clarins Opalescence Collection is probably one of the most delicately beautiful Spring 2014 collections out there. I am coveting the limited edition eye and face palettes with the passion of a thousand suns, and I will pick them up as soon as I can spot them.

The collection also features some new additions to the permanent line-up, as well as some all new products. They are as delightfully spring-like as the limited edition items in the collection, and while I did have a chance to test them out before my holidays down south, they are an even more welcome respite from the horrifying winter now that I am back.

The Multi-Blush Cream Blush is a cream-to-powder formula that contains a mix of Rose, Mimosa and Sunflower waxes to keep skin hydrated, and a "Light Optimizing Complex" to boost radiance.

Clarins Multi-Blush in 04 Rosewood

The Multi-Blush actually reminds me a lot of the Chanel cream blushes, with that ultra-lightweight texture, and non-powdery "powder" finish that resists looking too matte. (The Chanel is a touch creamier in the pan, and the Clarins goes one more sheerly.)

I wouldn't say the finish is radiant, but it looks very, very natural. As you can see from the swatches below, it blends beautifully into the skin, leaving behind no edges or discernible texture. I do find that it dries quickly, so while most cream blushes do very well when applied with fingers, this one definitely benefits from application and blending with a small, dense but fluffy brush, like the Real Techniques Contour Brush, or the MUFE 152 Medium Highlighter Brush.

It has an airy quality that makes it easy to sheer out for a delicate flush, but it can also be built up. Wear time is ok - about 5-6 hours before I noticed fading - but will need a touch-up if you want it to carry through the day. What's nice is that it doesn't seem to suffer when re-applied over powder product.

There are 4 shades available:

• 01 Peach 
• 02 Candy 
• 03 Grenadine 
• 04 Rosewood

I received it in the shade Rosewood, which is a lovely, slightly dusty rose that should suit most fair-to-medium complexions. It's a softly romantic, pretty shade that's perfect for spring. (I'll have to pick up the coral-leaning Candy for summer!)

Clarins Multi-Blush in 04 Rosewood - heavy and blended out

There are also three new additions to the Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick range:

• 19 Tropical Pink 
• 20 Coral Tulip 
• 21 Pink Orchid

These are meant to have a shiny, transparent finish, and a hydrating formula. I personally find them moisturizing, though with a thinner texture than most gloss/lipstick hybrids. The finish is translucent, but there is still enough pigment to markedly alter the colour of my lips - sort of a stained glass or cellophane effect.

The bullet is a weighty silver metal with an oval shape - which means precisely nothing, but I do appreciate the small ways in which a brand chooses to distinguish themselves from the pack. Like most Clarins lipsticks, it smells sweetly fruity, and not in a light handed way.

Clarins Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in 21 Pink Orchid

I received the shade Pink Orchid, which is a shimmery warm pink, just this side of watermelon. It's fresh, juicy and spring/summer perfection.

Clarins Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in 21 Pink Orchid

Clarins Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in 21 Pink Orchid

If you've followed this blog, you know that I've bemoaned the reformulation of the Clarins single eyeshadows. The older version are deeply pigmented and buttery smooth. The new Ombre Minérale are a wet and dry formula, which didn't impress me upon initial swatting when it first debuted. I don't know if they've since tweaked the formula, or if this new shade somehow different (or my expectations have changed in the last year), but I actually really, really love this Ombre Minérale.

Applied dry, it is indeed sheerer, but it's not as dry as I remembered. It has a soft but dense, slightly creamy feel (though not as buttery smooth as the previous incarnation). The pigmentation is reasonable, and it blends very well, though I had to be careful with some shimmer fall-out. Applied wet, however, it was perfectly lovely. The payoff was stronger, and the shimmer took on a more metallic cast - and stayed in place without any problems. I'll stand corrected on this one. It might not be true love, but I can appreciate the flexibility a dual formula like this can offer.

The two new shades are:

• 17 Smoky Plum (Vibrant Light on the US site, for some reason)
• 04 Golden Rose

Clarins Ombre Minérale in 17 Smoky Plum

I received the shade Smoky Plum, which is very aptly named. It's a plummy silver-taupe (AKA The Most Perfect Colour Ever), with a ton of shimmer. Beautiful as soft wash (wear primer to control the fallout) or as part of a metallic smoky eye.

Clarins Ombre Minérale in 17 Smoky Plum

The last all-new item is the Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base. This promises to smooth, correct and illuminate the complexion with Katafray Bark extract and a a "High-Lumitech" Complex.

I don't know about complexes, Lumitech or otherwise, but this is essentially an ultra-smooth primer with a veil of colour-toning pigment and a demi-matte, naturally-luminous finish. It can be used under makeup as a primer, or by itself if you're one of the blessed few that don't need much in the way of face magic. It's not particularly hydrating by itself, though it does give a bit more of a boost than most regular primers.

The colour looks a little distressing when pumped out of the tube, but the texture is fine and applies very sheer. It's enough to blur certain tones while boosting others, but not enough to turn your face into, say, a pumpkin. (Which I may, perhaps, have been worried about when I saw the orange-peach blob I pumped out.) The texture and finish actually reminds me a bit of the CLarins BB Cream, albeit lighter and more liquid. It has that lightweight texture that disappears right into the skin (thanks, silicone!), leaving it simultaneously matte and radiant. It doesn't have any overt shimmer, so I don't know how it manages this feat. (I suspect witchcraft.)

It can be smoothed on with fingers or a foundation brush, all over the face or just in areas where the colour-toning action will be most beneficial. (Personally, I like applying it with the Glamcor Contour Brush.)

It comes in three shades, each meant to address a different concern and/or skin tone:

• 01 Rose – gives maximum radiance to all skin tones 
• 02 Champagne – corrects redness in fair complexions 
• 03 Peach – revives the radiance of tanned complexions

Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 03 Peach

Mine came in Peach, which, again, looked alarming to my hibernating paleness. Buffed in, however, it looked more warming than orange, and could conceivable be a good base for those of you who like to self-tan your body but not your face. If you have a medium, tan or olive complexion, however, this might be perfect. I suspect it would provide an especially nice boost if you tend to look more sallow and tired in the winter.

Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 03 Peach: buffed in, lightly blended, dollop

All in all, I'm quite pleased/impressed with these items from the Clarins Opalescence Collection. I can see myself getting a couple of the blushes, and I'd love to try the base in Champagne. Hopefully I'll have a chance to pick up the palettes as well, because Clarins does amazing blush/face palettes every year.
ence
What about you guys? Have you nabbed anything from this collection yet? Are there any other Spring items that you're already loving?

Availability: Mostly up on www.thebay.com and at The Bay, and in select Pharmaprix and Murale locations. Blushes are 30$ CAD, lipsticks are 27$ CAD, eyeshadows are 22$ CAD, bases are 37$ CAD.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask and HydraQuench Cream

As part of my current quest to bump up my skincare regime, I'm testing creams and serums and masks (oh my), both from the drugstore and the higher-end counters. My awesome contact at Clarins contributed greatly to this endeavour by sending me two items from their newly revamped HydraQuench line - which has apparently been going like gangbusters since 2008. (While I have been complacently rubbing the same ole thing on my face.)

I have to admit I was a little wary of trying something that seemed to be geared towards dry skin. I have dry patches and my skin can look parched, but I have a much longer history of dealing with oil and acne. It honestly makes me a little fearful of trying new creams, due to the risk of breaking out and looking like a greaseball. However, I've had really good luck with the things I've been trying out, the HydraQuench products included.

I first tried the Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask. Like all the items in this line, it hydrates the skin while helping  to rebuild and protect the natural moisture barrier of the skin.

This is not the type of mask that dries to a cracked-mud finish. It's a luxurious-feeling cream that can be applied anywhere you need a boost of hydration, and left on for 5 to 10 minutes. After that, it's supposed to be taken off with a toning lotion and cotton pads, but I preferred to rinse off the excess (what wasn't absorbed) with water.

I was really surprised to see that there was no residue left on my skin  - no oil, no stickiness. My skin looked refreshed and smooth, and the flakiness on my cheeks was attenuated. I have to wonder if very dry skin would actually find this moisturizing enough, because it felt so appropriate for my combination skin. Then again, maybe rinsing with water removed too much of the product that was supposed to be left behind?

Regardless, it boosted the overall texture of my skin, but not in a way that felt like I had a applied a heavy cream. It also didn't, and has yet to, break me out. I feel like this is the kind of mask I could do on my cheeks once or twice a week, maybe more often during the winter months, to keep those areas in better balance with the rest of my face.

This does contain katafray bark extract, glycerin and my beloved sodium hyaluronate, which will do the immediate job of attracting and retaining water molecules, and would probably be maximized by the subsequent application of a moisturizer.

It also contains sorbier bud extract, which is supposed to aid in micro-circulation and presumably is partly what gives that "refreshed" look to the skin. The mask does tingle ever so slightly.

I also got to try the Clarins HydraQuench Cream.

This is a glossy cream that also has an almost gel-like feel when rubbed in. I was very pleased (and surprised!) by how lightweight this felt on the skin, while still being quite hydrating. With heavier creams I usually mix them with a little floral water on the back of my hand before applying, in order to render them more texturally-appropriate for my skin. No need for that here - applied straight, the cream absorbed into my skin without leaving a trace behind. It also contains katafray and sorbier extracts, and hyaluronic acid, as well as pomegranate extract.

I really, really liked the feel and performance of this. I was sure it would be too much for my skin, but it absorbed so well and kept my skin feeling smooth, plump and flake-free all day.

Both of these are scented, which is part of the redesign on the line. Like the scent of most Clarins skincare, it's more complex than the usual masking fragrance. The top note is a green apple accord, with a middle note of rose and a woodsy base. It's really subtle and pretty and I love it, but if you have sensitive skin you may want to do a patch test first.

These are some swatches to give you an idea of the textures.

HydraQuench Cream and HydraQuench Mask

Availability: Available at The Bay, various Pharmarix/SDM and Murale locations, as well as Nordstrom. The mask is 36$ CAD/35$ USD, and the cream is 49.50$ CAD/USD.

(These items were sent to me by the brand/PR, to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Clarins Rouge Éclat Lipstick - Woodrose

Clarins has come out with a new line of lipsticks for Spring/Summer, to coincide with the Rouge Éclat limited edition collection. Like another recent addition to the line (the BB Cream), the Rouge Éclat lipsticks are supposed to have anti-aging and protective qualities. They are full of good-for-you ingredients - the kind of stuff that I probably should be eating, but hey, I like my Gilmore Girls diet, so I'll stick with rubbing virtuous ingredients on my face. :P

According to the website, these ingredients include: phytosphingosine, which promotes ceramide production, tocopherol, which has an anti-radical function, and gamma oryzanol, which boosts micro-circulation and restores radiance.

I was sent this lovely browned rose, called Woodrose, to test out.

I really like the elegant, swanky packaging, with the combination of metal and semi-clear casing. You guys know I like my bling classed up, and this definitely fits the bill. The metal casing is a magnet for fingerprints, but I like patting my makeup lovingly, so I can sneak a little polish in as well.

As to the performance: it glides on, feels incredibly rich and smooth, and hydrates nicely.

It reminds me a bit of the Nude lipsticks from Dior, albeit more creamy and less slippy, with better adherence to the lips and somewhat more opaque pigmentation - not full, but definitely more of a lipstick than a lip butter, despite the moisturizing feel. It doesn't slide around or bleed, and it has good payoff with one swipe. It lasts about as long as most lipsticks do on me (4 hours), and fades evenly. The finish is a satiny cream, that loses some of the satin over time.

There are fifteen colours currently available, all eminently wearable. It does have a sweet, sort of fruity fragrance. It 's not faint, though it does dissipate after a while.

Availability: At the Bay, Pharmaparix/SDM, Murale, Nordstrom. Price is 26$ USD and 27$ CAD.

Pros: Beautiful medium pigment and creamy, hydrating formula. Natural, flattering colour range. Easy and very comfortable to wear, while looking polished.

Cons: The packaging, while chic, does attract finger smudges. The fragrance may be problematic.

(The item was sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF 25

Clarins has officially jumped on the BB bandwagon for Spring/Summer, with their brand new BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF 25. The press release indicated that this cream "illuminates, smoothes and creates a more even skin tone" and that "imperfections and red areas become less noticeable". It's also chock-full of skin-benefiting ingredients like organic kiwi extract, katafray bark extract, and hyaluronic acid, and boasts a 100% mineral, broad-spectrum sun protection filter.

Those are some pretty awesome claims and ingredients. Does the promise hold true?

In a word: yes.

The Clarins BB Cream feels amazing. It has next to no tangible weight or texture, and appears to vanish like air as you rub it into your skin. I literally couldn't tell I had anything on, whether by weight or by touch. I assume this is due to the silicone content, but it doesn't have that greasy-dry feel that some silicone-heavy formulations lean toward. 

The finish is demi-satin, meaning it will slightly mattify oilier areas, while adding a natural radiance to the skin overall. It's not moisturizing as such, but the moisture-attracting properties of Katafray bark extract and the hyaluronic acid likely contribute to the slight plumping effect I noticed around my eyes, which seemed to make the dry, fine lines less apparent.

The coverage is light, just enough to smooth out redness and some general unevenness. Something about the finish seems to lightly blur out fine lines and pores. Your skin doesn't look like a blank, lifeless canvas, but like a better version of the natural you. It's not likely to meet your needs if you need to cover significant discolouration, but if you want boosted, naturally luminous skin and can make do with concealer for the problem spots, this is fabulous. 

It does have a scent, sort of fresh, slightly floral and beachy. If you're sensitive to added fragrance, this would be an issue. Personally, I loooooove the smell and wish it came in a body splash. As it is, I was trying to huff my own face, which made for some awkward looks from strangers.

This is also by far the best-feeling sunscreen option I have ever tried. I can't think of many sunscreens that are this weightless while not being drying, and I love that the SPF is broad-spectrum, non-chemical and strong enough for everyday wear. I feel like this will be my go-to in the summer, when I want that SPF and as little coverage as I can get away with, especially with a tan.

And actually, that brings me to what might be problematic for some people - the shade options. I received this in 01 Light, which is darker than my NC 20 skintone. Once it's blended in it gives a nice, sun-kissed effect to my skin that I love, and heightens that blurring of imperfections (much like a real tan tends to do). But it looks best if I work it down my neck, otherwise there is a visible difference in certain lighting. Not quite at the level of a foundation mismatch, because it is such a sheer product, but like I overdid the bronzer.

I think this will work best for folks a shade  deeper than I am, but those of a porcelain persuasion will likely have to work with this a little more, or use it specifically to give their skin a golden glow. There appear to be three shades available on the Clarins website, including 02 Medium and 03 Dark (03 Warm in the US), so there are good options for those in the medium to medium-deep range. Now there appear to only be two, in 01 Light and 03 Warm.

As you can see, it applies a bit too dark to be a perfect match, though the difference doesn't read as obvious once it's on the skin and blended down the neck.

The before and after shot above should give you an idea of the coverage level, the slight mattifying effect and the general look of healthy radiance it has to offer. If you click on the pictures to see the bigger image, you will also see how it smooths out the fine lines around my eyes.

Availability: It's already out at The Bay and on the Clarins website, and should be at Pharmprix/SDM and Murale locations soon. Price is 40$ USD and 43$ CAD.

Pros: Incredibly lightweight nonexistent texture. Optically reduces the look of redness and imperfections. The ingredients work to keep moisture in the skin, making fine lines look less apparent. An excellent sunscreen option, as it has a broad-spectrum, non-chemical SPF agent, and is utterly weightless.

Cons: The shade range won't work for very pale skin. It's not an all-in-one if you need more than a light coverage level. The scent may be bothersome if you prefer (or require) products to be fragrance-free.

(This item was provided by the brand to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Clarins Rouge Éclat (Radiance Range) Collection - Palette Éclat Face and Blush Powder

Sometimes it's difficult to get excited about complexion products. Eyeshadows and lipsticks - those have colour and whimsy and drama. Complexion products tend to be those workhorses that go under-appreciated.

And then there are the face palettes from Clarins. If I tend to covet any one item from a Clarins seasonal collection, it's likely to be that. So you can imagine my reaction when I was recently sent a few things to try out from the Rouge Éclat collection (also known as Radiance Range in anglophone markets), and lo and behold - the Palette Éclat was front and centre. There may have been a Balki-worthy dance of joy. (Points if you get the reference. Also, pull up a rocking chair, so we can yell at the kids on my lawn together.)

Let's have a look at this latest beauty, yes?

The scarlet and gold external packaging is bright, classic and elegant, and immediately French-feeling to me.

The Palette Éclat is part of Spring 2013 collection, and it is reminder that something beautiful is coming after this Winter That Will Not End. (Seriously, I feel like we're living through that Game of Thrones winter. Summer was twelve years ago, right?)

Look at that gorgeous iris detailing!

This palette has elements of both a bronzer and a blush. The base colour is a pale beige-y tan that is marginally deeper than my skin tone (NC 20, for reference). It is fairly neutral, but brings some warmth to my skin. With a small highlight or contour brush I can pick up just this colour to use as bronzer or light contour, though not without some maneuvering.

The other two shades are a lovely tulip pink and pinkish peach, arranged in small stripes down the sides of the compact. Don't be fooled by their small size, because they are saturated. You can't use them individually, of course, but if you focus your brush on the left side of the palette you can get a more pink-toned blush shade. Using a bigger brush over the breadth of the palette, the colour that emerges is the one in the swatch at the bottom, a soft coral-peach.

The texture is incredible - super, super finely-milled, so soft and dense. It feels creamy and smooth to the touch, and will kick up powder if you use a stiffer brush. It is not, however, powdery on the skin. It blends well, with no pigment sitting on the surface. The finish is matte and holds up for 6 to 7 hours with no fading.

A kitten-soft synthetic blush brush gives the best application, depositing the right amount of colour for a cheery spring cheek look. Because of the neutral tone of the base shade, this will not yield a super-intense effect - it really is meant to be subtle, warming and fresh. On deeper skin tones than mine the effect may be extremely muted or negligible. It is, however, ideal for pale-skinned redheads and blondes.

Peach stripe, pink stripe, base colour.

All blended together with a blush brush.

Availaibility: At Pharmaprix/SDM and Murale stores, as well as Nordstrom and The Bay. Price is 40$ CAD and 35$ USD.

Pros: Gorgeous texture that feels ultra-smooth and blends without a hitch. With a smaller brush, can be focused on either side to create a more pink or warm effect. Overall colour is lovely. The imprinted design is so pretty it's almost a shame to erase it with use.

Cons: The delicate nature of the colour means that it has limited potential for deeper skin tones.

(This item was provided by the brand for consideration for review.)

Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector - Rose Câlins

For the past few years, Clarins has teamed with Rythme FM and Jean Coutu drugstores for a fundraising event called "Le Mois des Câlins de l’Hopital Sainte-Justine". The goal is to raise money for the Ste-Justine Pediatric Hospital of Montreal, so that they can continue to provide care and aid to children with rare and aggressive diseases.

To that end, Clarins has created a limited shade of their Instant Light Lip Perfector, to be sold exclusively at Jean Coutu's Quebec locations. This year's shade is called "Rose Câlins". (For the non-francophones, "câlins" translates as "hugs" or "cuddles".)

For every tube of gloss sold, Clarins and Jean Coutu will jointly donate 10$ to Ste-Justine Hospital. Considering that the selling price is 20$, that 10$ is not a token amount. It's a beauty splurge well worth considering, and I would urge you to give it a look if you're in a Jean Coutu (but do so soon, my local counter was down to their last batch and they didn't expect it to last the week).

I'm not going to do my usual review here, but I want to give you an idea of what to expect.

The Lip Perfector formula is both a gloss and a lip balm treatment. It provides a gorgeous shine and just a hint of creamy pink colour with tiny golden shimmer, and is wonderfully hydrating to the lips. This is actually the first Lip Perfector I have purchased (hey, it was a great reason to get it!) and I am really pleased with the softening effect.

My lips also appear to look a little fuller, both due to the gloss and the hydration as the little dry lines get filled out. It also has the most delicious vanilla scent.

Have any of you picked this one up? What do you think of it?

I have to say that I really respect a company (in this case, both Jean Coutu and Clarins) for making a substantial contribution to an organization that directly benefits people in our extended community.

(I purchased this item at Jean Coutu.)

Clarins Mono Couleur Eyeshadows - #9 Chestnut Freeze, #12 Icy Turquoise, #22 Midnight Blue

As promised, these are the swatches for the other Clarins eyeshadows I currently have. As mentioned in the previous post, these are being discontinued to be replaced by an all new range. While I'm always in for something new and improved, these do have a fantastic formula - smooth, dense, pigmented and long-lasting. I'm stocking up on the shades that attract me the most, and hoping that the others show up at the next warehouse sale.

As I already did a review and these don't differ, I won't go into much detail here but rather invite you to read the previous post for more information. 

#9 Chestnut Freeze

#12 Icy Turquoise

#22 Midnight Blue

Chestnut Freeze is a perfect neutral - warm taupe with a very subtle mauve undertone.

Icy Turquoise has the softest texture and is a beautiful summer shade.

Midnight Blue is a rich, shimmer shot navy. It does have some tendency towards fall-out upon application, but the pay-off is so wonderful that it's worth the more careful technique.

Indirect natural light.

Artificial light.

Directs sunlight.

I am incredibly curious to see what the new formulation has to offer compared to the current one, because the Mono Couleurs that I have are so darn excellent. We'll see soon enough!

(I purchased these from Pharmparix.)

Clarins Mono Couleur Eyeshadows - #23 Silver Green, #1 Vibrant Violet, #6 Jungle Green

A Clarins regional sales rep recently mentioned to me that they will be discontinuing their current line-up of single eyeshadows by the Fall season, and debuting a whole new range. (Some of the shades already seem to be gone from both the Clarins website and The Bay website, and I've heard some regular counters have already moved them off.)

While I am excited to be getting new things from Clarins (and from the press previews I've seen, I am VERY much looking forward to the Fall 2012 collection), I am sad to see the Mono Couleur eyeshadows going. I discovered them not too long ago, and they are pretty damn stellar. I figured now would be a good time to put up some swatches as well as my thoughts, in case anyone wants to snap these up before they're gone. (I did the same when I found out they were going and I will post swatches of those shortly.)

The packaging is the old-school red and silver that Clarins seems to have largely phased out, replaced by a more modern and minimalist aesthetic. I know Clarins can come across as a little, as we say, Madame, but the packaging has always felt distinctly French to me. 

Either way, what's inside the compacts is anything but staid. Just LOOK at that violet. It is so gorgeous. And really, almost all the shades are beautiful, particularly the ones with a shimmer finish.

Jungle Green is wonderfully pigmented green with a golden shimmer throughout.

Vibrant Violet is a lovely violet, leaning red in the base color but with a bluer almost-duochrome overlay. It takes two layers to  achieve optimum opacity, but unlike a lot of purples it is very smooth and builds easily.

Silver Green is a stunner to my eye, that HG mix of green and taupe and silver. I don't own the mythical Erika F to compare, but Silver Green looks like it might be a close relation.

All of the shades have a butter-soft, smooth texture that yields good to great pigmentation. They wear well on me, and last well past a regular workday with primer. If you've only tried the Clarins eyeshadow palettes and found them a little dry or faint, you will find these to have a consistently nicer texture.

Indirect natural light.
Jungle Green, Vibrant Violet, Silver Green.

Artificial light.

Direct sunlight.

Availability: Limited, unfortunately. The Clarins site, The Bay, some Pharmaprix/SDM and Murale counters. Price is 20$ USD, 22$ CAD. If you live in Montreal, you may want to chance these being available at the next Clarins warehouse sale in the Fall.

Pros: Wonderfully soft texture, generally good/great pigmentation, beautiful colors.

Cons: The pigmention for Vibrant Violet could be stronger.

I will be posting more swatches soon, thought I won't be review those in depth, only noting any significant differences.

(I purchased these at Pharmaprix/SDM and Murale.)