The Lusting

Of all the spring makeup collections coming into stores now, the one I am lusting over the most is definitely the Clarins collection. Filled with gorgeous lip colors and even a brand new base, which you all know is a favorite kind of product for me to buy, the thing I am lusting most over are the new Multi Blush cream blushes. 

I've been into cream blushes ever since I started wearing makeup on a regular basis as it is so easy to work with and often looks better on my dry skin. These Clarins blushes seem like the perfect items to stash away in my Muji. Four beautiful shades, and I want them all. Knowing that will be a little too crazy, even for me, I think I'm adding the shade Grenadine to my shopping list. That's the one of the bottom left and it's the prettiest coral pink. I own nothing like it at the moment. 

I should really be saving my funds. But we'll just call it a pick me up because I need intense knee surgery. And a new laptop. 

Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream

Ah another purchase influenced by the lovely Caroline Hirons. Her blog musings had me convinced that I needed to strip anything foaming out of my routine. Why? Because foams turns your skin alkaline, which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria are a no no for any skin type, let alone acne prone like mine. While I really was enjoying my La Roche Posay cleansing duo, I felt that they were making my skin a little dull and dare I say it.. a little oily.

On Ms. Hirons strong recommendation (this has been a staple product in her collection for more than twenty years) I decided to take the plunge. Speaking of plunges, the tub of this stuff is so big you can almost take a swim in it.

To use it you just take out a little of the product with your clean fingers or with the little plastic scoop that comes with it. Warm it up between your fingers and then apply. Now, there are two ways of doing this. You can use the super 'special' Clarins cleansing method as described in the leaflet. You press your hands onto your skin flat and then quickly take them off. Like the surface below is hot. Or you can just massage it in, like any other cleansing lotion. Both methods work perfectly and rid the skin of makeup and grime.

I soak a flannel in water. Temperature-wise, Caroline Hirons says if your fingers can handle it, so can your face. Using the flannel to properly remove the remaining cleanser from my skin.

After this my skin just feels lovely smooth and clean, but not stripped at all. I'm really happy with this cleanser. And I am definitely going to use the tub for ages, since it's probably going to take a year to finish it.

I would recommend this cleanser to anyone who wants a nice cleanser that needs to be massaged into the skin. The tub says it's for dry and sensitized skin, but if you remove it properly it works perfectly for regular and oilier skins as well.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

I have this condition called the 'Vivianna Does Makeup-virus'. It's a chronic condition where one falls in love with anything this lady raves about. Anna promptly declared these the best lipgloss of them all. You see, this is where the real intense part of this condition kicks in. I am not a lipgloss type of girl. I have an intense loathing for the stickiness, the gloopyness and the overall look of it. But somehow, her raves have convinced me. And boy am I glad that happened.

But the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector does none of the above. It's like a crazy cool hybrid of lipbalm and lipgloss. They come in a range of magnificent shades that provide lovely natural lips. Unlike other lipglosses, which leaves a thick layer of gloopy artificial shine on the lip, this actually looks soft and radiant, with the perfect amount of shine.

I first purchased the shade 05 Candy Shimmer, which is already available on the continent but won't be available in the UK or US until May. Candy shimmer is nice and pink and looks super natural. I love just wearing this with some mascara and a pretty blush.

Today I purchased another one. Because one just wasn't enough. 02 Apricot Shimmer, the shade Anna first raved about. This one is a more peachy shade and is much more sheer than the previous I mentioned. It looks a lot better over a slightly nude/peachy lip color. This brings out the shade a little better.

I love these things. I kind of want all the shades now. But I know that I totally have to curb my spending and keep these two babies in my purse, for some much needed shine and radiance throughout the day.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

available at all Clarins counters