When it comes to luxury skincare, the name Clarins often rises to the top of the conversation. With its sophisticated packaging, rich textures, and promises of rejuvenated, glowing skin, the allure of Clarins Skincare is certainly appealing. But with a higher price tag often comes higher expectations, leaving many women wondering: Is the investment in Clarins Skincare genuinely worth it?
I am personally a big fan of Clarins, ever since I first tried the brand’s products on a long-haul flight from New York to Paris. Clarins is the official partner of Air France business class, and the products are given out to passengers on the plane. The hand cream kept my hands comfortable during the flight, and I loved its Hydra-Essentiel face gel so much that I bought it duty-free the next time I returned to France!
In this comprehensive Clarins review, I will go into the heart of this renowned brand, exploring its product range, key ingredients, efficacy, and overall value. Whether you’re a loyal fan considering expanding your collection or a newcomer contemplating your first purchase, this analysis offers an insightful guide into what makes Clarins Skincare a standout—or potentially overhyped—name in the global skincare industry.
Is Clarins a Good Brand?
Yes, Clarins is considered a reputable and good brand in the skincare industry, particularly in the luxury segment. It has many loyal fans in its native France as well as around the world.
The efficacy of Clarins products lies in their use of natural extracts, which are combined with the latest cosmetic technology. The brand offers a wide variety of products that cater to different skin types and concerns, from anti-aging creams to hydrating serums and gentle cleansers.
Clarins’ reputation also stems from its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. They actively work towards minimizing their environmental impact and ensure responsible sourcing of ingredients.
However, the perceived value of Clarins varies among French and American women, as personal preferences, skin types, and expectations play a significant role in satisfaction. Some women find the investment in Clarins products well worth it due to the noticeable improvement in their skin, while others might not see a marked difference that justifies the higher price tag.
In terms of quality, innovation, and ethical considerations, Clarins is generally seen as a very good brand. But as with any skincare line, personal experiences and needs will ultimately guide whether the brand’s offerings are the right fit for you.
History of the Clarins Brand
The history of Clarins begins in Paris, France, in 1954. Jacques Courtin-Clarins, a medical student, founded the brand with a pioneering vision for skincare, focusing on the importance of well-being and natural beauty. He opened the first Clarins Institute with the belief that beauty and health were interconnected, an idea that was ahead of its time in the mid-20th century.
Courtin-Clarins’ innovative approach was centered around using plant extracts and essential oils, emphasizing their therapeutic properties. The development of a new massage technique to enhance product efficacy and promote skin health was also a significant part of the brand’s early identity.
Clarins quickly became known for its luxurious textures and appealing scents, gaining a loyal following. The company’s commitment to research and development propelled it into the forefront of the cosmetic industry, introducing unique and effective formulations.
In the following decades, Clarins expanded its range, venturing into makeup and men’s skincare products. They continued to focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, solidifying their reputation as a responsible brand.
The family-run business has continued to grow and innovate, maintaining its founding philosophy while embracing modern cosmetic science. As of today, Clarins Group stands as one of the leading luxury skincare brands globally, synonymous with quality, innovation, and a dedication to combining the best of nature and science.
This rich history and steadfast commitment to values have been integral to Clarins’ success and reputation, making it a standout brand within the highly competitive beauty industry.
Clarins Product Lines
Clarins offers a diverse and extensive range of products catering to almost any skincare concern. Here’s a closer look at some of the brand’s most notable product lines:
- Facial Skincare: This line includes cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, exfoliators, and masks created for different skin types and concerns. Products within this line are formulated to address issues such as aging, hydration, sensitivity, and brightness.
- Precious: The Clarins Precious line is an ultra-high-end line of luxury skincare products formulated to treat the signs of aging on very mature skin.
- Body Care: Clarins provides a comprehensive body care line featuring body lotions, contouring creams, hand treatments, and sun care products. These are crafted to nourish, tone, and protect the skin all over the body.
- Men’s Skincare: Recognizing the unique needs of men’s skin, Clarins offers a tailored collection of products for men, including shaving essentials, moisturizers, and anti-aging treatments specifically formulated for male skin.
- Makeup: In addition to skincare, Clarins has a line of makeup products. These include foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, and more, often infused with nourishing plant extracts to promote skin health while enhancing beauty.
- Sun Protection: Understanding the importance of sun protection, Clarins offers sunscreens and after-sun products to protect and soothe the skin from harmful UV rays.
- Wellness and Aromatherapy: This line focuses on overall well-being, offering products like bath and shower concentrates, treatment fragrances, and oils meant to promote relaxation and balance.
- Special Collections: Occasionally, Clarins launches limited-edition collections such as the Le Petit Prince collection or collaborates with artists for exclusive packaging and special formulations.
Clarins Skincare Collections
Clarins releases skincare products under a few important collections that serve different purposes. Here are the key product collections by Clarins:
- Hydra-Essentiel: Hydra-Essentiel is geared toward providing intense hydration, helping the skin maintain its moisture balance.
- Double Serum: Double Serum products combine two age-defying formulas in one, designed to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and boost radiance.
- Extra-Firming: Extra-Firming focuses on anti-aging benefits, aiming to lift and firm skin for a more youthful look.
- Multi-Active: targets early signs of aging and is designed to keep skin looking youthful and fresh throughout the day.
- Nutri-Lumière: formulated for mature skin, aiming to nourish and illuminate the complexion.
- Super Restorative: concentrates on replenishing skin that’s been affected by hormonal changes, targeting skin slackening and age spots.
- Bright Plus: Bright Plus is formulated to target dark spots and uneven skin tone, offering a brighter, more radiant complexion.
- UV Plus: a line of broad-spectrum sunscreens designed to protect the skin from harmful UV rays while offering anti-pollution benefits.
- My Clarins: vegan-friendly line focused on natural ingredients, tailored for younger skin and aimed at achieving a healthy, balanced complexion.
Best Clarins Products
Clarins offers many amazing skincare products that have been celebrated for their quality and effectiveness. Some of Clarins’ most renowned and popular products include:
Best Clarins Facial Skincare
Clarins Double Serum: This two-in-one serum is known for its anti-aging properties. It’s formulated with 21 plant extracts that work to hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin, targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
Clarins Total Eye Lift Cream: Developed to target the delicate eye area, this product addresses concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and crow’s feet. It’s lauded for its ability to refresh and revitalize the eyes.
Gentle Foaming Cleanser: Suitable for various skin types, this cleanser is appreciated for its ability to cleanse without stripping the skin of essential moisture. It leaves the skin feeling soft, clean, and balanced.
Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser: This foaming gel cleanser gently removes impurities and dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. It contains jojoba beads and bamboo powder.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm: This cult-favorite product is known as a beauty pick-me-up. It’s used to instantly brighten and tighten the skin, making it a popular choice before special events or after a long day. It’s a mask, primer, and overall radiance-booster.
Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil: This hydrating facial oil was invented to revitalize and restore radiance to dehydrated skin. Infused with blue orchid extract and essential oils, it tones the skin, refines pores, and visibly reduces fine lines.
Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream: Formulated for mature skin types, this day cream firm, lift, and provide a youthful glow. It’s often praised for its lightweight texture and noticeable firming effects. It contains skin-smoothing organic kiwifruit extract.
Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen: This sunscreen is noted for its lightweight texture and broad-spectrum protection. It also includes anti-pollution complex, making it a multi-tasking product suitable for daily wear.
Multi-Active Day Cream: This lightweight moisturizer is formulated for normal to combination skin. It hydrates, nourishes, and improves radiance and texture.
Multi-Active Night Cream: Aimed at targeting the first signs of aging, this night cream works to hydrate and restore skin overnight. Many women report waking up to smoother, more radiant skin. It restores and replenishes skin while you sleep.
Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream: An ultra-hydrating moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration and improves elasticity for normal/dry skin types.
Best Clarins Body Skincare
Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert: For body care, this product stands out for its ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’s designed to firm, lift, and contour the body’s skin.
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil: This body oil is known for its firming and toning properties. It’s often used to improve skin elasticity and is particularly popular among pregnant women to prevent stretch marks.
Lip Comfort Oil: Nourishes and softens dry, chapped lips with shea butter, jojoba, and hazelnut oils. Provides a glossy, non-sticky finish.
I’d recommend trying Clarins serums and creams for your specific skin type!
Where to Buy Clarins in the USA
In the USA, Clarins products are widely accessible at different points of sale. Here’s where you can purchase Clarins products:
Buying directly from the Clarins USA website ensures authenticity and often provides access to exclusive online offers, gift sets, and samples.
Many upscale department stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus carry Clarins products. These outlets provide the advantage of in-person consultations with beauty advisors who can guide you to the right products for your skin type.
Specialty beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta also stock Clarins products, both in their physical stores and online. Shopping at these stores is always good for their juicy reward programs!
If you’re traveling internationally, you can usually find Clarins products in duty-free shops at major airports.
What to Know Before Buying Clarins
Here are some tips for buying Clarins products.
Clarins Animal Testing
Clarins maintains an unofficial stance against animal testing for its products and ingredients. The company has made it a priority to develop alternative methods to animal testing, focusing on in vitro and clinical testing on human volunteers.
While Clarins itself may not test on animals, it may not qualify as a fully vegan or cruelty-free brand under certain certifications, as some of its products may contain animal-derived ingredients. Always check the specific product labels or consult with the company directly if you have concerns about animal-derived ingredients.
Is Clarins Cheaper in France?
Yes, most Clarins products are cheaper to buy in France, however, it’s not always the case.
