Clarins Review

About Clarins

Clarins is a popular makeup and skincare brand. Featured over and over again in huge publications like Forbes, Vogue, Yahoo, Glamour, Bustle, and more, it’s safe to say that the brand is internationally successful. 

This Clarins review will show you some highlights of the shopping experience, discuss some bestsellers, and cover customer feedback and FAQs, all in the hopes of helping you decide if this brand fits your vibe.

France native Jacques Courtin-Clarins founded Clarins back in 1954 with a dream to make women feel as beautiful as they are. Selling skincare and cosmetics, the brand hopes to make an impact on people’s confidence as well as their skin health and external beauty.

Since the 50s, Clarins has grown way beyond France and their products have found their way into stores around the world. Today, there are even Clarins Skin Spas in several places internationally. 

The brand also offers personalized skincare advice and other services that extend beyond a simple exchange of money for makeup.

Making their products from their headquarters in France, Clarins is a giant in the world of skincare and makeup with decades of experience in the industry to back up their claims.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our mission is to help you make better, more informed purchase decisions. 

Our team spends hours researching, consulting with medical experts, gathering insight from expert professionals, reviewing customer feedback, and analyzing products to provide you with the information you need.

Pros & Cons

With all that said and done, let’s move on to the real goods. Here are the pros and cons you should weigh before placing your order:

Pros

• Established Reputation: Clarins has a long-standing history in the beauty industry and is recognized as a reputable brand. They have built a strong reputation for their skincare expertise, quality products, and commitment to research and development.
• Extensive Product Range: Clarins offers a wide range of skincare, makeup, and body care products, catering to various skin types, concerns, and preferences. Their product line includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks, makeup, and more, providing a comprehensive selection for different beauty needs.
• Emphasis on Natural Ingredients: Clarins places a focus on using natural botanical extracts and plant-based ingredients in their formulations. They prioritize the use of responsibly sourced ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals, parabens, and mineral oils in many of their products.
• Skincare Expertise: Clarins has a strong foundation in skincare science and expertise. They conduct research and collaborate with dermatologists and scientists to develop products that are effective, gentle, and targeted towards specific skincare concerns.
• Innovation and Technology: Clarins incorporates advanced technology and innovative formulations into their products. They continually strive to improve their formulas, textures, and delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and user experience of their skincare and makeup offerings.

Cons

• Price: Clarins products are often positioned in the mid-to-high price range. The quality and research behind the brand’s formulations can contribute to the higher cost. However, this may be a drawback for individuals with budget constraints or those seeking more affordable options.
• Limited Availability of Vegan or Cruelty-Free Products: While Clarins has made efforts to incorporate natural ingredients, some of their products may still contain animal-derived ingredients or be tested on animals. This can be a concern for individuals who prioritize vegan or cruelty-free beauty options.

Features

Alright, what is Clarins really all about? The proof is in the pudding, so let’s go straight to the source: the brand and the products. In the next section of our Clarins review, we’ll look at the brand’s best hits when it comes to makeup and skincare. But first, let’s see what sets this brand apart from the rest:

1. Natural Ingredients: Clarins places a strong emphasis on incorporating natural botanical extracts and plant-based ingredients in their formulations. They harness the power of plants and botanicals to create skincare and makeup products that are gentle, effective, and suitable for a variety of skin types.
2. Extensive Product Range: Clarins offers a comprehensive range of skincare, makeup, and body care products. Their product line includes cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, masks, eye care, sun protection, makeup, and more. This extensive range allows individuals to tailor their skincare routine and find products suited to their specific needs and concerns.
3. Targeted Solutions: Clarins develops products with specific skincare concerns in mind. They offer solutions for various skin types, including dryness, oiliness, aging, and sensitivity. Their products often target specific concerns such as hydration, brightening, firming, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Skincare Expertise: Clarins has a strong foundation in skincare science and expertise. The brand has a team of experts, including dermatologists and scientists, who contribute to the development and formulation of their products. Clarins combines scientific research, botanical knowledge, and innovation to create effective skincare solutions.
5. Customizable Skincare: Clarins offers customizable skincare routines through their line of Booster Concentrates. These concentrated formulas allow individuals to personalize their skincare regimen by targeting specific concerns and enhancing the effectiveness of their existing products.
6. Makeup Enhancements: Clarins also offers a range of makeup products that are designed to enhance natural beauty while caring for the skin. Their makeup line includes foundations, concealers, blushes, lip products, and more. Clarins often incorporates skincare benefits into their makeup formulations, such as hydrating ingredients and SPF protection.
7. Luxurious Texture and Experience: Clarins products are known for their luxurious textures and sensorial experience. They aim to provide a pampering and enjoyable skincare routine, with products that feel indulgent and comforting on the skin.
8. Commitment to Responsible Beauty: Clarins is committed to responsible beauty practices. They prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmentally friendly packaging. Additionally, Clarins actively supports various social and environmental initiatives.

Ingredients

Clarins incorporates a variety of ingredients in their skincare and cosmetics products, including natural botanical extracts, plant-based ingredients, and scientifically developed compounds. While specific formulations may vary across products and collections, here are some commonly used ingredients by Clarins:

1. Natural Botanical Extracts: Clarins harnesses the power of plants and botanical extracts known for their skincare benefits. Some notable botanical extracts used by Clarins include:

• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera is often used in products for sensitive or dry skin.
• Green Tea: Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and is often used in products targeting environmental damage and promoting overall skin health.
• Shea Butter: Shea butter is a moisturizing ingredient that helps nourish and soften the skin, commonly used in body creams and moisturizers.

2. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, providing hydration and plumping effects to the skin. It is often used in moisturizers and serums to promote skin hydration and a smoother appearance.
3. Plant Oils: Clarins incorporates various plant oils known for their nourishing and emollient properties.
4. Pro-Vitamin B5: Pro-vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, is a moisturizing ingredient that helps to improve the skin’s barrier function, promote hydration, and soothe dry or irritated skin.

9 Best-Selling Clarins Cosmetic Products

Customer favorites can tell us a lot about a brand as a whole. So which of Clarins makeup products are selling out quickly, and why?

And don’t forget, while the price tags might look a little steep, you are getting your money’s worth, plus the brand offers Afterpay to break up the cost into bite-sized payments.

Clarins Double Serum Review 

Clarins’ Double Serum is the brand’s most popular anti-aging serum, so check this out: the product uses natural ingredients like organic banana, avocado, goji berry, cocoa, and other recognizable plant-based resources to firm up the skin and refine wrinkles and lines.

The Double Serum is basically the epitome of Clarins skincare. Explore the magic by applying daily, in the morning, night, or both. 

Formulated for all skin types, no one gets left behind! The brand claims the serum is great at “multi-tasking” by giving you hydration, regeneration, protection, and more.

Here are the prices for each size:

• 1 oz – $90
• 1.6 oz – $127
• 2.5 oz – $16

Clarins Total Eye Lift Review 

Total Eye Lift is the cream to take care of those dark circles and puffy under-eye areas once and for all.

Made for normal, oily, combination, or dry skin, this balmy eye cream decreases fine lines and wrinkles, firms skin, and is lightweight enough to go under makeup, no problem.

This renowned Clarins eye cream comes in a 0.5 oz bottle for $89.

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil Review 

Lip Comfort Oil is a gorgeous colored lip oil to make your lips super soft and plump. Coming to you live in dazzling 8 shades, including honey, red berry, and mint, your lips will shine with delicious moisture. 

This product applies easily and smoothly using plant-based ingredients you can trust: jojoba and hazelnut.

For $26, you can try out this bestselling Clarins lip oil.

Clarins Velvet Lip Perfector Review

The Velvet Lip Protector is a liquid lipstick with an extra hydration boost. Shea butter makes the formula oh-so-smooth with a “velvety” feeling that is irresistible. But don’t worry about heaviness because you won’t even feel it on your lips once it dries. 

Available in 4 matte shades like nude and raspberry, the Velvet Lip Protector costs a cool $24.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Review 

The Beauty Flash Balm is both a mask and a balm that fills your skin with radiance and brightness. You’ll be glowing because of this powerful potion that smoothes out all those fine lines and rejuvenates. 

This product is versatile and effective, perfect for daily touch-ups and keeping up with you and your busy lifestyle. When you do find some time to relax and soak in some self-care, the Beauty Flash Balm can also be used as a luxuriant face mask. 

Sit in the lap of luxury for $49.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Review 

This very long-named product, the UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50, is a gentle, skin-protecting, and pore-protecting sunscreen. 

Blessing all skin types with refuge from the big ball of fire in the sky, this face sunscreen is specially formulated to avoid breakouts from the usual extra oiliness of ordinary sunscreen.

No more sacrificing the look of your skin for the health of your skin: this 50 SPF Clarins sunscreen is $44 and here for you, you responsible being.

Clarins Hydra-Essential Silky Cream Review 

The Hydra-Essential Silky Cream of super-duper moisturizing strength is formulated for faces with normal skin. 

As your daily moisturizer, the Hydra-Essential Silky Cream uses Organic Leaf of Life to lock in moisture for a soft, hydrated face that glows from the inside out. Use it night or day for the price of $49.

In case you’re already familiar with the brand, this product is a new formulation replacing the old Clarins Hydra Quench Cream.

Clarins Everlasting Foundation+ Review 

Everlasting Foundation+ is an all-skin-types-invited foundation party for long-lasting medium coverage.

Exquisitely matte and sold in 10 different shades, this Clarins foundation allegedly lasts up to 18 hours, which sounds pretty darn cool, if you ask us. Test it out yourself for $44.

Clarins Water Lip Stain Review 

Clarins’ Water Lip Stain is an extra hydrating lightweight lip color. 

Unintrusive and non-sticky, the lip stain is long-lasting. It offers a matte finish with its 4 shades, as well as a softening effect with natural, plant-based ingredients like aloe vera.

Shades include orange water and violet water, and they all come in a fluid, gel texture. The awe-inspiring Clarins Water Lip Stain costs $28.

What Age Group Is Clarins For? 

Clarins has plenty of age-defying skincare products that might make you think that the brand is for the older crowd, but actually, Clarins claims that their products are formulated for all adults, 18 and up.

In fact, the brand recommends that people 18-25 years young begin using Clarins’ high-quality anti-aging products for effective preventative care.

Is Clarins Toxic-Free? 

Clarins toners, face washes, makeup, and other cosmetics use silicones, parabens, sulfates, alcohols, EDTA, phthalates, and mineral oils.

Though it depends on your definition of ‘toxic’ ingredients, Clarins isn’t a brand known for keeping their formulas clean of harsh chemicals in exchange for natural plant-based sources. 

It is worth noting that their vegan skincare line, My Clarins, does offer more gentle, natural options.

Who Is Clarins For? 

As we covered in our answer about age groups above, Clarins has products for all adult age groups. Mostly, though, they’re a brand for 30-plus women.

And guess what? Clarins also sells men’s skincare! Essentially, Clarins is for anyone who wants to turn back the hands of time and look great doing it.

Comparison: Clarins vs. Clinique

What’s the difference between two very similar competing brands in skincare, Clarins and Clinique? We’ll make it simple for you in list format.

Firstly, here’s what makes the brands similar in 5 succinct points:

1. Both brands sell skincare and makeup
2. They’re considered to be higher-end
3. Products for men are available at both companies
4. Clarins and Clinique are both established brands that have been around for decades
5. Free samples and rewards across the board

But here are four key differences that set the brands apart:

1. Clinique is generally less expensive
2. Clinique has free returns
3. Clinique has a wider selection of makeup, skincare, and fragrance

This Clarins review has to give brownie points to Clinique for not using certain ingredients, but our featured brand is definitely where it’s at for great products with proven results, as we’ll see in the following section.

Clarins Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

To be a proper Clarins review, we need to look at real customer testimonials. And for our investigation, we’ll consult the brand site, Trustpilot, and Influenster to see how these products fared in the wild as of June 2023.

Firstly, the brand site is overwhelmingly positive, no shocker here. Products all had high 4 or 5-star ratings and gushing customers. 

Makeup and skincare fanatics gave high praise, calling the products “to die for,” “essential,” long-lasting, “smooth and moisturizing” (when they were supposed to be smooth and moisturizing), and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

For example, take this review of the Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream:

“This product is absolutely amazing on every level. It’s a lightweight, yet, highly moisturizing cream that leaves your face feeling healthy and simply refreshed. I have combination type skin to the max, oily in some areas, dry spots in others.” 

Moving on to external reviews, Influenster has an awesome star rating system, so we can give you a quick, efficient snapshot of what people think of the bestsellers we analyzed in this Clarins review: 

• Double Serum: 4.3/5 stars from 5,277 ratings
• Total Eye Lift: 4.3/5 stars from 927 ratings
• Lip Comfort Oil: 4.5/5 stars from 2,425 ratings
• Velvet Lip Perfector: 5/5 stars from 2 ratings
• Beauty Flash Balm: 4.4/5 stars from 10 ratings
• UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50: 4.5/5 stars from 889 ratings
• Hydra-Essential Silky Cream: 4.9/5 stars from 8 ratings
• Everlasting Foundation+: 4.4/5 stars from 83 ratings
• Water Lip Stain: 4.5/5 stars from 12 ratings

Most customers loved the products. The reviews, across the board, were pretty incredible, giving their stamp of approval of all the awesome benefits Clarins claims to provide. The Lip Comfort Oil, in particular, had one customer utterly amazed:

“it lasts a really long time before needing to reapply – at least 3-4 hours which is incredible. My lips are chronically dry, so this product has really been my saving grace after trying so, so many lip care products that simply do not work… This is definitely one of my new favorites.”

On the less glowing side of things, one common criticism of the best-selling Double Serum was that it had a fragrance that might be too strong for those with sensitive skin. 

While unfortunate, every person’s skin will react differently to skincare and beauty products, so that’s just a given.

On Trustpilot, the brand only has a rating of 2.4/5 stars from 173 reviews, so let’s see what’s going on there.

Here’s some good news first: customers said orders are “​​always speedy and nicely packaged,” the “topnotch customer service” is actually “very friendly” and “sincere,” and Clarins products are “high quality” and make skin “feel refreshed and loved.”

Some customers explained that with these products, “a little goes a long way,” making them much more inexpensive than you might think at first glance of the price tag—Clarins is in fact “great value!”

And just take a look at this heartwarming Clarins review from a customer who was grateful for the generous samples included in orders:

“I am utterly delighted with my clarins purchase through their website. Not only is their eye cream amazing! But I literally received a box full of free goodies! … I was speechless upon opening it and it really made my day. Thank you so much clarins.”

Another customer raved about how the products, specifically the SOS Comfort Mask, work even on very sensitive skin:

“It’s the only mask that doesn’t irritate my skin AT ALL. I can’t really use moisturiser because leaving it on my skin for the day causes irritation, but if I do need to use one, the Gentle Day Cream is the only option that doesn’t irritate as much… It’s a godsend!”

At the end of the day, happy customers are saying the products are awesome, game-changing, accessible, gentle but effective, and have a feeling of luxury to them.

Is Clarins Worth It?

In short, we think Clarins is definitely worth it.

Customer reviews emphasize how high-quality and luxurious the collection is. Plus, the brand has been around for a while—enough that it has developed a solid reputation for having some of the best anti-aging skincare products in the world. 

The products are indeed quite potent and might work too well at the end of the day. All in all, Clarins is here for you if you want a partner to battle the signs of aging with.

Clarins Promotions & Discounts 

Our Clarins review was able to snatch you some deals! Thank us later.

• 10% off when you sign up for the newsletter
• Refer a Friend to receive $15 off

Where To Buy Clarins

Clarins is sold on the brand website at clarinsusa.com and also online and in-person at select retailers:

• Sephora
• Ulta
• Walmart
• Amazon
• Nordstrom
• Boots
• And plenty more!

Alternatives

Shopping around for the perfect skincare regimen? Here are a few more options to consider:

1. Kiehl’s: Kiehl’s is a skincare brand known for its effective formulations and commitment to using high-quality ingredients. They offer a wide range of skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks, and body care items, with an emphasis on natural ingredients and gentle formulations.
2. Origins: Origins is a brand that focuses on combining the power of nature and science in their skincare products. They offer a variety of skincare items formulated with botanical extracts, essential oils, and natural ingredients. Origins is known for its effective treatments, masks, and moisturizers.
3. Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant is a clean skincare brand that prioritizes using non-toxic and effective ingredients. They formulate their products without the “Suspicious 6” ingredients, including silicones, essential oils, and fragrance. Drunk Elephant offers a range of skincare items targeting various skin concerns.
4. Sunday Riley: Sunday Riley is a brand known for its high-performance skincare products. They combine botanical extracts, scientifically backed ingredients, and advanced technology to create effective treatments, serums, and moisturizers. Sunday Riley is popular for its targeted skincare solutions.

FAQ

Who owns Clarins? 

Our Clarins review found that the company is owned by the founder’s family, the Courtin-Clarinses.

Where is Clarins made? 

C’est la vie: Clarins products are made in France.

Is Clarins vegan and cruelty-free?

No, Clarins is not totally vegan nor cruelty-free. The brand does have a vegan skincare line called My Clarins that is reportedly gentler on the skin.

What is Clarins’ Shipping Policy?

Our Clarins review found that the brand has multiple sites available for various countries. Tracking info is available once the order ships. Here are some options for American readers:

• Economy UPS SurePost (5-10 days) – Free for orders over $50
• Economy UPS SurePost (5-10 days) – $5 for orders under $50
• Standard UPS Ground (3-5 days) – $8
• Express UPS 2nd Day (2 days) – $15
• Overnight UPS Overnight (1 day) – $20

What is Clarins’ Return Policy?

If you don’t like your Clarins facewash or makeup, you can send them back within 30 days of purchase. One catch: you have to pay for shipping. Unfortunately, Clarins does not do exchanges at this time.

How to contact Clarins

If you have any questions after reading our Clarins review, you can get in touch with the brand via the following two methods of contact:

• Fill out the Contact Form on the brand site 
• Phone: (866) 325-2746

Customer service hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM, EST.

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