a hoarder's blog

This March sees the launch of a new addition to UV Plus HP range. Clarins is pleased to introduce its BB Cream SPF 40 to meet the unique needs of Asian women. Its city‑proof formula was specially developed just for them. The silky‑smooth texture delivers perfect coverage, a more even skin tone, prettier‑looking skin and a high level of protection.

Formulated with an extract of organic blackcurrant bud, Clarins Perfecting Cream meets the special needs of Asian women’s skin. It promotes flawless‑looking skin and ensures triple protection from the sun, pollution and oxidative stress. The results are spectacular; your skin never looked so good!

AN INCOMPARABLE TEXTURE

Pure happiness upon application
Smooth and rich, Clarins BB Cream is easy to apply and blends instantly into the skin. 


Ideal coverage
Clarins Research was committed to developing a texture that offered Asian skin types thorough, even coverage that looked natural and never heavy. 


Ideal colour
Another challenge met by Clarins Research: elaborating a shade that complimented Asian women’s skin tone. Thanks to this ideal shade, BB Cream SPF 40 makes it possible to minimize the look of any red areas, dark spots and minor imperfections. The complexion appears more even instantly and remains impeccable and luminous for hours.

REAL SKIN CARE BENEFITS

Organic blackcurrant bud extract

To optimize the skin care benefits of BB Cream SPF 40, Clarins Research selected organic blackcurrant bud extract to use in this exceptional formula. The bud is the most precious part of a plant. It contains proanthocyanidins, vegetal substances known for their antioxidant properties that give the product its soothing benefit.


Results
At the heart of BB Cream SPF 40’s formula, organic blackcurrant bud extract helps minimize any redness caused by a busy lifestyle. Day after day, it helps promote more beautiful-looking skin.

TRIPLE PROTECTION FOR CITY LIFE

Like the other products in the UV PLUS HP SPF40 range, BB Cream SPF 40 provides the skin with triple protection against UV rays, oxidative stress and pollution, ideal for those who live in a city.


Very high UV protection
A 100% mineral screen ensures a high level of protection against UVB and UVA rays (PA+++) with an optimal tolerance even for those with delicate skin. It helps preserve clear, youthful-looking skin while helping to prevent the formation of dark spots.


Cantaloupe melon extract helps fight the effects of oxidative stress
This extract enhances the skin’s ability to fight premature signs of ageing by reinforcing its system’s antioxidant protection that can be altered by time, a hectic lifestyle and environmental aggressors.


Clarins exclusive Anti-Pollution Complex
Based on plant extracts and bio-tech ingredients, this complex ensures reinforced protection against the potentially harmful effects of pollution and modern life.

WOMEN LOVED IT

72%* of the women preferred Clarins BB Cream SPF 40 to their regular BB Cream. 

80%* of the women would recommend it to a friend.

*satisfaction test based on 50 Asian women after 4 weeks of usage.

Here's a swatch of the BB cream. It has a very creamy smooth formula and feels quite rich.

Blending out with my fingers.

After blending out, the cream sinks really well into my skin and gives it a semi-matte finish. The powdery floral scent of the cream wears off after a while, at least I don't smell it anymore. The coverage is pretty good as it manages to conceal the redness and spots on my face and evens out my complexion. I have been wearing this to work for the past week with just some powder on top and am liking it a lot. It does what it should do, providing evened out, radiant skin with good UV protection.

The other product in the UV Plus HP range is the day screen SPF40 in three shades, previously featured here and here.

The BB cream retails at SGD74 for 30ml. Visit any Clarins counter for a trial supply of the UV Plus HP BB Cream SPF40 with a complimentary skin consultation.

DISCLAIMER: Products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration.  Information taken from press file. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Imagine a serum which can defy all signs of ageing.

The five vital functions at the heart of skin's youthful beauty, namely hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and regeneration, slow down due to age, stress and environmental factors, causing the skin to start showing visible signs of ageing.

Clarins Research has identified the 20 most powerful plant extracts. Together they have the power to reactivate simultaneously these five vital functions. However, it is impossible to combine all these active ingredients in a single formula. This is how a unique double formula inspired by skin's own water and oil balance, is able to combine these 20 powerful ingredients, soluble in either water or in oil, at their ideal concentration without any risk of incompability.

High-tech double pump system for an ultra precise dosage:

One pump of serum gives you this:
In summary, the Double Serum's 5 points of uniqueness:

• Unequalled efficacy with the [Hydric + Lipidic System]: the unique double formula concentrates the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients without limiting their number or risk of incompatibility.
• Targets the skin's 5 vital functions: it helps boost all of the skin's functions (hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and regeneration) in order to regain a more youthful balance.
• Rich in 20 plant extracts: an exceptional vital reserve from nature where each skin type, regardless of age, uses what it needs depending on its state.
• Effective on all signs of ageing: results were proven by a wide range of tests which included more than 400 women, of which 50 were of Asian origin.
• A unique sensorial texture: the lightness of a gel combined with the comfort of a cream, a fresh, refined fragrance developed by an Asian master perfumer.

I have started using this only recently and not even that regularly. I only apply it at night now because when I use it for the day, I have the impression that my skin feels slightly oilier than usual. I find that it takes a while for the serum to sink into my skin. So it might be because I don't let it get absorbed properly in the morning when I'm rushing. And so, I decided to reserve it for my night-time routine. It smells amazingly good too and puts you in a relaxation mood before bed. When I wake up the next day, I find that my skin does look smoother and more "rested".

This has been launched over a month ago now and the price is SGD118 for 30ml.

Learn more about the Double Serum here, and if you'd like to give it a try, you can sign up for a 7 day trial here.

DISCLAIMER: Products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration.  Information taken from press file. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Follow-up post on the new Clarins Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation. It comes in a transparent cube and signature gold lid. I was a bit puzzled by the design when I first saw it. I didn't see the illustration on how to use it right away as it was hidden under the flap of the box. 

So here are the instructions. Pretty simple to use after you see this.

The packaging is rather chunky, but feels very sturdy and looks pretty luxe too, although fingerprints get everywhere on the gold lid.

Twist to open.

The built-in brush is dense and soft. The lid is very useful as it acts as a holder for the brush. Placed this way, you can easily pick up the brush.

When you first open your powder, you will find a sifter and a plastic insert. Remove the plastic insert carefully. You wouldn't want the powder to be flying everywhere.

Place the sifter back in. This will control the amount of powder that comes in contact with the brush.

Swirl brush into powder and pick up the amount needed for use. Tap off any excess.

After you're done, place the brush back into the lid

Twist back to close until you hear the click sound.

Some close-up pictures of the brush. It did shed a few hairs while I was using it. Other than that, it is very dense and is great at buffing the powder in. The size is perfect to reach all corners of the face.

The powder is very silky smooth and has a floral scent. The smell doesn't linger on after it's applied though, at least I don't seem to notice it.

Swatches of 108 Sand and 110 Honey.

Lightly blended in.

The powder provides light to medium coverage. Worn alone, it blends in effortlessly and looks very natural and when worn on top of a liquid foundation as loose powder,  it doesn't look cakey and thick at all. 

DISCLAIMER: Products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Last year, Clarins introduced Skin Illusion Natural Radiance liquid foundation. This September, Skin Illusion is available as a loose powder foundation, offering the coverage of a foundation and the lightness of a loose powder, with pure, mineral radiance and the skin care benefits of plants. Available in 4 shades here: 103 ivory, 105 nude, 108 sand, 110 honey and priced at $62 for 13g.

You will find more or less the same ingredients in the liquid and loose powder foundations.

Luminosity & a bare skin effect

• Pink opal mineral powder creates an incredibly beautiful, smooth complexion with a transparent finish 
• Pink algae plant extract provides energizing and hydrating benefit

Radiance, comfort, protection

• Light-Optimizing+ complex for radiant skin in any circumstance
• Clarins exclusive Plant Micropatch® for comfortable hydrated skin
• Extracts of white tea and succory dock-cress ensures skin is protected all day long

DISCLAIMER: All Clarins products in this entry were provided to me by Clarins for consideration. Information taken from press file. I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. 

Following Shaping Facial Lift, the first and only serum to promote balanced facial volumes for a perfect V-shaped contour from every angle, Clarins launches two new pioneer products, specially dedicated to Asian women:

Defining Eye Lift: The first product to help relieve heavy-looking eyelids, drain and brighten the eye contour

Shaping Facial Lift Wrap: Based on Clarins Beauty Institue expertise, this is a quick way to help reduce a puffy appearance linked to water retention. 

Defining Eye Lift relieves eyelid puffiness

1. An immediate 'lift' effect followed by a triple lightening,, draining and brightening action.
2. An oil-free formula that is colorant-free and ophtalmologist tested.
3. A patented application method inspired by Shaping Facial Lift's Manual Auto-Lifting® Method.

For the first time, Defining Eye Lift takes into account three causes that affect the natural, expressive beauty of Asian eyes: the effacement of the upper eyelid, slower drainage linked to lifestyle, and an uneven skin tone.

To minimize the natural heaviness of the eyelids, an immediate 'lift' effect followed by a targeted lightening action

• Oat sugars form an invisible, skin-tightening 'veil' on the skin's surface that gently pulls the eyelid up.
• A combination of caffeine and dextran sulfate enhances the removal of excess lipids and slows down their accumulation again while minimizing the risk of irritation on the eyelids.

A reinforced draining action helps avoid occasional puffiness

• Dextran sulfate reduces the appearance of 'puffy' eyes by stimulating the removal of water which has accumulated in tissues due to a horizontal sleeping position, heat or even stress.
• Extracts of organic gingko biloba and maritime pine help prevent the accumulation of water in skin tissues by boosting microcirculation.

A brightening action promotes a clearer, more even eye contour

• Alchemilla extract limits the transfer of melanin pigments to cells in the epidermis in order to reduce the natural darkening of the eye contour.
• Extracts of organic gingko biloba and maritime pine have an action on microcirculation to help reduce the appearance of dark circles linked to fatigue.

Shaping Facial Lift Wrap has a retracting effect

1. In 10 mnutes, a visible retracting effect coupled with hydrating, brightening and mattifying actions.
2. A rich, creamy, mousse-like texture makes application a real treat.
3. A draining technique pampers the skin for optimized results

Even thin faces can experience a 'heavy' look and features that are not well defined. Why does this happen? Excess water in the skin tissue is the reason. Better than a somple mask, Shaping Facial Lift Wrap was inspired by Clarins Institute treatments. In 10 minutes, it helps reposition facial features and restores a more refined appearance.

A double 'water-reducing' action helps reduce and prevent puffiness

• Chinese barley has draining properties and helps remove excess water that has accumulated in tissues.
• Gingko biloba extract helps prevent new puffiness from setting in: by protecting blood capillaries, it limits their permeability, at the origin of water leaks toward skin tissues.

Hydrating, brighteing and mattifying actions help wake up skin's radiance and ensure its comfort

• Christopine extract, a fruit originally from South AMerca, hydrates and softens the skin's surface.
• Parsley extract helps regulate melanogenesis thereby brightening the complexion.
• White clay absorbs impurities and excess oil. It also has an astringent effect which helps tighten pores.

There you go. I don't know about you, but after reading all the information about these two new products from Clarins, I am pretty excited and eager to try them out, especially the Defining Eye Lift! I have the worst puffy eyes and I do hope to see some good results. For the record, these new products will be launched in August 2012. Prices are as follows:

Defining Eye Lift (20ml) S$82

Shaping Faical Lift Wrap (75ml) S$75

Not forgetting the Shaping Facial Lift (50ml) S$102 (read more about it here and here)

DISCLAIMER: Products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration. Information taken from press file. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Just a quick post to let you know about the new Clarins toning lotions that are available at $43 each (for 200ml) at your nearest Clarins counter. Read on to learn more about the characteristics of each one.

Clarins Toning Lotions are alcohol-free and rich in plant extracts. Emollient and instantly moisturizing, these Toning Lotions are adapted to every skin type and are an essential step in every beauty routine.

Cleansing removes skin impurities, but also removes some of the skin's beneficial flora, which is essentially the skin's first line of defence against external aggressions. To help restore the balance of the skin's ecosystem, Bio-Ecolia, obtained from natural sugars, is added to the lotions to help preserve the integrity of the skin flora.

The other benefit of these skin care lotions is their high content of active ingredients adapted to every skin type. Combined with rebalancing Bio-Ecolia, they also immediately rehydrate the skin. This intense hydration is short-lived but ensures optimal absorption of the skin care products applied afterwards.

Toning Lotion with iris for combination or oily skin

This highly refreshing, alcohol-free skin care lotion purifies, hydrates and tones to leave skin perfectly clean, and prepares it for skin care products applied afterwards.

• Iris extract purifies and improves the appearance of problem skin.
• Witch hazel extract tightens pores and refines skin texture.
• Aloe extract hydrates and soothes.
• Bio-Ecolia contributes to balanced skin flora

Toning Lotion with camomile for normal or dry skin

Refreshing and gentle, this alcohol-free skin care lotion restores the skin's suppleness and velvety feel. Its hydrating and toning action prepares skin for products applied afterwards.

• Camomile and linden extracts provide an enhanced softening action.
• Derivatives of vitamin A and vitamin B5 regenerate the skin surface and hydrate
• A derivative of vitamin E protects against free radicals.
• Bio-Ecolia contributes to balanced skin flora.

Extra-Comfort Toning Lotion with aloe vera for dry or sensitized skin

This very gently, alcohol-free skin care lotion with a light gel texture meets all the needs of sensitized skin. It soothes and hydrates to restore total skin comfort and prepare the skin for products applied afterwards.

• Extracts of linden, marsh mallow and sweet almond act in synergy to comfort and soften the skin.
• Aloe extract hydrates and soothes.
• Bio-Ecolia contributes to balanced skin flora.

Method of use with the Clarins application technique

Basically instead of using a cotton pad to soak the lotion and wipe on the face, pour a little lotion in your hands and apply to the forehead with light pressing motions and move outwards to the temples. Repeat for the middle of the face towards the ears. And finally, apply to each side of the neck where the lymphatic glands are located.

I have started using the toning lotion with iris since I have oily/combination skin. I wasn't following the Clarins application technique at first though. I think that I am too used to using cotton pads and I naturally reach for one without thinking and soak with lotion before wiping my face. However, I feel that the patting method might be better since it doesn't involve pulling the skin with the cotton pad (like i do! I have bad habits!). In a way, there is less wastage of lotion since everything is transferred from the hands to the face and absorbed immediately. But I think I still manage to waste some because after pouring, some lotion will inevitably drip into the grooves of the nozzle (I don't know what's it called, the top part of the bottle where you place the cap). Maybe it's just my way of pouring. But I will wipe it off with my fingers and dab that on my face afterwards.

The lotion has a very nice soothing calming comforting scent. I am not sure if they all smell the same as I have not opened the other two. It does't feel sticky after it dries and makes the skin feel so soft. Using this as part of my night routine ever since I opened it.

DISCLAIMER: Products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration. Information taken from press file. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

"Cleansing is the most frequent, most repeated skin care step which influences the effectiveness of prodcuts applied afterwards."

Jacques Courtin-Clarins, Clarins Founder

Make-up has changed and so has make-up removal!

Long-hold foundations, new make-up rich in coloured pigments and fine pearl, mineral sunscreens: today's beauty products are increasingly long-wearing. Cleansing, the essential beauty step according to Clarins, must keep up with these cosmetic advances!

Clarins launches Total Cleansing Oil, an innovation resulting from three areas of expertise:

> Cleansing expertise

Clarins has always adapted its cleansers to all skin types and all needs, thanks to a very wide product range

> Skin Care using oils since 1965

Clarins was a forerunner by creating its 100% Plant Oils which today sell over a million bottles around the world

> The best plant extracts

Rigorously selected and analyzed to obtain their most precious elements

An exceptional formula designed for Asian women

Total cleansing

Clarins has taken into account the changes in make-up and UV protection products and created a high-performance, high-tolerance cleanser which eliminates even the most resistant make-up.

The combination of two organic plant oils: perilla oil and olive oil

One is from Asia, the other from Mediterranean Europe. Both are widely recognized since Antiquity for their cosmetic properties, antioxidant virtues and high content of essential fatty acids. By combining these two 100% organic oils, Clarins Research offers Asian women the most effective cleanser, in perfect affinity with the skin. The skin is perfectly cleansed and clean, without being aggressed.

A very high-performance gentle cleanser

The comfort of an oil - Very fine, with a wonderful feel, Total Cleansing Oil glides into every corner of the skin's micro-relief. Its high-tech oil texture is specially designed to quickly dissolve all oily residues and impurities. It effectively traps even the most adherent particles which resist classic cleansers.

The fresh feel of water - On contact with water, the oil transforms into a fresh, milky emulsion which carries away all traces of make-up, even waterproof formulas, and pollution and anti-UV sunscreens. Ver easy to rinse off, it leaves no oily traces on the skin.

The combination of olive oil and perilla oil rich in essential fatty acids preserves the skin's hydrolipidic film. There is no feeling of tightness but instant softness and comfort.

The Clarins Cleansing Method

Faithful to its philosophy, Clarins recommends a Cleansing Method which is easy to carry out and combines effectiveness and sensoriality on application.

The oil is very light, very fluid like water and is lightly scented. In terms of viscosity, this is the most runny one I've encountered.

Apply to face, massage in and use the Clarins Cleansing Method. After which, moisten the hands with water and go over the face again in circular motion. The oil will transform into a milky solution as below.

Finish by rinsing off the face with water. There is no oily residue and no tightness in the skin. Instead, it leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable. I would usually double-cleanse by washing my face with face wash but this didn't make me want to do so because my skin felt fresh and clean afterwards. I was impressed by that. 

But then again, to be honest, I am not a frequent cleansing oil user. The only times I've used oil to remove makeup (not including those bi-phase that is half oil and half water kind of makeup remover) is when I have stubborn waterproof mascara on. Otherwise, I use cleansing milk or cleansing water to remove the daily foundation/powder/blush that I wear (I don't wear mascara to work). So there might be other oils out there that wouldn't require you to double-cleanse, it's just that I don't have enough experience to make a comparison. 

I also tried removing a Majolica Majorca mascara I had on. Soaked a cotton pad and left it on my eye for a while. I didn't count how long, probably less than a minute cos I'm not patient enough to wait, wiggled the moist part of the cotton pad on my lashes for a bit and took it off. And all the mascara was gone! Nothing spectacular you might say cos other oils would work the same way, but just so you know that it works fast! And don't get the oil into your eyes, it stings. If that happens, you know what to do...rinse your eyes with water immediately.

I also did the whole removing waterproof, budge-proof eyeliner test too. But I won't bore you with that. Rest assured that the Clarins Total Cleansing Oil will take it all off efficiently. Overall, a good performer in my books.

Clarins Total Cleansing Oil comes in two sizes 400ml for S$95 and 150ml for S$50 and can be found instores from June 2012. It is replacing the Clarins Pure-Melt which is discontinued. You can get a sample of the Total Cleansing Oil from any Clarins counter. Give it a try!

DISCLAIMER: Products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Clarins presents White Plus HP Whitening Powder Foundation, a compact foundation created for Asian women. Its new generation texture enriched with sea lily, the innovative plant extract in the White Plus HP range, illuminates the complexion with a new radiance and helps the skin effectively fight the appearance of dark spots.

It delivers double benefits: an unrivalled whitening action and an even, brighter complexion.

Double Whitening Performance

The "Pure Lightening" mineral complex

On application, the pigments in the formula selected for their brightening and unifying actions illuminate the complexion with a totally transparent look. Skin texture is perfectly even and dark spots and pores are visibly minimized.

The Advanced "Lock-Around System®" plant complex

White Plus HP Whitening Powder Foundation benefits from the same technology used in the White Plus HP range. In its formula, the combination of sea lily, alchemilla and raspberry controls melamin production and slows the appearance of dark spots. The skin naturally becomes brighter and dark spots are reduced.

Triple Protection

UVA / UVB protection

SPF30/PA+++ mineral sun protection shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays

Pollution and antioxidant protection

Clarins' exclusive complex composed of white tea extract rich in flavonoids and succory dock-cress extract, reinforce the skin care action while neutralizing free radicals.

Long-hold texture

The micronized powders in the formula give the texture an incredibly fine quality and mattifying effect.  Pigments coated in amino acids absorb excess sebum while preserving the radiance and stability of the colour.

Total comfort

Clarins exclusive Plant micropatch found in the formula limits water evaporation and preserves the skin's moisture, keeping it supple. Aloe extract hydrates and softens the skin all day long.

The sleek, luminous design of its pearly white and silver case evokes the flawlessness of the complexion. Its pure, very feminine style follows the graphic codes of the White Plus HP range.

Case (and accompanying velvet pouch) retails for S$18.

Refill (comes with a sponge) retails for S$52

Shades available:

The swatches below are 02 petal, 03 natural and 04 almond.

I eventually chose 03 natural and 04 almond. They didn't look that much different when I swatched them and looked closest to what my shade would be.

I have started using 04 almond. It does a good job at evening out my skintone and it blends really well with my skin giving it an overall matte finish. However, it didn't wow me as much as the Hydra Luminous Flawless Powder Foundation when I used it the first time. The texture, although very fine, does not feel as velvety smooth as the latter. The coverage is average, nothing too heavy duty, giving me a very natural look, which is not a bad thing. The powder also doesn't make my skin look dry. It can also be used wet, something which I have yet to try.

Click here to discover more about the White Plus HP range.

DISCLAIMER: All products in this entry were given to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

This March, Clarins launches a new shade of the UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40. The beige shade is available from March 2, 2012 (30 ml, $74).

This new beige shade offers coverage and evens the complexion of women who would like to minimize the appearance of dark spots, redness and imperfections. Just like the neutral and pink-tinted versions, this new skin care delivers a triple protection “shield” for the face: anti-UV, anti-pollution and antioxidant.

Protection against UV rays

UV Plus HP SPF 40 protects against UVA which penetrates deeply into the skin leading to permature skin aging and wrinkling, as well as UVB which damages the more superficial layer of the skin, causing sunburn and dark spots. A 100% mineral screen ensures optimal tolerance, while its lightweight fluid texture leaves no white residue on skin.

Protection against pollution

Thanks to the presence of an anti-pollution complex formulated with 5 ingredients and plant extracts (rhodiole, white tea, succory dock-cress and two extracts obtained from biotechnology: Venuceane® and Glycofilm®), skin is also protected against the harmful environmental effects of city life. The formula is also resistant to water and perspiration.

Free radicals are neutralized at the source

UV Plus HP SPF 40 also protects against photo-ageing linked to oxidative stress. Its secret? A high-performance, “Made-in-France” fruit extract that is rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD): canteloupe melon from Provence, obtained from organic farming. SOD from cantaloupe is one of the most powerful known antioxidants: it destroys “primary” free radicals before they oxidize lipids, proteins and cellular DNA. Thanks to this extract, UV PLUS HP SPF 40 ensures reinforced protection against oxidative stress within the skin and externally.

Three colours are now available. Click here to read about the neutral and pink shades which were launched last year in March.

I find the beige shade a tad bit thicker and creamier than the neutral and pink, but it absorbs into the skin just as well without any oily feeling. It smells as wonderfully delicious too.

If you are considering which shade to buy, maybe this can help you decide:

• Neutral: For a natural-looking complexion
• Tinted: For a luminous, radiant complexion
• Beige: For a flawless, even-toned skin

To date, UV Plus HP has won several magazine beauty awards around the world: Santé Magazine (2006), Instyle (2006), Marie-Claire (2007) and Her World (2008), and again most recently Her World Beauty Awards 2012 Readers' Choice in the Best Anti-Ageing Sunscreen category. To know what the fuss is about and experience it for yourself, head down to any Clarins counter for your free 5-day trial supply.

Click here to discover more about the White Plus HP range. You can also find out more about the new Clarins UV Plus HP at Tang Plaza Promenade from 2-8 March.

DISCLAIMER: All products in this entry were given to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

In 2010, Clarins Research creates White Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched, the first high-performance brightness and sensoriality range. Enriched with a flower with exceptional whitening properties, the sea lily, these skin care products give skin a unique brightness with a beautiful, transparent, rosy glow.

In 2012, White Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched extends its range and offers two new face care products to ensure even brighter, more beautiful, more comfortable skin:

• Whitening Velvet Emulsion
• Whitening Velvet Emulsion SPF 20

These are available at all Clarins counters from January 2012 at $92 and $100 respectively for 75 ml.

The Clarins Whitening Velvet Emulsion comes in two versions: one with and one without SPF.

The one with SPF 20 is meant for daytime application. It is enriched with meadowsweet extract and protects against shine due to the heat. It facilitates makeup application and prolongs its hold. UV filters and white tea extract provide protection against harmful environmental factors and the sun.

The one without SPF can be used for day as well as night. If used for day, remember to apply a sunscreen after the emulsion to protect against UV rays.

The texture is lightweight and it smells wonderfully refreshing. It absorbs nicely into the skin, leaving it matte and smooth.

Clarins White Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched products provide the most advanced protection against hyperpigmentation.

The main active ingredients in the Clarins Whitening Velvet Emulsion are:

• Sea lily extract: to control the extension of dendrites, the "arms" of melanocytes which deliver melanin to cells in the epidermis
• Alchemilla extract: to slow the excessive transfer of melanin to the epidermis
• Raspberry extract (a highly stable vitamin C derivative) and biotin (Vitamin B8): to slow down the synthesis of melanin.

The sea lily is a symbol of beauty and whiteness. Threatened by extinction due to the destruction of its natural coastal habitat, it is now a protected species in France, and is specially cultivated in Brittany for Clarins.

Alchemilla, raspberry and parsley

thanks to their action on microcirculation, these active ingredients selected by Clarins Research revive complexion radiance and restore a beautiful, transparent, rosy glow. Tannins from alchemilla and flavonoids from raspberryand parsley enhance draining mechanism in skin by increasin resistance of blood capillaries.

Whitening effectiveness in featherlight textures

The Clarins application method (click to enlarge):

I am pretty excited to try this new moisturizer together with the Clarins White Plus HP Intensive Whitening Smoothing Serum which I bought some time ago. I am still using the Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase at the moment and will switch to the new products once I'm done.

DISCLAIMER: All products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration (except for the Smoothing Serum at the end which I purchased). I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.