Category / Review: Skin Care

Clarins Review: Skin Care Skin Care - Hydrating

Review: *New Improvised* Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase

As today is the last day of the month for Hydrating month focus for Clarins, I’m gonna review one of their star product and it’s the new improvised Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase.

I bought this back in August 2011 in my biggest haul from Clarins. As mentioned earlier in my previous post, this is the improvised version in terms of formula and scent. The range is now infused with green apple and trust me the scent blended in very well. I prefer the new version over the old ones.

Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase 30ml – RM200

Clarins even changed the bottle and I think the new version look much better and sturdier. Just look at the rose gold cap.

I used to drop my serum bottle everytime I wanted to place it back to it’s original place and the cap on old version doesn’t seem to hold the heavy glass bottle. Thank God the bottle is hard enough to stand the hard floor again and again. This “vacuum” type of cap on the new packaging is just perfect.

Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase is an intensive re-hydrating treatment serum to supercharge skin with moisture.

If you are one of this bi-phase serum user, you’d know that this serum has 2 layers and one of the layer is something like oil. Some people said that it’s too oily for them but it works in hydrating their skin. I have no problem with the oil intensity of the old version bi-phase serum. In terms of the oiliness of the new improvised serum, Clarins had change the formula to make it less oily.

Here’s some info from Clarins Malaysia website on this wonderful product.

Beauty Benefits
A bi-phase serum combining powerful hydrating active ingredients: Katafray bark extract which limits dehydration and Inca Peanut oil which restores the skin’s protective film.

Revitalizes the most dehydrated skin. It restores the skin’s balance and natural hydration and smoothes away premature wrinkles. Intensively repairs and rehydrates the skin to ensure radiance and well-being. For all skin types and all climates.

Application
Apply morning and/or evening on the face and neck after thorough cleansing, with light smoothing motions, before the Clarins HydraQuench moisturizer adapted to your skin type.

Active Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid: helps the skin to maintain its moisture level. Katafray bark: restructures the corneal layer, limits dehydration. Sorbier tree bud: stimulates microcirculation. Alfalfa extract: boosts collagen synthesis. Chondrus Crispus: ensures maximum and continuous hydration of the epidermis. Inca Peanut oil: restores the protective hydrolipidic film. Vitamin E: protects against free radicals.

And here is the comparison of the old version with the new improvised version.

As I don’t have the 30ml bottle of the old version, I’m just gonna use the 15ml one ya.

New: Better bottle, improved cap, nozzle neck and pump nozzle. The word “Clarins” stamped on top of the cap.
Old: Spray nozzle, white cap which is not holding the bottle weight correctly.

I managed to snap a picture of the 15ml old version bottle and content last month. As you can see, the serum is bi-phase and this is still the same with the new improved version. Both version will need the user to shake well before dispensing out to palm.

The content is in clear sea blue colour which almost looks transparent. I would normally pump 3 times for each use. It depends on how dehydrate your skin is. For me 3 pumps is a lil bit too much for my skin but since this is not oily at all, the serum is absorbed completely after a few gentle patting.

  Clear sea blue colour.  

After using this for a few months now, the flaking due to dehydrate skin on my face disappeared. I’m having combination skin and I was a bit skeptical at first knowing this is oily. I was wrong about this wonderful product as my skin totally accept this bi-phase serum without giving me extra oil secretion. I believe a proper hydrating product could help my combination skin as the reason for my oily skin on certain areas is due to dehydration. When the skin is dehydrate on water, the skin send out a SOS signal and soon oil is produced to keep the skin properly hydrated. Well in a wrong way actually. Our skin should have a balance of water and oil. If we didn’t solve this dehydrate issue, oil will be produced and used. Which is why some dry skin girls will still have shine on their face. That was me last time before using this serum. Now I don’t have skin flaking on my face and I’m making sure I properly hydrate my skin every day and night.

Pros:
1) Newly improvised formula and scent which is less oilier and smells better too.
2) Efficient is preventing dehydrate skin.
3) Improvised packaging.
4) Can be use day and night together with other serum, cream or gel.

Cons:
None for me!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

Info on HydraQuench Starter Kit – http://feeyona-loh.blogspot.com/2011/10/best-buy-set-isetan-isetan-anniversary.html
Info on HydraQuench Best Buy Set – http://feeyona-loh.blogspot.com/2011/09/clarins-new-hydraquench.html

by Fiona
Clarins Review: Skin Care Skin Care - Hydrating Skin Care - Masks

Review: Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask

I received this Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask 15ml deluxe sample as a part of GWP from my purchases back in August 2011. Read here.

I had heard lots of raves and great review for this mask and I nearly purchase this but luckily have not had the time to do so and coincidently saw this in August GWP promotion. Boy was I lucky 🙂

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask

Here’s some info from Clarins Malaysia website.

Beauty Benefits
Thanks to Katafray bark extract, in 5 to 10 minutes the mask’s creamy texture quickly restores the skin’s ideal moisture balance.

Quickly restores moisture balance even in the most dehydrated skin by boosting natural hydration mechanisms. Smoothes fine lines leaving skin soft, fresh and comfortable. Also ensures a radiant complexion.

Application (According to Clarins Malaysia website)
Apply morning and/or evening to thoroughly cleansed face and neck. May be applied throughout the day when dehydration makes skin feel uncomfortable.

Application (According to description on the back of the tube)
Apply to face and neck. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Smooth away any excess with a cotton pad soaked in Toning Lotion.

Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid : helps skin maintain its moisture reserves. Katafray bark : restructures the corneal layer, prevents dehydration. Sobier tree bud : boosts microcirculation. Vitamin E : protects skin from free radicals. E3P Anti-Pollution Complex protects skin from the harmful effects of today’s pollution.UVA and UVB filters : protect skin against pigmentation damage caused by exposure to UV rays.

There’s description on the back of the tube. But I don’t normally follow this.

This is how the tube of deluxe sample looks like. Not sure if it’s the same with full size product though.

The cream-mask appears whitish and creamy.

This wash-off cream-mask is different from Pure and Radiant Mask. Pure and Radiant Mask would dries off and feels dry and non-sticky when you touch it after 10 minutes. This cream-mask will still be a bit wet when you touch it. DO NOT wait until it dries out cause it won’t. I would normally wash off after the colour disappear just like Pure and Radiant Mask. This is the only similarity between both wash-off mask.

This time I remember to apply a thin layer so that the different between before and after is more noticeable 🙂

After applying.

10 minutes after applying. Time to wash off!

It is best to use this right after Pure and Radiant Mask. But it’s not necessary. Sometimes I do that, sometimes I don’t. Reason being is that Pure and Radiant Mask is a deep cleansing mask. After you scrub, use a deep cleansing mask and follow up with this hydrating mask. . .you’d see a noticeable result. Hydrating essence from the mask would easily be absorbed into your skin as the scrub and deep cleansing removed all dirt from your pore. As I love to do mask everyday, I use this HydraQuench Cream-Mask the next day after Pure and Radiant Mask. Crazy I know. I just can’t help it lol.

Pros:
1) A great hydrating wash-off cream-mask.
2) Skin feels more soft and supple.
3) Non-drying and non-oily at all.
4) Clarins always give this 15ml deluxe sample out as GWP.

Cons:
There’s none for me! =)

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

Info on HydraQuench Starter Kit – http://feeyona-loh.blogspot.com/2011/10/best-buy-set-isetan-isetan-anniversary.html
Info on HydraQuench Best Buy Set – http://feeyona-loh.blogspot.com/2011/09/clarins-new-hydraquench.html

by Fiona
Clarins Review: Skin Care Skin Care - Hydrating

Review: *New Improvised* Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel

I’ve been saving the new Clarins HydraQuench product review as I want to do this review after I finished the existing old product first before moving on to the new revamped products. This month will be a perfect timing for me to do HydraQuench review as this is also the month where Clarins Malaysia relaunched the range with new packaging and improvised formula.

I was first introduced to HydraQuench on the day where I stopped by their event area at KLCC concourse level back in March 2011. Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel is not my favourite as I’m not fond of the scent. But later in August 2011, I was re-introduced on the range as Clarins had improvised the formula including the scent and the best is the price adjustment. So I grabbed two products from the range and my first review is going to be the cream-gel.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel is a 50ml in size and is retailing at RM180. It is suitable for normal to combination skin type.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel 50ml – RM180

 

Beauty Benefits
A wonderful refreshing cream-gel for normal to combination skin which ensures a matte finish and long-wearing make-up, along with optimal hydration, thanks to Katafray bark extract. Ideal for warm climates.

Refreshing and invigorating, it continuously hydrates the skin while protecting it from shine caused by heat and humidity. Non-oily, it leaves an imperceptible silky veil over the skin.

Application
Apply every morning to the face and neck after thorough cleansing. Encourages lasting make-up hold.

Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid: helps the skin to maintain its moisture level. Katafray bark: restructures the corneal layer, limits dehydration. Sorbier tree bud: stimulates microcirculation. Vitamin E: protects against free radicals. E3P Anti-Pollution Complex: protects skin against the harmful effects of today’s pollution. Pomegranate extract: combats dehydration and tightens pores. Alpine Willow Herb: fights shine.

I always love their range’s blue tube or jar but the revamp version has a brighter blue which is even nicer on the eyes. Oh well at least mine. The jar design has changed as well.

Continue reading

by Fiona
Clarins Review: Skin Care Skin Care - Cleanser

Review: Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Cottonseed

At my first ever purchase from Clarins back in March 2011, I got a few 20ml of Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Cottonseed deluxe sample upon purchase of RM350 and above free gift. Read here.

I only started using it probably a month ago (totally forgot about this hehehe) and I alternate this with Clarins Purifying Cleansing Gel as night cleanser.


The tube design is similar with other Clarins cleanser. It’s huge and heavy on hand.

Continue reading

by Fiona
Clarins Review: Skin Care Skin Care - Pores Concern

Review: Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum

Since my teen days, I have large pores in between my nose and my cheek. The funny this is my parent have darn good skin and I guess my brother inherited the best features from them including the fair and good skin texture (and many more). My skin on the other hand? I would say it resembles my aunt who’s the sister of my dad. For so many years, I tried some products which “claims” to tighten pores but failed. I think I gave up after that and console myself that I’m born with it. Well that was before I found Clarins.

I was introduced to their Pore Minimizing Serum a few months ago but hesitated to purchase a full size bottle due to bad experience previously with other brands. So the kind BA at Metrojaya Mid Valley (she left after that) gave me a 3ml sample to try before purchase (read here). This is why I love Clarins so much! Anyway, the BA said she had the same problem as mine and her pores shrunk after she use 1 bottle. Not everyone have the same result as hers. Some faster, some slower. I think hers and my case are slower due to the overly large pores hahaha.

I was AMAZED with the instant result after just a few day of usage. My foundation just glides on smoothly with less visible pores. So I went back immediately to Clarins counter in Metrojaya Mid Valley to make my purchase! That is the day I met Fennie =). Read my purchase of the Pore Minimizing Serum here. I had just finished the full size bottle which is 30ml and currently I’m using the 15ml from Truly Matte Set which I hauled in June 2011.

Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum 30ml – RM147

The bottle is a heavy green glass bottle with a plastic white cap. The pump is in gold and pumps out the content perfectly. I normally uses 3 pumps for the whole face but enhances more on my cheek, nose and forehead more. I do not apply this using swiping method. I will just pump onto my palm, warm it with both hands and start pressing onto my face using both palms from inner to outer with light tapping. Light, not slapping youself ok?

The content is in green colour. Almost same colour with the green of the bottle.

Info from Clarins website.
Beauty Benefits
For a pretty skin texture! Thi sunique product reduces dilated pores with Alpine Willow Herb, Hibiscus flower acid and Lantana from Madagascar.

An exceptional formula that slows down oil production, reduces the appearance of dilated pores and their changing condition over time to ensure a flawless skin texture. Day after day, the skin is refined, its micro-relief is smoothed and the complexion gains in radiance and a matte aspect.

Application
Apply before your day or night cream where pores are visible. It completes the action of all of the other products in the Truly Matte range but can also be used with other Clarins products when the skin no longer needs to be purified.

Active Ingredients
-Alpine Willow Herb, White Dead Nettle, Wheat proteins : purify and leave skin matte.
-Chrysin: slows down the excessive multiplication of sebocytes.
-Lantana from Madagascar: leaves skin matte.
-Hibiscus flower acid, Glistin: firm.
-Linden: soothes.

Comparison between 30ml (full size) with 15ml (deluxe sample)

Alright. You must be wondering what have this product done to my large pores after finishing one full size bottle. Well, this is the pictures taken just yesterday.

Pros:
1) Control oil secretion and slows down oil reproduction making skin matte.
2) Tighten pores making it less visible at almost instant result.
3) Improves skin texture so it’s advisable to applying to overall face.
4) One full size bottle can last for almost 2 1/2 months with day and night application.

Cons:
1) The pump is too powerful so sometimes the content maybe splashed a bit elsewhere. My case was the mirror lol.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

by Fiona
Clarins Review: Skin Care Skin Care - Whitening

Review: Clarins White Plus HP Whitening Repairing Night Cream

I got this Clarins White Plus HP Whitening Repairing Night Cream 50ml from a friend almost a month ago and I’ve been using this night cream since then. I’m quite happy to get this as coincidently I have some breakout and acne scars normally heal and fade very slowly on my skin. Also I want to prevent pigmentation from happening as not many people know the fact that pigmentation doesn’t stop at night.

Benefits
The essential anti-dark spots care to complement daytime brightening products. The repairing cream the skin needs to ensure soothed, repaired, brighter skin in the morning.

An exceptional cream combining freshness and comfort. Soothes, regenerates and moisturizes the skin. It repairs harm caused by UV rays and daytime stress factors, and slows the production of melanin during the night. Skin is brighter and more radiant in the morning. Thanks to a draining action, the face appears smooth and rested.

Application
Apply cream to the face and neck on dry skin, after thorough cleansing, progressively moving the flat of the hands from the middle of the face to the sides. Then carry out light pressing motions with the hands on the face, to encourage absorption of the cream without stretching skin tissues.

Active Ingredients
Sea lily extract: slows the spread of melanin which causes dark spots. Daisy extract: soothes skin to reduce hyperpigmentation linked to daytimes stress factors. Extracts of alchemilla and raspberry, derivatives of vitamin C and vitamin B8: block the causes of hyperpigmentation.

The jar is a clean, white and heavy huge jar. And all Clarins product is sealed with a shrink wrap on top. This is not exceptional too.

White, huge jar used.

Shrink wrap on top of the cap of all new Clarins products.

Inside there’s another milky white plastic separator between the screw cap and the cream itself. I like how face cream / moisturizer is stored in such way to prevent the cream from sticking to the screw cap and not make it messy.

The cream is so fluffy and light weighted. It spread easily like a serum or moisturizer. This doesn’t feel like a cream at all! The scent is pleasant to ones nose and smell so heavenly. I’m already liking this cream even before putting it on my face!

To maintain the freshness and hygiene of the cream, I use a clean spatula and transfered some cream to a clean jar for everyday use and repeat the process when the small jar is empty.

A big jar like this can last for quite some time. At the beginning I used this generously on my face on the first few days. Then I realise how expensive this is and how waste I am so I use this night cream moderately.

Pros:
1) Nice and pleasant scent.
2) Light weighted.
3) Good whitening cream for and to prevent pigmentation.

Con:
The only thing is the price. It’s retailing at RM240 for 50ml!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

by Fiona

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