Clarins | Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection + Suncare

With so many amazing summer collections launched this year, I seriously had an ocean of products to choose from to bring along on my recent holiday, but I had to pare it down to items that A) would travel easily and B) would be able to withstand high temps + major humidity. Enter Clarins and this selection of goodies from their Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection, and my job was made that much simpler (plus how awesome is this transparent makeup bag? Not to mention how perfect for packing everything in).

Previously reviewed from this collection:

Bronzing Powder and Blush

Clarins | Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection

Sun Care Milk-Lotions Spray SPF 20 (CAN $36.00) | If you’re like me and hate sunscreens that take centuries to rub into the skin and which wind up leaving behind a greasy feel, you definitely need to give this Milk-Lotion a try. For starters, it comes with a spray delivery for ease of use, feels totally non-sticky once blended in, and is waterproof as well. One thing to note, however is that it’s only 20 SPF so if you are quite fair or tend to burn easily, I’d say this is definitely NOT for you — but on my skin tone (light-medium & tans easily) coupled with a light base thanks to my recent holiday, then this is an excellent option – just don’t forget to reapply, and frequently please. Also contains Phyto-Sunactyl 2 Complex to help promote a more even and long-lasting tan.

Self-Tanning Milky-Lotion (CAN $37.00) | Forget what you used to know about self-tanners; the latest generation of products has basically eradicated the nasty smell and oompa-loompa orange hue of the past and comes in many options. This newest from Clarins is in a milky lotion that makes it super easy to apply and blend out (with the obvious exception of getting some help to do your upper back. Duh, right?) and has been created with:

Fig Extract – to promote the synthesis of filaggrin, a protein responsible for the production of natural hydrating agents
Aloe Vera Extract – to capture water & boost water retention, enhances your tan
DHA & Erythrulose – two natural sugars to help promote natural-looking results

With its light and fresh fig scent coupled with how quickly this product is absorbed, you’ll never look at self-tanners the same way again – just remember to thoroughly exfoliate first and wash your hands after application. Dry time is really fast too, which means any potential staining is pretty much eliminated.

Waterproof Eyeshadow, limited edition (CAN $24.00) | Where have these eyeshadows been all my life? Seriously, humid weather + oily lids do not make for an easy canvas to work with and I’ve yet to come across any eyeshadow with a long-lasting claim that I didn’t need to use primer first — until now. These shimmery waterproof cream shadows apply and blend relatively easily with either your finger or a brush, although you do need to work quickly (TIP: do one eye at a time to avoid any rapid-dry frustration) because once they set, they are IRON CLAD but surprisingly easy to remove with a dual-phase product just the same.

Note: there are 2 more shades (not shown): 01 Gold Peach and 03 Silver Taupe

02 Golden Sand – metallic bronze/gold
04 Copper Brown – metallic coppery brown

Clarins | Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection, Waterproof Eyeshadow swatches

11 Orange Shimmer Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, limited edition (CAN $20.00) | I’m all about balms & glosses – especially in the summer when my lips get extra parched from the elements. Clarins Lip Perfectors have a cult-fave following for a good reason; they’re travel friendly and have a convenient slant-tip applicator, smell & taste totally yummy (vanilla candy-like), have a lush jelly-like texture with a high shine factor, and keep lips nourished & thoroughly hydrated throughout the wearing and long after all traces are gone.

Two more shades available (not shown): 10 Pink Shimmer and 12 Red Shimmer

Clarins | 11 Orange Shimmer Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (dispenser)

Clarins | 11 Orange Shimmer Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector swatch

Fix’ Make-Up (CAN $30.00) | So you’ve spent time creating the perfect summery makeup look, then along comes the heat and humidity to create total chaos. For those who want to avoid loading up with a face primer first (let’s face it; Summer is all about paring down and I don’t know about you, but the least amount of products I need to put on my face once the hot weather hits, the better), using a setting spray is a much easier alternative. This by now iconic version from Clarins not only works to keep everything in place, but has moisturizing and conditioning agents in the formula, along with the brand’s exclusive anti-pollution complex. Other ingredients include:

Aloe Vera & Allantoin – to immediately moisturize and soothe skin
Grapefruit Extract – to invigorate
Organic Rose Water Scent – to provide an olfactory sense of well-being

Clarins | Fix’ Make-Up

Clarins is a brand that has been around a long time, yet somehow still manages to fly under the radar for most people, usually overshadowed by some of the bigger players in the industry. Something tells me that a new appreciation for this brand is on the upswing because they’ve been totally knocking it out of the park lately in the fields of colour cosmetics, skin care, and even suncare. My thoughts? Do yourself a favour and go play at your nearest Clarins counter because not only are the products, quality, & packaging right up there with higher end brands, but the pricing beats the pants off the rest as well.

Available at The Bay, Sephora and www.clarins.ca