I used to follow a Clarins skin care regime about three years ago. Whilst I liked their face and body care products, their cosmetics never held an appeal to me. However, I read on Paris B's that there is a new foundation coming soon and since I am on an insane foundation spree lately, I just had to go check it out. The Muse had also reviewed it not too long ago and it certainly looked like the kind of foundation I needed in my life.
The product comes in the standard red and white Clarins box and is housed in a frosted glass pump bottle. I like the packaging and find it elegant. The pump dispenser can be opened up so there's no wastage and you can get to every last drop.
This product promises to last throughout the day and I wondered how well it will hold up in our humid, tropical climate. I have tried foundations that were supposed to be long-lasting but they never performed the way they claimed to.
- A perfect complexion: Staying power of 15 hours with a non-transfer formula with High Fidelity System.
- Non-oily, smooth texture that evens tone and enhances complexion.
- Unrivaled radiance: with Clarins exclusive Light-Optimizing Complex. Helps minimize fine lines and small imperfections.
- Optimal and continuous moisturization: plant ingredient that mimics the actions of a micro-patch, extracted from Acacia, acts like a reservoir to help skin stay supple and hydrated.
Verdict :
I am not certain how many shades are available locally but I tested out a few and ended up coming home with 101 Alabaster. I don't see the shade on the Clarins website, so perhaps it's only available in Asia. I find the colouring system at Clarins a tad bit on the warm side and I normally need something more neutral, which 101 was. I had also tested out 103 Ivory and 104 Cream. I can probably pull off 103 if 101 runs out but 104 was a little darker and yellow on me. Nowadays, I just go for the lightest foundation shades available and they usually suit me better after blending in.
This foundation definitely lives up to its name and it lasts quite a while before having to blot or touch up. I didn't see if it would go past the 15th hour mark but I'm pretty sure it will. The coverage is light when applied with a duo fiber stippling brush such as the MAC 187 but is buildable to medium or full. It goes on rather lightweight and has a slight creamy consistency that dries down quickly. I only need one pump to cover my entire face. It has a fruity melon scent that doesn't bother me as it dissipates after a couple of minutes. All in all, I am very pleased with this foundation mostly because of its endurance.
Okay... don't be alarmed but this is my bare face. As you can see, it's splotchy, bumpy and red.
After applying Clarins Everlasting Foundation SPF15 and setting with a loose powder. Most of the redness, bumps and spots are covered! I don't normally use blush because my face is red enough.
The foundation held up very well even after 12 hours. I touched up with a light dusting of MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural a couple of hours prior to taking the below pic.
Availability :
Clarins Everlasting Foundation should be available at most Clarins boutiques and counters. I say "should be" because at the time of purchase (16th April), the stock had just arrived. I bought mine at the boutique store in Sunway Pyramid and it retails at RM125 each.
note : the tungsten lighting in my room is quite flattering and you cannot really notice the bumps, dots and flaky skin but they are there.
