In this article, we introduce one of our favorite Parisian cosmetic brands: the renowned Clarins, number one high-end beauty company in Europe.
Clarins’s extraordinary adventure began in Paris in 1954 when the masseur Jacques Courtin created a treatment oil to firm the skin. He built up quite a fanbase from his salon in Paris, he counted in his clientele some French celebrities of the time. First sold only in Paris, Clarins became the top-selling luxury skincare in France in the 1980s, and then a world-renowned brand.
Clarins is now distributed in more than 150 countries but, unlike many brands which belong to huge groups, is still a family-owned skincare Company (the sons of Jacques Courtin, Christian and Olivier, are now leading the company. The brand remains faithful to its original philosophy: listening to women to truly understand their needs and developing safe, naturally-derived, highly-effective skincare products. Since its beginning, Clarins has valued social and environmental responsibility (it was the first French brand to stop testing on animals as early as 1987). Its open-air, pollution-free laboratory in the Alps only uses responsible sourcing of ingredients and all the products are Made in France.
Clarins team innovates constantly to reveal and share the power of plants. We have selected several of its bestsellers to give you an overview of the brand's products diversity and efficiency. Even though since the 1990s Clarins also develops make-up lines, in this article we will focus only on it's skincare best sellers.
The most iconic Clarins product is definitely Double Serum. This bestselling anti-aging serum has a dual-chamber system that combines two age-defying formulas into one groundbreaking serum that reactivates the skin’s vital functions (the two-phase formula is inspired by the dual water and oil nature of the skin). Formulated with 21 potent plant extracts, it firms, smoothes, and boosts the radiance of the skin. The serum has a fluid texture and can be used by any skin type.
How to apply Double Serum?
You can first warm the mixture in your hands to bring it to skin temperature and mix both phases. Then distribute the product evenly over your face and neck, and make draining pressure to make the skin absorb better the serum. A small drop is enough for normal to oily skin and warm climates, a power shot is more suitable for dry skin and cold climates.
UV Plus is a fluid anti-Pollution sunscreen with very high sun protection (Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which protects from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and free radicals). This silky, oil-free day screen forms an invisible shield that helps protect skin from the appearance of dark spots and the risk of early skin aging.
How to apply the moisturizing screen?
Shake well before applying, and warm a small amount between your palms. Apply with light pressing motions, working from the center of the face outward. Move down over your chin to neck and décolleté
Clarins Beauty Flash radiance balm brightens, tightens, and eliminates signs of fatigue in a flash. It visibly smoothes fine lines, revives radiance, and helps protect skin from indoor and outdoor pollutants.
How to Apply Beauty Flash Balm?
To perk up tired skin, you can apply a thin layer after cleansing and toning your skin, morning or evening. Do not massage into the skin. But you can also use it as an energizing mask, 2 or 3 times per week: apply a thick layer to clean face, leave on for 10 minutes and remove with a cotton pad soaked with lotion.
"Crème jeunesse des mains" is a luxury lightweight hand cream that nourishes, softens, and helps shield skin from external aggressors, by forming invisible protective gloves. It is formulated with natural plant extracts of Shea butter, Sesame oil, and fortifying Myrrh. The cream suits all skin types and is also very efficient to treat rough, dry skins.
With a non-greasy formula, the cream melts into the skin and leaves hands soft and comfortable.
We already mentioned that Jacques Courtin was a Masseur. As a result, Clarins still has a very good line of massage oils to create an at-home spa with aromatherapeutic treatments. Huile "Tonic" is a body treatment oil made of 100% plant extracts that fights skin's loss of firmness, elasticity, and stretch marks (resulting from pregnancy or weight fluctuations). Its eco-friendly formula, made of an aromatic blend of essential oils and hazelnut oil, makes it usable during pregnancy.
How to Apply Huile Tonic?
2 or 3 times per week, bring the product to skin temperature by warming it between your hands, and gently massage a small amount onto skin with light sweeping motions, starting at the ankles and working your way up. Repeat this smoothing action twice. You can rinse it with cool water.
If you are passing in Paris, enjoy Tax Refund and Clarins products at discounted prices in Parapharmacie Monge. Click here to check our special offer.
Author: O'bon Paris team
Photos: Yuka et Thuy
You can find all Clarins best sellers in:
Parapharmacie Monge Notre Dame
Address : 78 rue Monge, 75005 Paris
Opening Hours: Every day 8:00-21:00