When it comes to the Spring/Summer seasons, it’s vital to be wearing the right kind of makeup, if any at all. I am lucky enough to have a normal skin type with little issues and tend to wear light makeup more often than a heavier finish. I’m also a fan of the subtle & natural look, which is exactly what the Clarins Spring 2017 Collection is all about. Earlier this year, I attended the launch event (January 26) to discover all the newbies from the Parisian brand’s latest lineup.

Shaping Facial Lift Serum – When it comes to a new serum, I’m always curious. And this serum promises to create a perfect V-shaped contour from every angle in just 4 weeks of use! It features three powerful plant extracts; baccharin, horse chestnut & blue button flower, to define contours, reduce puffiness and trapped fat. A subtle scented serum that you’ll only need one pump per application, Clarins also recommends to use their 2-minute Manual Auto-Lifting Method for maximum lift. Available at €57

Hydra-Essentiel Cream Normal to Dry – This moisturizer is part of the newest line by Clarins, promising essential hydration, as its name suggests. An airy texture that glides and blends into the skin with such ease, it provides and helps the skin regain its natural capacity to retain water. So far I’m loving this product, as it truly does moisturizes my skin with noticeable freshness and radiance. And similar to the serum, only a small amount is needed to apply to the whole face. This cream is also available for normal to dry skin with SPF 15, for very dry skin, as a matching cooling gel, bi-phase serum and a milky lotion. What I also love about this product and this range, is that it uses organic leaf of life, a plant indigenous to Madagascar – my second home country! Available at €45

Mission Perfection Eyes SPF 15 – It’s always great to have a concealer in your beauty bag, and this new eye contour treatment is perfect for any lady or gent with dark under eye circles. It tackles both the blue- and brown-tinted ones, with its ‘3 actions’. The first focuses on which type of dark circle you may have; the horse chestnut aescin diminishes blue related to blood pigmentation, while the acerola extract is combined with vitamin C to reduce the overproduction of melanin pigments of brown circles by blocking cellular messengers that cause pigment disorders. The second promises immediate action with its light particles, a very subtle shimmer and ‘High-Lumitech’ complex to brighten the under eye areas. The third action features an SPF 15 to protect the areas from harmful effects of UV rays and pollution. I’ve definitely noticed a difference, and I do suffer from dark circles so this is a little beaut for me! Available at €42

Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation – I’m a big fan of liquid foundation but had never tried other types before. This powder foundation had me very curious, as it promises a light-reflecting, ultra-fine and silky complexion that lights up with renewed radiance. For a matte makeup finish and a barely there effect, this foundation is long-lasting with white tea & pink algae extracts and notes of mimosa & cucumber. So far, I’m really liking this product and enjoying how light its finish is. Available at €38

Pore Perfecting Matifying Foundation – Don’t you love when a new collection releases different types of foundations! This semi-liquid foundation is rather unique to the beauty market, featuring acacia gum and red clay within its formula, the latter of which blends into the product for a beautiful pigmented finish. Furthermore, it’s also light and leaves an airy matte complexion, diminishing any shiny areas while also hydrating the skin. I’m impressed at how little I’ve used on the face for full coverage, that looks barely there but with a healthy glow. Available at €34

Contour Palette – A new palette for the brand, this contour palette does everything it says on the tin, with an added bonus of a sculpted brush. This palette features three shades for the perfect contouring finish, that’s easy to apply and made with plant extracts, you’ll be able to illuminate, sculpt and enhance within minutes. Available at €45

Iridescent Eyeshadow – Because who doesn’t want an iridescent eyeshadow?! These little pots of shimmery goodness that are actually a combo product, with a ‘cream to powder’ finish. It applies as smoothly as a cream shadow, then adds a pearly sheen of iridescent shimmer atop. Made with bamboo powder, jojoba and musk rose, it creates a long-lasting effect that’s perfect for day & night, and office to bar! Available at €22.50

4 Colour Eyeshadow Palette Smokey – Always handy to have, the new four-colour palette is available in matte, satin or pearl-finish shades giving you quite the option. Giving you multiple hades for creating a perfect eyeshadow look, this palette also gives you the choice to create a dramatic wet look as they eyeshadows are great when mixed with a drop of water, or dry for the more natural, classic finish. Long-lasting, well pigmented and easy to apply. Available at €43

4 Colour Make Up Pencil – An extremely innovative and one-of-a-kind product, the Irish (and British) nation will be delighted with how nostalgic this creation is. This Limited Edition stylo features four products in one; three eyeliners (intense black, indigo blue & brown) and one lip liner (universal nude). Not only is this product very compact and clever, but it also is made with sunflower, jojoba and black acacia wax that provides comfort to the eyelids and lips. I’m still getting used to using this product, however I’m loving how it brings me back to my school days with those ‘click & release’ functions. Brilliant! Available at €36

Joli Rouge Brilliant in 31 Tender Nude – As you know, I love lipstick! As one of my three fashion obsessions, I’m always happy to add a new lipstick to my collection and this newbie is definitely a new favourite of mine. It promises intense moisture with a subtle shine and sheer finish, hydrating the lips for up to 6 hours. Made with organic samphire (salicornia) extract and mango oil, this combination gives your lips a caring soft, plumping and nourishing finish while also providing great colour. I’ve found that it does indeed keep my lips hydrated and the pigmentation of my shade is enough to showcase the lipstick without overpowering my overall look. Available at €23

Clarins is available in Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Debenhams, Boots stores & select pharmacies nationwide and online via Millies.ie

Nirina xx

Images © Clarins, Nirina Plunkett

*Note: I did receive these products from PR companies, however this opinion is 100% my own.