One of my main skincare concerns is dehydration. Dehydrated skin is the worst, it makes me look older, makes my fine lines look more pronounced, makes my skin look dull, and worst of all, my skin feels tight, rough and sensitive. So, when the newly repackaged Clarins Hydra-Essentiel range landed at my door a few months ago, just in time for the start of winter, I couldn’t wait to dive in. I have been using this range for a good couple of months now, and the silky cream is on its last few applications, so I think I am more than ready to share my thoughts.
Although my skin type is mostly normal, my skin is dehydrated. Dehydration is a condition that is caused by many factors, a few being; ageing, weather and diet, and can affect all skin types, from dry to oily. Luckily, The Clarins Hydra-Essentiel range takes that into account, and provides “thirst-quenching” textures for all seasons and for all skin types.
Two key ingredients found in the Hydra-Essentiel range are the Leaf of life from Madagascar and the Beautyberry from China.
The leaves of the Leaf of life are able to quickly produce new plants, which symbolises the regeneration properties of this fascinating plant. The succulent plant also remains fleshy and green even in times of extreme drought, and is able to adapt to hydric stress thanks to sponge-like molecules inside the leaves. Studies have shown that the Leaf of life can encourage the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which is the skins hydration molecule, leading to plumper, more hydrated skin. The Beautyberry is a berry filled shrub, that produces bright violet berries. Aside from being a pretty shrub, the Beautyberry is capable of growing in the most hostile soils, and has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Aside from the impressive properties found in the two ingredients mentioned above, the Hydra-Essentiel range also contains the Clarins’ anti-pollution complex, which protects the skin against the harmful effects of pollution.
My favourite product from the range is the *Intensive Bi-Phase Serum, designed for “Thirsty Skin”. It is so refreshing and light but at the same time hydrating. It makes my skin look plumper and healthier and my skin feels refreshed and comforted immediately. The serum also protects the skin’s barrier from daily shocks such as fluctuating temperatures, pollutants and environmental stress.
Pairing the serum with the Silky Cream for normal to dry skin, gives a serious hydration boost without being too rich or greasy. The Silky Cream, is just as described, a luxurious silky cream that melts into the skin giving me plump silky soft skin that smells amazing! My skin looks and feels plump, hydrated, and radiant. Even though the cream and serum are super-hydrating, they work well under makeup, and don’t make everything slide around. I am still using both products, and even though the weather is warming up, they don’t feel too rich or heavy.
Last, but not least we have the Cooling Gel, a perfect partner for dehydrated skin that is more on the oily/combination side. It has a sorbet feel, and instantly melts into the skin with a soft matte finish. This product is so refreshing, thanks to the cooling sensation, just pop it into the fridge for even more of a refreshing feel on those extremely hot days. This gel cream also increased hydration, however I didn’t see as much of an immediate plump radiant effect on my skin. I love the ice-blue colour!
I much prefer the Silky Cream, mostly because of my skin type, but I also like a luxurious feeling cream as opposed to a sorbet gel feel. I passed the Cooling Gel onto my mom, and she is loving the light, cool, refreshing matte feeling.
What do you think of the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel range? You can check out more details on these products, as well as the other products in the range on the Clarins website. I have my eye on the HydraQuench Cream-Mask!
*Press Sample
Great overview and the HydraQuench Mask is fabulous!
Sadly Clarins do not give samples away unless you are a Beauty Blogger or actually purchase their products which often include a range of samples if and when they have a special offer
I haven’t tried the mask yet, but definitely want to give it a try.
I jsut saw these at a Clarins counter yesterday and they got my attention, it’s weird because I had never been drawn to the brand before. I kind of want to get a few samples and see if they work for me 😉
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Yip definitely try some samples and have a try. I am sure you will love it!
Love this range for dehydrated skin, I really rate the hydraquench mask! xx
I haven’t tried the mask, but since it is part of this range I am sure it will be wonderful!
my cousin loves clarins, ill have to recommend this to her.
It is a really lovely well thought out range!
Lovely review! 🙂 xx
Yasmina | The July Journal
Thanks Yasmina!
I haven’t tried this range yet but I think it sounds great for beating winter skin problems! x
It definitely is! SO light but hydrating!
Clarins are defo a fave beauty brand of mine. I always think they get their branding so right. All their bits are so instagrammable. Another great post 😘
Thanks Rosie! Yes, it is a really lovely brand!
This range sounds so lovely! I to find that my skin does get quite dry and dehydrated at this time of year so I will definitely be on the lookout for these!
Mine too! The range is so soothing and hydrating! Especially great for harsh cold dry winters!
Impressive ingredients. I would like to try out the Serum and Silky Cream.
Thank you for the thorough review, Azraa.
Thank YOU for reading Reonette! They are both lovely products!