Review | Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation SPF 15

New from Clarins is Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation SPF 15 (30 ml/S$65), a liquid foundation with anti-ageing properties. I’ve used it several times and like its feel and finish.

Here are some of the ingredients in this foundation and their benefits, according to Clarins Singapore:

• Greater plantain extract: firming action.
• Oat sugars: natural skin-tightening ingredient.
• “Light Optimizing+” Complex: minimizes wrinkles and fine lines, gives unrivalled radiance.
• Plant micro-patch: acts like a plant-based microfilm to prevent dehydration.
• Triple anti-UV, anti-free radical and anti-pollution protection.

With these ingredients, this foundation aims to minimise wrinkles and fine lines and impart radiance to the complexion. As its name indicates, it also promises to give a firming effect.

The Pros

• It feels good on the skin

Smooth and almost soothing to the touch, this creamy liquid feels cool and comfortable on my skin. Its texture – a fine balance between cream and liquid – makes applying this a pleasure.

• It is emollient enough to blend; there is no skipping or cakiness

The second swatch shows how easily it spreads with a foundation brush. I like its glide and how effortlessly it blends for a seamless finish. The firming sensation isn’t obvious but my features do look more sculpted, probably thanks to the smoothness of this foundation and the way it evens out my skintone.

• It has good coverage

Despite its creaminess, it can be sheered out or built upon for increased coverage.

• It lasts

This foundation impressed me with its lasting power. I tried it a few times with a minimal dusting of powder and it lasted admirably.

• It is contained in a hygienic pump bottle

Always a plus in my books! The cap has an indent for grip and the letter ‘C’ (for Clarins ;)) embossed into it is a piece of classy detailing that I appreciate.

• It has a pleasant baby powder scent

I really like its comforting baby powder scent, which was a happy surprise. Again, proof that Clarins does good scents in its products. According to the company, the origins of their fragrances are natural; i.e. they come from the natural ingredients that are in their products.

The Cons

• The SPF value could be higher

Apparently, its sun protection is enabled by 100% micronised mineral filters suitable for all skin types. While this sounds good, I am fond of high SPF values in my base products and wish that this contains more sun protection, to eliminate the need to use a separate sunscreen.

• The shades could be a little more Asian-specific

In Singapore, this foundation comes in five shades: 103 Ivory, 104 Cream, 105 Nude, 108 Sand, 110 Honey. I’ve found the two shades that were sent to me to try (Cream and Honey) could’ve been just a tad more yellow to suit Asian skintones. Nonetheless, a little blending here and a little powder-layering there would easily adjust the shades.

A light dusting of Clarins Hydra-Luminous Powder Foundation SPF20 PA++ sets the foundation and helps it last even longer.

The first photo shows the foundation somewhat fresh, an hour or so after application; while the second was taken 8 hours later. I believe I only blotted my face once in the course of the day. As you can tell from the second photo, my nose and chin look slightly shiny. It’s still a fairly dewy look, so I’d say this foundation’s lasting power is pretty impressive!