Clarins • extra firming foundation • Foundations

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Artylady on 3/13/2013 11:48:00 AM more reviews by Artylady

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this for some time now. My only complaint is that it comes in that expensive glass bottle - hence the 4 star ratings - with a pump that makes it hard to get the last bit out. I say last bit, but it's probably at least two weeks' worth of product that gets wasted. Being thrifty (or stingy depending on your point of view) I take the pump out and use my finger to get it off the tube, which is probably not very hygienic and a bit of a messy fiddle. However - the foundation does give smooth coverage, covers pores quite well, and only a small amount is needed. It gives a natural effect but evens skin tone well, softens lines and generally looks good! I use the colour called 'sand' which replaced my previous one called 'shell' and is almost identical. There are 10 shades but none are for very dark skin. From Clarins there's a fairly hefty price tag of about £30, but (whispers guiltily) it's often much cheaper online, and there are sample sachets available to test the colour yourself at home for a week or two.

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Eva5 on 1/25/2013 7:08:00 PM more reviews by Eva5

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I have tried a very large number of foundations across the whole price spectrum. I suffer from cosmetic acne. As my skin is sensitized to so many ingredients I struggle to find something that doesn't lead to problems.The main culprits for me I have discovered are the products containing coconut derived ingredients. I suspect this is the problem for a lot of people but they just don't know it yet. I won't go into my research here but I don't buy anything now without reading ingredient lists. Sales Assistants regard me as an oddity for taking such an interest and don't understand but hey. I think they just think I am some weird academic researcher- which funnily enough!....
My point is this:
- Coverage is a good medium. Will cover imperfections and pores. I apply makeup using a magnifying mirror and when I compare the coverage with other foundations it looks the most natural on skin.
- The finish is consistently beautiful and goes on easily. It is a light cream and will not look cakey (Ive no idea how this works on dry skin though). I don't know about lifting. It doesn't feel tightening. Just radiant.
-I don't have time to touch up in a working day and this stays on all day and still looks good even after a drink after work (12 hours all told).
-I have difficulty matching colours as everything looks pink on me.The colour (Honey) is perfect. In this formula Honey is a soft true golden beige and stays that way.
- *It most definitely does not cause break outs for people with skin sensitive to coconut derivative products*. I have used this for about 5 months now with no issues brought about by this product.
- Some may not like the fragrance. It is light, floral, pretty and dissipates on application. It is by no means overpowering.
-It can get a sheen later in the day but its ok. It depends what you use underneath. eg. a zinc based matt sunscreen will not lead to shine. A glossy moisturiser probably will. I do get shiny with everything else but this compares well in the shine stakes.
I dust over with bronzer from Bobbi Brown Golden Lights and it works well for me I like a satiny- velvet finish. In summer I use the Clarins fix spray if its hot but this does give me too much shine for my taste, but then I use a matt bronze powder. .
- It is pricey £28.00 in Boots but thats whatcha points are for.
I have done a rare thing for me and not only finished the first bottle but repurchased before I ran out. It lasts well too. It is the one I have been looking for. So they will probably discontinue it now!! I am finally completely happy with a foundation. Hallelujah!

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*TOP REVIEWER* ivanabacowboy on 1/1/2013 10:49:00 AM more reviews by ivanabacowboy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted to love this foundation-really I did. I had 2 weeks worth of samples to convince me. But alas, not meant to be.


What I absolutely loved-the texture and feel of this foundation going on! Smooth and airy, just absolutely amazing-it has to be the best texture I have found in a foundation. The initial finish was also amazing and nearly perfect for a heavier (they say medium) satin finish foundation. I used shade 109 (Wheat) - a hair light but workable on my NW25-30ish skin. (I also have reviewed Clarins Everlasting Compact Foundation in this shade - which ironically for dry skin, I liked more in the end than this product.)


However, that is where what I loved stops. In no short order this became a splotchy mess on me. With primer or without primer. With moisturizer or without. I just could not work with this. I was so disappointed! My dry skin did not like this at all.


If you are looking for a heavier coverage with a wonderful feel and finish but have a bit more normal or slightly oily skin, this may be the foundation of your dreams. But not mine sadly enough.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Boxerface on 12/16/2012 7:16:00 PM more reviews by Boxerface

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This is a great foundation.


Let me start with the PROs...
- no breakouts on my sensitive skin
- light enough shade (I used Bone ELDW, NC20 in Mac)I bought shade Cream 104 (I think 107 is a better match now weeks later)
- pump dispenser is fantastic
- you get more for your dollar. The price is $36 for 1.5 fl oz but for ELDW you pay $36 for only 1.0 fl oz.
- gives a dewy glow kind of finish. Not matte and not flat. It covers nicely with a creamy finish that feels soft to the skin.
-covers my mild roseaca well but did not cover acne at all. Any oily spots, I needed a concealor.



CONs.
-i do not like the heavy baby powdered scent. Think Love's Baby soft perfume from the early 80. The cloying scent can drive you to distraction. It does not fade, but you do start to ignore the scent as you go about your day.
-I wish this would last as long as EL Doublewear. Be aware that ELDW gives off a matte finish which perhaps is why is lasts longer. Clarins gives off a dewy more natural glow kind of appearance.
-Does not last very long. I can put this on my face at 6am and it is starting to fade by noon time.
-I tried this for almost a month. I did not see it effecting my skin tone, texture, elasticity or wrinkles. NOthing. NAda, NOpe ... Did it firm? Not at all.


Dry Sensitive Over 40?

You might love this. Because it is not a matte finish it will not emphasize your wrinkles and blends nicely into your skin. Under 30 super oily acne prone???? You might find this makeup to rich, creamy and possibly breakout prone.



MAC studio sculpt is so similar to Calrins Extra Firming. The only difference is the scent. And maybe ingredients. MAC SS has the same creamy feeling and gives off the same kind of dewy glow. MAC is cheaper but MAC has been known to break some people out. Both did not last more than a few hours.




Will I buy this again? I am torn. Yes but this is not my HG. If it would last a bit longer than 4 hours I would definitely buy this again . For now I am still on my quest for foundation that feels likes this, smells nicer and lasts longer.

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VioletDesire on 11/25/2012 5:27:00 AM more reviews by VioletDesire

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This may well be my HG foundation. I've been using mineral makeup for years (BE) and like it as it covers all my redness, but it used to look amazing, now not so much. I'm presuming as my skin has got drier over the years (I'm 41) and I've changed moisturisers, that the extra oils in them don't react well to the powder. Anyway, I fancied a change and went back to liquid foundation. I'm a Fairly light/Light mix in BE. The rather orange toned SA insisted that I'm a 108 Sand like her..... I'm not so sure. However, it doesn't leave a line or look orange on me at all. I just have (almost) perfect looking skin all day long. Covers redness and blends into fine lines (I don't have many luckily). How I use it is put a small blob of beauty flash balm on my hand and a small pump of foundation. Mix the two together and pat onto my skin. I wonder as winter goes on whether it will turn out to be too dark, but mixed with BFB it's perfect! It does lose some colour over the course of the day as others have mentioned, but it's not a problem.

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aldrinmoore on 2/15/2012 11:17:00 AM more reviews by aldrinmoore

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I STUMBLED ACROSS THIS ON THE INTERNET, I WAS USING CLARINS SKIN ILLUSION BUT JUST WASN'T 100% HAPPY WITH IT, HOWEVER IT IS STILL A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR ME.I DID LIKE THIS EXTRA FIRMING ONE UNTIL I WORE IT FOR A FEW DAYS. .THIS FOUNDATION IS TOO THICK & DEWY FOR ME IT DOES FEEL LIKE ITS TIGHTNING MY SKIN BUT I THINK ITS BECAUSE ITS THICK IT GIVES THAT FEELING..I COULDN'T WEAR THIS IN THE SUMMER AS AGAIN FEELS TOO THICK AND TOO DEWY.I WON'T BE RE-PURCHASING

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BrittanyNP on 9/18/2011 9:40:00 AM more reviews by BrittanyNP

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

I love this foundation. For reference, I'm an NW15 (very light and cool toned) with dry skin due to Retin A use (for wrinkles). I have used Dior, Guerlain, Chanel, Estee, Lancome, and Clinic foundations, and this is my favorite. It is the ONLY ONE that does not oxidize and turn yellow on me. Great coverage, layers well. Brightens my face; you see a fresh, smooth, natural looking finish (not cakey). A light dusting with powder will help it last longer through the day. Perfect for me in shade Pale Ivory 02.

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ravasquez11 on 6/17/2011 3:59:00 PM more reviews by ravasquez11

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Great foundation! I use the color Wheat and I love it. It matches well, coverage can be light or thick depending on preference. Smells great, very hypoallergenic, and has an SPF of 15 too! I don't even look like I'm wearing makeup when I use this foundation, it just gives my face a flawless finish.

However, if you have dark skin you might want to look elsewhere since this line tends to only make shades for fair-medium skin tones.

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*TOP REVIEWER* glitteradi on 6/17/2011 4:35:00 AM more reviews by glitteradi

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I received a sample of this product. I have normal skin, with no dryness nor greasiness, I have few lines on my forehead that are not too deep. I have previously found that thinner foundations look better on my skin and thicker foundations seem to age me. I am currently using Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation and I am very happy with it. Clarins Extra Firming foundation is too thick for me and it feels heavy on the skin and looks too much like a mask making the skin to loose its natural glow. This foundation covers really well for a liquid foundation, just like MAC Studio Finish liquid foundation and Diorskin Forever. But compared to Dior and MAC foundations this one has even heavier texture and it feels more greasy. This one is guite similarly thick as Clinique Dewy Smooth Anti Ageing foundation. I really do not understand how these thick textures are going to make anyone look younger. Thats false marketing. My mother says also that thicker foundations only make her look older while she is glowing in tinted moisturizers.

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MajaInNorway on 3/9/2011 4:57:00 AM more reviews by MajaInNorway

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I love this fondation for my combination skintype. If I have some brakeout`s I use everlasting fondation on the spots. But this fondation goes well on rest of the face. Very natrual finish. Perfect in the winter

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t2000 on 2/14/2011 8:02:00 AM more reviews by t2000

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I love it, it moisturize. doesn't look like a mask. I put it with my fingers one pump.

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vivakauldren on 12/30/2010 1:49:00 PM more reviews by vivakauldren

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

i am quite disappointed with this product.
it gives a great first impression on my skin, it covers well, colour matches my pale skin, no smudging into lines, no dry spots.
but after a while it gets greyish, the cover seems to vanish.
this doesn`t get any better with a primer under or powder over it. after 30 min or so, my skin starts to look grey and dull.

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*TOP REVIEWER* redheadjane on 12/29/2010 9:31:00 PM more reviews by redheadjane

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This was a kind of a disappointment for me as I love Clarins in general. Their products are well researched and formulated and generally one of the few High end lines that often delivers what I want from skincare. So I decided to try this foundation. I'm 38 combo skin a little dry in the winter. I wanted something somewhat moisturizing for the winter months. I typically like Long wearing foundations and quite honestly probably

should have went with their everlasting instead but I was afraid it would be too drying and show all my well earned fine lines around my eyes.

#1 Clarins Foundation colors are odd. And I'm not just talking for this particular one but all of them are either very pink or too yellow. I really need a neutral color because I often get red and pinky in the winter and need the neutral to look normal. Yellow based foundations are ok, but these were Too yellow, very similar to MAC foundations. The SA, who was extremely nice and attentive first matched me in Toffee. Way too dark/Orange. I'm really More Fair colored than medium and sometimes I'm very fair if my skin is in the right condition. I match to either Buff #2 or Ivorie 4 in Lancome, to give you a basis on color. So I brought back the toffee and got the #109 Wheat. Hmm...still too dark, strange orange undertones. I also found that after wearing this for about 4 hours that I actually started to look kind of tired and old. Maybe it was the color, I don;t know. But back it went. I'm going to have to stick with Lancome Teint Idole as my long wearing foundation for the meantime. Which is actually too drying in the winter for me, Still searching for that one.

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*TOP REVIEWER* onitacy on 12/20/2010 8:40:00 PM more reviews by onitacy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I usually wear warm sand in BB as that is a perfect match but I have to say, 104 comes awfully close it. The texture is buttery soft and leaves a semi-satin finish (which I prefer). It lasts all day with no touchups and doesn't dry out my skin like other foundations. I especially like that the sunscreen is a physical one (titanium dioxide) instead of a blend or just chemical. For me, there is more evidence on the benefits of using a physical vs chemical sunscreen so that's a big purchasing factor. Price was reasonable for a department store brand/35. Color selection leans on the pink side but a few are neutral or yellow based, like 104 - more neutral. This overrules my Revlon PhotoFinish and will repurchase until something comes along to replace it.

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suni5899 on 6/7/2009 6:31:00 PM more reviews by suni5899

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This may very well be my HG foundation? I have been switching foundations faster than a teenager goes through crushes lately and nothing has worked but I have narrowed it down to 2!! This one is definitely incredible. I had tried it years ago and didn't like it but now that I am getting older *sob* it seems to work!
It goes on smoothly, lasted through a 12 hour night shift, and didn't settle into lines. It is great for my dehydrated blotchy skin!
I took one off for the baby powdery smell but it isn't totally offensive - just weird. :)
for the record - the other foundation is the Korres Wildrose Foundation - also fantastic!

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skovshovedvej on 8/21/2007 4:18:00 PM more reviews by skovshovedvej

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

This product is really the answer to all my needs.
Having very dark, dry, fine lined and thin-skinned undereye area I have gone through a larger number of concealer products. They usually look fine for the first couple of hours, and then they start to disappear or settle deep into lines. Reapplication will only make matters worse.
Using this foundation I no longer need a separat concealer. I apply the foundation with a foundation brush on my whole face apart from the eye area. Here I use the BE max coverage concealer brush.
I use two shades of the foundation. The lightest on the undereye, lid and temple. On the rest of the face I use a mix of the two shades. I can adjust shades to work for me year round.
I top off with Shiseido Luminizing Brush Powder ( #2 Beige Shimmer) with at light hand, and my skin looks radiant. I never need to reapply or even touch up.

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Energize on 2/14/2007 4:17:00 PM more reviews by Energize

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I liked the feel of this foundation. It went on well with a sponge and looked good for several hours.

The range of shades is too dark and too pink for me. I need a yellow undertone (I am very pale and have coppery red haired).

Yet another waste of money.

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sita12 on 9/4/2006 9:01:00 AM more reviews by sita12

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

i love it for its great luminous coverage- it lasts through the dayu and 07 is a great shade for olive skins any day.

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lepoops on 2/6/2006 6:58:00 AM more reviews by lepoops

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

Great foundation for me. Shade matched my skin tone. Good coverage especially in Winter. Smell like baby products, which was nice. On the strength of this I am a Clarins convert!

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*TOP REVIEWER* hounddog1 on 1/17/2006 2:24:00 PM more reviews by hounddog1

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

First of all the shade selection is too poor for my pale skin. Here in Europe the lightest shade is 03. I am also 25 now and I did not buy this wishing firming effect either. I bought this product because usually products that are being marketed towards older women are also often more oily and moisturiszing. So I was actually hoping to get something that my dry skin would get along with and that would protect my skin. Well Chanel Vitalumiere Fluide is my Hg but I dont want to use it all the time because I am afraid my skin gets allergic. This is not the worst foundation but I feel this is really thick and yet not quite a moisturizing. In fact I feel this is even a little bit on the dry side. Just like it would contain powder or something. I will use this up but I am mixing it to my Revlon Age Defying foundation in Ivory, which is too light for me to be used alone. Well I quess I still look a bit cakey but Ill use them up.

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