CLARINS

My mission to find a good eye cream began with a sample of Clarins Super Restorative Eye Concentrate. I used to love Sisley's Eye & Lip contour cream - until it was discontinued! I'd heard lots about this one so thought I would give it a try. 

Although it didn't sting (despite the fragrance) and contained probably the most parabens I've ever seen in a skincare product, plus triclosan!! (say what!?) it did suit my eye area and made it look hydrated and firmer. I also didn't experience any milia which I quite often do with eye creams or treatments, so this was a plus. The only reason I wouldn't invest in the full size is entirely down to my wish to avoid excessive chemicals in my products. I do find most of Clarins' formulations to be at complete odds with their brand ethos which is a shame as there's some good products in their portfolio. 


Selena x


~ My HG list ~

(As I've sampled 100s of skin, hair and m/u products over the last decade and a half, I thought it might be useful to share my top 10 must-have products, subject to change if and when I come across something more effective. I love constantly trying out new stuff - usually sample sizes via e-bay, also plenty courtesy of a friend who works at Sephora) 


1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil
2. Lip Balm: 'Nuxe' - Reve De Miel Lip Balm
3. Pigmentation + Anti-Ageing Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Treatment Serum
4. Cleanser: 'Paula's Choice' - Skin Balancing Cleanser
5. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer
6. Lash Growth Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Divinelash
7. Foundation/SPF: ‘Juice Beauty’ - Stem Cellular Repair (warm glow)
8. Foot File/Callus/Heel Treatment - 'Microplane' - Colossal Pedicure Rasp Foot File
9. Moisturizer: ‘Antipodes' - Rejoice Light Day Cream
10. Hand Cream: 'Origins' - Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment

The cream might have given some moisture to my lids, yet it doesn't do much in terms of tightening the skin or brightening the dark circles.

Great moisturizer. Feels great on the skin, kinda balmy. I like using it over harsh retinoids. The skin in the morning is plump and smooth, not much irritation.

This is the serum that managed to turn my dry skin into normal skin again. Love scent, love the texture and most of all love the fact that it absorbs quickly without drying. It really makes my skin feel hydrated. I've been using this religiously for the past 4 months and have never experienced patchy dry skin again ever since. Not too sure on the anti-aging claim, but definitely hydrates and lasts all day.

I'm always looking for a lip product that will leave a lasting stain, if only just to wear under a lipstick or gloss so that there's color left when they fade. I tried this in the red and pink shades and they are not at all easy to work with. As others mentioned the applicator is weird, like an even stiffer version of a nail polish, so it doesn't really hug your lips as you try to apply. The formula itself is odd. Not creamy or oily, just some strangely gelatinous liquid. None of that would bother me if the stain actually looked good. But at least for me, these shades go on very intense and bright so it looks super unnatural. Almost like you took a red or pink magic marker and colored your lips with it. I tried blotting them down a little to get a subtle stain effect but it's really not possible. Every time I reattempt I end up scrubbing it off. I think this is one of the worst lip products I've tried in a long time.