In January, I got to visit the Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto to learn more about the ClarinsHydra-Essentiel range. It was a good time to be chatting skincare because in addition to hyperpimentation (due to leftover acne and poor skincare habits in my younger years!), dehydrated skin is something I struggle a lot with.
Right now, I’m really into using targeted skincare from The Ordinary and the acids I’ve been using have been leaving my skin feeling very dry and tight throughout the day. I have my good days when I remember to drink even more water, and to use all of my serum / moisturizer / face masks to help lessen the impact of the acids. But life often has its own agenda and I end up missing my hydrating skincare routine! This is when I need the heavy-lifters to come in and help me get my skin back to shape!
What’s new with the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel range?
The new ClarinsHydra-Essentiel range offers two products: a moisturizer (available in 3 different formulas for different skin types) and a serum. It’s also worthwhile noting that this new range is replacing the existing HydraQuench range. The old HydraQuench range offered a face mask so I was surprised that it didn’t make the cut!
Did you know… that your skin is exposed to as many as 17 thermal shocks (temperature changes) throughout the day? This is in addition to the pollution, stress, and aggressors that our skin is exposed to!
The idea behind the ClarinsHydra-Essentiel formula is to refuel the skin’s natural hydration workers. This means that the skin regains its natural capacity to hold water and stay hydrated longer. The inspiration and key ingredient behind this updated range is the organic leaf of life (Bryophyllum pinnatum) sourced all the way from Madagascar. The formula also incorporates the latest generation of Clarins’ anti-pollution complex which further protects the skin from free radicals and aggressors!
The Clarins difference has always been in their inclusion of plant extracts which I love! As soon as you apply any Clarins products, you can really feel the difference and it’s very telling how much research has gone into it!
The Moisturizer: Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream
The ClarinsHydra-Essentiel Silky Cream ($46, available here) comes in a 50ml jar that is very similar to the Clarins Multi-Active Skincare range. The cream that I have is the normal-dry formula (there are 3 available) which I had assumed would be very creamy and thick. To my surprise, this cream has a lightweight gel-creme texture that sinks into the skin very quickly.
It has a pleasant light scent similar to the old HydraQuench range and the nourishing effect is instantaneous. You can really feel the cream sink into your skin without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin. The formula is lightweight enough that you can still apply a face oil or any other finishing touches without making your skin feel heavy. I love wearing this in the morning as it keeps my skin from feeling tight after the acid treatment from the night before.
The Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream is available for very dry skin (rich cream), normal-dry skin (silky cream), and normal-combination (cooling gel).
The Serum: Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum
The ClarinsHydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum ($56, available here) comes in a 30ml bottle with a lipid top layer that you’ll want to shake before using. The dual-layer formula is refreshing and immediately sinks into the skin creating a comfortable sensation that immediately takes care any feeling of tightness on the skin. There is no greasiness from the lipid which I had assumed would be there when I heard about the top layer. There is a light fragrance though it dissipates quickly. As with other Clarins products, the scent is not too strong to irritate the skin and I haven’t had any issues with other Clarins products.
One of the things I’ve learned from Leslie, the Clarins Canada trainer, is that you should apply your serum from your nose area and outwards. This is the Clarins technique which actually involves pressing the serum gently into the skin (rather than patting). It’s a technique that I’ve been trying to incorporate into my routine!
What do you think of the new Clarins Hydra-Essentiel range?