CLARINS INSTANT GLOW SPRING 2016
CLARINS INSTANT GLOW SPRING 2016
As spring is well and truly here [evident in the severe case of April showers I endured on my commute this morning], I thought it only fitting to debrief on my favourite of the latest slew of spring makeup collections. First up, Clarins, a brand whose seasonal collections never fail to delight. Instant Glow is less a premature adaptation of high-fashion summer beauty trends [as so many spring collections tend to be], and more an offering of transitional beauty products - dictated by the needs of everyday women, rather than catwalk diktat. Designed to restore a fresh and radiant [but inherently natural] glow to dull post-winter skin; the wearable, flattering shades will assimilate seamlessly within your routine, as suitable for workwear as they are for weekend antics.
For eyes, a palette sure to delight; the Natural Glow 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palette* is a capsule collection of universally flattering nude hues. A perfectly curated selection of matte, satin, and shimmer shades ranging from light beige through to a dark charcoal brown; in short, everything you could possibly need to create a subtle take on an iridescent smokey eye. As always with Clarins, the formulas are delightfully light and buttery, allowing for effortless blending. I'd hugely commend this palette to anyone new to the world of eyeshadow, not least for its ease of use, but for the fact that it affords all the requirements of a beginner's eyeshadow kit.
For those who prefer their eyeshadows of the single-shot variety [palettes are pretty, and perfect for beginners, but sometimes all you need is a single colour to boot your look into the season ahead], the brand have released four new shades of their ever popular Ombré Iridescent cream-to-powder eyeshadows; the silkiest, most blendable formulas you'll find, and again, completely foolproof. If you like your eye makeup soft, subtle, and neutral Ombré Iridescent in Silver Ivory* is perfect for a sheer wash of pearlescent colour.
Nothing has a more instantly transformative effect than blush, and nothing says spring freshness quite like a flush of colour to the cheeks. A case in point, the new Multi-Blush in Rose* is the perfect candidate for creating a healthy rosy glow. Cream blushes are not only a delight to apply [simply dot on with your fingertips then blend] but by far the easiest way to subtly sculpt and perk up the cheeks with minimal effort required.
As for your lips, the collection has you well served, the Rouge Eclat Age-Defying Lipsticks [shown in Pink Blossom]* - a lip product with a difference - light and comfy on the lips, but with a rich, dense texture that simultaneously saturates the lips with colour and hydration; lasting every bit as long and bright as a matte pigment, but with the sheer, weightless texture of a balm.
The Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors [shown in Plum Shimmer]* [a Clarins staple] offer a high-gloss finish with a subtle hint of colour - making them perfect for layering over lipstick to plump and enhance lips. The formula is a delight to wear if you're typically wary of glosses - zero stickiness, zero girliness, just chic, grownup allure.
Separate to the collection, but a new spring addition from the brand that deserves a mention, the Joli Rouge Brillant Lipsticks [shown in Raspberry, Watermelon, and Tea Rose]* are a high-shine takes on the brand's bestselling Joli Rouge Lipsticks. Combining the best of colour and texture, the formula is loaded with pigment alongside a Shine Booster complex that reflects light for a plumped-up effect. What's more, the lipsticks do double-duty as hydrators [you can always count on Clarins to deliver on the skincare front] - mango oil and samphire extract boost moisture levels, and keep lips soft, supple, and nourished throughout wear. As for colour, Tea Rose is foolproof an super flattering on all skins and ages, Raspberry is the perfect pink for those who are scared of anything too bright, and Watermelon is a vibrant, cheerful coral that looks beautiful against all skintones.
Follow 'that-gracegirl' on Snapchat for IRL beauty, blog, and life updates.
