The Christmas season is in full swing with parties galore, and a festive outfit calls for great makeup to complete the look. Clarins has been rocking my world with their fall/winter collection and I've rounded up some of my faves for an easy holiday look. Off we go!
STEP 1: Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, $38
The name's a mouthful but wowee is this stuff good. Instant Light is my go-to primer for that glowy OMG-my-skin's-so-healthy look. I love it more than a similar product from Saks that cost me double. I won't name names but that other product is a cult favourite by a super fancy brand -- and dollars to doughnuts this one by Clarins kicks its fancy butt. I use shade 01 rose, but it's also available in 02 Champagne, and 03 Peach (the last two are great for warmer or darker complexions).
To give yours skin a festive glow, smooth 1-2 pumps all over clean, moisturized skin. Follow with your foundation if you use one. But this stuff is so lovely, you may not need to!
STEP 2: Clarins Bronzing Duo Powder Compact, $39
This underrated bronzer will knock your socks off! It provides a beautiful glow without being shimmery, which means it doubles as a contouring palette. I used shade 01 Light.
To play up your features, grab a brush and apply the darker shade to the hollows of your cheeks, along the sides of the nose, and if you've got a square face like me you might also apply some along your jawline. Then grab a bit of the lighter shad and dust it on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and on the cupid's bow of your upper lip.
STEP 3: Clarins 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette, $43
I LOVE THIS PALETTE. These colours are gorgeous, and the aubergine undertones are oh-so-flattering if you have green or hazel eyes like moi. They go on light so you don't have to worry about overdoing it, but are easily buildable for night-time looks. I used shade 02 Rosewood.
For a 5-minute smokey eye, grab a shadow brush and apply the rosy shade second from the left all over your lid. Then grab the greyish-mauve shade on the far right and blend into your crease and along your lower lashes. If you want more oomph, add a bit of the darkest eggplant shade to your crease and blend well. To finish, grab a small brush and apply the lightest shade to the inner corners of your eyes, and along your brow bone. Your eyes will instantly look more open!
STEP 4: Clarins Supra Volume Mascara, $27
Clarins Supra Volume Mascara is like fake lashes in a wand. If you want drama but can't be bothered with the glue and mess of fake lashes (guilty right here), then grab this. I have wimpy, short, fine lashes and this mascara pumps them right up! I use shade 01 Intense Black.
For the fullest lashes, apply an even coat to your top and bottom lashes, then a second coat just on the top. Make sure you work some through your outer lashes to really open the eyes.
Step 5: Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick, $28
If you're rocking a smoky eye, your best bet is to keep the lips neutral. Try a rosy nude like Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in shade 751 Tea Rose. I love this formula because it's creamy, hydrating, pigmented, and super comfortable to wear. Just a quick swipe across the lips and you're done! Or for more staying power, line and fill your lips with a nude lip liner, then apply your lipstick over top.
Et voila! I wore this exact look to the National Arts Centre Gala and loved every minute of it. My makeup stayed in place all night and stayed comfortable.
Where to buy Clarins:
-Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques (online and in-store)
-Nordstrom Ottawa Rideau Centre
-Hudson's Bay (online and in-store)
-Sephora (limited selection)
