Clarins Hydra-Matte Lotion {Review}

Off the bat, I’ve never used Clarins skincare products before, so this Clarins Hydra-Matte lotion is brand spanking new to me. I don’t know why, but I get very excited about trying new skin care products out! Anybody else?

When you’re an oily/combination skinned gal, I’m sure you know the struggle one faces (pun intended) in Summer. Some days I look like you could literally fry an egg on my forehead. It’s embarrassing and it doesn’t feel great either. So the search is always on to find a product that will assist with some type of oil control. Recently, Woolworths had their Beauty Festival on and on a whim, I wandered over to the Clarins counter. I just need to see the word ‘MATTE’ and I’m kind of sold. I asked to sample it, I liked the way it smelled and felt on my skin, so I purchased it. #EasySell

The Clarins Hydra-Matte lotion is formulated with green algae extracts, linden and alpine willow herb. Alpine willow herb is found in France and grows in glaciers. It is found to slow down the development of the enzyme responsible for production of sebum. The lotion claims to:

• Tightens pores
• Leaves skin looking and feeling matte
• Ensures the T-zone stays shine free
• Restores skin’s natural hydration
• Pollution protection

The product comes in a pastel green glass bottle with a pump for easy product dispensing. I always love a pump on a  product, so I can control how much product I am using. The actual product is off-white and looks like a cream, but when you touch it, it’s almost like a liquid-gel formulation. It immediately sinks into the skin, with no greasy residue. You can immediately feel that your skin feels hydrated and smooth, without that oily sort of feeling.

The lotion is scented, but it honestly smells divine, like a lightly scented Summer perfume. Definitely not overpowering and I don’t smell it on my face at all after I’ve applied it.

I have used this everyday since I purchased it and I must say, so far I am loving it. Under my makeup I find it assists with reducing the appearance of my pores and it definitely controls the oil production where I need it the most. I am keen to try more in this range, as I believe there is a pore minimising lotion as well that specifically targets pores.

The hydra-matte lotion retails for R450 at Woolworths for 50mls. 

While I was there, I finally got to sample the raved about Double Serum. I rubbed some on the back of my hand and then asked the consultant if she had a sample for me. You gals know how I feel about trying products before I buy, as mentioned in THIS post. She happily obliged and I got a little box with 7 day’s worth of little sachets. I think it’s great when a brand is prepared to give you a reasonable amount of time to sample a product. Let’s face it, the serum is not cheap, so the fact that I get to test it for a week is amazing. I will have sufficient time to test it, make sure I don’t react to it and to note the first impressions from using it.

Clarins claims that this is ‘more than just a serum‘, this product is rich in 20 + 1 plant extracts that boosts the skin’s vital functions. This product is targeted at all women, from age 25 upwards, who are looking for a complete product to address their anti-ageing concerns, regardless of their age, skin type or tone. Claims:

• For ALL skin types
• The skin is firmer and wrinkles appear smoother
• The complexion is even and regains its glow
• Pores are less visible
• Dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic

You need to crack the sample in half basically and it will split open. There are two seperate ‘vials’ of serum, so they drip into your hand seperately. I mix it in my hands and dab it onto my face. This serum smells AMAZING and it’s so lightweight, yet so nourishing. I can see why all the local beauty bloggers are raving about this product! I will definitely be picking up a bottle of this when the budget allows.

I’ll obviously do a full review once I’ve got a bottle and I’ve used the product for a few weeks, but for the 8 days I used it, I really enjoyed the product. I can’t say I saw a noticeable difference in my skin, as I don’t really have wrinkles (yet), but my skin does look brighter and more even. Also it feels really hydrated.

Have you used any of these products? Are there any other Clarins products that you love that I need to try?