Clarins Festive Make Up Collection

On first sight, the Clarins festive offerings look great (no word on an advent, although they had one last year) but they’re not really living up to expectation, other than the Instant Light Light Lip Comfort.

The Illuminating Sculpting Powder (that’s highlighter to you and me) is in such a pretty case but in swatching, isn’t all that generous in the way it distributes. So many highlighters are now made with such finely milled shimmers or smooth, light reflective cremes that this somehow seems a bit chunky for today’s taste.

It’s £31 and not very special, other than the case. Berry Glam Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil smells of jam (but it’s quite nice!) and is infused with pink and golden twinkles. It’s a lovely distribution of tiny, tiny sparkles through the oil but as the oil wears off (which it does quite quickly) you will be left with just the sparkle. If you don’t like a really strong lip but do like the idea of jazzing your lip look up for parties, it’s perfect, but do remember to top up every now and again.  It’s £19 and good value in my book.

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The Gold Mascara Top Coat, £22, isn’t good to be honest although it really looks as though it’s going to be.  I tried it on Friday (I had a friend over and she tried it too) over black mascara and I just couldn’t get a dramatic enough gold effect. It was hard to see anything at all in fact despite layering over and over.

I’ve also spotted the brand’s gift sets, including this cracker which is a tenner! Don’t even hesitate if you have girlfriends to buy for – there’s the Honey Instant Light Lip Perfecter and a tiny pot of Instant Smooth HERE. I’ll take a closer look at the gift sets nearer the time but this seems fantastic packaging and fantastic inside products and too good not to flag early.