Eyewitnesses report seeing double rainbows all the way across the sky at the Clarins counter this spring, as a new line of “so intense” lipsticks in bright, fun shades arrived, much to the delight of color lovers (and guys/gals who like rainbows).
If you haven’t tried the new Rouge Éclat lipsticks yet, hint-hint, swing by your nearest Clarins counter when you can, and try Tropical Pink, because in a word (a fake word), ah-MAY-zer-ing!
It and the other opaque, smooth, moisturizing colors in the line do for lips what puppies, kittens and rainbows do for my heart (good things).
And perhaps to offset some of that lipstick intensity, Clarins couples the look this spring with soft, almost bare cheeks, courtesy of the new limited edition $35 Rouge Éclat Face & Blush Palette.
Isn’t it cute? At first I thought the design on the pan was a hibiscus, but now I think it’s an iris flower, which would make sense, as irises feature either prominently or thematically throughout the spring collection (have you seen the Iris Blossom Eye Quarted Mineral Palette?).
Um…doesn’t the Face & Blush Palette look a lot like a bronzer?
Ooh, gurl! — you know how I am about bronzer! 🙂
FAKE ANNOUNCEMENT: Meet other like-minded bronzer lovers (feline and human), discuss the pans you’ve hit, and snack on chocolate-chip cookies and lemonade (gravy available) at the MBB Bronzers Anonymous Club. Meetings every Wednesday night at the Tabs the Cat Community Center, 6-10 p.m. Cats and human walk-ins welcome.
You can wear the Face & Blush Palette as a blush, bronzer, highlighter or as an all-over face powder, depending on your skin tone and the effect you’re looking for. Clarins gave it a matte finish and designed the semi-sheer, pinkish tan powder for skin tones from light to dark.
For the most part, I wear it as a blush, buffing one or two layers on my cheeks. I particularly love the way it looks on bare skin, but I’ll also wear it atop a small amount of BB cream or tinted moisturizer, where it creates a great, girl-next-door vibe that I like for minimal makeup looks.
I do feel like my cheeks look brighter and more refreshed with it on, but that’s not even my favorite thing about it.
I love the subtle effect, and how the look is soft, but doesn’t fade into the background. This is a face powder that shakes its fist at the sky and says, “Universe, I might not be the brightest or boldest thing in the solar system, but I’m here, dammit, and I’m effing fabulous!”
Try it as a bronzer (doesn’t appear to have heavy orange tones) or blush if you’re a very fair feline, a blush or face powder if you have medium skin tone, and if you’re a darker damsel, see if you can swatch it first, as I suspect it could go a little ashy on darker skin…
If it does, no sweat. Wear it as a soft, non-shimmery highlighter, ala the MAC Beauty Powders, but with the sheen turned way, way down.
Oh, and the formula melts like butter on hot mashed potatoes…
(Guess who didn’t have enough for lunch.)
I almost forgot! — it does have a very strong violet scent. I don’t mind it, but it’s something you might want to sniff before you buy.
Overall, I like what Clarins has done with the Rouge Éclat Face & Blush Palette. If you’re looking for a cheek color to wear with intense lips or smokey eyes, try Rouge Éclat.
PRICE: $35
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Clarins counters, Nordstrom and nordstrom.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Alison M says
The palette’s shaking-its-fist-at-the-sky quote is EXACTLY what I needed. Effing fabulous indeed! I love this Palette on everyone I’ve seen it on. Well done, Clarins!
Jasmine says
I’m really getting into Clarins. I usually looked away before but I’m getting more and more sucked in. My mom uses the super restorative tinted moisturizer(sp?)..it’s expensive but makes her skin look amazing! Have you tried it Karen?
Jay @ Wayfaring Beauty says
It looks effing fabulous on you! Clarins is just sucking me in with this collection. I don’t think I’d mind the violet smell but I guess it just depends on how long it lasts. Mer.
Hannah says
I plan on getting myself this if I do well on midterms- which will be excellent motivation to study, judging by your review. I tried it on in the store the other day and it was love. I’m fair enough I can use it as a bronzer and a blusher, too, so I can justify the price.
Now I have to wait till March!
Rose says
Karen, your making my pocketbook scream, “mercy!!” Clarins UV Plus is my HG sunblock and their other skin care products are top notch. I must make a trip to the Clarins counter as this powder is just what I need for a blusher!
Kim says
Super pretty on you! It’s so natural and springy. 🙂 Hope you’re having a happy Thursday. It’s been one heck of a rough week on this side of the country, too. I’m looking forward to tomorrow!
Lorraine says
Holy pale face, batman! I need to get to the Clarins counter to check this out, stat! Just what us look-like-zombies-when-we-skip-blusher gals like me need. can’t wait to swatch it
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
I NEED this and I need it NOW!!! 😛
Emi at Project Swatch says
I want that blush palette highlighter powder thing! It’s lovely, both in the pan and in the swatch, and I love violet-scented makeup 🙂