Where my 30-something girls at?? This month, our allies at Clarins are introducing a gang of new face creams and lotions for the over-30 set.
The line’s called Multi-Active Day, and Clarins designed the four products for busy women looking for a little help in the wrinkles and fine lines department. Stressed out and a touch wrinkly? Helloooo, that’s totally me. 🙂
The key phrase here is “active plant ingredients.” They’re what the line is all about. Among other plant-based ingredients, they contain ambiaty extract (a Madagascar plant related to sunflowers) and hesperidin (from citrus plants, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties), to moisturize, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to restore elasticity to skin.
I started using both the Day Cream for All Skin Types ($54) and SPF 15 Lotion ($54) about a month ago.
First, le good stuff:
My combination oily/dry skin practically inhales this stuff! They absorb incredibly well and feel highly moisturizing at the same time.
As for the lightly floral fragrance that both products share, I like it, but what stands out most to me is the way these little lovelies actually feel — luxurious, like I’m treating myself to something indulgent.
The entire line is non-comedogenic, and so far my skin seems to agree (no breakouts). The two products I’ve been using also layer well with various face serums and makeup.
Great, but do they actually reduce wrinkles?
I’m convinced my skin looks plumper than it did a month ago and maybe a little smoother, too, but those aren’t the same as saying “I think it definitely reduces wrinkles.”
To be fair, a month really isn’t a lot of time to be using an anti-aging product. Maybe I’d notice more of a difference in that respect after a couple more months of use.
Even without overnight improvement, I still really like these creams; they’re exceptional moisturizers, and I’ve often struggled to find rich moisturizers that won’t cause breakouts. For that alone I give Multi-Activ big props.
I’m gonna continue to use both products for at least another month and will keep you posted on my results. If the clouds part and wrinkle-reducing manna rains down from the heavens, I’ll be sure to let you know. 🙂 For now, I’ll think of the Multi-Active Day line as a luxurious, richly hydrating epidermal treat. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Marisol says
September 14th, 2009 at 8:05 pmRaises hand… been 30 for 3 months. However, my skin has been behaving like one of a teenager. Been breaking out & can’t pinpoint why. Boo! What’s your fave anti-aging product?
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… SoCal Visit =-.
Karen says
September 14th, 2009 at 8:30 pmHi Marisol,
WOO HOO, the big 3-ohhh girl! Are you gonna do a big blow out to celebrate the dirty thirty?
As for anti-aging products, I really haven’t one that I totally can’t live without yet. 🙁 I do like Chanel’s Sublimage Eye Cream because it’s so moisturizing, but unfortunately it’s very expensive. I’ve been surviving on samples for months. When they run out I’m gonna cry!
Marisol says
September 14th, 2009 at 8:59 pmI already celebrated it. I am a Gemini just like you. hahaha =)
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… SoCal Visit =-.
Karen says
September 14th, 2009 at 9:46 pmHi Marisol,
Oops — see, that’s what I get for trying to type, pet the cat and watch HGTV all at once. I need to stop multi-tasking. It’s ruining whatever is left of my brain.
Oh yah, what did you think of the True Blood finale?
Kate & Zena says
September 14th, 2009 at 9:02 pmHm, I’m about 9.5 years away from 20. I don’t even want to think about wrinkles. I’m nearly 21 and still having acne issues. Why do they say one should have fun in your twenties when all you have is more tedious homework? I hate homework! At least my Children’s Lit homework is nearly always reading children’s books (hee hee hee). I’m still working on a final draft of that damn essay too. Yech.
Did you read Patrick Swayze died?! My mom nearly burst into tears at the news. She had a huge crush on him back in the days of her youth (okay, she’s 44 but still). I had to hand her the international box of Kleenex to her. I had a few sniffles but seeing as my childhood was the 90s and well, now, I wasn’t one of the die-hard Swayze fans like my mum. Zena is comforting dear ol’ Mummy as well as she can from her “suite” (aka cage. she’s feeding her inner wolf at the moment).
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 6:45 amHi Kate & Zena,
I think it’s more of a freedom and a time thing. In my 20s I felt like I had all the time in the world to accomplish what I wanted to do… I miss that sense of freedom sometimes.
Yup, I heard about Patrick Swayze. So sad!
Solé says
September 14th, 2009 at 9:41 pmI turned 32 in April, but I don’t know if my skin could benefit anti-aging products right now. I’m still battling blemishes. 🙁 I’ve been trying to switch over to mostly natural or at least handcrafted products lately, which really limits my options. Not to mention that Clarins is a bit outside of my price range.
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 6:40 amHi Sole,
If you find anything good on the natural end that fights blemishes please share!
Got a mega zit on my chin right now… I’ve named him Paul.
Hyzenthlay says
September 14th, 2009 at 10:02 pmI’m about a month and a half from being part of that 30+ set . . . and I will keep this stuff in mind should my currently beloved Philosophy line stop working as well.
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 6:39 amHi Hyzenthlay,
How are you? I hope things are okay on your end as you mentioned some heavy stuff was going down at school this week.
Take care of yourself. 🙂
Ann says
September 14th, 2009 at 10:11 pmI’m almost 40, but have used Clarins for about 3 years now. I swear by them! I skipped this particular line and went straight for the Extra firming line. It smells so good and keeps me looking good, too. 😉
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 6:38 amHi Ann,
I’m thinking of trying a few more products from their skin care line. Is there anything else that you particularly love?
Blovet Beauty says
September 14th, 2009 at 11:04 pmI used to use Clarin’s stuff, its very gentle on the skin… maybe u’ll see even more improvement a few months from now 🙂
.-= Blovet Beauty’s last blog post… JAPAN September ‘09 Part 1* Men* & AWARDS =-.
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 6:29 amHi Blovet Beauty,
What are your favorite skin care items from Clarins?
Tania says
September 15th, 2009 at 12:27 amKaren,
Please don’t kill me but I’m only 28 and I have people asking me if I’m still in college (been there and have my masters degree). I’ve been thinking about using some anti aging something as I’m blotchy. Who knows….
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 6:19 amHi Tania,
That’s great! It might be a good time to start using something as more a preventative measure.
Tavia says
September 15th, 2009 at 5:15 amHi Karen, although I’m not 30 yet this post was interesting to me. In the latest years I’m more into creams than into makeup. What anti-aging creams did you used before your 30’s? I’m currently using La Prairie anti-aging cream for face and also the one for eyes with SPF 15. They are great creams, the results are amazing but the face cream doesn’t have SPF so I’m only using it during night time and in day time when is raining outside :). Do you know any good anti-aging creams perfect for any age and with SPF so I can used it during day time? Thanks
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Chic’s favorite articles of the week 7 -13.09.2009 =-.
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 6:12 amHi Tavia,
I haven’t tried La Prairie but I’ve heard good things about it!
In my 20s I really didn’t do a specific anti-aging routine. The only thing I was (and still am) a stickler about was wearing SPF. I’m thinking of going to the dermatologist and getting some prescription Retin-A Micro. I like that it has years and years of clinical research to back it up.
YadiQ says
September 15th, 2009 at 7:26 amclarins is the best for non skin irritating ingredients in their moisturizers and cleansers – i swear by them and use their products religiously
personally i dont think that miracle wrinkle anti aging creams exist i think they do work as preventative but thats just my POV
my main concerns as a 6 month 30 yr old is hydration especially under my eyes which is my most terrible skin concern – darkness and those ashy looking bruise like shadows under my eyes 🙁
you have got to try their gentle cream cleanser it is to die for ! you must try you can use it with water or without its really good stuff!
Karen says
September 15th, 2009 at 9:01 amHi Yadi,
It sounds like something I’d totally dig. What are you using right now to hydrate your eye area? I need a rich moisturizer for fall/winter.
YadiQ says
September 15th, 2009 at 9:55 ami have been using lancome primordiale for eyes
its pretty darn good but i need a major miracle
this stuff keeps the eye area moist without being greasy or oily
but i need a major miracle not even hope in a jar from philosophy has given me hope lol
oh my julio says wassup to your paul lol
Solé says
September 15th, 2009 at 11:18 amHi Karen! I have two symmetrical zits (I won’t even dignify them by calling them blemishes) on my face right now — one in the center of each cheek like dimples, but not cute. I will definitely let you know if and when I find something effective on the natural end! 🙂
All Women Stalker says
September 15th, 2009 at 12:15 pmWill you still be blogging in 4 or years? Because I’d hit 30 by then and I’d need all the help I can get from you. I assume there would be more great skin products by then. Hope your blog is still around. 😀
-meream
.-= All Women Stalker’s last blog post… 5 Hot Fall Wedding Ideas… =-.
Alexandra says
September 15th, 2009 at 2:52 pmI turned 34 on saturday and still get spots. Got to hate oily skin. Will see if that line is over here in the UK yet and see if i can get a sample. Really going to have to start using eye cream. Have noticed when i smile my lines around the eye seem much more pronounced 🙁
Steph B says
September 15th, 2009 at 3:09 pmI’m 37 and have the worst combination of still occasionally breaking out even as I have dry patches of skin. Thanks to dilligent sunscreen use I have very few lines and often get mistaken for 10+ years younger. I have had good luck lately alternating retinoids (I’m using Neutrogena but thinking of getting Retin-A micro as well) with salicylic acid (also Neutrogena) and an oil free moisturizer (Dermatologica Active Moist night and Laura Mercier oil free tinted moisturizer day). I just got a Clarisonic Mia and hope it helps keep the breakouts and dull skin to a minimum.
Liesl says
February 18th, 2010 at 2:13 amI’m 31 and also suffer from the occassional break out. I try to have a serious deep cleanse every second month, but it’s not a lovely relaxing facial, it’s one that hurts, but the gunk must come out. A friend of mine swears that using colloidal silver as a toner helps to keep blemishes at bay, but I use a toning mixture that the pharmacist mixes up for pimply teens when the blemishes attack! Sometimes I resort to a drawing ointment with a plaster stuck on my face overnight to extract the evil monsters!
I swear by Retin-A. It is the only proven anti aging preparation on the market. I use it every second night, alternating with Clarins blue orchid oil or Multi active night. As for a day cream Clarins Multi Active day or super restorative cream is superb. Prevention is better than cure. The super restorative total eye concentrate for the eye area is fantastic. As you can see, I bow to the God of Clarins.
I live in South Africa and the climate is pretty harsh. I don’t wear SPF unless I am out in the sun, apparently titanium dioxide is a nasty ingredient that you don’t actually want to be wearing unless absolutely necessary.
Any of you with helpful beauty tips? Bring em on!