Clarins products I need now

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

For as long as I can remember I have been a fan of Clarins. 

Here are three products that I cannot leave the house without.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, £19.50
I have suffered with dry lips since I was a child and have tried so many lip treatments over the years. This one is my favourite. It is non-sticky, and gives my lips a healthy, rosy glow as well as moisturising them. And it has no taste.

If you want a hint of colour, try the new Milky Mousse Lips (£19, clarins.co.uk) in Milky Pink. If you have excessively dry lips put a layer of the Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm 

underneath.)

Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion, £32
Really love this rich and soothing lotion. Full of goodies such as shea butter and coconut oil, this replenishes dry skin. A must for when you are travelling.

By Daralyn Danns

Make-up essentials for the party season

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

Trends may come and go but style is always in fashion. When you know what colours suit you stick with them. Look contemporary by playing with textures.

We all have staples that we like to keep in our make-up collection. Here are some suggestions for the party season.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, £26.50

Concealer, after a few hours, can settle into fine lines. Caked make-up is not a good look. Illuminating concealers, especially on mature skins, can draw attention to the area. My favourite product is Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. Magically, this colourless potion seems to make fine lines almost disappear. As it is a primer you can put foundation over it but I tend to wear it on its own as I do not have to worry about it flaking half way through the night.

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Saddle, £19.50
This dark grey brown is ideal for creating smoky eyes or adding definition in the corners. It is a lovely silky texture and can be built up if you want a stronger colour. It wears well.

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Bone, £19.50
A great highlighter with a slightly yellow undertone which helps combat any redness in the skin. A good trick, if you have deep-set eyes, is to sweep it over the lids so it emphasises them giving you a polished yet natural look.

Clarins Gold Mascara Top Coat, £22

For a subtle shimmer wear this over your usual black mascara. This is pretty when it catches the light. The brush is great for separating and defining the lashes so no clogs.

Mac Creme De La Femme, £17.50
Pink laced with gold is how Mac describe this pretty shade. More a purple-pink, this is a good balance of warm and cool tones so should suit those who find it difficult to get the right shade of pink. Do not be put off because it is a frost. It actually gives a flattering sheen to the lips. If you tend to have dry lips, I suggest wearing lip balm underneath.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Red Berry Glam, £19
An easy way to wear red. This gloss not only nourishes the lips but as it is laced with gold shimmer the lips appear fuller.

Clarins Joli Rouge Brillant in Nude Brick, £22
A moisturising lipstick which gives just a hint of colour to add a soft, warm glow to your complexion. Just what you need on a cold day. If you prefer your nudes on the browner side, this is the one to go for. It also comes in a matte finish which is perfect for the evening.

L'Occitane Natural Shea Ultra Rich Lip Balm, £8
An all-time favourite. Keep this in your bag for when your lips need a hydration boost. Can also be worn under lipstick. Contains shea butter.

Summer make-up essentials

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

When the temperature rises it is always best to keep make-up to the minimum.

Dab a good concealer under the eyes, if you need it. 

Good concealers

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer Camouflage + 24-Hour Wear

The new Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer Camouflage + 24-Hour Wear (£18.50, comes in 18 shades) lasts for hours without caking even in hot, humid weather.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (£18.50, comes in a variety of shades). This fluid concealer is easy to apply and stays put for ages.  

Sisley Phyto-Cernes Eclat (£66, comes in four shades) helps to reduce any puffiness under the eyes as well as covering up dark circles.  

Another firm favourite is Clarins Instant Concealer (£22.50, comes in four shades). It hydrates, blends well and is long-lasting.

Try to go without base

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face

If you feel as if you want some colour try a self-tan. Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face (£20) is a great product. Another essential, again from Clarins, is the Beauty Flash Balm (£32). This cult product brightens, tightens and revives tired-looking skin. Great on its own without foundation.

A quick touch of blusher instantly lifts the complexion

The right shade should bring out your eyes as well as enhance the natural pigment in your lips and even give you cheekbones.

When buying a blusher you want one that is sheer and easy to blend. Cream or satin formulas are good options. If they have a subtle shimmer you will also find it is easier to work with.

Sisley Phyto-Blush Twist in Petal

Sisley Phyto-Blush Twist in Petal (£45.50) is a pretty baby pink that works well on pale complexions. The texture of this cream-to-powder blush is lovely. It gives you a gorgeous glow. It is a shame the range of colours is so limited. 

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Pale Pink 

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Pale Pink (£22) is really pretty for this time of year. This soft pink instantly gives you a pop of colour making you look fresh and radiant.

MAC Powder Blush, Dollymix

MAC has one of the best colour ranges of blushers. Something for every skin tone. A favourite for summer is MAC Powder Blush, Dollymix (£19.50). This gives a healthy pinky-red flush to the cheeks. It looks glittery in the pan but on the skin it gives you a gorgeous natural glow. 

 Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, Bountiful Blush

If you have got naturally pink lips then all you need is a lip balm such as Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm (£19.50). Those with lips that need a hint of colour should check out Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm (£18.50). There is a good colour choice. Bountiful Blush is a lovely pinky-nude shade.

As I have extremely dry lips I apply a lip balm underneath.

A sweep of mascara and you are ready to go.

By Daralyn Danns