Review of Clarins Multi-active

I've been reading so much great comment on this line in my favorite local magazine, In-Trend.

So, I decided to give it a try. Clarins also has been actively promoting this line in Malaysia.I bought a mini size set for this range that consists of 1) Multi-active Skin Renewal Serum (10ml), 2) Multi-active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream (15ml), 3) Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser (20ml), 4) UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 UVA/UVB PA+++ (10ml). All this for RM88. This are my first Clarins product so I sort of wish that this will be my HG line. This range has been created since 1988 and has been reformulated for the benefit of women who lead busy, active lifestyles without compromising their youthful beauty. This product target women at their prime age who exposed to high degree of stress, pollution and UV rays that in excess amount caused breakdown of collagen and damage DNA an in turn cause premature aging. So this line work as PREVENTION of the early signs of aging that start as early as 25 to 35 years of age. Other lifestyle factors for active women such as smoking, late hours party,lack of sleep, alcohol, air-conditioner environment and busy lifestyle all this can accelerate premature aging. Signs of premature aging include fine lines, dull looking skin, lack of firmness, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. I used all this products together so its kinda hard to review them individually.

1) Multi-active Skin Renewal Serum and Multi-active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream

I used this duo together most of the time. The serum has a peachy color and the smell just so divine. This light-weight serum just absorbed really well without sticky or oily feeling. The day cream on the other hands, has white color with a really nice smell. It just glides smoothly on skin leaving your skin glow with radiance and just a luxurious feeling. Both this duo just give almost like an instant result giving your skin more youthful and rejuvenated look.It doesn't make my skin oily and I really love both of this. During the day I will also use the sunscreen on top of this.Can't really comment much on the sunscreen but the sunscreen absorb really well, smell really nice and doesn't have any oiliness or sticky feeling to it. After 2 weeks using these I almost believe that this is it. The end of my search.But then I start to develop clogged pore and minor breakouts from this. I'm pretty disappointed but I just don't wanna believe that this wasn't for me.But then it just getting worse that I decided to stop using this after 4 weeks. What a disappointment. I used a lot of Estee Lauder serum and cream before but I think Clarins are definitely better.And the smell just so divine.I think this could be my HG skincare in the next 5 years maybe.Just keep my finger crossed on this one. The full size serum is 30ml and the cream is 50ml and the price for both are around RM200+

So, for the serum. The serum works by dual age-fighting and self-exfoliating action. This is what is said in the product description:

Triple Action Correction:

• Phytosphingosine and Cangzhu helps to activate collagen and repair skin damage by reinforce skin’s barrier function, reinforces the dermal-epidermal junction, reinforces skin resistance to early signs of aging

• Stimulate the skin's natural self renewal. Nopal flower extract, organic lemon acids and Papaya reveal youthful glow from within by enzymatic exfoliation process

• Soothes stressful skin with anti-inflammation power of phytosphingosine

So, what is this strange and peculiar "phytosphingosine" is?

Phytosphingosine is a free base lipid that derives from various plant that are also identical to the one that naturally present in the Stratum Corneum (outer layer) of our skin. It improves the appearance of red, inflamed and blemished skin by soothes irritated skin and balancing its microflora. It also helps with wound healing. So this definitely work to repair skin from oxidizing stress that damages our skin.

The nopal flower extract derives from prickly pear cactus known as nopal in Mexico and it helps to smoothes the skin surface and reduces small age spots and give a radiance skin. Nopal extract has been used widely as medicinal plant to helps support immune, glandular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.It act as a 'detoxifier' and anti-oxidants to protect from oxidative stress from all stressors that I mentioned before.

The day cream also has Ambiaty Extract to correct early wrinkles. It is a shrub growing in the edges of forest in Madagascar and used by local people to treat injuries as this has known to help prevent infection and scarring.

Wowww..really good stuff.

2) Clarins Not-so Gentle Foaming Cleanser with cottonseed

This cleanser has white mousse-y feeling that foams really well. It cleans skin very well too. I like this cleanser but be careful because this stings any open breakout and minor wound on skin.This cleanser is formulated with Glysophilia Extract that helps create a fine and lightweight cleansing foam to gently clean skin of dirt and makeup. It also has Polymnia that preserves the skin’s natural moisture balance, while cottonseed softens and cares for skin to unveil a velvety soft complexion.Yes, this does give a temporary radiance post-wash and doesn't cause any dryness on my combination skin.

All in all, I'm so disappointed that this line didn't work so well on me. But Clarins really amaze me with their high quality product. Definitely a treat!