I always look forward to Clarins’ Summer releases and the Aquatic Treasures Collection for Summer 2015 includes some real gems. I’ve been testing out my favourites from the line-up in recent weeks and if you like a touch of matte bronze, subtle shimmer and long lasting eye definition, you’re in for a treat…
Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzer
Clarins Summer Bronzing compact is always a Summer makeup highlight and this year’s is one of the most stunning to date. Housed in tortoiseshell toned packaging, the powder is embossed with an intricate design that reminds me of a sun dial, with each quarter a slightly different tone, as if cast in shadow. The four ‘universal’ shades are said to suit every skintone - and I think that could well be true for the majority. A huge selling point for me is that this is completely matte - and applies seamlessly, making it great for a very natural finish. I tend to sweep a duo-fibre brush across the two lightest tones at the top. This is a heavily pigmented bronzer so a light touch is needed, but I generally prefer a duo-fibre brush for most bronzer - less is more and it’s always easier to add than take away.
Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base: Apricot & Golden Bronze
Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base has been released in two new Summer shades: Apricot to add warmth and glow to light skins and Golden Bronze for a more tanned look. These can be used alone, under makeup or mixed with foundation to add a warm glow to the complexion. I’ve been using a little drop mixed with a foundation that’s a touch too light for me - which works a treat. Golden Bronze can also be applied as a liquid bronzer, over foundation, using fingers or a brush. Although Apricot is probably aimed at my skin tone, I think I’ll get much more use out of Golden Bronze as I prefer its cool tone and would definitely wear it alone to match my face up with my body on holiday.
Ombre Iridescent Eye Shadow: Aquatic Grey & Aquatic Rose
Two new Ombre Iridescent Eye Shadows in Aquatic Grey and Aquatic Rose are gorgeous for any occasion - both can be swiped on and blended with a fingertip or applied more precisely with brushes. I’ve been loving Aquatic Rose on its own for everyday and smoking it out with Aquatic Grey as liner and in the crease at night. While these are highly pigmented, I do need a primer to add lasting power and prevent creasing, which is pretty much standard for me and part and parcel of hooded eyes. Clarins Fix Make Up Refreshing Mist is a rose scented facial mist that both hydrates and boosts the lasting power of any makeup - I really love this and the slim bottle is the perfect handbag size, though it feels extra good straight from the fridge. This is part of Clarins’ existing line, as are the Waterproof Mascara and eyeliner, which withstood the Britain’s Got Talent tear test on me - please say it’s not just me that sobs helplessly at that show *mortified*.
Clarins Aquatic Treasures Swatches
I’ve included blended swatches of these products to give a better idea of how they look worn, as they look a bit daunting when swatched heavily.
- Instant Light, Apricot
- Instant Light, Golden Bronze
- Summer Bronzer - top 2 lightest shades
- Summer Bronzer - bottom 2 deepest shades
- Ombre Iridescent Eye Shadow - Aquatic Rose
- Ombre Iridescent Eye Shadows - Aquatic Grey
- Clarins Waterproof Eyeliner - black
I’m wearing the two eye shadows (Aquatic Grey as liner) and mascara in this pic, with Instant Light Apricot under my makeup and Golden Bronze as bronzer on cheekbones. Foundation is Clarins True Radiance, which I’ve been using pretty much daily for 6 months and is the best I’ve tried to date for natural looking coverage combined with radiance. I’m also wearing a little Bobbi Brown Calypso Palette blush (review here) and Gosh Forever Lipshine (swatched in this post).
Clarins Aquatic Treasures Collection is available now at Debenhams - have you spotted it on any other counters yet? I can only find the bronzer elsewhere online.
