As you may remember, there are a lot of new foundations out for Autumn. So here is, as promised, review of one of them – Clarins Skin Illusion Mineral & Plant Extracts Loose Powder Foundation.
I have the lightest shade, of course, which is 105 Ivory. I actually really like the design of this foundation. I love how it looks on my vanity, it draws attention and it is cute. Isn’t it important, too? 😉
I don’t usually use mineral foundations as they may look powdery and a bit cakey on my dry skin. But since it’s summer my skin is normal now, so I’ve decided to give this one a try. I’ve had it for several weeks and am ready to tell you my opinion.
Here is how the powder looks like.
First of all, I love the scent, it smells fresh and floral, as a lot of Clarins powders do, and I love it! I was afraid that it may look too obvious on my skin, but it doesn’t. You should prep your skin first and application is the key here (more on that read below). But it looks flawless and blends in beautifully. Skin Illusion doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, if fact, I can’t even feel it.
It is long-lasting and stays on really well. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to test it out in the heat but it does stay on all day long when it’s +25C.
The coverage is medium to high, it is buildable, I had some skin problems this month and it was enough. I just used a little bit of concealer on top. Otherwise, this loose powder foundation would be enough.
I have also used cream products on top (photo below) and they worked great together.
As for the application…
The small brush it comes with is very handy and I find that it is great for applying this foundation. Buff the product into the skin with the circular motions until it blends in completely.
Make sure that you tap off the excess as you don’t need that much! It also very important to properly moisturize your skin before (I don’t mean just before the application) as you don’t want to enhance the dry patches on your skin.
I also love using Sigma’s F82 Rouded Kabuki which gives a beautiful flawless application.
You may want to spray it with MAC Fix+ for a very smooth and glowing finish. I like it both ways actually.
I also have some blush on which is Max Factor’s Micarle Touch Creamy Blush in 09 Soft Murano. Would highly recommend these blushes.
As you can see, it looks nice on the skin, not dull or patchy at all!
Hopefully, I have covered everything but if you have questions, feel free to ask them in the comments!
Here is the list of the ingredients for those who are curious
There are six shades available: 105 Nude, 107 Beige, 108 Sand, 109 Wheat, 110 Honey, 112 Amber.
The price is £28 for 13 g. Available from Escentual.com, Nordstorm, Sephora, Boots, Bergdorf Goodman, Selfridges, Harrods…
I’ve been using Clarins Skin Illusion liquid foundation for weeks now and I love it! I have shade 107 (lighter shade isn’t available in Croatia). I will post my review asap. And this is my first Clarins product and I’m thrilled. I want to get few of their lipstick shades and eye shadows as well 🙂
Hi Vesna,
I noticed that you have been using the clarins skin illusion in 107
I did not see any reviews on your blog site
have you done a review? I am NW15-20 with dry skin and i am trying to find a color match-
and get an idea of wear and finish.
i would be interested in your opinion on the product, if possible.
Thanks so much!
sasha
Hi!
Sorry, didn’t write a review because my skin got tanned during summer so I didn’t use it for a while, but now I’m back! I still love it as I did before! 🙂
I think you might wanna check shade 105 because I think that shade is neutral (I don’t think they have a light shade which is NW, but they do have N) and it might suit you. It unfortunately isn’t available in Croatia but I’m planning on getting it online somehow.
Also, Skin Illusion is definitely a good choice for dry skin I’d say. Mine is combination/normal but I use loose powder to fix it, but if your skin is dry I think it would look lovely. Please let me know if you try it and if it did work for you 🙂
Hi Vesna,
I have a small sample of that one (got it with purchase). Clarins makeup is really great but their skin care is one of the best and I have tried a lot of things! They often have GWP so I always end up getting more and more :)) x
We don’t have GWP product here 🙁 It’s such a shame, I love their stuff :/
I think I want to get something from their Holiday collection, everything is so wonderful!
Hi Vesna,
Feel Unique often have Clarins GWP. If I see it next time, I can tell you if you want 🙂