Au Naturel: A Guide to French Skincare from Clarins

30th May 2019

By Natalie Chui

Since launching in the early 1950s, Clarins has built a legacy as a beauty brand adored by women for its “Made in France” make-up and skincare products. Here, we look at how you can attain that je nai sais quoi with Clarins’ best-loved hero products.

The French are known for effortlessly chic style and [Clarins](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/brands/clarins) is renowned for being the embodiment of Parisian fresh-faced beauty. It all began in 1954 with Jacques Courtin-Clarins, a chiropractor, who saw an opportunity after many of his patients complained about the condition of their skin. He subsequently opened his first salon, the Clarins Institute, in Paris with a philosophy focused on creating safe, natural skincare products that catered towards the needs of a variety of women. His first line of products, a range of essential [facial oils](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/brands/clarins?prefn1=serumsandoils&prefv1=oilsandgels), was an instant hit amongst French woman due to its skin-tightening properties and has since become a staple from the brand. [Clarins](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/brands/clarins) still continues to design and produce all of its products in France and its ethos remains about putting skin first and enhancing the texture. So here we take a look at what makes [Clarins](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/brands/clarins) distinctively French through the products that have stood the test of time. (Croissants not included.)

[One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, £21](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/cleansers-and-toners/cleansers/one-step-gentle-exfoliating-cleanser/2530003245576.html)

Natural Extracts

Jacques Courtin-Clarins was adamant on using plant extracts in all his products and resisted a cosmetics industry trend in the 1970s towards using chemical-based ingredients. His insistence changed the course of the industry and continues to be an essential part of the brand’s DNA. This One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is formulated with a zesty orange extract, giving you an effective, exfoliating cleanse in a matter of seconds. The orange extract works to soften, illuminate and revive, leaving you feeling as refreshed as the ripe fruit itself, right before your morning caffeine fix.

One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, £21

Tinted Texture

A barely-there base is essential in French beauty and a tinted moisturiser is perfect for achieving a natural finish. The Super Restorative Rose Radiance Day Cream is packed with fragrant hibiscus extracts and leaves a subtle shade of pink, giving you a healthy rosy glow. It is specifically designed to smooth out and replenish skin, leaving you feeling hydrated and nourished.

Super Restorative Rose Radiance Day Cream SPF 20, £74

[Super Restorative Rose Radiance Cream, £74](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/moisturisers/day-creams/super-restorative-rose-radiance-cream/2530010622858.html)$)

[Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face, £20](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/suncare-and-tanning/self-tanning/face-self-tanning/radiance-plus-golden-glow-booster-for-face/2530001733945.html)

Radiant Glow

The French approach to achieving the glow is about adding a touch of radiance to enhance your skin’s natural complexion. The Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face is an innovation from Clarins and suits a variety of skin tones, so there is no need to find the 'right' shade. Simply add a drop or more to your moisturiser and apply it gently all over the face and neck for a sublime sun-kissed glow.

Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face, £20

_Image via Clarins_

Au Naturel: A Guide to French Skincare from Clarins

Natural Extracts

Tinted Texture

Radiant Glow

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