What They Say: "Traps impurities and dissolves excess sebum and heavy make-up with an intensive make-up removal and cleansing action. Preserves the hydrolipidic film as it softens, soothes and refreshes skin. Veils the skin in gentleness. Rinses easily."

Jen's Experience: This is quite the unusual cleanser. Instead of starting with a damp face, you start by applying the gel to your dry skin. As you massage it in, it turns to a milky liquid that traps the make-up and oil on your face. It feels really good when I massage it in, and it really seems to do the trick for getting nice and clean without drying out my skin at all. For those with dry skin, this product is definitely something you'll want to try.

Retail Price: $30.00 (Clarins.com)

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What They Say: "The modern, magic, make-up base that smoothes away lines, pores and imperfections instantly! Formulated with innovative line-filing technology to reveal a complexion that's practically perfect. Perfect for all skin types. Silky-smooth and oil-free, it virtually becomes one with the skin. Use alone or under foundation.

Benefits:
• Smoothes away the appearance of lines, pores and imperfections
• Helps balance skin's hydration.
• Protects against harmful free radicals"

Jen's Experience:Ever since 30 was on the horizon, I started taking notice of the tiny lines appearing around my eyes. How could this be? Did I not use enough moisturizer? Did I spend too much time in the sun? Whatever the case, it became time to find a nice product to help cover up the damage, and I thought this one might do the trick.

It's very thick, sort of like a butter. I put the rich, pink creme under by eyes like it was spackle, and at least at application time, it seemed to do some good. I put concealer or foundation over top to look work-ready. It's not terribly long lasting, though, and my dark circles show through in no time flat. I also wish it was more moisture-rich. I felt like it was making the skin under my eyes dry, and that's just not good.

Maybe if I didn't have dry skin or the dark circles, then this product would be great, but for me, I think there's better out there.

Retail Price: $26.00 (Gloss.com)

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What They Say: The convenient make-up companion for busy women, Multi-Blush enhances the color of your cheeks, illuminates eyes and brightens lips with soft, subtle colour. Its unique texture combines the softness of a cream with the smoothness of an ultra-fine powder and melts into the skin for natural, long-lasting results. Apply Multi-Blush with your fingertips and create the colour effect and intensity you want. The result is subtle, natural, long-lasting make-up with a beautiful finish every time.

Jamie's Thoughts: I wanted so badly to love this product, but I just couldn't seem to make it happen. This is a mediocre offering from the usually-fabulous Clarins cosmetics line. My main beef is the suggested method of application: I hate using my fingers to apply blush. It spreads oils all over my combination skin, which leads to irritation and breakouts. That said...

As a blush...
Tough to apply, didn't go on smoothly (I felt like I was tugging at my face), stayed on for about 4-5 hours, color was true to description in that it was luminous but not shiny

As an eyeshadow...
I found the colors too close to skin tone for my complexion - anyone who can rock a peach or pink eye would love this. The product just isn't very smooth (again, with the tugging!).

As a lippie...
It's very matte - no shimmer whatsoever, so take that into account when considering a purchase. Staying power was almost nonexistent. Does not combine well with other lip products.

The Litchee color (a light, mauvey pink) was fairly versatile, and would be a great choice for anyone with a cooler complexion. The Apricot is quite peachy, and looks almost orange in some light. Overall, I'm moderately disappointed.

Retail Price: $26.50 USD (at us.clarins.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

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What They Say: "A healthy, mineral-based lipstick created to transform lips and pleasure the senses: Rouge Appeal's innovative sensorial feel, smooth, creamy texture, lasting softness and alluring colour melts into lips and defines and shapes for a supple lush, lasting result every time."

Jen's Experience: I was shocked at how bright the colors are when I first took a look at the Rouge Appeal line of lipsticks from Clarins, but pleasantly surprised when I saw the brightness turn into slightly more sheer, pretty shades once applied. A lot of lipsticks are a bit heavy for the summer months, but the bright colors of these lipsticks matched with the nice ly moisturizing but not too thick texture make them perfect for wearing out when you know you'll be spending time in the sun. My favorite shades of the bunch? Guava (03), a pink that works perfectly with my skin tone and Russet (03), a bronzy-nude color that is sure to work for a variety of skin tones.

Retail Price: (Clarins.com or your local department store)

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