Clarins Graphic Expression Autumn 2013 Collection review + swatches and two Autumn makeup looks



I must admit- I wasn't feeling the Autumn vibe, until I started playing with Clarins Graphic Expression Collection. It made me realise that it is time to take a break from corals and peachy shades and experiment with darker, richer colours. With that in mind, I created two simple looks for Autumn 2013 with a selection of Clarins products I was kindly sent last week. 


The Mineral Eye Quartet in Forest is a perfect combination of brown, green and beige shades and it compliments brown eyes beautifully. I can see it becoming my go to Autumn palette. The formula of the three dark colours is very pigmented, creamy and easy to apply and the light shade is on the sheer side and gives a very subtle effect. The eye shadows can be applied dry or wet, depending on the effect you want to achieve. I use them dry on primed eyelids and they last all day, without fading or smudging. Inspired by earthy shades found in the forest, the palette features:

-a warm khaki green with a satin finish
-a light beige with gold micro shimmer 
-a dark olive/brown shade with gold glitter
-a medium brown with a satin finish

Clarins Crayon Khol* (£17.00 each)

The Crayon Khol Eye Liners are not as creamy as I expected, but I will definitely get a lot of use out of them. They don't tug the skin too much, but I wish they were a bit creamier. That's my only negative. The rest is all good- the formula is long lasting and nicely pigmented and all the shades are absolutely gorgeous. I was kindly sent Intense Blue and Smoky Plum and both of them look lovely smudged on the top and bottom lash line and used in the waterline. The design features a soft brush made with natural hair bristles, to make the smudging fuss free. Sponge applicators tend to fall apart if you use them regularly, so the brush is actually a good idea.

07 smoky plum (dark lilac with silver glitter),  03 Intense Blue (metallic blue with purple undertones)
Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick* (£18.00 each) 

I adore the formula of Joli Rouge Lipsticks. They are creamy, beautifully pigmented and nourishing. The finish of these is gorgeous and adds a nice shine to the lips. If you suffer from dry lips, these will help to deal with the dryness and won't exaggerate any flaky bits. Once applied, Joli Rouge lipsticks feel very comfortable on the lips and the colour lasts for 3-4 hours. On top of that, the beautiful fruity scent makes the lipsticks good enough to eat. The formula features "extreme shine Maxi Lip Complex to help plump and hydrate for full , soft and supple lips". 

Spicy Cinnamon is a warm terracotta shade with orange undertones and Royal Plum is a muted plum/burgundy colour. I have my eye on Pink Camelia- the swatches look stunning! All three shades from the Graphic Expression Collection are limited edition.

Clarins Joli Rouge in Spicy Cinnammon
Clarins Joli Rouge in Royal Plum
LOOK 1:  Soft smokey eye and Royal Plum Lipstick
LOOK 2:  Dark smokey eye, false lashes and Spicy Cinnamon Lipstick
Products used: Liz Earle Signature Foundation, Guerlain Meteorites Pearls in 03 Teinte Dore, The Balm Mary Lou Manizer, Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour in 02 Soft Peach, DuWop Circle Block, Liz Earle Mascara, Clarins Eye Quartet in Forest, Clarins Waterproof Eye Liner in intense blue, Clarins Joli Rouge Lipsticks in Royal Plum and Spicy Cinnamon.

The Graphic Expression Collection is available from www.clarins.co.uk and official Clarins stockists.

*PR samples

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to advertise on my blog, make sure to have a look at my ad space page.
01 09 10