Usually I try to do skin care reviews only for products that I am able to try for a couple of weeks, but considering the type of product that this cooling gel from Clarins is, I think I can say a few things after using it for more than a week. I had only a mini size of the cooling gel (15 ml) that i got in my Douglas Box Of Beauty.

This is the first Clarins product that I try and I’m thorn between my love for French skin care products and the fact that Clarins is not a cruelty free brand. I can’t say I won’t use anymore of the products, but I don’t think I would buy their products on my own because they’re too expensive for my budget.

Packaging:

The full size product (50 ml) comes in a blue jar, but the mini size comes in a plastic tube. They have the same design, baby blue packaging with white lettering on it. I like how they used different colors for different lines in their products because it makes it easier to pair them up.

Texture:

Given the name, it has the texture of the gel and also a light blue color, which is kind of cool if you ask me. It also has a very light scent, but nothing too much. It really melts fast into the skin and it gives a cooling sensation. I think this would be a great product for the summer, but it can also be used during winter as a daily moisturizer for those with oily or combination skin.

Ingredients:

AQUA/WATER/EAU, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE STARCH, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, ANHYDROXYLITOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, XYLITOL, PYRIDOXINE HCL, DISODIUM EDTA, DECYLENE GLYCOL, DIOSPYROS MESPILIFORMIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLUCOSE, MALTODEXTRIN, KALANCHOE PINNATA LEAF EXTRACT, ZINC GLUCONATE, SANICULA EUROPAEA EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, ALCOHOL, LAPSANA COMMUNIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, FURCELLARIA LUMBRICALIS EXTRACT, SODIUM BENZOATE, TRIS(TETRAMETHYLHYDROXYPIPERIDINOL) CITRATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CI 42090/BLUE 1, MARIS SAL/SEA SALT/SEL MARIN, CALLICARPA JAPONICA FRUIT EXTRACT, [V2898A]

The key ingredients on this formula, are the leaf of life and the beautyberry, but I also see some other plant extracts and sea salt. There are no pore-clogging ingredients in this, so I think it can be a product also suitable for those with acne-prone skin (but I’m not a dermatologist, so please don’t take my word on that).

Price and accesibility:

Like I said, Clarins is quite expensive. The cooling gel is sold on the Clarins UK website for 37 UK pounds and here in Romania the prices are also quite high. At least Clarins products can be found very easy at Sephora, in Douglas stores and also in several online shops.

My overall opinion:

I have combination skin and I used this cooling gel only in the morning because I like to put on something a little more “heavier” at night. It gives a matte finish to the skin, so I think it’s also a great base for makeup. I like the cooling sensation and the fact that it absorbs fast into the skin. Although it’s just a gel, I felt like my skin had the hydration it needed throughout the day and I didn’t see any dry patches in areas like around the nose or on the cheeks, where usually my skin is drier.

I can say it was a very enjoyable experience using this gel and so far I think Clarins did a good job with this formula and I would recommend it to those who have oily or combination skin and no other significant skin problems. It didn’t cause any breakouts or other skin issues. However, Clarins is not an affordable brand. There may be some sales here and there, but it all depends on everyone’s skin care budget.