These days when I’m putting on a full face of makeup, i.e., foundation (which is a lot more frequent lately than in the past three years!), I make sure to adequately prep my skin. It makes a huge difference. Keeping it hydrated ensures that my makeup goes on much more smoothly and evenly. When I say my skin has been looking the best it’s been in forever, it’s partly to do with how I prep it (and take care of it). And as a result, my makeup has been looking the best it’s been in forever. Win-win.
I’ve found that a good moisturizer is key, and I’ve been looking for one that has a little more substance—this is where Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream ($59) comes in.
Pros:
- Ultra hydrating
- Feels luxurious
- Shows results quickly
- Great for layering with makeup
- Contains SPF
- Has anti-aging and brightening benefits
- Great for all skin types
Cons:
- Has fragrance (would be a good idea to test small area of skin if you have a more sensitive complexion)
- Wish it were SPF 30
How it works:
The Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream is a morning moisturizer that focuses on fighting aging signs like fine lines, thanks to the plant ingredient Teasel extract, which is also known by the whimsical names “Birds’ cabaret” or “Venus’s bath.” Teasel extract promotes the production of ATP (short for adenosine triphosphate), which, according to board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD, can accelerate cellular metabolism, stimulate protein synthesis, and promote collagen and elastin.
In this particular day cream, however, Clarins encapsulated organic teasel extract to protect the skin cells against free radicals. Another key ingredient is Myrothamnus extract (also known as the resurrection plant), which helps reduce daily stress and keeps skin visibly toned and smooth.
The day cream also protects the skin from UV rays with SPF 20, though we should always aim for SPF 30. “The absolute minimum is SPF 15 for daily use, [but] SPF 30 is ideal,” Christina Lee Chung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia, PA, previously told Well+Good.
My honest review:
Up until this year, my moisturizers were more gel-like, but I’ve been going for thicker formulas since my 40-plus skin has become drier. So, this Clarins Day Cream definitely falls in the thicker consistency category, but works well with my skin. It does require a different type of application, similar to La Mer’s, where you take a dab of it and warm it between your fingers to bring it to your skin temperature, then press it into your face and neck. So, if you’re looking for a face cream that you slap on really quickly, this one takes a teeny bit more work. I used it for about a week and my skin was soft and felt and looked healthy. I also noticed that my forehead lines didn’t look as deep! (I’m between Botox appointments.)
As for the true test, which is whether or not my makeup went well, it passed with flying colors. I do have some disclaimers though; it is pretty heavily perfumed, which is not my favorite thing, but I can usually get used to it (my La Mer foundation has a notable fragrance and I got used to that pretty quickly). Also, even though it has included SPF 20, I don’t consider that too much of a benefit since I use a separate sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF.
What other reviewers say
This is one of Clarins’ more popular products, and for good reason. One shopper says, “Wow love this face cream. It feels so good as soon as I apply on my face. I’m in my mid thirties so I’m always in the lookout for products that target fine lines. It leaves my skin feeling soft and looking so radiant. Some days I rock it on its own, other days I wear makeup on top yet my skin looks great both ways either way.”
Another writes, “I love that this cream transforms my skin instantly! When I use it in the morning it brightens my skin so I can face the day.”
Overall, this day cream is pretty good for a morning moisturizer and you want to target aging signs like wrinkles, as long as you like thicker consistency and don’t mind the fragrance.