These days when I’m putting on a full face of makeup (including foundation), I make sure to adequately prep my skin. It makes a huge difference. Keeping my complexion hydrated ensures that my makeup goes on much more smoothly and evenly. My skin has been looking its best lately, and it’s partly thanks to 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 Face Cream ($59) comes in.
Pros:
- Ultra hydrating
- Feels luxurious
- Shows results quickly
- Great for layering with makeup
- Ideal for dry skin
- 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)
- Thicker consistency that needs to be warmed up between fingers before application
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. Other key ingredients include sea holly, to help reinforce the skin's moisture barrier, and niacinamide, to help refine texture.
My honest review:
Until recently, 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).
What other reviewers say
This is one of Clarins' more popular products, and for good reason. One Well+Good staffer shares, "My dry skin soaks up this cream and it works so well under my makeup. And I love that it gives my complexion a nice glow throughout the day."
Overall, this day cream is great for a morning moisturizer, especially if you want to target aging signs like wrinkles—as long as you like thicker consistency and don’t mind the fragrance. For other products in its Multi-Active lineup, explore the picks we recommend below.
Shop Additional Products We Love From the Clarins Multi-Active Lineup
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