Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Matte Foundation Review and Swatches
Ceryn
- Beauty expert since 2015
- Loves: glowing skin and sunkissed scents
When it comes to foundation, achieving the perfect balance between coverage and comfort is essential. Clarins, one of the first brands we ever launched at Escentual, has long been celebrated for its ability to merge skincare with makeup. Known for their hardworking, skin-loving foundations, Clarins continues to innovate, and their latest release, the Skin Illusion Full Coverage Matte Foundation, is no exception.
This new addition stands apart from the beloved Skin Illusion Hydrating Foundation (which isn't going anywhere). It's actually a replacement for the Everlasting Foundation, which is being discontinued. Ideal for anyone looking for a polished look without compromising on skincare benefits, this foundation promises to elevate your beauty routine. Let’s explore what makes the Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Matte Foundation special...
You Will Love It If...
If finding a foundation that prioritises skincare ingredients is important to you then you'll love this formula. I found it incredibly lightweight, a game-changer for anyone looking for full coverage that feels barely there. If you struggle with blemishes or uneven skin tone, this foundation can help you feel more confident in your skin.
What Does It Do?
This foundation helps you achieve your makeup goals by offering a full, natural-looking coverage that doesn’t mask your skin. It's proven to visibly reduce imperfections by 29% and provide 24-hour hydration, leaving you with a smooth, radiant matte finish perfect for all skin types.
What does it look like on the skin?
The skin looks matte but not flat; there's still a touch of radiance and dimension. It's healthy-looking and fresh; all imperfections and marks are covered, and the skin is even. It doesn't leave the skin looking cakey or masked, just naturally perfected.
I often worry that full coverage, matte foundations will settle into my fine lines or cling to dry patches. This foundation didn't, which I'm putting down to the added skincare ingredients. My skin looked (and felt) hydrated and smooth.
Key Ingredients:
Clarins has packed this foundation with impressive ingredients. For instance, it includes zinc gluconate, which helps reduce blemishes. There’s also hyaluronic acid for hydration and a plant-based micro patch that kept my skin feeling moisturised all day. I love how it moved with my facial expressions and didn't settle into my fine lines.
Other ingredients:
- Oat - forms a film on the skin that helps make-up stay put
- White horehound - helps the skin fight against the harmful effects of pollution
- Furcellaria - helps protect the skin from pollution and dehydration
- Nipplewort - helps to stimulate the skin's natural defences
- Zinc Gluconate - Helps reduce the appearance of shiny skin
- Acacia Senegal - Helps to protect the skin from dehydration
What does it smell and feel like?
This foundation has a subtle, fresh/floral scent, disappearing as soon as it is applied to the skin. The texture is creamy but lightweight, gliding over my skin effortlessly. Even though it's a full coverage foundation, it doesn't feel like it - you can barely feel it once it's on.
How long before I need to reapply?
Clarins claims up to 12 hours of coverage, and I found that to be pretty accurate. I wore it throughout a busy day, and it held up remarkably well on my dry skin. I only needed a light touch-up in some areas prone to oiliness around 3pm.
Does it have SPF?
The Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation doesn't contain SPF. To stay protected from UV rays, you'll need to pair it with sunscreen. I recommended the Clarins Youth-protecting Sunscreen Very High Protection SPF50+; it's very hydrating and sinks into the skin quickly without leaving it sticky or greasy.
Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Matte Foundation Swatches
How many shades are there to choose from?
There are 36 shades in this foundation with cool, neutral and warm undertone options.
