Clarins Eye Contour Balm

...by saying that I love Clarins and their products. That's not to say that I like or buy everything they sell but the products I do buy, I have found to be perfect for me, my beliefs and my lifestyle.

* * * The Company * * *
Clarins gets massive kudos from me for two simple facts; they do not engage in animal testing nor do they use animal ingredients.
The average person has absolutely no clue what ingredients are in their ...
...of animals in experiments, the Clarins range is for you.

* * * The Product * * *
This particular product, Eye Contour Balm, is aimed at improving the skin quality and hydration around the eye area by softening the appearance of fine lines.
I don't have any lines (yet) but I used to suffer from dermatitus around my eyes, since I started using the balm on an almost daily basis, it has disappeared.
I originally received ... more

I am going to start by saying that I love Clarins and their products. That's not to say that I like or buy everything they sell but the products I do buy, I have found to be perfect for me, my beliefs and my lifestyle.

* * * The Company * * *
Clarins gets massive kudos from me for two simple facts; they do not engage in animal testing nor do they use animal ingredients.
The average person has absolutely no clue what ingredients are in their food never mind their toiletries and if they did, they certainly wouldn't be eating them or even spreading them on their skin.
Anyhoo, that's a debate for another day, so for those of us who care about what we ingest and the use of animals in experiments, the Clarins range is for you.

* * * The Product * * *
This particular product, Eye Contour Balm, is aimed at improving the skin quality and hydration around the eye area by softening the appearance of fine lines.
I don't have any lines (yet) but I used to suffer from dermatitus around my eyes, since I started using the balm on an almost daily basis, it has disappeared.
I originally received the product as a trial sample and noticed that over the course of a couple of weeks, my horrendously dry and itchy skin around my eyes started to clear up. I rushed out to purchase the full size product and have been using it for the last 2 years.

* * * Usage * * *
The Eye Contour Balm comes in a 20ml tube with a screw top. The nozzle is very fine so don't squeeze too hard as you only need to use a very small amount.
You can really feel how smooth and silky the balm is when you rub it between your fingers. It doesn't really have much of a smell but it's slight aroma is pleasant (like most of the Clarins range).
Apply it to the eye area but don't rub it in much, I like to leave it to absorb naturally which can take a little while. That's why it is better to apply it at night as you would have to wait before putting any make-up on.

* * * Value For Money * * *
The 20ml tube retails at around £20 in the high street so it is a hefty spend especially as I always end up with a few other products while I'm there. If you know where to look though you can find it cheaper at discount stores. I found it for sale in a "Savers" store for £15 along with a selection of other Clarins products at lower prices. Ultimately I like getting the Boots points though, so I wait till there is an offer on then stock up.

Because you only need a very small amount (like the size of a lentil) the balm does last a pretty long time. I usually use it once a day sometimes twice and a tube will keep me going for about 2 months.
A handy tip to know about most Clarins stuff, don't think that the bottle/tube/tub is finished till you have cut the top off and explored the inside, there is often enough for a few more days hiding in the recesses. This buys you enough time to get to the shops.

* * * Conclusion * * *
I find this product to be generally good value for money as it provides excellent results for my skin (dry to very dry in places), it allows me to preserve my ethics and it looks good on the bathroom shelf which is a bit like a shrine to the god of Clarins (you are welcome to worship anytime you visit, just leave a small gift).

There is no harm in trying the tester in store the next time you pass the Clarins stand, the staff are always friendly and look more "natural" than most of the other cosmetics salespeople as they tend to wear less make-up. An appropriate appearance for this ethical company. 

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