Clarins Repairing & Firming Anti-Wrinkle Balm for Men

There are two polar opinions about creams and serums for men. First, they are the same as women's, they just smell different. Secondly, they are completely different, and it is dangerous for girls to use them. Olya Tretyakova searches and, it seems, finds the truth.

The first aftershave lotions appeared in the 40s thanks to George Trumper, a supplier of cosmetics to Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and her court. But the first cosmetic line of four products “only for men,” including an anti-wrinkle cream, appeared relatively recently – in 1985. The pioneer was Biotherm.

Last year, according to Rambler (and he refers to the Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov), men's cosmetics occupied almost 40% of the cosmetics market in Russia. True, it was not possible to find out what exactly is included in this 40%. If it’s shaving foam and deodorant, then so be it, we’ll believe it :)

But we hope at least 1-2% is taken up by creams. And here it gets more interesting. What are they? The same as ours, only in brutal packaging and with a chypre scent? And if they are different, then how are they different?

Men's needs - what are they?

1. Men's skin is thicker and contains more collagen. Thanks to this, it does not react so actively to sudden changes in temperature and wind and retains moisture better. But there is also a minus: “Due to its thickness, it ages later, but more sharply than women’s,” explains a Kiehl’s brand expert in Russia, Alexey Mironenko. It turns out that it is easier for women to fight the first signs of aging: they are visible. And men's skin lasts until the last. The thickness of the skin is the reason to add more active and even aggressive components to products for men - both chemical (fruit acids, retinol) and mechanical (for example, large scrubbing particles).

1. Men's skin is oilier. Unpleasant shine and acne are common. “Therefore, in men’s cosmetics, in addition to moisturizing, there are more mattifying and sebum-regulating components, for example, salicylic acid,” comments the national makeup artist of Clarins in Russia on the features of men’s care. Olga Komrakova. Oily skin is also an important reason to keep textures light.

1. Men's skin is more likely to become irritated by shaving. Over the years, the skin on the cheeks, chin and neck of men becomes more and more sensitive and prone to inflammation: the lipid mantle is disrupted. Therefore, the compositions of men's products contain many soothing, protective and restorative components, panthenol and squalane.

It turns out that men's cosmetics are created for oily/combination, dense skin prone to constant irritation? Something about this portrait seems terribly familiar to me.

The fact is that women's creams 40+ are usually dense: to fill wrinkles that appear on our skin earlier. And nutritious! Because skin becomes drier with age. But I don’t have wrinkles (with the exception of the area around the eyes), and my skin is just oily. And although I don’t need to shave my cheeks, I still have enough irritation from temperature changes and stress. So an additional dose of panthenol will not hurt, and if the cream does not clog the pores, it’s a fairy tale.

So I tried about a ton of men's cosmetics and chose 9 products that I will now never refuse.

Men's cosmetics and women's opinion

1. Deep Cleansing Scrub, Shiseido

1. Promises: cleanse, exfoliate, mattify, rejuvenate
2. Main components: menthol and exfoliating granules in the scrub.

Olya: “Friends with oily skin have repeatedly praised this scrub, but somehow I couldn’t get around to it - and why, when there are a huge number of women’s ones?

I tried it as part of this experiment - and - surprise! — I’ve never seen such a beautiful scrub before! It smells like shaving foam - standard for men's products, the texture is a thick cream with a million tiny granules. The granules are soft, do not scratch the skin, but cleanse everything unnecessary simply with a bang. After use, a minty chill remains - it will be great in the summer! – and a very delicate, not at all “foamy” smell. And it doesn’t tighten the skin either.”

Other cool face scrubs I've tried: Clinique For Men™ Face Scrub, a men's multifunctional cleanser Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser, Kiehl's, cleansing and softening gel Gel Nettoyage Profond, Payot, cleanser and exfoliator Nettoyant Exfoliant, Clarins

Prices:

1. Men's Multifunctional Facial Cleanser Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser, Kiehl’s - 1200 rub. For 150 ml
2. Scrub for deep skin cleansing Deep Cleansing Scrub, Shiseido — 2470 rub. for 125 ml
3. Cleansing and softening facial gel Gel Nettoyage Profond, Payot — 1199 rub. for 200 ml
4. Clinique For Men™ Face Scrub Face Scrub — 2250 rub. 100 ml
5. A cleanser & exfoliator for men Nettoyant Exfoliant, Clarins - 2200 rub. for 125 ml

2. Complex rejuvenating cream Total Revitalizer Cream, Shiseido

1. Promises: strengthen and rejuvenate the skin
2. Main components: vitamin E, marine collagen and beta-glucan.

Olya: “The texture is a delicate gel that is immediately absorbed. The skin immediately becomes velvety - you want to touch it all the time. Moisturizes for the whole day - by lunchtime there is no desire to spray or smear with anything extra. And at the same time it mattifies beautifully, and the effect lasts until the evening. For a person who always literally uses a stopwatch to calculate how long a product will remove oily shine from the face, this is almost fantastic: how is that possible?!

The smell is not quite typical for men's products - the aroma is fresh, with notes of flowers and greenery, but quite complex. According to the release, this is a special aroma composition designed to calm the body and spirit. Although for me it is still quite invigorating.

By the way, as a base for makeupTotal Revitalizer Cream He also behaves with dignity: he doesn’t slip.”

Other cool creams: firming anti-wrinkle cream Anti-R >Clarins, wrinkle smoothing fluid Soin Total Anti-Age, Payot.

Prices:

1. Complex rejuvenating cream Total Revitalizer Cream, Shiseido — 6300 rub.
2. Firming anti-wrinkle cream for men Anti-R >Clarins — 3750 rub. for 50 ml
3. Wrinkle smoothing fluid Soin Total Anti-Age, Payot — 1349 rub. for 50 ml

3. Moisturizing cream-gel modeling the facial contour Hydra-Sculpt, Clarins

1. Promises: strengthen facial contours, eliminate wrinkles, moisturize and rejuvenate.
2. Active Ingredients: centella asiatica, fruit acids and salicylic acid.

Olya: “An example of a targeted approach, unusual for men’s cosmetics: Hydra-Sculpt cream-gel does not just “fight wrinkles,” but tightens facial contours and reduces the double chin. I won’t lie, after a couple of weeks of use I saw results like a scalpel, but the contours of my face really became clearer. I would be happy to continue to use it - it is comfortable and immediately makes the skin more elastic, but salicylic and fruit acids are clearly unnecessary for me in winter. But when the heating is turned off, it will be simply irreplaceable!”

Price: moisturizing cream-gel modeling facial contour Hydra-Sculpt, Clarins - 5600 rub. for 50 ml

4. Multifunctional care product Pro Ls All-In-One Face Treatment, Lab Series Skincare For Men

1. Promises: soothe, mattify, moisturize, slow down the appearance of wrinkles.
2. Active Ingredients: grape seed extract, pomegranate juice, rosemary and moss extract.

Olya: “And here’s a reverse example from Clarins: a fire product for all-in-one lovers.” Relieves irritation (and not only after shaving), moisturizes, mattifies. The bottle is small and convenient - perfect to take with you to the gym or on a trip. The texture is comfortable, the aroma is light and unobtrusive. If I had not known that the product was from the men's series, I would never have guessed it. I would have thought: a nice pharmaceutical cream. I won't give it to anyone. It will come in handy."

Other cool mattifying products: moisturizing cream-gel for oily skin Clinique For Men™ Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer, refreshing mattifying gel 24 hours of hydration Soin Hydra 24H Matifiant, Payot.)

Prices:

1. Multifunctional care product Pro Ls All-In-One Face Treatment, Lab Series Skincare For Men — 2900 rub. for 100 ml in Rive Gauche stores.
2. Moisturizing cream-gel for oily skin Clinique For Men™ Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer — 3350 rub. 100 ml
3. Refreshing mattifying gel 24 hours of hydration Soin Hydra 24H Matifiant, Payot — 1074 rub. for 50 ml

5. Tom Ford For Men Hydrating Lip Balm

1. Promises: moisturize, soften, retain moisture in the skin.
2. Active Ingredients: almond oil, shea butter, avocado extract and vitamins A and E.

Olya: “It instantly tidies up dry lips. However, it leaves a thick film, and it is felt for a very long time. I’m okay with this, but how is it for men? Probably, in the extreme conditions of the far north/hot countries or hiking in the mountains, there is no time for comfort - the main thing is protection. But this balm also leaves a decent shine. In general, I don’t know what this product does in the men’s line, I’m taking it for myself.”

Another cool lip product: men's lip balm without gloss Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm, Kiehl's.

Prices:

1. Lip balm Tom Ford For Men Hydrating Lip Balm — 2300 rub. (on sale in GUM, TSUM, DLT, Tsvetnoy shopping center, Smolensky passage, Vesna shopping center)
2. Men's lip balm without gloss Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm, Kiehl's — 750 rub. for 4.5 g

6. Men’s gel stick against bags and dark circles under the eyes Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer, Kiehl’s

1. Promises: cope with dark circles, swelling and wrinkles, cool.
2. Active Ingredients: Rhodiola rosea and rosella root extracts, honey.

Olya: “The bottle is light, tiny - only 5 g, very convenient. No fragrance, no irritation, no creamy shine - just a pleasant coolness. If you sit in a room with central heating in winter, your hand will reach for the stick more than once or twice a day. Great stuff!”

Other cool eye products: eye contour roller Defigant Regard, Payot , revitalizing eye cream, Total Revitalizer Eye, Shiseido, anti-wrinkle balm for the skin around the eyes Baume Anti-R >Clarins Men)

Prices:

1. Men's gel stick against bags and dark circles under the eyes Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer, Kiehl’s - 1700 rub. For 5 g
2. Eye contour roller Defigant Regard, Payot — 1659 rub. for 15 ml
3. Revitalizing eye cream Total Revitalizer Eye, Shiseido 3510 rub. for 15 ml
4. Anti-wrinkle balm for the skin around the eyes for men Baume Anti-R >Clarins — RUB 3,350. for 20 ml

7. Roll-on deodorant for men 24 Heures, Payot

1. Promises: protect from sweat for 24 hours.
2. Active Ingredients: copper and iron.

Olya: “I don’t know what men think, but for women, the star of the Payot Optimale men’s line could be a roll-on deodorant. After two showers, boxing training and a whole day of running errands, I didn’t smell anything unpleasant. I will not give it to anyone".

Another great deodorant: roll-on antiperspirant deodorant Anti-Transpirant Roll-On, Clarins

Prices:

1. Roll-on deodorant for men 24 Heures, Payot — 624 rub. for 75 ml
2. Roll-on antiperspirant deodorant for men Anti-Transpirant Roll-On, Clarins - 1550 rub. for 50 ml

8. Protective fluid screen UV PLUS Anti-Pollution SPF 50, Clarins

1. Promises: protect from the sun and aggressive environmental influences.
2. Active Ingredients: bamboo powder, quinoa, gymnema and bison extracts.

Olya: “Sansscreen is gorgeous - it doesn’t give white streaks, doesn’t shine on the face and fits into a small bag. And, imagine, it also mattifies a little.”

9. Softening hand cream Soin Ideal Mains, Clarins

1. Promises: nourish without leaving a greasy film.
2. Active Ingredients: provitamin B5, allantoin and purslane extract.

Olya: “Really doesn't leave a film on your hands. Perfectly nourishes and moisturizes. I would borrow from my man without the slightest remorse.”

Have you used any cosmetics from the men's shelf? What are your favorites?

Compositions:

Firming anti-wrinkle cream for men Anti-R >Clarins

Protective fluid screen for men UV PLUS Anti-Pollution SPF 50, Clarins

Moisturizing cream-gel modeling facial contour Hydra-Sculpt, Clarins

Roll-on deodorant for men 24 Heures, Payot

Eye contour roller Defigant Regard, Payot

Wrinkle smoothing fluid Soin Total Anti-Age, Payot

Cleansing and softening facial gel Gel Nettoyage Profond, Payot

Lip balm Tom Ford For Men Hydrating Lip Balm

Scrub for deep skin cleansing Deep Cleansing Scrub, Shiseido

Complex rejuvenating cream Total Revitalizer Cream, Shiseido

Restoring and strengthening anti-wrinkle balm for men Line Control Balm

On the official site Clarins we read:

With age, the skin loses its elasticity. This revitalizing balm restores youthful skin...and self-confidence! Helps reduce wrinkles, strengthens skin and tightens facial contours. Recommended to be applied after using Nettoyant Visage cleansing gel. It has a light texture, suitable for any skin type.

Packaging form: bottle with 50 ml dispenser.

Chemical composition:

1. Glycerin - moisturizes the skin; in dry air, on the contrary, it dries out the skin.
2. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient that softens the skin.
3. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - shea butter, or shea butter. One of the best cosmetic ingredients, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Softens and moisturizes the skin, restores the natural moisturizing factor on the skin surface.
4. Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that softens the skin.
5. Caprylic/Capric Triglycer > derived from coconut oil and glycerin. High quality emollient, rich in fatty acids that restore damaged skin surface, moisturizes the skin, and prevents moisture loss. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Claims that this ingredient is comedogenic are not supported by research.
6. Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a synthetic polymer used to thicken the emulsion, creates a very pleasant emulsion, and is a skin-safe ingredient.
7. Caffeine is an alkaloid isolated from coffee, tea, and cola nuts. It has a tonic effect, improves microcirculation, and reduces tissue swelling.
8. Butylene Glycol - retains moisture in the surface layers of the skin, is an emulsifier and surfactant, and promotes deeper penetration of other active ingredients of cosmetics.
9. Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract is an oat extract, one of the best cosmetic ingredients. Reduces skin irritation and has anti-inflammatory properties. Contains gluten.
10. Parfum/Fragrance - synthetic fragrance.
11. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative.
12. Polyacrylam belongs to a large group of film-forming agents. Forms a plastic film on the surface of the skin that binds and retains water.
13. Tocopheryl Acetate - vitamin E, antioxidant.
14. Hierochloe Odorata Extract is a natural vanilla scented fragrance.
15. Palmitoyl Proline is a mixture of palmitic acid and proline. One of the best cosmetic ingredients. Improves intercellular connections, restores damaged skin barrier, stimulates the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
16. C13-14 Isoparaffin, Disodium EDTA - emulsifier and thickener; emulsion stabilizer.
17. Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract is a plant better known as acmela. Relaxes facial muscles, thereby reducing the depth of facial wrinkles. Stimulates fibroblasts, tones collagen fibers, gives skin elasticity. Used in folk medicine (Brazil) to relieve toothache and is a local anesthetic. It also has antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and dilates blood vessels.
18. Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate, Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Laureth-7, Palmitic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Alpinia Officinarum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral

Conclusion:

If it were not for the high concentration of fragrances, this balm anti-wrinkle from Clarins would be good moisturizer for normal and dry skin.

And, although this tool is not able to provide complete lifting And wrinkle smoothing, it contains beneficial plant extracts and antioxidants that have anti-aging properties.

Cons - high concentration fragrances may cause skin irritation; the composition of the cream does not correspond to advertising promises and is not able to provide complete skin lifting.

Restoring and strengthening anti-wrinkle cream for men Line Control Cream

Advertising of this product from the official website Clarins no different from the previous one.

It is written that the cream:

Regenerates, reduces wrinkles, for dry skin.

Packaging form: 50 ml jar.

Chemical composition:

1. Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclomethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin - emollients, emulsion thickeners, silicone; humidifier.
2. Butyrospermum, Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Aluminum Starch, Octenylsuccinate, Caffeine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Parfum/Fragrance, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer Ethylhexylglyceerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hierochloe Odorata Extracta, Disodium Edta, Sodium DehydroaCetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Spilanthes Acmelli Flowerol Extract, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf /Stem Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Alpinia Officinarum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral.

Conclusion:

The compositions of these two products "anti-aging skin» from Clarins are almost identical and there is no need to explain in detail the effect of each ingredient.

The complaints about the cream are still the same - high concentration fragrances If used daily, the cream will cause redness and irritation of the skin. The cream does not contain sun filters , therefore it will not be able to prevent photoaging of the skin. Packaging in a jar is not hygienic and deprives the activity of plant extracts and vitamins.

This is a good moisturizing and skin softening cream for normal to dry skin.

Rating: average.

Anti-wrinkle balm for the skin around the eyes for men Line-Control Eye Balm

Advertising the product on the website Clarins very good:

Appeared wrinkles around the eyes? This balm with a delicate texture strengthens the skin around the eyes, smooths out wrinkles, reduces dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Recommended to apply every evening. The non-greasy texture refreshes the skin and gives it a matte finish.

Packaging form: bottle with 20 ml dispenser.

Chemical composition:

1. Glycerin - moisturizes the skin, attracts water molecules.
2. Cyclomethicone - silicone, softens the skin, makes the cream glide easier.
3. Pentylene Glycol - improves the distribution of the product over the skin surface and its glide. Cleanses the skin, dissolves sebum. Non-toxic to skin.
4. Cetearyl Alcohol - can be obtained synthetically or from coconut oil. Emollient, emulsion thickener, conductive agent for other ingredients.
5. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - see above.
6. Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides is an emollient and thickener for cosmetics. Refers to "good" ingredients.
7. Caprylic/Capric Triglycer >emollient, softens the skin.
8. Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate - aluminum starch, thickener and adsorbent.
9. Glyceryl Stearate is a mulgator, after its use the skin becomes smooth to the touch.
10. PEG-100 Stearate - belongs to a wide group of polyethylene glycols used to thicken the emulsion to improve the penetration of other active ingredients of the cream.
11. Cetearyl Glucoside is a mixture of fatty alcohol and glucose, an emulsion thickener.
12. Steareth-21 is a surfactant, emulsion stabilizer, which promotes deeper penetration of the active ingredients of the cream. Non-toxic to skin.
13. Dimethicone - silicone, softens the skin, makes it easier to apply the cream.
14. Butylene Glycol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hierochloe Odorata Extract, Disodium EDTA - see above.
15. Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract - pine bark extract, rich in proanthocyanidins, is a strong antioxidant.
16. Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Alpinia Officinarum Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate.

Conclusion:

I’m just wondering what ingredients this balm for the skin around the eyes comes from “smooth out wrinkles«?!

Pros - practically none fragrances (finally!); very light creamy texture, does not leave the skin feeling sticky after application; includes anti-inflammatory oat extract .

Cons - the cream formula is “ordinary”, it does not contain any special ingredients that smooth out wrinkles; antioxidants in very low concentrations; advertising promises do not correspond to reality at all.

This is the option when to use eye cream It is not necessary at all if you have a good facial moisturizer containing sunscreens, antioxidants and vitamins.

Rating: average.

Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum against dark circles and puffiness under the eyes

Advertising is the “engine of trade”, so we carefully read what the site promises us Clarins:

A tonic care product that helps eliminate premature signs of aging in the skin around the eye. Reduces the first wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Gives the eyes a fresh, rested look.

Packaging form: bottle with 20 ml dispenser.

Chemical composition:

1. Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-8, Trehalose, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Butylene Glycol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cellulose Gum, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Ac >see. higher. All ingredients have a greater impact on the quality of the emulsion than on the condition of the skin. And this, mind you, is already the first 15 ingredients on the list!
2. Panax Ginseng Root Extract - ginseng extract, used in anti-aging cosmetics, stimulates metabolic processes in skin cells, tones.
3. Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract - ginkgo biloba leaf extract, one of the best cosmetic ingredients. Antioxidant, rich source of flavonoids, improves microcirculation. Reduces redness and inflammatory reaction of the skin in response to sun exposure.
4. Portulaca Oleracea Extract - purslane extract, one of the best cosmetic ingredients. Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
5. Alpinia Officinarum Root Extract - improves skin conditions, but there is no data to support its effectiveness.
6. Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Ci 42090/Blue 1.

Conclusion:

Pros: light texture of the serum; does not leave a sticky film after application; moisturizes the skin well; contains anti-inflammatory extracts; no fragrance.

Cons - the composition of the serum does not correspond to advertising promises; Will NOT remove puffiness and dark circles under the eyes; very few antioxidants.

This is also a very good example that buying this anti-aging eye serum from Clarins would be a waste of money!

In the meantime, to date, the best eye cream, the cream remains Clinique - read here

Care on 1-2-3
Choose the set that suits your skin type and experience complete Clarins skin care.
A nice bonus: there is a special offer of -50% for each set!

Care on 1-2-3
Choose the set that suits your skin type and experience complete Clarins skin care.
A nice bonus: there is a special offer of -50% for each set!

Description of the product

Ingredients

Application method

Anti-aging care products have a comprehensive effect on all signs of skin aging: they help reduce wrinkles, tighten facial contours, increase skin elasticity, and also protect it from the harmful effects of pollution. The herbal complex based on bison, galanga and purslane included in the formulas tones the skin and fills it with energy.

The products are presented in two textures: a light balm for any skin type and a comfortable cream for dry skin.