The very best Clarins products, ever

The ultimate icon. Originally created in 1985, Double Serum remains a beauty editor and consumer favourite, in large part due to the fact that the formula has been updated over the years – in line with the latest ingredient advancements – to be increasingly effiicaious.

The most recent iteration (the 9th so far) contains 22 potent plant extracts, including turmeric and five new active molecules to stimulate some of the skin's vital functions. We find our skin always looks and feels fresher and less tired after a few weeks of use. It's even available in a lighter texture now, too.

A relative newby to the Clarins family (it launched earlier this year), the Lip Comfort Oil has entered directly into the Clarins Hall of Fame as far as we're concerned. It has that hard-to-nail balance of being sheer but not invisible, vibrant but not too bold, and comfortable but not greasy. We love it for a quick and easy wash of colour to perk up the complexion, which can be layered up as desired.

A golden glow is most definitely not just for summer; what better way to offset festive sequins than with a little sparkle of your own, we say? And this excellent primer certainly delivers that. Launched as part of Clarins summer 2024 collection, the formula has a highlighting quality that evens out the complexion with a pearly, golden glow, while plant extracts hydrate the skin. We'll be stockpiling for January, when we'll need it most.

We think this tinted lip balm deserves a spot in every handbag, not least because the Princess of Wales is a fan. There's also the fact that it contains vitamins A and E to reinforce and repair the delicate skin on the lips while protecting it against free radicals, as well as shea and mango butters to intensely soften, all wrapped up in a deceptively lightweight gel texture.

It's available in 7 colours – from the palest pink to a rich berry – and the subtly shimmering finish skims over fine lines to make lips look more plumped. It leaves the most natural, pretty finish, and we can't get enough of it.

Most serums and creams require patience to see results, but sometimes you simply need a quick pick-me-up that'll deliver instant brightening benefits. Enter Beauty Flash Balm: a legendary Clarins creation that has saved many a face before a big meeting or party (it's even a flight-attendant favourite.)

A rich, almost gel-textured cream, it works by delivering an intense hit of moisture to the skin, with soothing extracts (olive, witch hazel) to immediately help reduce redness, and plant oils for firming and brightening. Apply it before foundation, or try it as a pre-event mask – either way, you're bound to become hooked on its glow-boosting benefits.

One of the creations that started it all, Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil is an integral part of the Clarins DNA – so much so, the formula has remained unchanged since 1954.

It's loved by Hearst senior beauty editor Alex Friend who says, "Blue Orchid has one of the dreamiest smells in beauty. It was once recommended to me by a make-up artist who never flew without it. She said it was amazing for dehydrated, dry skin, and the smell is sleep-inducing. I don’t use it every evening, but it’s an amazing one to have to hand if you’ve been burning the candle at both ends or want a treat-y skincare experience and an early night."

Designed specifically for skin over 60, this soothing oil-infused day cream contains two extracts from the horse chestnut (flower and seed) that work to strengthen the skin's barrier, which in turn helps lead to a brighter, more resilient complexion (not to mention seemingly more plumped, lifted and firmed).

A Clarins classic, and for good reason. It hits that sweet spot between being incredibly hydrating while absorbing well, making it one of the brand's bestselling products. There's something about the scent that's incredibly pleasing, too; it's clean, fresh and not at all overpowering. Smother it over hands and rub into cuticles for total nourishment.

"This is one of the perfumes I get the most compliments on," says beauty editor Fleur Fruzza. "Every time I wear it, someone will ask what it is. There is a lot of love for Clarins' classic Eau Dynamisante, but Eau des Jardins is a clear contender as successor. It's fresh, feminine and warm, and formulated with carefully selected essential oils that will make you feel as good as you smell (making it great for gifting, too)."

This is facial SPF at its best. It's a lightweight but hydrating SPF50, with the prettiest pink (yes, really) tint that somehow works to brighten any skin tone in a natural, flattering way. It melts down to a comfortable texture that plays well under makeup, with no pilling (even when you apply a generous amount).