Clarins, Cassandra and Me

My Current Drug of Choice

I think we’ve all been expanding upon certain rituals lately, those little things we do on a regular basis that help us to cope with stress.  Some people might be having an extra wine at their local gathering spot, others extend their workouts an additional fifteen minutes and yet others are perhaps seeking solace in food.  For me, I’ve become a bit obsessed with aromatherapy.  My little apartment seems to be transformed daily into a mini spa in which soothing scents swirl, easing my anxieties—big and small—every hour of the day.  

Essential oils, such as lavender and sandalwood, have been my godsend at bedtime for a number of months.  But ever since the economy plunged in September, I dove headfirst into a number of potions and lotions that I knew would provide some sort of redolent release.  Clarins Huile Tonic, or Body Treatment Firming and Toning Oil, quickly became my favorite and now I pretty much only have to open the bottle and give it a sniff to achieve a greater sense of serenity.

Apparently this highly aromatic oil, composed of geranium, hazelnut, rosemary, sage, peppermint and rosewood extracts, is known to be particularly effective during “that time of the month” when virtually all women feel the need for more slimming and relaxation.  It has been nearly sixty days now and I’m still turning to this wondrous tonic on a daily basis.  Maybe all this woeful news left me feeling episodically distressed and bloated, but I’ve found my cure in Huile Tonic.  (Totally contrary to the instructions, however, I put it on my damp skin as soon as I leave the shower, breathing the aroma-therapeutic qualities of the oil deeply in many times over within the steamy space of my bathroom.)

This daily ritual, of course, prompted me to think more about Clarins, a company I first discovered in Paris in the early eighties.  As with most other people—including men and women—it was the fragrance of the products that drew me in.  As early as 1954, long before aromatherapy became a buzzword, Jacques Courtin-Clarins was creating skin care products with scents that completely enhanced your whole state of well-being.  And as I recently re-discovered, the plants and essential oils that make up these predominantly plant-based products promote external and internal healing in sometimes surprising ways.

La Belle Cassandra in Stella Cadente

I couldn’t think of Clarins without thinking of my friend, Cassandra Moonen, the International Public Relations Manager of this world-renowned big name in beauty.  We only met in person a handful of times, but each time I was greatly impressed by her elegance and glow.  I think each woman has a collection of females they truly admire and Cassandra figures among those on my short list.  She’s actually Dutch-born, but to me, she embodies the total look and feel of this leading French company.  She’s also single and as I’ve said to her before, it’s too bad there are so many miles between us because I’m sure we’d enjoy spending lots of time together.  All these aromas and musings prompted me to put a few questions to Cassandra in order to feel more connected with her and my beloved Paris.

M.C.:  Are you still wearing Stella Cadente, the French label you introduced me to a few years ago? 

C.M.: Yes, but not every day.  I love wearing this feminine and colorful collection that is not related to fashion trends but corresponds to my personality.  I feel really good in the nice fabrics and I always choose a cut that enhances my natural shapes.  The truth is that I will always get compliments when I wear a piece of Stella Cadente, even if I mix with other more trendy or classic pieces (of other brands).

M.C.: If so, what’s her fall look? 

C.M.: Stella Cadente has her own style that corresponds to the girl inside a woman with a touch of Rock & Glam.    

M.C.: Anything new with the fragrance Miss Me, the one Clarins created for Stella Cadente? 

C.M.:  No further development for this Parisian “niche” brand this year, but you can see the lovely and poetic cosmetic products on her Web site.

A Smoldering Look for this Holiday Season

M.C: What other fashions and/or fashion accessories are big in Paris this fall/winter?  What’s the overall look?

C.M.: Leggings are back with nice fluid, feminine tops, short cuts, slim fit jeans and the trendy color of the season is violet.  For the winter season it will be Chic and Glam with silver, gold or black accessories!  We have a very nice make up bag for the Holiday season at Clarins a must-have for the season to be the IT girl!

M.C: What are your favorite Clarins products of the moment and why?

C.M: My favorite Clarins product for my face at the moment is Total Double Serum, the most complete Cosmetic product to fight against aging, ideal when the season changes to offer my skin all it needs.  It’s like a multivitamin for my skin to stay healthy and young.  For my body, I recommend Clarins Aromatic Relaxing Body Polisher, to exfoliate my skin very gently offering aromatic and well being benefits immediate to my skin (once a week) and the second product is the Toning Body Treatment Oil, a hundred-percent natural cosmetic product to firm and tone my body from head to toe every morning after my shower; it just needs to be rinsed off with cold to warm water.  No need to apply other products after and you’ll find immediate results.  It’s quick and easy and I love it.  I can add, of course, many other products according to the area I would like to improve (the bust, my legs and hips..).

M.C.: What Clarins products are favorites among American women?

C.M.: Our anti-aging products (Extra-Firming and Super Restorative lines), our sun care products, our self tanning range, Instant Beauty Flash Balm, and in Make Up, our big hit is Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch.

M.C.: What Clarins products are favorites among French women?

C.M.: Our anti-aging products (Extra-Firming and Super Restorative lines), our sun care products, Eau Dynamisante, Tonic Oil, Total Body Lift and all our body products, Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch and our foundations.

Miraculous Make Up

More of My Favorite Clarins Products

Cassandra mentioned the Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch above, a product I discovered a number of years ago and was completely amazed by how beautifully it evens out your skin with a pink-y glow.  Clarins recently came out with the Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch foundation (that she also cited above) and it is truly magical.  I’m not a fan of foundation, but applying this base to your skin is like smoothing your face with a creamy satin mousse.  Truly a must!  I’m also in love with Paramour, a rather heady fragrance, perfect for amorous winter evenings wrapped in velvet and cashmere.  Unfortunately I’m out of that now, but its scent still lingers in my mind.  My current fragrance is Chanel’s Chance (also means luck in French) which is perhaps more suited for these times.  And I suppose I can always dabble a little Huile Tonic behind my ears.

Be sure to check out www.clarins.com; their Beauty Advice in particular is worth the visit.