I tried some Clarins White Plus HP skincare once and you know what? I was not impressed. I didn’t like the scent, I didn’t like the texture and I found it too drying for my skin. So why do I have 2 bottles of the revamped Clarins Whitening Velvet Emulsion then? Because I like this one! 😀
In the process of reformulating the White Plus HP Whitening Velvet Emulsion, Clarins worked on the scent and texture too. This new emulsion (new in the Clarins White Plus HP stables I believe) is light but not drying and it comes in 2 versions. One has SPF and the texture is a bit thicker, while another has no SPF and has a lighter texture and you can use it day and night.
I’ve been using these as my day moisturizers for over 2 months now (been too lazy to switch them out, bad me!) and I like how quickly they absorb into my skin and although the scent is strong, I like it. Its fresh and reminds me strangely of apples.
I have combination-dry skin and this emulsion is quite perfect for the day. I find it less perfect for night use because it isn’t moisturizing enough for me. If you have oily skin then perhaps, you might find that its good for night use too.
I have a note about the packaging. Unlike many brands that opt for a shorter squatter bottle, Clarins has opted for a tall glass bottle. It looks like it might be plastic, but its glass. Much as I love my glass bottles for skincare, you know what happens with tall glass bottles right? They have a tendency, if you aren’t careful to be knocked over. Its happened to me, but I discovered that when I’m in a panic, I have superhuman reflexes, so I saved the bottle just before it hit the floor. Scared me half to death, it did. So I make sure I keep my bottles on the inside of the dresser, not on the outside, near the edge. I do like the heft though.
Otherwise, the packaging is rock solid and I like the pump included. It is sturdy. This is a strange description for it, but that’s how I feel. It pumps out just enough product to be used for 1 use, and it has a sturdy feel to it. Also, the cap is very tight fitting (I like that very much! No more caps being accidentally knocked off) and the pump can be locked if you decide to travel with this. I don’t know how advisable that is due to the glass bottle, but the option is there.
Can you see the arrow on the top of the pump? It tells you which direction to twist to open and if you twist it in the opposite direction, it locks.
The texture of this emulsion is that of a lotion. Its light, and the scent is strong but not cloying (to me). It smells to me, of green apples and flowers – a fresh, scent. In fact, the scent does last on the skin which usually bums me out, but because I don’t quite mind it, its fine by me. If you are sensitive to scent, then you may not like this one at all. But take a sniff anyway, because you just never know. I didn’t think I’d like it either!
Application of this emulsion needs you to use the Clarins method, of patting the product into your skin. If you just smear it on, chances are, it will not absorb very well. However, if you pat it in, it seems to absorb more quickly and better, and leaves my skin feeling velvety soft. I like that feeling. It claims to help hold your makeup on longer too, but as I always top up with a separate sunscreen, I did not notice that.
Swatches Left: Clarins White Plus HP Velvet Whitening Emulsion Right: Clarins White Plus HP Velvet Whitening Emulsion SPF20
You will notice from the product swatches above of both emulsions, that the non-SPF version has a lighter look to it. It also has a lighter feel and seems to absorb more quickly. The emulsion with SPF20 looks more opaque and has a slightly thicker consistency, but not so thick as to be a cream.
Personally, I don’t think that SPF20 is suitable for our weather, but if you are the sort to dislike wearing sunscreen, then I guess SPF20 is better than none 🙂 I use them both interchangeably and I like both textures. I also find that the SPF 20 version has a stronger scent, while the non SPF version has a much lighter scent. One is only to be used in the day, while the other may be used day and night. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out which 🙂
As for the whitening properties, I will say I did not notice any. Point to note: I use a range of whitening products daily, and if everything worked dramatically every time I use a new one, I’d be translucent, or bleached. It just does not happen. So, I believe I might have reached optimum as far as skin colour is concerned so I notice no difference in skin tone or colour, but it does not make me look darker nor does it break me out, and that to me, is most important now. If you are tanned, then this might show results, but as I said, I’m at optimum level right now.
In a nutshell
The Clarins White Plus HP Velvet Whitening Emulsion comes in 2 versions – with SPF 20 and without SPF. The textures are slightly different, with one a little lighter than the other. However, both absorbs well and quickly into the skin and leave no greasy or oily feel. Skin feels velvety soft. I did not find it drying my skin like previous versions of the product. There is a strong scent, which strangely does not bug me although it lingers. The scent in the non-SPF version is lighter than that in the SPF version. I would recommend using a higher SPF sunscreen over the moisturizer, but if you dislike that anyway, then the SPF20 is probably better than nothing. I did not notice any more whitening, but that is also because I am not tanned and I am using a range of whitening products so I can’t get any whiter.
Pros: The emulsion is great for the day and works to moisturise my combination-dry skin well, Skin feels velvety soft after use, Absorbs quickly into the skin and does not leave a greasy film
Cons: Tall glass bottle can be dangerous, Scent could be lightened some more
Have you tried this new Clarins White Plus HP Velvet Whitening Emulsion? Have you had any luck using any other product in the Clarins White Plus HP line? I like the sunscreen too and am finishing it up as we speak. I think it layers well over this emulsion. However, I seem to think that the sunscreen just isn’t enough for our blazing tropical sun so I’ve swapped out and use it only like a makeup base. My skin isn’t dry, it makes a good makeup base, and I can say that I like this emulsion, scent and all 🙂
Paris B
Clarins White Plus HP Velvet Whitening Emulsion comes in 2 variants, with and without SPF20 Price: RM190/75ml Availability: All Clarins counters and beauty institutes
I really liked this one too! And that’s unusual coming from me since I’m hardly keen on whitening. But I loved the texture & it did somewhat made my skintone more even
That is most certainly unusual, coming from you 😛 But I agree, the texture is quite lovely on the skin, whitening effects aside 🙂
I agree with Connie. I actually saw the difference the next day meself, but I have such dull skin that maybe after months of not using optimum skincare, having higher-end skincare just boosted it up.
I think its not a matter of high end/low end skincare more like skincare that works LOL! You just haven’t been using whitening products! 😛
Sounds good! Glass bottle! haha, it’s looks plastic through and through. I have heard great things about this new Clarins.
Yup! It looks like plastic but its like coated glass. Quite heavy too so I wouldn’t recommend anyone travel with this 😛
i have a deluxe sample of the moisturiser with the spf and i hate it so much! i much prefer it before they reformulated it because the old one did not break me out. this one did. guess i should get the lighter formula then.
Hi Juan,
I find the SPF one too sticky for me; I still prefer the UV HP one. 🙂
I do admit that it’s easier to use with the pump bottle and will prolly continue using it until it’s gone! 😀
Yikes, sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you 🙁 I hated the old version because it’s too drying for me but this seems better
I need to try some Clarins skincare I think! Sounds lovely and since we have the same skin type I’m pretty sure it will work for me too. Lovely review!
I don’t know if you’ll get the whitening range in Canada, but I like the Hydraquench range too, for Moisturising. I think Clarins does pretty good skincare, if the fragrance doesn’t bother you 😉
Wah Paris, if you go any lighter, you may have to talk pictures with a black background already. hahaha (ok, it’s lame joke) 😛
Lol! Yeah I might have to do that eh?
I’ve tried some products from this range, and the scent is just too strong for me. 🙁
I felt that about the previous range too. This one, especially the non SPF version is much better 😉
I don’t like the whitening range from Clarins, coz the scent is too strong for my nose. I stop using their HydraQuench range as well becoz of the new improved scent. Their famous SPF didn’t work for me either, gave me tiny bumps all over my face even on my eye lids… But I do like the Facial Lift, HydraQuench Cream- Mask and Pure and Radiant Mask.
Yep, the Clarins white plus and Hydraquench is a bit heavily fragranced. The Hydraquench scent is much lighter too. But sorry to hear the products don’t work for you. Can’t work for everyone I guess 😉
I went for Clarins Skintime and the staff was very generous and gave me 5 days worth of samples for both emulsion with and without SPF 🙂 I prefer the one without SPF for its light and watery texture. Absorbs quite quickly into skin and feels soothing. I also love its lovely scent. I dislike the one with SPF as it feels abit oily on my combination skin and i don’t really like its feel on my skin. Would definitely consider purchasing the emulsion after i finished my existing one.
Isn’t it nice when SA is generous with samples? Its the best way for us to know if we like the product or if it will work for you and good to know it did for you! 🙂
Seems like a great product for skincare I heard a lot about Clarins but the scent part wont work for me I guess..!! 😀
Clarins is quite good for their skincare I feel, but the scents could do with some toning down I feel too.
Hi Paris,
The one without SPF is RM190 while the one with SPF is RM210 😉
Thanks for the update!
I superlike how you introduce one product in smooth and simple manner but enlightening enough to grab my intense interest 😀 You’re great! I love Clarins sunscreen so much I may give this a try. And, your description ‘tall glass bottle can be dangerous’ is so hilarious!
Haha glad you enjoy reading it 😉 try to get a sample of the emulsion and see if you like it 😉
I have tried their emulsion and serum too. I got a small sample, 5ml of both when I purchased my Clarins facial lift serum last January. I’m not sure whether both sample I got are the newest version. I have finished using both and I don’t see any difference in skin translucency or whitening. I also think this is because my skin can’t get any fairer, I’ve reached my optimum too. Plus I’m not using a full range, so I can’t see the effect like when I’m using my Diorsnow. Aft every application of Diorsnow, I can see my skin like glowing from within. Can’t see this effect with Clarins though. But I’m interested with it’s Spot Whitening Corrector. I’m using Diorsnow spot corrector now, and almost used up the small tube. It’s good but I wanna try different brand if it’s better. So, if you try Clarins spot corrector, can you give a review? ^^
I think we can’t be expected to see results with every whitening product. I’ve given up on that, else we’d be bleaches won’t we? 😉 it’s good to know that Diorsnow works for you. I havent used the Clarins spot corrector but I found the Diorsnow didn’t work for me 🙁
last time I use their emulsion with spf as well and i really like it ,especially the light texture.it’s already finished but i wont repurchase coz i think rm190 is a bit pricey..
I think it a bit pricey too but for something that works, I’m pretty prepared to pay for it 😉
Used the other Clarins HP line but it was good but I think because I got Combination- oily skin… Anyway , this ones have not enough SPF for me.. Gonna skip it… Great review anyway =)
I have to agree. I don’t think the SPF is sufficient for our weather either. Maybe best they didn’t include it in our part of the world because it can lull some into a false sense of security
agree about the scent – i usually don’t mind fragrance but this has a particularly strong one! i’m quite a Clarins fan though, love almost everything in the whitening range except this because i don’t see why there was a need for spf in this 🙁
I am quite a fan of the Hydraquench range 🙂 sorry to hear the scent in this whitening range doesn’t work for you. The previous one really got to me, but the non SPF one is at least more bearable to me 🙂
Hi Pb!
Which would you recommend more? For the brightening purpose.
This or Impress Brightener?
Thanks!
Hi Shari, technically, the Impress Brightener isn’t for whitening, more for exfoliation, so I’d have to say this if you’re looking for something whitening in a moisturiser. That said, it has minimal effect on my skin so it would depend on what you’re looking for.