Clarins Calm-Essentiel Redness Corrective Gel

I love that this is hermetically packaged - the tube/pump means that air isn't going to get in. It also means you're not coming into contact with the unused product.

I used this in the morning and found it really did what it said on the tube...it makes ruddy skin less red and more even. I mean, what else is there to say about the results?

It has a lovely fragrance that adds to the experience. I actually love that its fragranced, i know for some people that's a no-no for sensitive skin products, but for me I love it that they've found a gentle way to add scent using calming ingredients.

This leaves skin even and smooth, and is a really nice base for makeup. I didnt need to use my primer after using this product!

I really like the idea of this product - a redness-correcting gel that calms redness while disguising it. I did notice a difference in my skin while wearing it - I had no inclination to do my usual fake tan or BB cream because my skin looked more even and less flushed.

However there were a couple of downsides to this product. The first is the packaging. This product is in a tube with a pump dispenser on top. Usually a pump dispenser has a wee tube to the bottom of the bottle to bring the product up. Obviously that's not going to work with a tube that is shaped like a toothpaste tube. This meant that when it took ages pumping before product could come out, I wasn't sure how to fix it. Normally I know where to shake the product to/apply pressure/etc. However, after a while the product started coming out. Next time I went to use it... I'm back at square one! After lots of futile pumping I tried squeezing the tube gently and that got it going and I haven't had problems since. However, if I had paid the RRP for this product I would have been very unhappy about having to battle the tube like this! Assumably Clarins have used this design for a good reason, but a little advice would be very helpful!

My last issue was again around the lack of information provided. I assumed this was a makeup product and was using it after the emulsion. Halfway through the trial Beauty Review contacted me with information - apparently I was supposed to do this first and finish with the emulsion. Information for how to use the product should really be provided on the box, but Clarins is heavy on languages, light on details!

This is a good product, but make sure you get some information from the store before you start using it, because the information isn't on the box.

I have not used a product to reduce redness in the past and was openminded for the few spots where I take issue. The product is dispensed through a pump which helps to ensure only a small amount of product is used - and I was surprised to know that the 'gel' was more of a green based cream. After multiple applications I am still unsure whether the kind of redness I have issues with can be treated by a gel or whether the product just wasn't as effective as it promised to be. I think I'd still refer this to friends that have issues with redness and are more severe than me, but the price point might be a hinderance to this.

I've never been convinced by 'anti-redness' products - I figured the redness would be dependant/caused by numerous factors. This wee tube has proved me wrong!

It is a lightly scented gel that applies and absorbs easily. As it is applied it seems to instantly soothe and refresh the skin - your skin just feels nicer immediately.

The gel has pigments (presumably green going by the colour wheel) and it really, really does leave skin looking less red. I mean its not 'fixing' the red, but it is definitely toning the skin to a more even finish.

I found I looked immediately less flushed and was genuinely wowed by the impact.

Highly recommend!

The pumping tube is worth it. The gel is light green in colour. The smell is soft and therapeutic. It is recommended to apply once in the morning before other calming essential products. I tried it for a week or so and my face redness has settled. It’s not something that’s works overnight. You need to be consistent and patient. The consistency is good and it slides and absorbs quickly. The packaging is precise and subtle. Worth buying!

Like the Calm Essentiel Emulsion, this comes in a handy tube format with a pump dispenser and a firm-click lid, so it's portable, hygienic and very easy to dispense the amount you want. Love it. (Plus it's pretty but simple packaging in white and dusky pink.)

The gel itself has a nice, light-creamy texture (lighter than the emulsion) and it melts easily into your skin.

The floral scent is pleasant enough but very strong, which worried me a little (my skin's super-sensitive). It turned out to be fine in terms of my sensitivity, but it was stronger, more floral, and longer-lasting (lingering for hours) than I would personally like. Not a deal-breaker though.

As for performance... My skin was VERY tight, reactive and uncomfortable before the trial (it gets like that most winters), and my usual gentle moisturisers were stinging on application. The first time I applied the gel, there was a very slight stinging feeling, which disappeared quickly (so that was actually already an improvement), but after that, every time I used it my skin felt better and better. On its own it was definitely calming and soothing. However, it wasn't hydrating enough, so after letting it sink in, I applied the Calm Essentiel Emulsion. This combo was great, and within a week it had broken me out of my over-sensitised, reactive cycle completely. In my experience, that's really quick for such unhappy skin.

It's pricey for a 30 ml tube, but a half-pump is enough for your whole face, so it'd last for a good few months.

It's an 'anti-redness' treatment and pigmented green, but I it didn't make much visible difference on me, and it's not moisturising enough for my dry skin. It has the same calming, soothing ingredients as the Emulsion to normalise and re-set upset skin, so I do like it, but I wouldn't buy it. I'd skip that step and go straight for the more hydrating Emulsion every time (which I LOVE). If you have traumatised skin that's oily or normal though, I imagine it would be perfect.

I feel like writing this entire review in all caps because THIS PRODUCT IS SO IMPORTANT IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH REDNESS. I had it so bad that it would even start peeking through layers and layers of foundation, concealer, and powder. Not just on my cheeks, but I had red spots on my jawline, around my nose, and on my forehead.

The product smells so good, it’s easy to unpackage, the packing itself is informative and ethically sourced, and you really only need about two pumps to cover your face. I do have to pump for a bit to get anything out but two pumps once a day in the morning and I’ve been good to go. There’s still heaps left over after 10 days of use! It’s gonna last ages.

Results? Even after the first day there was an import cement in redness and feelings of elasticity and moisture. After 10 days my skin tone is even! Maybe I still get a faint blush in my cheeks but that’s completely fine! I barely have to use any makeup at all, and if I do it looks so natural and radiant! I am so comfortable in my skin, in so many ways!

I was excited to use this product as I tend to have redness in the morning due to ageing skin. This cream I used in the mornings only after cleansing and within an hour my skin was brighter and redness had disappeared. Was moisturising at the same time. The fragrance is divine and certainly did do what it was designed for. Great product to use.