After 18 years in the beauty industry, I’ve seen many skincare-makeup hybrids, but nothing quite carries the weight of the Clarins Double Serum heritage.
Launched as the newest evolution of Clarins’ most famous collection, this foundation is designed for the person who wants their makeup to work as hard as their skincare. I was incredibly excited to try this because it promises to solve the age-old struggle of foundation settling into fine lines…
The Your Skin But Better Result: Why You’ll Love It
After trying it, you will love it because it provides an instant +58% boost in radiance. I found it provides a light to medium coverage that gives confidence for those dealing with skin concerns like uneven tone or fine lines, without looking like a heavy mask. It leaves the skin with a luminous, satin finish that looks like your skin, but healthier.
💡 What does the 58% actually mean?
It could mean you spend around 6 minutes less on your makeup. It’s the difference between “You look tired, did you sleep okay?” and “What have you been doing differently? Your skin looks incredible.
Example of where time is saved:
Colour correcting: 3 minutes
Building coverage: 2 minutes
Highlighting skin: 1 minute
What Does Clarins Double Serum Foundation Do?
It’s a foundation designed to solve the cakey problem for dry or mature skin. It aims to refine the complexion by +52% instantly. From my experience, it effectively blurs pores and highlights your natural features to create a healthy, even skin appearance.
The Science of Glow: Clarins Double Serum Foundation Ingredients
How does it achieve these results? The secret lies in the 87% skincare base…
NEW Stabilised Papaya: This gently stimulates skin renewal to boost bare-skin radiance.
AURA Technology: This works alongside the papaya to deliver “Double Radiance” that lasts for 12 hours.
Colour + Hydric System: This dual-chamber technology ensures the skincare and pigment stay separate until the moment they touch your skin
Full Ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Undecane, Ci 77492/Iron Oxides, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Squalane, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Tridecane, Parfum/Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Silica, Ci 77491/Iron Oxides, Fructose, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides, Tromethamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Escin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Carbomer, Propylene Carbonate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Disodium Edta, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Papain, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Mica, Sodium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Sodium Citrate, Caramel, Coco-Glucoside, Algin, Dipsacus Sylvestris Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Citric Acid, Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Maris Sal/Sea Salt/Sel Marin, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ci 14700/Red 4, [01M4520].
Sensory Experience: What Does It Smell and Feel Like?
Testing this product is a truly sensorial dream.
The Scent: It carries the signature fresh, delicate floral scent that fans of Clarins Double Serum will instantly recognise.
The Texture: A weightless, silky fluid that feels refreshing and energising upon application.
The Feeling: It mimics the skin’s own hydrolipidic film, meaning it moves with your face rather than sitting on top of it
12-Hour Wear: How Long Before You Need To Reapply?
Clarins claims 12-hour hold and comfort, and my testing confirmed this. You won’t find yourself reaching for a touch-up kit by lunchtime, as it maintains its satin finish throughout the day
The Perfect Match: 37 Shades for Every Undertone
Finding your shade is a simple 3-step process tailored to your unique needs:
1) Pick Tone: Select Light, Medium, or Dark.
2) Intensity: Choose your level from 1 to 6.
3) Undertone: Pick Cool, Warm, or Neutral. This makes it an ideal year-round foundation, as you can easily adjust your shade between Summer and Winter.
The Design: Why the Dual-Chamber Dial Matters
The luxury glass bottle is more than just an aesthetic choice. The customisable dial allows you to modulate the size of the drop to achieve your desired coverage, making application both hygienic and efficient.
Sustainability and Heritage Values
Clarins remains dedicated to quality and care. The packaging is made of 95% recyclable materials and contains at least 38% recycled material, reflecting the brand’s stance on eco-conscious beauty
Our Verdict On Double Serum Foundation
I have been wearing shade L4C, and the experience has been nothing short of luxurious. Right from the first pump, it feels like a high-end ritual rather than just applying makeup. The product emerges from two separate chambers (foundation and serum) and mixing them together with the Gua Sha Foundation Brush makes application feel more like a professional facial than a standard routine.
The texture is incredibly lightweight and feels exactly like a second skin once applied. It is 100% buildable, which I love; I can go for a sheer, natural look for my daytime meetings or easily build it up to full coverage for an evening out.
What impressed me most was how precisely the shade matched my complexion. It leaves me with a glowy, luminous finish that stays comfortable all day. Even after I remove it at night, my skin feels noticeably hydrated, soft, and cared for – it’s truly the perfect ‘stronger together’ routine for your face
Simona, Merchandiser at Escentual
Shade: L4C
“us pale girlies love it 😂.”
I tested the Clarins Double Serum Foundation in shade L2C, and I am genuinely impressed by how seamlessly it bridges the gap between high-performance skincare and makeup. The customisable dial is a standout feature for me; it allows me to build up to my desired coverage without the formula ever feeling heavy or ‘cakey’ on the skin.
The finish is a beautiful, youthful satin that provides a natural glow. Despite its hydrating properties, the texture is remarkably smooth and – crucially- doesn’t feel wet or sticky. It sets naturally on the face, and as someone with sensitive skin, I was thrilled to find it caused absolutely no irritation.
I noticed an immediate improvement in how smooth and hydrated my skin looked. The radiance truly goes the distance, lasting from my morning coffee through to the evening. It felt as though my skin was reaping the rewards of a potent serum the entire time I was wearing it, it really is the perfect hybrid for a radiant, healthy complexion.
Cara, Merchandiser at Escentual
Shade: L2C
FEATURED IN THIS BLOG
Double Serum Foundation FAQs
We’ve had lots of questions since launch, so here’s a list of the most asked queries…
Is Clarins Double Serum Foundation good for mature skin?
Yes, it is specifically designed to address signs of ageing by incorporating Double Serum technology. In clinical tests, women saw a 35% reduction in the visibility of signs of ageing after 28 days
Does it sit in wrinkles or fine lines?
No, the formula features an anti-crease serum texture that provides a luminous, satin finish. When used alongside the Double Serum, users reported a 28% reduction in wrinkle visibility.
How long does the foundation last?
The foundation provides 12-hour long-lasting power and comfort. But it’s longevity does depend on your skin prep and skin type.
What kind of coverage can I expect?
It offers medium-to-full coverage that is completely customisable. You can use the bottle’s dial to modulate the drop size for your desired level of coverage
How do I find my perfect shade?
Clarins offers 37 shades with a simple three-step selection process:
Step 1: Select your tone (Light, Medium, or Dark).
Step 2: Select your intensity (1 through 6).
Step 3: Select your undertone (Cool, Warm, or Neutral).
Should I use it with my Double Wear Serum?
For the best results, apply your Double Serum and moisturiser first, followed by the foundation. This “Stronger Together” routine results in a 36% increase in skin firming.
What are the key skincare benefits?
The formula is enriched with 14 potent ingredients, including NEW Stabilised Papaya which stimulates skin renewal. After 28 days, users perceived 54% glowier skin and 58% more radiance.
The Author: Chelsey
After eighteen years navigating the beauty landscape – from the shop floor to now – I’ve learned a thing or two about what you truly need. At Escentual, I’m here to bring that experience directly to you, offering expert advice to achieve your personal beauty goals.
