When it comes to my routines, I am all for anything that cuts down my getting ready and unready time, however, I have found in my tenure as Beauty Director that many things that claim to do many things rarely do many things well. Multitaskers normal suck at something – sorry I'm fussy. So, when a new multitasking foundation entered the chat recently I approached it with the caution I normally reserve for 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners... a serum AND foundation in one? Surely not, but that was the case when the Clarins Double Serum Foundation dropped into the Cosmo Beauty Cupboard last month.
The brand's Double Serum is one of the most loved serums in the U.K. with fans spanning generations who loves its firming an radiance boosting effect and now they have combined that with the coverage of a foundation. I've had the pleasure of testing it since launch and I have thoughts...
Coverage
It's a medium-to-full coverage but, cleverly, you can customise how full you want it with the customisable dial on the bottle. I opted for full most days but I would still say it's skin-like, and luminous, it's not that kind of TV makeup type of full coverage as the pigment isn't insanely punchy, but you can definitely build it up and create a flawlessly full look when using a dense buffing brush (it's my go-to brush I love the By Joy Foundation Brush 002) but if you want something lighter you can your your fingers and toggle the pump so it's more serum and less foundation. Genius.
Finish
This is very much a luminous and skin-like finish so one for the dry skin gals. As an oily one I definitely had to powder it down but I'm so used to that anyway, so it didn't really bother me. If you have severely oily skin then you probably prefer matte foundations anyway, and this definitely is not that, but combination skin and dry skin this is for you!
How it wears
I will say, despite its skin-like finish, it wears really well throughout the day – its promise of 12 hour wear is no lie. I got no separation even when I did a full day in the office and dinner and I didn't need to blot or powder more than once. Even if I didn't set my face with setting spray it looks fresh, but when I did set it down, it looked SO good all day; just plump, juicy and hydrated skin.
Benefits
Colour phase with A.U.R.A. (Advanced Ultra Radiance Amplifier) technology — containing light-boosting ingredients and microcrystals for immediate glow.
14 active ingredients, including plant extracts, hyaluronic acid and peptides that support hydration, smoothing and general skin comfort over time.
37 shades and suitable for all skin types
Final thoughts
I love this new foundation for an instant glowy and hydrating look and the added long-term benefits from the serum. On top of this, it's kind of like you have two foundations and skincare thanks the pump making the foundation coverage customisable depending on preference. It's become such a firm favourite for me, and as I said, I'm a fussy gal.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
