little white truths

You may remember that I unboxed this set a while ago (see here) and I'm back today to review the hand cream, which is the second item I'm ready to post about.

My mum gave me the set for Christmas last year, and it's taken me a while to get to it because I have so much stuff. But I have finished one item and the other two are currently in circulation so at least they're being put to good use.

Clarins claims/product details:

• This pro-quality emollient hand cream is formulated with extracts of soothing sesame oil and strengthening myrrh
• Works like a protective invisible glove on the hands, shielding them from climate damage while minimising signs of ageing
• The silky, non-greasy texture imparts a delicious sensation of comfort
• Brings softness and comfort to dry, dehydrated, chapped or damaged skin
• Also strengthens the nails and nourishes the cuticles, for hands that are healthy and radiant 
• Softens and hydrates the hands
• Protects from environmental damage (cold, sun, hard water, chapping)
• Diminishes dark spots
• Regenerates and strengthens the nails
• This non-sticky cream spreads easily and absorbs instantly
• RRP $42 AUD for 100ml, but do shop around

Verdict

I think this hand cream is ok but I certainly wouldn't buy it because it's overpriced for what it is and I've used better hand creams that cost a fraction of this amount.

It's a standard cream that's quite rich in texture and it has a very strong scent. Do note that most Clarins products I've tried contain artificial fragrance, and this one probably has the strongest scent of them all.

It spreads and applies well, and although it does absorb, it also leaves behind a tacky residue and I can tell that not all of it is sinking in. For this reason it's not great for day use, and I do need to wipe my fingers down before I keep typing: otherwise they're too slippery for my keyboard.

While I do think this cream is reasonably nourishing, it's certainly not the most hydrating hand cream I've used and I don't think you need to spend this much in order to get something that works. Also, the fragrance it leaves behind is rather overpowering and it lingers: it's too strong for me personally, and I don't like the scent because it's too artificial for my personal tastes.

On the claims: yes I think it softens and hydrates; no I don't think it's non-sticky (it leaves a pretty tacky finish); no I don't think it does anything for my nails or my age spots; and yes I do think it has helped my dry skin a little but it's certainly not the best cream I've tried recently (and it hasn't done anything towards soothing my chilblains).

Overall I think this hand cream is ok but it's overpriced for what it is and I personally don't recommend it. Plus the fragrance is very strong and very artificial (to my nose, anyway), so I may end up using it as a foot treatment because I can't handle the scent.

Not for me.