Shopping: Clarins 2011 Spring Warehouse Sale

I went to a Clarins warehouse sale only once (around maybe two years ago?) with my friend Sara and her mother but I wouldn't have known about this sale if they hadn't told me. The last time, I remember nothing really interested me, but I ended up getting two Instant Gel self-tanners out of pure curiosity and Escada Pacific Paradise because it was just delicious - fruity and sweet, yum! I have barely used the self tanners though but I'm starting to get interested in this whole fake tan thing, so I plan to use them more this summer. My friend Ariane also told me that Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse SPF 15 was great, so I was very curious.

When I heard about the spring warehouse sale through MontrealAubaines.com, I figured out I could have a look as it was only 15 minutes from where I live. I went with my mother on June 3 at around 6:00 PM, and to my surprise, it wasn't that crowded, and we entered pretty quickly.

There were a lot of brands available, such as Anna Sui, Thierry Mugler, Clarins, Azzaro Paris, Couvent des Minimes Haute Provence, Nuxe, Pür Minerals, Kibio, Parfums Roxy, QuickSilver, Burberry Fragrance, Lanvin Parfums, Porsche Design, Annick Goutal, and more.

Of course, the first thing I looked for was the self tanners. I picked up the Delectable Self Tanning Mousse as soon as I saw it, but I put it back when I realized the expiration date was in September z=

I was disappointed, but then Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Decolleté grabbed my attention with its claims to achieve a natural-looking, dark, tropical tan.

Intense in the bottle, subtly golden on the skin. Upon application it promotes the beautiful, sunny radiance of a sun-filled vacation. Hour after hour, its tropical tanned colour intensifies but remains very natural-looking. Makes it possible to intensify or to maintain the tanned colour you want simply by renewing application. Also leaves skin soft and hydrated, tanned and toned, skin looks so healthy.

I've been told this product isn't sold in Canada and it's not on Clarins Canada website, so I guess I was lucky to find it! I don't care that it's labelled for face and decolleté, I plan to use it on my body as well. I got it for $13 instead of $32, bargain!

Then I decided to have a look at Nuxe products, because I have always found their prices ridiculous in store, but I've been pretty obsessed with their Rêve de Miel Lip Balm as my lips have been acting crazy lately. No matter which lip balm I use, nothing works, and they stay super dry and chapped, and they even keep peeling. The corners of my mouth are even cracked!

I spotted the tester but couldn't find the unopened packages, only to be told by the sale assistant that they all have been sold. OMG, seriously?! But then my mother spotted a bonus package with the three Rêve de Meil products: a day cream, a body cream and... the lip balm! The package was only $29, talk about a bargain!

With this extremely nourishing and repairing fragrance-free balm that contains no preservatives or artificial scents and has no sticky effect, most damaged lips are supple and soft. 

Thanks to this amazing balm, damaged lips will instantly be soothed. Its luscious texture and its sweet taste of Honey and Grapefruit turns applying it in truly blissful moment.

My mother was very kind and gave it to me as a present. This lip balm is rated 4.2 out of 5 on MakeupAlley so I have really hopes about it!

My mother spent around $200 at the sale. Here's what she bought:

• X3 Clarins Sun Care Cream Very High Protection 100% Mineral Filters For Children ($13 each)
• Nuxe Rêve de Miel Set including Ultra Comfortable Body Cream (miniature), Ultra Comfortable Face Cream and Lip Balm ($25)
• Burberry Brit For Women Set including Eau de Parfum Natural Spray 100mL, Refreshing Body Lotion and Energizing Body Wash ($58)
• X2 Nuxe Rêve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Face Cream ($20 each)
• Burberry Brit For Women Limited Edition 100 mL ($48)

Talk about amazing bargains! The sunscreens smells great, a little citrusy, and the texture of the Nuxe Face Cream is simply amazing! It's very thick to the touch, almost like butter, but it almost melts when in contact with the skin.

Overall, we are pretty proud of our purchases, and I'll be sure to let you know what I think of the Clarins self-tanner and the Nuxe lip balm.