MyClarins; @clarins.co.uk
The mere suggestion of luxury skincare for teenagers may horrify, but I see the logic in using special occasions to treat kids to a solid routine, so covetable that it might finally encourage regular use. Young people like things that are theirs alone, and I’d sooner set up a lifetime of diligent skincare than waste another penny on an in-game purchase.
MyClarins is Clarins’ second stab at the teen market, and this time it’s vegan. There’s a full regime: two cleansers, three day creams (spanning all skin types), treatments and a sleeping mask (night cream by a cooler name). It is priced from £15 to £24 (comparable to the cost of an Asos frock). The quality is excellent. I gladly slather the moisturisers, packed with coconut and plant extracts, on my face. The hydrating mist occupies my handbag as I type. I’ve no use for the Pore-less Blur And Matte Stick, which was snaffled enthusiastically by a friend’s daughter who’d now sooner unfollow a Kardashian than part with it. It slicks on like Pritt Stick, removing shine, under or over makeup. My only snark is the face wash doesn’t remove makeup, and I’m no fan of cleanser that leaves skin so squeaky it sounds as though it’s pleading for lubrication. Nonetheless, MyClarins is well-designed, non-patronising and highly desirable – made even more so by the brand’s pledge to never sell it in China, where animal testing is mandatory.
Also cruelty free and giftable is Spots & Stripes, a 95% natural brand for tweens from beauty editor Charlotte-Anne Fidler. The focus is on what’s left out – sulphates, petrolatum, parabens, silicones, aluminium and more – and on the concerns of active children – greasy roots, sweaty pits and so on. There’s a delicious-smelling shampoo and body wash (£13 for a generous 250ml), hair products and gentle Skin Goals cleanser (£13, 150ml). My sons were unkeen purely because they’re against anything that’s visibly designed “for kids”, though the product inside is good even by adult standards.
My clan, with all of beauty at their disposal, ironically opt for the most affordable. They love Sam Farmer, from £3.25, for its neutral packaging and unfussy teen products that work.
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