In 1954, French masseur Jacques Courtin opened a spa on Rue Tronchet in Paris and began developing 100% pure plant extracts, in the form of body oils, under the brand name Clarins. Eight years later, Courtin’s son, Christian, joined the company and spearheaded the distribution of Clarins’ products — which had expanded to include skincare — to 130 countries.

Fast forward 70 years, and Clarins is a household name, having expanded far beyond its body oil origins, spanning makeup and skincare for both women and men. In 2022, it earned the distinction of being the number one premium skincare brand in Europe. This kind of enduring success is no coincidence. Rather, it’s the result of a tenacious team and ambitious leaders, many of which are Courtin’s descendants, as well as products that are, quite simply, very good.

Though the entire range is beloved globally — everyone’s mother or grandmother has toted a tube of Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream in their handbag at one time — there are some standout products that really put Clarins on the map. Some say it started with the launch of the Double Serum in 1984. Formulated to target signs of ageing, the original formula made use of botanical extracts to smooth fine lines and skin texture, and was so well received that 50 years later, the now iconic serum is in its seventh iteration. The most recently updated formula, which hit shelves earlier this year, contains an exclusive Clarins development, Organic Giant Provencal Reed Extract, which helps to neutralise lifestyle-related signs of ageing in a bid to boost radiance and skin firmness.

A close second is Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, a nourishing cream that promises to banish signs of fatigue and level up skin’s luminosity, while doubling as a primer to smooth skin before makeup. (Beauty insiders know that if you want to really dial up the hydration, a thin layer of the balm, used as a mask for 10 minutes, is just the trick).

For the first time, you can discover and immerse yourself in the radiant world of Clarins at the QVB. For newcomers to the brand, head in store to smell, swipe and sample the products. And for long standing fans? You may just discover a new favourite.