With most of the cosmetic counters I visit, getting samples is like pulling teeth. Clarins was entirely different. The woman who helped me wouldn't let me leave the store without what seemed like every sample they had! Be sure to check back frequently for updates to this page, since I got too many products to review in just one week!

Clarins has a large selection of products to choose from, not just one set routine per skin type, so it helps to know your skin and exactly what you are looking for. The important thing to remember with Clarins, and with just about any skincare line for that matter, is that the proof is in your skin. If a product says it's for oily skin but it is heavy and greasy, it may not be the best choice. For this reason, it is refreshing that Clarins is so liberal with distributing their samples.

Extra-Comfort Cleansing Cream for dry or sensitized skin $29 for a 7 ounce jar
During this time of year, I always prefer a creamy or milky cleanser over one that foams, because it keeps the moisture in your skin better. This cream did everything a cleanser should - it removed all my makeup, it rinsed off easily, and it felt good on my skin. A large pea-sized amount is just right to cleanse your whole face. Even though the label says it's for sensitive skin, if you have normal, normal-to-dry, dry, or sensitive skin, this would be a good choice. Beware that it does have a slight fragrance, in case you are scent-sensitive.

Toning Lotion for dry skin $21 for an 8.4 ounce bottle
Even if you don't have dry skin, this is a good, soothing, alcohol- and witch hazel-free, non-irritating toner. If you are sensitive to fragrance, check this one first before you buy - it smells rather lemony.

Hydration-Plus Moisture Lotion for all skin types $27 for a 1.7 ounce bottle
This lotion is light and absorbs fairly quickly, making it quite good for just about all skin types. If your skin is very dry, you might be happier with something a bit more emollient than this. Beware that this lotion has a similar lemony fragrance as the toning lotion, in case you are scent-sensitive. This lotion also comes in an SPF 15 version, which I think would be better for daytime wear.

Revitalizing Moisture Mask $27 for a 1.7 ounce tube
Although they didn't have a pre-packaged sample of this product, the salesperson was nice enough to make one up for me. If you have dehydrated skin that needs a soothing moisture boost, this 15 minute mask works great. It has a similar plumping effect on the skin as BeneFit's Seaweed Mud Mask that makes your face feel full of moisture.

Cleansing Milk with Gentian $25 for an 8.6 ounce bottle
This cleanser proves that product labels aren't always 100% accurate: even though the label says "for combination or oily skin", it worked great on my slightly dry, sensitive skin with no dryness or irritation. If your skin really is combination or oily, try a sample first to see if works for you. It does have a very strong, powdery fragrance, in case you are particular about scents. All in all, it removes makeup well, rinses off easily, and one tiny sample bottle lasts at least 3 days (I got five days out of mine, even using it morning and night).

Multi-Active Night Lotion $48 for a 1.7 ounce bottle
I am not one to believe in "miracle" treatments or amazing results from a lotion, but I really did notice a difference in my skin after using this product for just 7 days. My skin looks smoother, has more natural color, and feels firmer around my cheeks and under my eyes. My best advice about this product is to get a sample first! You can only know if it's worth buying if you try it.

Gentle Day Cream for sensitive skin $37.50 for a 1.7 ounce jar
This cream is a bit expensive, but it really made my sensitive skin feel comfortable and protected. It is a cream (not lotion), so it is a little thick, but it disappears quickly into the skin. For people with sensitive skin, the effectiveness of a product is really subjective depending on what sensitivities you have, so try this one out before you buy it to see if it even works for you.

Gentle Eye Make-up Remover Lotion $16.50 for a 4.4 ounce bottle
After experiencing this eye makeup remover as an eye refresher treatment at a Clarins mini-facial, I decided to give it a try. It has a nice rosewater fragrance and removes eye makeup thoroughly and quickly. Since it contains no oil, there's no greasy residue, and it doesn't irritate even if you wear contact lenses. My one problem with this product didn't come until after I had been using it for about four days - almost a third of the bottle is gone already! Even though I try to be sparing, it's way too easy to use too much and go through the bottle very quickly. At over $16 a bottle, I'm not sure this is worth the extra money over something like Garden Botanika or Origins, which also work well for $10 or less.