Clarins has once again solidified its reputation for innovation with the launch of its Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, a product that salutes the uniqueness of every South African. Available in 24 shades in store and 28 shades online, with an additional shade set to be introduced in July, this foundation reflects Clarins’ ongoing commitment to offering a product that celebrates diversity while delivering real skincare benefits.
With Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, Clarins has fulfilled its promise to create a foundation suitable for everyone across Southern Africa. Staying true to its legacy of blending makeup with skincare, this foundation is not just about perfecting your complexion—it’s about nurturing your skin.
A Campaign That Reflects Diversity
The marketing campaign for Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, launched in March, features 12 diverse faces, each carefully selected to represent the wide range of South African beauty. Nthabiseng Makhokha, Clarins Communications Specialist, explains, “For me, beauty is not reflected in a singular shade. It’s a spectrum. I was determined to develop a campaign that reflected the very essence of South Africa’s rich diversity. We handpicked each face for our campaign, and while every single woman and man is beautiful, they have their own specific type of beauty. This speaks to our belief that everyone deserves a foundation that complements their natural skin tone and celebrates their unique essence.”
Nthabiseng emphasizes that the campaign is not just about product promotion but about empowerment. “Your skin tells a story of individuality, and your foundation should do the same by enhancing, rather than masking, your natural glow, your features, and everything else that makes you, you.”
Skin Illusion: The Perfect Balance of Coverage and Care
Clarins’ Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation goes beyond just offering a flawless finish. It delivers a matte yet luminous glow, offering buildable coverage that adjusts to the movement of your face, thanks to SkinFit Technology. This innovative feature ensures that the foundation moves with you throughout the day, providing long-lasting coverage without compromising on comfort or natural appearance.
One of the most remarkable features of the foundation is its skincare benefits. According to a recent 28-day study, women who used the foundation saw a 29% reduction in skin imperfections and a 10% reduction in shine over the study period. This is thanks to the powerful skincare ingredients that make up 80% of the foundation’s formula, underscoring Clarins’ dedication to skincare in their beauty products.
A Foundation for Today’s Women and Men
Clarins Marketing and Digital Executive, Bronwen Olivier, points out that Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation addresses many of the current concerns of today’s beauty consumers. “Women want to look pulled together, but they are tired of the mask-like foundation look,” says Olivier. “They are ready to look like themselves—without hiding perceived flaws, but still want that matte finish and radiant glow. Skin Illusion is the answer, providing all the benefits of skincare with a hydrating, long-lasting formula.”
Olivier also highlights the brand’s commitment to more responsible packaging, making Skin Illusion a conscious choice for those who care about the environment as much as their skin.
A Brand Rooted in Authenticity
Isabel Martins, CEO of Clarins South Africa, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that the foundation aligns with the core values of the Clarins brand. “These past few years, we have focused on being more ‘Clarins’ than ever, going back to our roots and to what makes our brand so special: our skincare expertise, our plant-based inspiration, and our belief that true beauty is authentic,” Martins shares. “This campaign is about celebrating authentic, natural beauty with beautiful, inspiring South African women and men, from all ages and backgrounds.”
Martins concludes, “This foundation launch truly echoes Clarins’ core values and reflects who we are as a brand and as a team.”
A Foundation for All
With Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, Clarins not only meets the diverse needs of South African consumers but also affirms its position as a brand that champions inclusivity, authenticity, and beauty in all its forms. Whether you’re looking for a foundation that enhances your natural beauty or provides skincare benefits while offering lasting coverage, Skin Illusion is a product that celebrates everyone’s unique essence—because beauty, as Clarins believes, is a spectrum.
