Lancome vs Clarins 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Lancome and Clarins on the shelves at your local drugstore before. But which one should you choose?

Previously, we took a look at two luxury skincare titans: Clarins and Estee Lauder; today, we will be comparing Lancome vs Clarins to help you figure out which brand better suits you!

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Lancome vs Clarins Serum

A serum is a lightweight moisturiser that penetrates deeper to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to the skin. We've already covered what constitutes the best French serums, with both Lancome *and* Clarins making appearances there, but keep scrolling to see them compared side by side here!

Serums are great, but there are few like Clarins' Double Serum and Lancome's Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate. These two anti-ageing products have been hailed by celebrities and influencers alike for years. But how do they differ? Is one better for you than the other? Our Lancome Genifique vs Clarins Double Serum comparison will help you decide.

Both serums have one common goal and purpose at the core of their designs: turning back time. They are packed with probiotics, hyaluronic acid, and a range of antioxidants that reduce the appearance of the visible signs of ageing brought about by daily life's environmental aggressors. You will see that your skin rapidly becomes smoother, less wrinkled, and more radiant, as well as more even-toned from even just the first application of either serum.

Fundamentally, though, there are a couple of notable differences. Lancome's serum contains prebiotics that actively support your skin's microbiome balance. The combination of pre- and pro-biotics means that the Advanced Genifique serum is a synbiotic formula; synbiotics are incredible for keeping your skin healthy and helping you achieve that coveted radiant, healthy glow. On the other hand, Clarins' is primarily plant-based, containing 21 of the most powerful anti-ageing plant extracts that work quickly and effectively to restore your youthful complexion. Neither is fragrance-free, which is worth considering if you have particularly sensitive skin.

All in all, it is incredibly difficult to separate these two serums. Both boast holy-grail-esque short-term and long-term benefits for all women regardless of age, skin tone or skin type, and both serums have been refined to perfection over the last several decades. If we absolutely *had* to choose between the two, we would opt for Lancome's Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate, as we are strong advocates for products that emphasise the importance of a healthy natural moisture barrier.

Lancome vs Clarins Foundation

When it comes to achieving that filterless-filter look, you need a great foundation. Something that's not too heavy, is easy to apply, has amazing coverage, and actually lasts the full span of a day (or night). Lancome and Clarins overperform on all fronts, offering some of the best and most popular foundation options on the market that you *need* to start using.

There are several worthy contenders, but the most notable and sought after foundation matchup is the Lancome Teint Idole vs Clarins Everlasting Foundation.

Both products are serious cult-favourites, and we'd even go as far as to say that there's a good chance that after trying these foundations you will never need to try any other. Both foundations come with a nice, sleek glass bottle with a pump applicator, and both offer excellent long-lasting, comfortable coverage with a consistent, matte finish. The only negative thing we have to say about either of these absolute gems is that the newer version of the Clarins Everlasting Foundation is relatively lacklustre. You can still find the older, better version on Amazon, but it's just worth bearing in mind that it could become increasingly difficult to find going into the future.

2024 update: Our prophecy came true, and the older "Everlasting" foundation is now nigh-on impossible to find anywhere. That said, the newer version isn't nearly as bad as we initially made it out to be, and the more recent reviews are testament to this.

Our preference still lies with Lancome's Teint Idole, but you might actually find it easier to find your exact shade with Clarins Everlasting.

Lancome vs Clarins Moisturizer

Lancome and Clarins each boast incredible collections of face creams that assist you in unveiling your natural, healthy radiance. In fact, so much so that it is almost daunting to try to figure out which collection to choose from to even begin comparing, let alone from which brand. This is a good problem to have, though; allow us to guide you through the best of the best.

A daily moisturizer should excel at two things: mitigating the effects of TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss), and protecting you from harsh environmental aggressors that we are all exposed to daily. There's no greater environmental aggressor than the sun; hence your daily moisturizer should include SPF.

The Clarins Hydra-Essentiel SPF15 and the Lancome Bienfait Moisturizer SPF30 are two holy grail face products fulfilling these two exact requirements, but deciding between the two can be tricky.

2024 update: We have some good news and bad news. Neither of the original products we featured here exist anymore... BUT, there's a couple of shiny new moisturizers from both brands that fill the void nicely. Clarins' Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] SPF15 and Lancome's UV Expert Primer & Moisturizer with SPF50.

The Hydra-Essentiel moisturizer containing 'the leaf of life', 'hyaluronic acid', and 'organic kalanchoe extract' is entirely focused on moisturizing and triggering your skin's natural hydration system. The Bienfait Mult-Vital moisturizer on the other hand contains a complex of nurturing vitamins and antioxidants to help fight the visible effects of environmental skin damage. Again, another tough choice as it is practically an apples to oranges comparison, and ultimately it just comes down to preference here. We're particularly fond of the Hydra-Essentiel's inimitable hydrating power, though, so if we *had* to choose, that would be our pick.

The new comparison is a lot less straight-forward. Of course we still love the Hydra-Essentiel range, especially with its new makeover, but the Lancome moisturizer is a bit of a unicorn: a 3-in-1 primer, moisturizer, and sunscreen - excelling in every category. If what you're mainly looking for is a moisturizer that'll quench your parched skin, then Hydra-Essentiel is still the way forward. But, if you're wanting better sun protection and something that will sit beautifully under makeup, then Lancome is the one.

Clarins vs Lancome Eye Cream

High-quality eye cream is the *ultimate* solution to dark circles, puffiness and visible signs of aging around the eyes. We have already touched on two such eye creams from Lancome and Clarins in our best French eye cream post; here, though, we will dive more in-depth, and directly compare them.

As continuations of their flagship ranges (* vs Advanced Genifique), Clarins and Lancome boast contenders for the best eye creams available on the market. They are, of course, on the higher end of the price scale, but they are oh so worth it. Allow us to introduce the Lancome Advanced Genifique Yeux and the Clarins Total Eye Lift creams.

*2024 update: We previously reviewed the now discontinued Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate. This has since been superseded by Clarins Total Eye Lift, which we have updated the article with.

First and foremost, both products are absolute cult-favourites. You will struggle to find many other product pages on the internet with as many 5 star ratings and rave reviews as these have, and it's not hard to see why when they are *both* proven to reveal a bright, hydrated, visibly revived and youthful look from temple to temple.

Whether your concern is with regards to puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles, or dullness, either of these products will be a winner for you. But, if we *had* to choose, our preference lies with the Clarins Total Eye Lift. And, for once, we're going to let other people's reviews do all the talking, as we believe there is no better recommendation here than the popular opinion of thousands of happy customers who have tried and loved it for themselves. Read the reviews on Amazon

Work in progress

You have been reading a post that we are constantly updating. Be sure to bookmark this page, subscribe, and come back later to see additions to the definitive Lancome vs Clarins guide!

This article was originally published on November 25th 2021, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 25th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.