In the ever-evolving world of makeup and skincare, finding one product to do it all is like discovering a hidden treasure. Enter Clarins SOS Primers. These aren’t your ordinary primers; they’re a fusion of skincare and instant colour correction, offering a range of benefits that go beyond simply prepping your canvas for makeup.

Whether you’re a makeup aficionado or a skincare enthusiast, SOS Primers will likely become your new favourite beauty secret. Spoiler alert: peach has become mine.

Back in 2018, I reviewed the Clarins SOS Primers for launch; five years later, I’m reviewing the 2023 formula, and there have been some noteworthy changes I need to take you through before we get into finding your perfect shade. Clarins say they’ve improved:

• The skincare content inside each primer.
• The colour-correcting abilities.
• Some names have changed – I will highlight the changes below.
• Purple has been discontinued.

Let’s delve into the world of colour correction, hydration, and innovative skincare together…

What Does The SOS Primer Do?

1. Colour correction:

Each SOS Primer is designed to address specific colour correction needs.

• White helps boost glow and increase skin luminosity
• Green diminishes and soothes redness
• Pink minimises signs of fatigue and boosts skin radiance.
• Peach blurs imperfections and evens out skin tone.
• Mattifying reduces shine.

2. Makes foundation last longer:

SOS Primers also serve as excellent makeup primers. They create a smooth and even canvas for makeup application, helping your makeup stay in place for longer.

3. Hydrates skin:

These primers offer 24-hour hydration, which is particularly beneficial for those with dry or combination skin. The added moisture helps keep your skin comfortable and healthy throughout the day.

4. Nourishes skin:

SOS Primers are formulated to nourish and balance the skin. They contain beneficial ingredients that provide essential nutrients to the skin and help maintain its health and vitality.

The Microbiota complex is one of the unique features of Clarins primers; it helps strengthen and protect the skin’s natural barrier, promoting overall skin health.

In essence, Clarins SOS Primers are multi-purpose products that combine skincare benefits with makeup application. They allow you to achieve a more even complexion, correct colour irregularities, and maintain skin hydration while enhancing the longevity of your makeup. Depending on your specific skin needs and desired makeup look, you can choose the SOS Primer that suits you best.

What Are The Different Shades For?

Colour correction what makes these primers stand out from traditional primers. Each colour targets a unique skincare concern, making you more confident while giving you better makeup results.

Peach Primer

Colour: Clarins SOS Primer Peach

Peach SOS Primer by Clarins is ideal for those looking to achieve a smooth base while addressing imperfections, redness, and uneven skin tone.

It’s a versatile primer that combines colour correction with makeup preparation, leaving your skin looking refreshed and radiant.

1. Blur Imperfections: The primary function of the Peach SOS Primer is to blur imperfections on your skin. It works to minimize the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. The peachy tint helps to create a smoother and more even canvas for makeup application.
2. Even Skin Tone: This primer helps even out your skin tone. It can reduce the appearance of redness and discolouration, giving your skin a more uniform and balanced look.
3. Radiance Boost: The Peach SOS Primer also adds a touch of radiance to your complexion. It imparts a healthy and natural glow to your skin, making it appear more vibrant and awake.

Green Primer

Colour: Clarins SOS Primer Green

Green SOS Primer is designed to combat redness and soothe irritated skin, making it an excellent choice for individuals with redness-prone or sensitive skin. It offers colour correction while serving as a makeup primer to create a more even and comfortable canvas for makeup application.

1. Diminishes Redness: The primary function of the Green SOS Primer is to diminish and neutralize redness on the skin. It is particularly effective for reducing the appearance of redness caused by conditions such as rosacea, blemishes, or general skin irritation.
2. Calms and Soothes: This primer contains ingredients that help to calm and soothe the skin. It can relieve sensitive or irritated skin, making it suitable for individuals with skin prone to redness or inflammation.
3. Colour Correction: The green tint of the primer serves as a colour corrector, as green is opposite to red on the colour wheel. This means that it can help offset and neutralize red tones, creating a more even and balanced complexion.

Matifying Primer

Colour: Clarins SOS Primer Matifying

Mattifying SOS Primer is designed to control shine, reduce the appearance of pores, and create a matte finish on the skin. It is ideal for individuals with oily or combination skin who want to maintain a shine-free complexion and ensure their makeup stays put.

This primer also replaces Clarins’ popular discontinued primers: Instant Poreless and My Clarins Pore-Less.

1. Mattifies the Skin: The primary function of the Mattifying SOS Primer is to control and reduce excess shine on the skin. It is particularly useful for individuals with oily or combination skin types, as it helps to create a matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
2. Blurs Pores: This primer has the ability to blur the appearance of pores, giving your skin a smoother and more refined texture. It helps to create a more even surface for makeup application.
3. Reduces Shine: The Mattifying primer reduces shine and oiliness, helping your skin maintain a fresh and matte look. It can be especially beneficial in hot and humid weather or for those prone to midday shine.

White Primer

Colour: Clarins SOS Primer White

White SOS Primer enhances skin radiance and luminosity while serving as a makeup primer. It provides hydration and colour correction, making it an excellent choice for those looking to achieve a radiant and glowing complexion with their makeup.

The white primer is the recommended replacement for Clarins SOS Universal Light primer.

1. Boosts Glow and Luminosity: The White SOS Primer’s primary function is to boost your skin’s natural radiance. It has a brightening effect, helping to enhance your complexion’s overall glow and luminosity.
2. Colour Correction: The white tint of this primer serves as a colour corrector. It can help offset and neutralize dull or sallow skin tones, creating a more vibrant and even skin appearance.

Pink Primer

Colour: Clarins SOS Primer Pink

Pink SOS Primer is designed to combat signs of fatigue, boost skin radiance, and serve as a makeup primer. It offers a refreshed and luminous look to your complexion, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking to achieve a revitalized and glowing appearance with their makeup.

The pink primer replaces the SOS Rose Primer from the 2018 collection.

1. Minimizes Signs of Fatigue: The primary function of the Pink SOS Primer is to minimize the appearance of fatigue on the skin. It contains brightening properties that help to revitalize and energize your complexion, making your skin look more awake and refreshed.
2. Boosts Skin Radiance: This primer enhances the overall radiance of your skin. It imparts a healthy and natural glow, making your skin look more vibrant and luminous.
3. Colour Correction: The pink tint of the primer serves as a colour corrector. It can help neutralize dull or sallow skin tones, creating a more balanced and radiant complexion.

How Does It Compare To Other Primers?

Clarins SOS Primers stand out for their ability to combine colour correction, skincare benefits, and targeted solutions for specific skin concerns. While effective in creating a smooth base for makeup, traditional primers may not offer the same level of colour correction or specialised skincare features.

Colour Correction

Many traditional primers primarily focus on creating a smooth canvas for makeup application but may not offer the same level of colour correction as Clarins do.

Skincare Benefits

Clarins SOS Primers combine skincare benefits with makeup preparation. They provide hydration, nourishment, and other specific benefits tailored to different skin concerns.

Traditional primers may focus more on makeup longevity and smoothing, often with fewer skincare benefits. The soft balmy texture of the primers feels like luxury, and they have a subtle fresh scent that makes you feel special when you use them.

How To Use It

For everyday use:

1. Apply your primer all over your face with your fingertips after applying moisturiser.
2. Wear it on its own, or apply foundation on top.

Or:

• For on-the-spot colour correction, directly apply your chosen shade to the area you wish to conceal.
• To create a more unified finish: Mix in with your foundation or apply the SOS Primer before your foundation.
• If you have multiple concerns, combine the SOS Primers to create your perfect colour-corrected base.

What Our Team Think:

Discover More:

Clarins Lip Perfector Glow Review Swatches

Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream Mask Review