Clarins Launches Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation: A Celebration of Authentic Beauty

There’s something undeniably powerful about finding a foundation that feels like an extension of your skin—one that enhances rather than hides, celebrates rather than masks. Enter Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, a game-changing formula designed to honor the beauty of every complexion with a seamless blend of high-performance makeup and skincare.

With 24 shades available in stores and 28 online, plus an additional shade set to drop in July, Clarins is making good on its promise: a foundation for everyone. The launch speaks to the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that men and women across South Africa have a shade that matches, flatters, and—most importantly—feels like them.

To bring this vision to life, Clarins unveiled a striking campaign featuring 12 distinct faces, each carefully selected to reflect the diverse beauty of South Africa. “For me, beauty is not reflected in a singular shade. It’s a spectrum,” says Nthabiseng Makhokha, Clarins Communications Specialist. “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 compliments their natural skin tone and celebrates their unique essence.”

Beyond representation, there’s an undeniable confidence woven into each of these portraits. “Your skin tells a story,” Nthabiseng adds. “Your foundation should enhance that story, not erase it.” Formulated with SkinFit Technology, Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation delivers a matte-yet-luminous finish that moves effortlessly with the skin—never settling, never caking. The buildable, long-wearing formula is designed to keep up with you, from morning meetings to late-night celebrations.

But it’s not just about coverage. This foundation is packed with 80% skincare ingredients, delivering real benefits beyond makeup. In a 28-day study, users reported a 29% reduction in skin imperfections and a 10% decrease in shine, proving that this formula works just as hard as your go-to serum.

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Women want to look pulled together, but have had enough of the mask-like foundation look. They are tired of hiding their perceived flaws, and are ready to look like themselves; however, they still want that matte finish and radiant glow. Enter Clarins Skin Illusion: the latest in our continuing projects and efforts to answer the needs of our customers in South Africa. This foundation has all the benefits of skincare, plus a hydrating and long-lasting formula to take our women, and men, through their day into the night! More responsible packaging is an added plus.

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Women are tired of the heavy, mask-like foundation look, "women want to look pulled together, but have had enough of the mask-like foundation look" says Bronwen Olivier, Clarins Marketing and Digital Executive. “They are tired of hiding their perceived flaws, and are ready to look like themselves; however, they still want that matte finish and radiant glow. Enter Clarins Skin Illusion: the latest in our continuing projects and efforts to answer the needs of our customers in South Africa”

This foundation delivers the best of both worlds—skincare benefits meet a hydrating, long-wear formula that keeps up from morning to midnight. Plus, it comes in more sustainable packaging, which is always a win, ensuring that beauty lovers can make choices that feel good both inside and out.

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For Isabel Martins, CEO of Clarins South Africa, this launch represents more than just a new foundation—it’s a reflection of Clarins’ legacy. “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. This is what this campaign is all about: celebrating authentic, natural beauty with beautiful, inspiring South African women and men, from all ages and backgrounds.”

With Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, Clarins continues to prove that beauty is about more than just what you wear—it’s about feeling confident, empowered, and truly yourself. "This foundation launch truly echoes Clarins’ core values and reflects who we are as a brand and as a team" Isabel asserts.

And that? That’s the kind of glow no foundation can fake.