Valentine’s Day — A gift of love from Clarins!

It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. Modern Valentine’s Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Every February, across the globe, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realising the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasise his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
For Valentine’s Day, the much-anticipated 2010 makeup collection is finally available: The Clarins Fall 2009 Palazzo d’Oro Colour Collection, inspired by Venice and its poetic light and radiance. Let me introduce you to the Clarins Palazzo d’Oro Collection. Prepared to be wow’ed girls (and guys) this is probably the most luxurious set this season, nothing has topped it and I’m doubtful anything will.
After Chanel, the new stunning seasonal colour collection by Clarins is also inspired by Venice: beautiful golden palaces, their facades with subtle colours and patinas and the unique architecture that allows light to seep through the fine stonework. Clarins tried to channel Venetian architecture and the light of the city in Palazzo d’Oro’s shimmery gold, brown, beige and taupe palette. I don’t know how they did since I’ve never been to Venice, but I do think they succeeded in creating shades I could wear all day and all night. Gold carries through both the product shades and the stunning collectible cases of this limited edition collection. Inspired by the light and sumptuous radiance of the architecture of Venice, Clarins’ Palazzo D’Oro collection features sparkling shades of gold in both makeup and packaging.
Gold Attraction Eye Quartet and Liner Palette.
This beautiful golden palette includes a dark chocolate eyeliner and four eyeshadow shades: pink with silver shimmer, pearly yellow-gold, soft burgundy and shimmering gold brown. Clarins Gold Attraction Eye Quartet and Liner Palette is just as gorgeous as the powder. Clarins took the time out to create simple, easy to apply instructions for the palette which creates a total of four looksThe palette comes with four shades of shadow and one liner.
Golden Attraction Face Palette
A soft beige powder presented as a kaleidoscope of matte and glossy colour to give a soft golden sparkle to face and décolleté.I think it looks and feels like jewellery. Substantial, seemingly solid gold cases housing sophisticated colours and luxurious textures — I can see them sitting atop mountains of gems and golden, silver and platinum treasure in a red dragon’s cave or some Medieval king’s treasure chamber!
Now…most important after packaging would be the contents. Sometimes you get great packaging minus awesome contents. It’s been known to happen now hasn’t it?
Good news. Both the inside and the outside are fabulous.
Clarins Gold Attractions Face Palette is an acquired taste as if you aren’t a shimmer lover it might not be for you. However, if you love shimmer as much as I do, this will surely make your day. No over spray here kids, it’s full on shimmer straight through. The formula of the powder is a tiny bit gritty but for the most part blends easily leaving behind a golden dusting of fine sparkle. For the body it’s ideal and it works a treat as an eye shadow and gives just the right amount of golden sparkle to lids. Pair it up with a dramatic cat eye or a bit of brown liner on the lower waterline and you’ll be sporting a glamm’ed up festive party look for the holiday.
Overall, Clarins Palazzo d’Oro Collection was an absolute joy working with and is my favourite holiday collection to date. The palettes are luxurious and very posh but still manage to remain practical and easy to use. Although a little high in price I deem them very worthy of picking up as they are truly special pieces. In a sea of ho-hum holiday collections, Clarins Palazzo d’Oro stands out as a true masterpiece.
Gorgeous, truly gorgeous. Muse Approval for purchase. And if that special someone purchases this for you you know…This one is a keeper!!

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