'This is the best serum I've ever used on my fine lines.'

As someone whose job is to *literally* try beauty products, I've put a lotta different serums on my face over the years. Like, you wouldn't believe how many. 

And while I've come across a big number of duds out there, there are just as many goodies that actually do what they promise they'll do. Which is always a very nice time.

Every now and then, however, I come across a golden nugget of a serum that really exceeds my expectations. The kind of formula that manages to tick all the boxes and slide its way into my daily routine because it's just that good.

Clarins’ Double Serum is one of those serums. 

I've been using this cult serum for a while now (I even wrote all about trialling the lighter version here), and recently got my hands on the next-generation reformulation, which I've been trialling for the past couple of weeks.

Everything from the formulation to the packaging has had a glow-up.

See?

Here she is! Image: Supplied. 

Fancy!

Now, as someone in her early thirties, my main concerns are centred around my perpetually dry and sensitive-prone skin, and the fine lines around my eyes and forehead (which my dry skin only magnifies). In recent times, I've also been experiencing some hormonal breakouts and dullness, just to throw something extra in the mix.

It's a meaty list of niggling issues, I know. So, when the new Double Serum waltzed across my desk, it really couldn't have come at a better time.

Touted as the "most complete age-defying concentrate" with promises to literally "change your skin's future", the claims seem pretty hefty.

For example, in a four-week consumer test, results revealed a -21 per cent visibility of wrinkles, +32 per cent visibly firmer skin, +54 per cent more radiant skin and a -25 per cent visibility of pores.

Told you it has some big claims! So, I was excited to see how the results shaped up IRL.

Here’s what happened when I used the new Clarins Double Serum (Gen 9) for two weeks straight.

What is Clarins Double Serum?

Before we get into the juicy results, it's probably worth talking about what Clarins Double Serum actually... is, no?

Put simply, it's a new-generation reinvention of the cult formula (this one is Gen 9), featuring 27 powerful ingredients, including a whopping 22 plant extracts and five new pure active molecules.

Liquid GOLD. Image: Supplied. 

With its signature biomimetic golden water and oil ratio, the formula promises to help maintain your skin's natural balance. Developed to improve skin firmness and radiance, but also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores, it's all about boosting the skin's five vital functions: regeneration, oxygenation, protection, hydration and nutrition.

All in all, it's a serious multi-tasker and seems to have everything we need for smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin.

How did you go with it?

As mentioned, I've been using the new Double Serum twice a day as part of my morning and night routine for the past two weeks, applied after cleansing and before moisturiser.

Firstly, I wasn't surprised to find it works like a dream on even the most sensitive, goanna-like winter skin. As someone who's a fan of the OG cult formula, I knew the formula was beautiful and gentle on all skin types and I was so pleased to find this was still the case with this newbie.

I love it when things don't freak my skin out! It's really very nice.

My favourite thing by far, however, is the texture of the serum — which we need to talk about immediately because it's truly one of a kind. Consisting of two powerful and complementary phases (in a fancy double chamber), the richness of the oil blends beautifully with the gel texture for a next-level self-care experience.

It feels amazing on the skin, smells like a luxury spa (it's actually developed by a Japanese master perfumer because of course it is) and absorbs like a dream.

Heaven! Image: Supplied. 

Also, we need to talk about the packaging, because it's somehow even better than the OG.

Redesigned to give a unique, completely customised experience, it feels luxe, weighty and like it should take centre stage in your bathroom cabinet at all times. 

It also features a new dual-pump dosage system designed to dispense the correct amount of serum into your palm every time — huge for someone who never follows the 'pea size' rule. Ever.

The verdict.

When it comes to the all-important results, I was very pleased with how it improved my dull, tired-looking winter skin.

After trialling this for two weeks, my face appears brighter and more radiant, with smoother (and clearer) texture. There’s also a noticeable improvement in the appearance of redness and congestion around my nose and chin area.

I also noticed the pesky signs of fine lines and dryness around my eyes and forehead appear less hectic after each use. In fact, I've also found my makeup applies smoother and more evenly. Meaning? I didn't have to constantly blend out my concealer around my eyes 45 times a day. The small joys!

Overall, everything just feels more hydrated, plumper and fresher, and my skin genuinely looks better than it did yesterday. Which is really everything you ever want from your serum.

Before (left) and after (right) trialling Clarins Double Serum. Image: Supplied. 

Um... WHO IS SHE? My skin just looks better, wouldn't you say? I'm here for it.

Clarins Double Serum, you're sticking around, my friend.

Shop Clarins' new Double Serum in-store and online at Myer and David Jones.

Feature Image: Supplied/Erin Docherty.