How Should I Use Turmeric? | NEW Clarins Double Serum

We all know that you can cook with turmeric, but have you ever tried it in a drink, or in your skincare routine? I used to do a lot of DIY facials (my exfoliating oatmeal recipe here) and turmeric is notoriously used in honey-based face masks for brightening the complexion, taming acne and helping to smooth out texture.

When ingested, the benefits of turmeric include:

Reduced inflammation in joints, increased resilience against bacteria, lower risk of heart disease, increased antioxidant capacity, boosted brain function, and increases in mood. Yes, this is probably world's most natural antidepressant.

How about using turmeric in your daily skincare? Clarins recently reformulated their iconic Double Serum, and it's more innovative than any other product I've tried to date.

Clarins NEW Double Serum $120

"The only dual-phase hydric and lipidic anti-ageing treatment rich in [20+1] plant extracts. It stimulates the five vital functions of the skin, and, for the first time, has decoded the language of youthfulness. Its unique universal and bio-inspired dual formula combines 20 of the most powerful anti-ageing plant extracts with turmeric extract, which is concentrated in turmerone to effectively and visibly treat the signs of ageing. Firms skin, visibly smoothes wrinkles Restores complexion radiance and evenness. Diminishes appearance of pores."

This high-potency serum contains a cocktail of Plant Extracts and comes in a sleek, dual-chamber bottle. The NEW Clarins Double Serum has a much lighter texture than the original, with only a subtle floral scent. Both my mom and I have tried this serum on many occasions, and have concluded that it leaves combination/oily skin with a thick film over the top. This is great for those who need an intense repairing treatment overnight, but I find that it can cause clogged pores and discomfort on my very oily days. My friend Alanna at Classy on the Run absolutely loves this product, and she has very dry skin. I'd recommend it most for those with normal to dry skin, and especially for use in the winter when nothing else seems to cut it.

The refined pump system can be adjusted to dispense only a small amount, or a large amount, and it keeps both parts of the serum separate to guarantee a fresh mix of ingredients upon each use. How cool is that!

I love following Sari on Instagram, she's a friend of my coworker Sara, and always shares awesome beauty and lifestyle tips on her stories. Above you can see her "Golden Milk Latte" recipe, great for combating inflammation. You can find exact ratios through a quick Google search, but I always feel my way through and eyeball it to get the perfect flavour.

Something I've been enjoying mid-afternoon when the weather warms up is an Iced Turmeric Chai Milk Tea. This idea came about after finishing a bag of the Dawn Loose Leaf Tea from Turmeric Teas, a Canadian tea brand you can order online. I'll brew my regular Tazo chai tea (two bags for extra flavour), add in a teaspoon of turmeric powder (buy online here for $3.99), some sweetened condensed milk (so as to not dilute), then pour it into a metal travel mug filled with ice to shake up and empty into a big glass. With this I'll get caffeine, anti-inflammatory powers, a slight sugar boost and a totally elevated mood.

One of my favourite discoveries from this new product release is the book Beauty in My Plate ($22) written by Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins with delightful illustrations by Fabienne Legrand. This book embodies the"you are what you eat" phrase in all capacities. It suggests (very French-inspired) eating habits for beautiful skin, and exactly how to nourish your body both inside and out.

"It's simply about following a lifestyle that advocates healthy food and will ensure you can achieve a perfect complexion, and a smile to match." The book is packed with food recommendations and tips for wellness and beauty. It also contains recipes for dishes that are simple and easy to make.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the ARTHRITIS Foundation, the major private French fundraising initiative that supports research into severe rheumatism. Given that Double Serum is all about turmeric, the miracle ingredient that can help treat joint inflammation, I couldn't think of a more appropriate partnership.

How do you use turmeric?

Press sample featured.