In this series we call Tried & True, we shortlist the holy grails and the OGs, the top-shelf regulars, under-the-radar picks, as well as the new and fresh-off-the-lab and the viral sensations worth the hype from reputable brands that we’ve road-tested ourselves.
Behind the name, we explore what makes a brand worth discovering, whether it’s how it has redefined beauty, its founder’s inspiring story, or how its range of offerings gave consumers what they truly want and need. In this edition, we shortlist the must-discovers from luxury beauty brand Clé de Peau Beauté.
When you first encounter Clé de Peau Beauté, one of the things that might catch your eye is its name—French words that translate to “the key to skin’s beauty.” But what’s intriguing is that despite its French name, Clé de Peau Beauté is actually a Japanese brand. The choice of a French name reflects the brand’s desire to embody the luxury France is known for, while its roots remain deeply planted in Japan’s rich tradition of skincare and craftsmanship.
Founded in 1982 by the Shiseido Group, Clé de Peau Beauté was created with the vision to unlock the skin’s natural potential through advanced science and a deep understanding of beauty. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that radiant skin is a reflection of both inner and outer beauty, and its products are made to enhance and reveal that natural glow. Its approach is all about enhancing Skin Intelligence—believing that when skin is in its best condition, it can better respond to environmental stressors and age gracefully.
This brand is beloved not just for its effective formulations but also for the luxurious experience it provides. Every product, from the silky textures to the beautifully crafted packaging, is designed to make you feel special. It’s no wonder that Clé de Peau Beauté has earned a loyal following worldwide, with fans who appreciate both its aesthetic appeal and its results-driven performance.
HERO PRODUCT
Clé de Peau Beauté Correcting Cream Veil
Clé de Peau Beauté’s bestselling product, the Correcting Cream Veil is a fusion of luxury skincare and makeup that delivers both in terms of performance and experience. It has a rich and creamy yet lightweight texture that instantly smoothens and brightens the complexion. This primer also enhances the longevity of foundation, helping makeup stay in place for hours without the need for touch-ups. What’s more, its ability to blur imperfections and fine lines while giving a soft, radiant finish makes it suitable to even be worn on its own, perfect for a “no-makeup” makeup look.
Beyond its makeup-priming abilities, the Correcting Cream Veil is enriched with Clé de Peau Beauté’s signature Skin-Empowering Illuminator, which helps protect against environmental stressors. It even provides UV protection to shield the skin from harmful sun exposure during daytime wear.
Correcting Cream Veil
P3,500, Clé de Peau Beauté
CULT CLASSIC
Clé de Peau Beauté The Foundation
The Foundation is a luxurious liquid foundation best known for the natural finish and exceptional coverage it provides. Its texture is similar to a tinted moisturizer—lightweight, creamy, and absorbs easily. It provides medium coverage that is buildable, but never cakey. It blurs imperfections and gives the skin a soft-focus effect.
What also sets The Foundation apart is its unique blend of skincare ingredients. Sometimes described as the foundation version of La Creme, it’s infused with the brand’s exclusive Illuminating Complex EX which helps improve skin texture over time.
The Foundation
P17,000, Clé de Peau Beauté
UNDERRATED HOLY GRAIL
Clé de Peau Beauté The Serum
The Serum is a great first step to any skincare routine as it helps enhance the performance of all your other skincare products. It preps the skin for the rest of your routine by priming your face, allowing moisturizers, creams, and other treatments to work more effectively. From the first pump, you get a lightweight, silky texture that absorbs easily into the skin, leaving it feeling instantly hydrated and refreshed. After using it consistently, many people notice their skin looks brighter and more plump, with an overall improvement in tone and texture.
As a bonus, the bottle is refillable, making it not only an eco-friendly but also a cost-effective choice!
The Serum
P13,800, Clé de Peau Beauté
HARDWORKING MUST-TRY
Clé de Peau Beauté Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme
The Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme is a real treat for the eyes. This eye cream feels incredibly smooth and lightweight when applied, yet it’s rich enough to deeply hydrate without the greasiness. If La Crème is your all-in-one anti-aging solution, then this is your all-in-one eye cream. Beyond the usual concerns that most eye creams target—like dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines—this cream does it all. It goes above and beyond, addressing everything from drooping to lifting and ensuring the delicate skin around your eyes looks brighter and more youthful.
The applicator is another key highlight, with its unique shape designed to stimulate the muscles around the eyes. To maximize the product’s benefits, you can also explore Clé de Peau’s YouTube channel for guided massage techniques to target different eye concerns.
Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme
P14,000, Clé de Peau Beauté
ICONIC INVESTMENT
Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème
For anyone seeking the ultimate in anti-aging care, La Crème is distinguished by its highest concentration of Skin-Empowering Illuminator which enhances your skin’s natural ability to combat the signs of aging, making it one of the most powerful anti-aging creams available. Once it’s applied, you’ll appreciate its slightly watery texture that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and deeply nourished. Its formulation includes Retinol ACE, which is why it’s recommended for use at night. This potent ingredient helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Despite its strength, La Crème is still safe for sensitive skin and is gentle enough for first-time users.
While it may come with a premium price tag, the combination of immediate and visible results along with the practical refillable benefit makes La Crème a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for long-term anti-aging benefits.
La Crème
P34,000, Clé de Peau Beauté
POPULAR PICK
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer
The Concealer comes in a twist-up tube and is rich, creamy, and highly pigmented. It provides full coverage with just a small amount of product, effectively concealing dark circles, blemishes, and other imperfections. Plus, the compact packaging makes it great for on-the-go touch-ups because you can easily apply it with a brush or even just your fingertips.
Fun fact: Jennifer Aniston wore Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer for all ten seasons of Friends. It’s no wonder her skin always looks radiant!
Concealer
P3,400, Clé de Peau Beauté
MULTITASKING MARVEL
Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer
The Luminizing Face Enhancer is a luxury highlighter known for giving off a refined and luminous finish. It comes in a stunning gold compact that includes a mirror and a high-quality brush for easy application. The powder formula is finely milled and silky to the touch which allows it to glide smoothly onto the skin. This multi-functional product also comes in six shades to complement different skin tones, but some of these shades are particularly versatile and can even double as a bronzer or blush, depending on your skin tone and desired effect.
Luminizing Face Enhancer
P4,800, Clé de Peau Beauté
NEW ICON
Clé de Peau Beauté Precious Lipstick
This new gem is another luxurious addition to the brand’s makeup collection. Infused with 24-karat gold and real diamonds, the Precious Lipstick brings a touch of elegance to your everyday makeup routine. The creamy texture glides on smoothly and provides intense pigmentation as it can provide full coverage with just one swipe. Despite its creamy consistency, its wear time is impressive as it lasts for hours without fading or settling into fine lines. Not to mention, the skincare ingredients in its formula also keep your lips feeling hydrated and comfortable all day long.
Precious Lipstick
P6,000, Clé de Peau Beauté
EDITOR FAVORITE
Clé de Peau Beauté Hydro-softening Lotion
The Hydro-Softening Lotion is a luxurious toner that deeply hydrates and smoothens the skin, ideal for those seeking an extra boost of moisture. It has a watery texture yet doesn’t feel a bit too thin nor does it evaporate quickly as it lingers on the skin for quite a while. Given its exceptional hydrating benefits, it’s well-suited for normal to dry skin types or for those wanting to infuse their skincare routine with an extra layer of moisture. It can be applied either with a cotton pad or by simply pressing it directly into the skin with your hands.
