MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL ... (Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Foundation)

Member Name: L0BSTERQUADRILLE

Product:	Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Foundation
Date:	12/11/05 (684 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Achieves a healthy glow .

Disadvantages: Not a significant healthy glow .

I drink a lot of coffee, which keeps me awake etc thus: takes it's toll on my skin, I feel it looks a little pasty and dehydrated. I heard about Clarins beauty flash beauty balm: while reading a review about it; on a website called 'ciao'. It sounded really effective, and the kind of product I was looking for: something that makes your skin look healthy and youthful. Therefore, I located the nearest clarins retailer and bought myself some.

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The premise of the beauty flash balm, is that it brightens and tightens your skin, erasing the signs of fatigue and stress.
It's intent is to be a 'pick me up' for the skin. Instantly restoring a 'fresh, revived, beautiful appearance'.

The balm, comes in a small: white, red and gold tube. The packaging is very simple, some view it as boring packaging; I see it as classy (see pictures). It is retailed as 50mls - however they occasionally provide trail sizes, within offers of 30ml tubes. The beauty flash balm will set you back a humongous £22.50.
It is available from Browns and most larger Boot's stores.

It contains Olive extract, Witch Hazel and micro algae: these ingredients nourish the skin gently tightening your skin, thus reducing the fine lines that come with age or stress.
The formula also contains moisturising and softening plant extracts (as for which plant that would be, your guess is as good as mine) and Bisabolol, working alongside the other ingredients; it creates smooth, firm but soft skin and ultimately radiant looking skin.

The beauty balm works at its optimum when applied after cleansing and, if you moisturise: after that also. We are instructed to apply a thin layer of the balm to the skin; being careful not to rub it is. They suggest using sweeping movements to achieve this. Then, if you wear make up - apply your make-up immediately after applying the balm. The balm apparently enhances the make-ups 'luminous appearance' and makes your make-up last longer (I don't wear make-up, besides eye stuff- so I haven't put this theory to the test).

The balm can also be used as a face mask, by applying a thicker layer and leaving for 10 - 15 minutes. Then taking any excess balm off with a tissue.

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The balm smells like a pleasant creamy moisturiser, I couldn't pinpoint an actual 'smell' to associate it with. It looks like a thick, beige lotion, not dissimilar to a cream foundation.
When applied to the skin, it becomes translucent (magic!), it is tricky business, trying to use sweeping movements, rather than rub it in. Practice makes perfect though, persevere and you'll figure it out. As it's translucent, it's hard to know where you have covered, if you're an amateur with such products: as I am! I find if I have the light on, the areas you have covered shines and therefore, you know when you have finished as all of your face and neck will be shining. A little goes a long way, it does not take much of the balm to cover your face and neck, 50ml will last a good couple of months, of everyday usage.

Initially, I applied it in the morning, after cleansing, toning and moisturising. My face looked really greasy and felt wet: I thought I would have to wash it off, it looked so bad. After about fifteen minutes, it seemed to dry, the wetness problem was solved. My face still looked greasy though. As I had no big plans for the day, I left it on; the greasiness lasted until all day. I was less than impressed. The next few times I used it, the result was the same.
Due to the fact it cost so much, I was determined it would not go to waste, so, I experimented a bit; without toner, waiting for a while after moisturising, before applying.
Eventually, after cleansing, toning and then applying the beauty balm - it works. The wetness and greasiness is short lived, about half an hour for both to subside.

As for the effectiveness of the balm; my face feels softer and smooth. It does appear refreshed and healthy, more so than normal. It looks like I've been out on a walk on a chilly September day; giving that refreshed, healthy glow, you achieve after such a walk. The effect is very discreet: there is no doubt in my mind that my skin looks healthier, however it is very un-noticeable to anyone but yourself. It isn't a miracle worker.

I have tried using the balm as a mask: to be honest, I didn't notice a difference than regular usage: except I used more balm and essentially wasted more money.

As Clarins claim it 'will give your skin radiance in a flash' I expected more from it: at least more of a significant visual difference. I couldn't help but feel very disappointed and disgruntled at wasting £22.50.

On resigning myself to the situation, my money was gone and I was stuck with it. I began to quite like the product. I like the discreet healthy glow: saves the hassle of going for a walk on a chilly day; to get the refreshed look.

As for recommending it - yes I do, just don't expect miracles or you will be uber let down.

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www.clarins.com

Summary: It doesn't perform miracles, but it's certainly worth using.