"Cinderella in a tube" (Clarins Beauty Flash Balm)

Member Name: ms_memory

Product:	Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
Date:	09/03/09 (587 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It REALLY works! Quick, easy and gives your complexion a magic glow.

Disadvantages: It's a wee bit pricey

** Introduction **

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is one of those products that seems to have been around forever, and I recall seeing it in magazines as a teenager, but it was always way out of my price range. I first decided to try it after reading the wonderful Beauty Bible, which extols its virtues. I think it was the comment that Clarins makeup artists refer to Beauty Flash balm as "Cinderella in a tube" that caught my attention. After all, we could all do with some of that sometimes!


** The packaging **

The balm comes in a 50ml white screw-bottom tube bearing the standard red Clarins font, gold stripe and has the seductive claim "Brightens, Tightens" emblazoned on the front. On the back of the tube it promises "radiance in a flash".


** Application **

The hole in the tube is small so you don't end up squeezing too much product out at once. The balm is peach-coloured and has the consistency of a thick lotion. My rule of thumb is to apply the same amount of balm as I would moisturiser to my face and neck. The instructions recommend that you apply it to the décolleté as well, but I never bother as my skin there is still in very good condition.

The balm should be spread over clean skin in a thin layer, without rubbing. You don't have to moisturise first, but I always do as I find it more comfortable. As long as it's a thin layer of moisturiser and it's had a minute to sink in, then the Beauty Flash Balm goes on smoothly on top of it.

It has a subtle and slightly old-fashioned, powdery smell, which reminds me of scented nappy bags (and I mean that in the nicest possible way - I like the way they smell!).

Theoretically you can apply your makeup straight away, but I always like to wait a minute of two just in case the product's not sunk in completely. I never use foundation, so I can't say how smoothly it would go on on top of the balm, but I do use two kinds of concealer - a blemish stick with a waxy/creamy texture and a YSL highlighter pen, which has a lighter and more liquid texture. I don't find that either of these interfere with the effect of the balm or vice versa. The same goes for powder, blusher and eyeshadow - they work completely normally with the balm.


** Does it work? **

Yes - this is one of those rare cosmetic products that actually does everything it promises! The first time I used it I was going to a graduation ceremony which involved an evening flight after work to my parents, 2 hours' sleep at their house, then a 5-hour drive through the night, getting changed in a service station en route - not exactly a recipe for a radiant complexion. I remember wearily applying this balm in the car and wondering whether it would work. A few hours later I'd forgotten I was wearing it (you can't feel it; it doesn't tingle or feel tight or anything) and I caught sight of myself in a mirror and was pleasantly shocked at how awake I looked. On the photos from the ceremony my skin looks perfect, luminous and as radiant as the tube promised.

When I've used it on other occasions people have commented that I look well, rested or relaxed. The effect seems to last most of the day. It somehow gently tightens the contours of the face and makes the complexion glow.


** Would I buy it again? **

Definitely - I've already bought it a few times since. I think it can be a bit drying without moisturiser underneath, but otherwise I've had absolutely no problems with it - no allergic reactions, irritations, sore eyes etc. It's incredibly quicky and simple to apply and once it's on it stays put and you don't need to worry about it.


** Additional tips **

The balm can also be used as a soothing and energising facial mask - apply a thicker layer for 10-15 mins then remove. I wouldn't do this personally as I'd consider it too much of a waste - I'd rather wear it for a night out.

The symbol on the back of the tube suggests that it keeps for 12 months, and although most cosmetics last longer than the recommended period, I think that in this case you do need to use it up within year. Sometimes I've kept tubes for longer and found that the effect isn't as good when the balm is old - there must be some active ingredient that breaks down after a while and lessens the brightening effect.

One final point: If you're always run down, chronically tired and are not looking after yourself properly, this balm will not necessarily transform you back to your younger, radiant self every time. Unfortunately I've found this out myself over the past few months! But as an occasional pick-me-up or weekend treat it's a fantastic, classic product and well worth the money in my opinion.


** Price **

I usually search www.kelkoo.co.uk for the best price and buy from an online retailer, or I purchase a tube when I'm going through duty-free. It normally costs around £18 - £25, with postage costs varying from site to site.

Summary: You shall go to the ball!