Oooh, that silver paint is sooo you. (Superdrug Instant Radiance Balm)

Name: rosie.s

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Superdrug Instant Radiance Balm
Date:	23/01/02 (274 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Leaves skin softer., Value for money.

Disadvantages: Silver paint comes off the lid each time you use it.

This stuff is always touted in beauty pages as the inexpensive alternative to Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and so having tired looking skin but always being hard up, I thought I’d give it a go. It comes in a cheap and cheerful plastic tube, all pink and silver. Unfortunately the silver rubbed off the lid every time I opened it, would flake off onto my fingers and then be transferred onto my face as I applied the cream. Not surprisingly silver-grey specks dotted across my face did nothing to improve the appearance of my skin. Luckily this balm lasts for ages and I've been using it so long that all the paint has flaked off, so I no longer have to worry about looking like I've just failed a casting for the Wizard of Oz. (besides, I'd make a much better Wicked Witch of the West than the Tin Man)

So what was the cream itself like? Well, it claims to be formulated to “provide an extra beauty boost for your skin”. It contains natural products like Linden Blossom, Vitamin E, milk protein and Witch Hazel to “provide a lifting and brightening effect”. Well, I've never heard of Linden Blossom, or have a clue as to its properties but we all know how good protein, Vitamin E and Witch Hazel are meant to be for the skin. It's a light cream which is absorbed easily but it does have a surprising smell for something that pertains to be so natural. Its not unpleasant, just strong so sniff before you buy.

As a moisturiser it does a perfectly good job, leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. The Witch Hazel has the added benefits of refreshing and tightening the skin, don’t be surprised to feel a tingling when you apply it. The results aren’t visibly very different, don’t expect under eye shadows and blemishes to miraculously disappear upon application but your skin will feel brighter and fresher as a result of regular use. The directions say you can also apply a thicker layer as an "intensive mo
isture mask" - just leave it for 15 minutes then remove. I was a bit sceptical that just bunging more on will make much of a difference, it seemed like a ploy to get me to use it up quicker, thus having to run out and spend more money on another tube. Or am I just being cynical? Well, in the interests of this op I did try it and it just left my skin feeling smothered and slightly uncomfortable and in fact the benefits were minimal.

However as a daily mosituriser it really is very good, particularly as a base before applying foundation. Like lots of moisturisers it contains UV filters which is generally a good thing, stopping those dangerous sun rays from wrinkling and ruining our skin. However research has been done that suggests in the winter months we don't get enough vitamin A from the sun because we're so smothered in UV filtering products that weaker winter rays just don't stand a chance.

All in all, this is a lovely little balm, quite effective if not miraculous, it lasts for ages and its great value for money. Just beware of that darn silver paint!

Summary: