I start each year pinning beauty items to a ‘wish list’ beauty board on Pinterest. They’re normally products that have taken my fancy, cost a lot and I can’t justify buying straight away – so I leave them there and if I still want them later on, I can get them. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm was pinned after seeing a review online of a more ‘mature’ woman who had used it for years and years and claimed it helped keep her looking youthful. And she looked pretty darn good for her age.
Anyway, my husband bought me a collection of Clarins goodies for my 30th birthday for anti-aging, including the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.
What is it?
It’s a Clarins cult product and a radiant skin booster that promises to instantly moisturise, brighten and tighten facial contours. My overall impression if you can’t be bothered to read the full review? I love it.
Olive and Witch Hazel extracts help smooth the skin’s surface, diffusing the look of lines and wrinkles. Soothing Bisabolol helps restore skin’s youthful glow. Preps skin for perfect make-up application and hours of luminous wear.
As a balm it’s a thick cream, almost like a night moisturiser but not quite. The consistency is too thick to wear as a typical moisturiser and to really get the most out of it, it’s all in the application.
Application
I apply the balm in two ways: as a face mask and under makeup. First and foremost, I use it as an intense face mask for targeted areas; basically areas that have fine lines. Following cleansing I place the mask on my forehead, which is where I have noticeable fine lines, and a little on my cheeks to brighten my complexion. I don’t rub it in, I literally just gently press it on and let it sit on the skin for 20-30 minutes before washing it off in warm water. I’ve noticed some people use it as an overnight mask but I’ve yet to try that as I prefer an oil at night.
Secondly, I’ve used the balm as a makeup primer. I’ve only applied it under makeup once as I’ve worn makeup about three times in 7 weeks! Clarins recommend you warm the product in your hands first before smoothing over skin and then just press it on in a thin layer (Clarins touch method) rather than massaging it in. I think this is where a lot of people go wrong and why I’ve read so many negative reviews of it being too greasy and thick. By warming the product before application, it’s easier to smooth over skin in a thin layer and you should be placing it on the skin rather than massaging a big dollop in. A little goes a long way – you only need a pea sized amount for a thin layer and the less touching, the better. Also, apply makeup straight after so you don’t let it sink in, rather it sits and brightens. A few reviews online mention mixing a little with a drop of foundation for a lighter, flawless finish, so I’ll be trying that next.
Results
When applied as a face mask, I love how it tightens my skin while smoothing the deepness of my fine lines. I had an obvious line on my forehead that just wouldn’t budge and this balm has definitely helped soften it! My skin appears rested and relaxed and feels firmer, tighter and lifted – it’s my new anti-aging love. I wouldn’t say it necessarily removes wrinkles but it has surely helped blur my fine lines!
I also like it under makeup as a primer as it instantly brightens my dull complexion and holds makeup well. Despite having combination skin, the thick consistency is moisturising but not too heavy, giving it a radiant finish. But it is all in the application, you really need to apply it right otherwise it will appear greasy!
Will I purchase a second tube? Absolutely. It’s a little on the expensive side at £31 for 50ml, which is why I prefer to use it as a face mask 2-3 times a week rather than sparingly under makeup. But for my anti-aging skin concerns, it’s worth it. I wouldn’t purchase it as a moisturiser, I think a good moisturiser is better suited, but for fine lines it’s just what I need.
You can buy the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm for £31 from John Lewis – link.