Friday 15 February 2013

Review: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm |  50ml  £29.00
Available from Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis, Feel Unique, etc.

Do you want to know a little secret? I didn't buy mine from one of the retailers that I listed above, and I sure as hell didn't pay £29 for it either! I ordered mine online from a site called CheapSmells.com (link) for a fraction of the cost! I've just checked and it currently costs £19.00 from there, and I think it has gone up slightly because it was around £17 when I bought it. Not to worry, the site is completely legitimate - I swear.

I would say that the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is not unlike the product that I reviewed yesterday; Caudalie Beauty Elixir (link to post), not just because their names both contain the word 'beauty', and not just because both of the names are pretty ambiguous as to what they really do (I mean, what are you supposed to expect from a 'flash balm' and an 'elixir'?!), but because they're both well known, well hyped, highly priced and you'll probably find an equal number of positive and negative reviews of them floating about on the web.


What is it? - Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is a peachy toned, thick and 'sticky' consistency balm/cream that can be used on the face in two ways: as a 'mask', and as a 'primer'. For use as a mask a thick layer is left on the skin for 10-15 minutes and it works as a smoothing, fatigue fighting treatment. At first, I wasn't too sure about using it in this way because I thought that this was just a kind of moisturiser and that it would absorb into the skin, but if a thick enough layer is applied then it won't sink in and it has a tacky and tightening consistency so it's not something that can be left on all day like I thought maybe you would be able to. For use underneath make-up a thinner layer is to be used and then foundation is applied immediately on top and this gives a smooth airbrushed finish to the foundation because it tightens your skin, creating a more flawless base, and it also give a radiant glow to your skin.

What does it do? It creates an instant radiance boost on the skin and is the perfect pick-me-up if your skin is looking tired or dull. The name comes from the way that it works instantly, i.e. it gives you beauty in a flash. It's an all-rounder this product because as well as brightening up the skin with a subtle glow and giving radiance, it also moisturises and makes the skin feel soft, while increasing the longevity of your make-up and acting as a kind of skin 'smoother', with a photoshop effect of blurring away lines, pores and imperfections to create a healthier looking base. Sound too good to be true? Nope, it really does do all of these things! Hence the hype surrounding it.

It's full of all sorts of exciting ingredients too: extracts of olive and witch hazel minimize signs of fatigue and fine lines, plant extracts smooth and tighten the skin, it is also enriched with a marine-based complex and micro-algae smooths to skins surface, while Bisabol (don't ask, it's something natural) regains a silky-smooth and youthful radiance.


Is it worth it? When it comes to the cost I guess it can all depend on how you value money and what aspect of your face it is that you want to splash the cash on. Although a smooth and glowing complexion is something that I dream of having every single day and I adore this product, £29.00 isn't an amount that I can justify throwing about willy nilly on beauty products, no matter how amazing they are! I am a typically skint student, I shouldn't be using the likes of Clarins anyway! However, the CheapSmells pricetag of less than £20 is a little bit more purse friendly and more appealing. I'm not going to say that this is a 'staple' product in my routine, but I have been using it close to everyday recently underneath my make-up and sadly I have a feeling that I might miss it once it's gone, leading to a potential repurchase! If I can find a good cheaper alternative though then I will happily opt for a dupe instead. 

If you've ever used Clarins Beauty Flash Balm before then please leave me comments below with your opinions on it.
Is it worth the hype for you??

14 comments:

  1. definitely going to be using that website, thank you!!

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  2. I've heard such good things about this - I definitely need a radiance boost! x

    lamourjosie.com

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  3. I've never actually heard anything about this! It looks lovely but like you say, it's not very purse friendly! I think there's so many 'drugstore' products nowadays offering an 'illuminated' look, you could probably get the same finish with a cheaper product!

    xAllDolledUp

    xx

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  4. I tried a sample of this and wasn't particularly enamoured. I think it gave a nice plumpness to my skin but was a little sticky and oily for my liking. It did make my make-up look quite flawless but I think maybe for oilier girls they should make one that is a little more mattifying.

    daisychurchward.blogspot.com

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  5. Sounds lushhh, I've heard really good things about this but I definitely wouldn't pay £29 for it!x

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  6. I have fancied buying this for so long after hearing so many rave reviews! The cheap smells price is fab! x

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  7. This sounds nice :)

    abrunettesbeautyblog.blogspot.com

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  8. I've wanted to try this product for so long, thanks for the cheaper recc on cheapsmells. Need to make a purchase x

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  9. The website is such a great find, I'll definitely be using it from now on! Such bargains!xx
    ZoeyInWonderland

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  10. Pricey, but a decent price on cheapsmells! I've always wanted to try this, but i can't justify the price! Great review, really useful :)

    Sophierosehearts x

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  11. Thanks for the heads up about cheapsmells, it sounds like it has potential to be my new fave website :)

    Rhiannon x
    http://the-mascara-story.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. I really want to try this Clarins and I need to check out cheapsmells

    A little bit Unique

    x

    Oh and I'm running a giveaway, if you want to pop over and have a nosey! Giveaway here


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  13. Hi hun.

    I saw you entered my blog giveaway a couple of weeks ago, but I finally managed to get the rafflecopter working so if you'd like to enter that way that would be brilliant please.

    Got three lovely hair treats to be in with the chance of winning, so have a look :)

    http://flutteringlashes-lou.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/giveaway-time.html

    xxx

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  14. It can also be used as a mixer with foundation and to plump lips. An alternative dupe is the Elemis proradiance flash balm, See http://williamspromakeup.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/battle-of-balms-clarins-beauty-flash.html

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