Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

I have tried Clarins Beauty Flash Balm several times over the years and never fully understood the fuss, a multi-functional product that plumps lines, smooths the skin and hydrates. Great on paper but not so much on my then oily skin. The problem was my skin type, this was simply too moisturising. No my complexion is dried out I finally understand why this is a cult product.

 "An exceptional beauty booster which immediately eliminates all signs of fatigue: facial features appear rested and smooth. The cream in contact with the skin remains soft and pliable to fill out fine lines, while the cream in contact with the air sets to a firming film which gives skin a radiant glow. It promotes a radiant complexion and long-lasting, incredibly luminous make-up. The ideal treatment before a busy day or an evening out. Skin Type: All skin types".
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Originally I thought Clarins Beauty Flash Balm was a primer but like I said it can be used in a multitude of ways, it can be applied as an primer to prolong make-up wear, it can be used alone as a facial moisturising product that illuminates the skin and fills out any fine lines or it can be used as a face mask. The first thing I noticed about this product is the scent, I personally found it to be a little over powering and artificially floral in terms of scent but once applied to the skin it disappears. The consistency is thick yet light, almost gel like instantly cooling, hydrating and calming albeit a little greasy - on my now dry skin this is absorbed instantly. n the past the texture was a little too heavy and sat on top of my skin.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

As a mask (apply to the skin, leave for up to 15 minutes and tissue off) this left my skin feeling softer, smoother and after a few uses I had a light glow. As a primer I don't find it helps to prolong make-up wear but it does have a plumping effect on any frown lines on my forehead and also ensures an even application of any liquid product applied on top. In my opinion this is best used as an extra moisture boost be it after your day cream or night cream. I personally use it after I have applied my day cream but before my SPF, this way my skin has a few thin layers of moisture and my dry skin is constantly hydrated throughout the day. I find by doing so I am less prone to dry patches, my make-up doesn't cake and when it comes to make-up removal my skin isn't as parched as it once was. I finally understand the hype.

In a nutshell Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is certainly more suited to dry/normal skin types than oily. If like myself your skin is all over the place, save this for the dry/dehydrated phases - then you will fully understand the hype and cult status.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm £22.50/50ml via Escentual - link.