Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm (Summer 2013) Review & Swatches
I’m absolutely thrilled that Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm is back in four new limited edition shades for Summer 2013. Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm made an original appearance in Europe but they took nearly two years to hit our counters for Summer 2012.
I’m happy to have these back this year. Fact of the matter is they are just too cool for school. Especially since this year they come in a translucent base of emerald green and turquoise. You’ll just want to sit around and stare at them rather than apply them to your lips!
Take a look!
Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm ($26) are not like Maybelline Pop Sensational Sticks. I got this question a lot last year…these aren’t a pure translucent lip balm. They have a translucent tinted base that surrounds a solid core of color. What makes them extra cool this year is that translucent base is tinted which gives them the appearance of a crystal. They resemble Avon�s Shine Attract Lipstick but have a much more stunning visual effect due to the surrounding tinted crystal base.
Crystal Mandarin, Crystal Rose, Crystal Gold Plum, Crystal Berry
The outer portion of the balm provides moisture and shine while the inner core give lips color so you get a hybrid formula that acts as a gloss, a balm, and a lighter lipstick all in one.
They have a little bit of a denser formula and will produce a weak color pay off if you don’t apply them correctly. I find they are the type of product that needs to be swiped on your lips in a few layers as this evenly distributes and builds color up as the heat from your skin will warm up the balm and produce a nicer, smoother finish on lips. At first they are a little disappointing but they need a little warm up to get them to glide across lips. The texture is a balm with a high sheen finish and a hint of shine. They aren’t weightless but they do remain hydrating through the entire wear.
At a glance I think they look like they’ll produce sheerer color on lips but they actually apply with fairly opaque coverage which makes them a better option to a traditional, sheer tinted lip balm. They have a slightly fruity taste that disappears quickly after application.
Crystal Berry
Crystal Gold Plum
Crystal Mandarin
Crystal Rose
You’re probably wondering about the green and blue/turquoise shades and if any of that translates to lips. The answer is no…they are actually apply as a bronze and a plum but nothing green or blue translates to lips. Each tube also features a colored bottom that matches the shade inside.
These were fun last year and they are JUST as fun this year. Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms combines the elements of a lipstick, a lip balm, and a gloss into one very fun product that makes for a yummy Summer treat for your lips!
Loves these!
Want them?
Available now at your favorite Clarins counter or online at www.clarinsusa.com