Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm Review and Swatches

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm are a four shade lippie launch that is part of the Clarins Summer 2012 Collection.

These are actually a little different from the Euro launch in the fact they are a glossy stick with a color core versus the European release which was a completely translucent lip balm style formula like Maybelline Pop Sensational Sticks.

Let’s take a look!

Resembling Avon’s Shine Attract Lipstick, Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm is made up of a translucent colored based with a solid core color.

The outer part of the lipstick reminds me of Maybelline’s version in the fact that these are a crystal-like translucent shade of color but the inner core reminds me of Avon’s Shine Attract Lipstick. It’s an interesting mesh-up and design.

The outer part of the lipstick provides moisture and shine while the inner core gives lips a full color pay off. So you’re getting the color of a lipstick here in the formula of a glossy balm.

My photos below don’t do the shades justice as they apply with quite a pigmented pop. You might be disappointed upon first application as the texture is a little harder and the color payoff very weak. The key here is one or two applications, as they glide on your lips your body heat will warm them up and the formula becomes softer and applies considerably nicer. At first I was disappointed but after using them a few times the formula proves very moisturizing with a smooth, slippery glide across lips. They just need a little warming up to get the party started!

They leave behind full color pay off with a balm-y like texture on lips. They aren’t completely weightless due to that balm-like finish but they are nicely hydrating throughout the entire wear.

Crystal Red

Crystal Coral

The incredibly fun part about them is the fact they deliver such great color as at a glance they look like they’ll apply sheer.

Overall, Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms combined the idea of a lipstick in a balm-like formula that makes a perfectly delicious treat for lips this Summer. I didn’t love Avon’s formula or Maybelline’s but these have successfully combined the two great things about those products into one fantastic lip product!

I likey!

Tried ’em?

Do share!

Available now at your favorite Clarins counter or online at www.clarinsusa.com