I was super pumped when I heard that Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms were coming back again this summer with 2 new limited edition (Crystal Rose & Crystal Mandarin) shades for 2013. I didn’t get my hands on them last summer and have been kicking myself ever since, cause they just look too cool to not want to test them out.
Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm in Crystal Rose (05) comes in a lovely, heavyweight gold- toned tube with a clear pink accent bottom. They have a translucent tinted base that surrounds a solid core of colour, giving it the appearance of a crystal. The texture, when applied, is much like a sheer lipstick, very light, comfortable and instantly smoothing. Gelled oils provide transparency while preventing the lips from becoming dehydrated and tocopherol protects the lips from the harmful effects of free radicals. The scent is probably one of the best lip balms I’ve smelt ever, think cherry freezes and it also has somewhat of a fruity taste that does disappear fairly quickly after application.
Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm outer portion provides moisture and shine while the inner core give lips colour so you get a hybrid formula that gives you colour like a lipstick, a transparent look like a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm. The consistency is lovely, when applied it gives you a jolt of colour with a lustrous finish but none of the stickiness you can get with most glosses or balms. If you’re looking for an opaque coverage you’re going to need to swipe the lip balm over your lips in a few layers, this will provide a nicer, smooth finish to your lips.
Overall, Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm applys beautifully to the lips, it glide across my lips with ease and deliver a high sheen finish with just the right amount of shine. It remain hydrating throughout the entire day and last a good few hours before the need to reapply. Although it may seem a bit pricey at $27, the unique packaging and multipurpose helps me justify the price a little?
