News Flash: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is the Bomb

Clarins Beauty Flash Bomb
$46

I don't have particularly sensitive skin, but I do have a long memory.  Many years ago I purchased a Clarins foundation that made me break out in itchy bumps, my first and only allergic reaction to a makeup product.  It was graciously returned, but the memory haunts me lingered.

I received a lovely gift bag of Clarins skincare products from a client at Xmas.  It's taken me all this time to work up the nerve to try them...

The first one I'm tackling is their well regarded Beauty Flash Balm, which has a sterling reputation as a primer to brighten and tighten, when used before makeup. It is also purports to do double duty as a mask, that can be left on for 10-15 minutes before being rinsed off, though I bet most users stick to using it as a skin primer.A best seller for Clarins, "one is sold every 20 minutes worldwide".

Impressive.

Review: Korres Mango Butter Lipstick

Korres Mango Butter Lipstick SPF 10
$18 exclusively at Sephora

My favorite lipstick consistency would be chap stick. I like a soothing balm, with a hint of a glossy finish, add color and I am one happy camper.

 I have been extremely pleased with the Revlon Lip Butter's I've been using and for $10, it's an unbeatable bargain. In the last few months, I have buzzed through at least 5 tubes.

I was in Sephora the other day to pick up another tube of Korres' extraordinary Anti-Aging Primer. I still have a third of a tube left, but I felt a nagging panic that it might be out of stock if I waited to the last drop.

This is hands down the best primer I have tried.  It smells heavenly, applies like silk, allows for flawless makeup application and will keep our makeup looking fresh for hours.

While I was in the Korres section, I noticed that they too have a "butter" lipstick...mango butter and its formulated without parabens or sulfates.

Looking your Prime: Korres Anti-Ageing Primer Review

Korres Anti-Ageing Primer. Exclusively at Sephora . $33

I am so pleased that the concept of combining makeup and good-for-you anti-aging ingredients is starting to become more common place...Doesn't it seem like a no-brainer that if we are slathering stuff on our face to look better, it should be pulling double duty?


It does to me.


Primers have been  very popular for several years now, though most of us are loathe to take on another step.  As a result, there  is a new craze for "Beauty Balms", which combine moisturizer, primer, SPF and tint in one formula.  I'll admit, I too have fallen under their spell.


If you are a frequent shopper at Sephora, it makes good common sense to be a Beauty Insider.  With every purchase, you accumulate points, good toward deluxe samples.  Usually I just waive what ever is being offered, until I have at least 500 points so I can cash in on something that I really want to try.


I had heard and read some really good things about Korres Anti-Ageing Primer.  When I saw it offered as a nearly full sized sample, I pounced .  I was also happy to read that it was silicone free.


I used it today for the first time, skipping my Garnier BB Cream and instead, used Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with it.  I was immediately pleased with how perfectly poreless and flawless my skin appeared, without any chalky finish.