Clarins • Instant Smooth Foundation (mousse) • Foundations

Where To Buy?

hellodionne on 4/26/2013 4:24:00 AM more reviews by hellodionne

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Coverage: Medium, but can be sheered out or thickened depending on application method

Consistency: bit thick, feels heavy on the skin. Won't sit well on oily skinned ladies, definitely

Packaging: Personally I like the frosted glass jar as it feels and looks luxurious sitting on your vanity. But the jar packaging is quite unhygienic as foundation packagings go.

Did it break me out: Not in cysts, but in little bumps that did go away after a couple of days of exfoliating and wearing mud masks

Repurchase? No. There are SO MANY MORE better foundations cheaper which perform better. Perhaps I'll try the Clarins Ever Matte soon.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

4patti on 7/17/2012 11:02:00 PM more reviews by 4patti

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I have owned this product for some time now. Originally purchased at Nordstrom during a fruitless quest for a Chanel foundation, I had seen its tester & asked an SA to bring it over in a last-ditch attempt to find a match. Turns out mine is 00 Ivory Beige. All agreed it melded seamlessly with my complexion & I've been a very happy camper since. Now I confess, I have since dallied from time to time with other lines (though this is the only mousse I own; I also like mineral pressed powder versions & NARS SG). I find its creamy texture easiest to apply with my fingers. I lightly set with powder after, pressing & rolling it in with a velour puff. Its finish lasts all day & I never have to retouch the actual foundation. Now while it is very buildable to my desired coverage (I like med. to full), it does not substitute for a concealer, which I do touch up. But I find that reasonable for a flawless finish payoff, which on me is not exactly "dewy"- more hydrated appearing; it takes a lot for any line to achieve this for me though. I am not a fan of the clunky glass jar & wouldn't describe it as transportable. It takes up a sizable area of real estate on my vanity. I have a feeling that while its vat-like size is bottomless & steep in price initially, it's overall economical, as it takes very very little per use. I don't bother with the plastic included spatula for dispensation, so also application is a bit messy, but for me not a deterrent. *Edited to add~ it is fragranced but pleasantly so imo; I almost forgot to mention it, as I am quite used to it ;)

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Pambryant on 7/17/2012 10:19:00 PM more reviews by Pambryant

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I love this foundation-has the primer in it and makes pores disappear and leaves a lovely matte finish-doesn't accentuate fine lines

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

loobyl on 7/11/2012 4:45:00 PM more reviews by loobyl

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I brought this 3 days ago in Madrid for 25 euros . The shades in Spain are not the same as in England but I managed to get one that suits my fairish skin perfectly, No 2 in peach nude. This is the best foundation I have ever used and it just melts into the skin and leaves a velvet like canvas,no streaking or caking. It gives you an airbrushed look which lasts all day. You don´t actually feel like you are wearing foundation. When I go to the airport I will try to get it cheaper as this is now my HG foundation ( I don´t normally wear foundation just powder but this one doesn´t look obvious and creates a lovely canvas for the rest of your makeup. If you haven´t tried it yet go and get a sample and you will be hooked. Available at most department stores and perfume shops.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

aileenpineda on 3/24/2012 1:30:00 PM more reviews by aileenpineda

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I think i have found my foundation to match my oily skin. So far so good.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

amiraXOXO on 12/26/2011 1:46:00 PM more reviews by amiraXOXO

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

The texture is amazing and it makes you look flawless, but they just don't have my color. The selection is 1-4, then 6. Of course i'm right between a 4 and 6. Oh well. :(

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* mcorreia on 12/3/2011 12:39:00 PM more reviews by mcorreia

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Other    

I got this from a swap and it stood sit for a long time on my drawer until I found out I hadn't use the right application method: instead of fingers I tried using Sephora Professional Stippling brush et voilá! I love it, gives such beautiful, flawless and velvety finish to my skin, the mousse texture is so comfortable and doesn't make me shiny actually a liquid form foundation is more prone to making that. It lasts all day long on me (combination/oily T zone) and it doesn't sit on my pores at all.
I find the finish to be quite similar to Estee Lauder Ideal Matte Mousse foundation.
The only cons are the colors I'm Mac NC30 and #04 is the closest but the color itself is not very natural and I'm not too crazy about the scent either, hence the 4**** rating. Otherwise I highly recommend it!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

MaryKate88 on 12/2/2011 4:30:00 PM more reviews by MaryKate88

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

My first experience with Clarins make-up and this foundation is already my favourite. It's smooth, non-greasy and gives you a longlasting radiant flawless look with an extremely natural finish!

Pro's:
- mousse texture, very soft and non-greasy
- gives you an even complexion and a very natural finish
- medium-coverage
- longlasting yet easy to remove with non-waterproof make-up remover
- easy to apply, even your fingers will do
- subtle scent

Con's:
- the jar packaging, would've been nicer and more hygienic if packaged in a bottle with pump
- the price is a little steep

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

bookworm99 on 11/4/2011 6:33:00 AM more reviews by bookworm99

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

My background: I have rather patchy-face, with my jaw being a bit darker than the rest. To top that I've a combination-oily face, that tans a bit easily and I sweat somewhat more than normal on my face.
So my concerns were all the above.

This foundation makes my face so smooth,even in color, is not cakey, doesnt wipe off, doesn't make my face shine, and most of all- doesn't photograph white!So my face looks glowing in photos and not "made up".

However, you need to apply it with a light hand.
I'm using Clarins-1.5 Tender Beige.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* dioraddict84 on 6/2/2011 1:47:00 AM more reviews by dioraddict84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is a great foundation. It is nice and lightweight. It has Vitamin E to soothe the skin. The coverage is good, and I like the mousse texture, dries to a nice powder finish that is natural and enhances your beauty. It's hard to find mousse foundations these days, so it's nice Clarins has this. It also contains their primer Instant Smooth in it, which is nice too, you don't need to add primer under this one.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

yuigi on 5/5/2011 9:25:00 PM more reviews by yuigi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Lovely, light weight foundation. Applies easily, smoothes easily and very little transfer. It does have a slight fragrance to it, but not over bearing that is. A little of this goes a long ways. If you want less coverage, just mix it with your moisturizer and apply. It doesn't block pores although the it may seem like it will.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Amandaa on 4/16/2011 2:19:00 PM more reviews by Amandaa

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Love it! Works really well for my skin type (oily), no breakouts, no pores showing out and smells really nice.
It is long lasting, i like to use when i go to work and lasts and least about 9 hours, i will buy it again for sure!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Facmoum on 2/24/2011 9:08:00 PM more reviews by Facmoum

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

At first, I loved it! The product was so smooth and blended into my skin very well. After a while, I realised that it actually made me break out! Not a lot, but I got some little pimples here and there. Makeup doesn't tend to break me out, I really wanted to like this product, but I guess it wasn't right for me... :(

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mijaco on 2/10/2011 12:29:00 PM more reviews by mijaco

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black, Relaxed   Eyes: Brown    

I never would have picked up this foundation. Ever. One, because I'm not too familiar with Clarins and two, I've never tried a mousse foundation. But since I'm a makeup artist for DFS, I have access to many brands. They usually provide us with tons of great makeup to work with and I usually like to get a feel for products before I use them on customers.

Several days ago, I noticed new stuff and one of them was this foundation. I thought it was a little peculiar because I don't often see foundation in a pot. Well, I swatched it on my hand and fell in love! The texture is so smooth that it resembles an awesome primer. Usually, I come across primers that tend to make skin tight. But this one really did make my skin instantly smooth and provided a great amount of coverage for daytime. That being said, I tried it on two customers and not only was I impressed but so were they!

So right when I clocked out, I headed back to the Clarins counter and wanted to test it. But seeing as that I had a full face of greasy makeup on, I was a little hesitant. I went ahead and tested it on my oily nose and voila, a oil-free almost airbrushed look! I went and bought it right then and there. (I got it for $40 USD)

As much as I loved it when I first put it on, I had to put it to the test regarding touch-ups. I wore it to work the next day (this foundation and then a translucent powder) for which I was working for 9 hours straight. I usually touch-up on breaks but decided to see how long it would last without doing so. I went through the shift (with multiple breaks, going outside in the humid 90+ degrees) and was quite pleased with how it turned out. I, of course, was not completely matte like when I first put it on but the oil did appear more glowy than disgusting (as with liquid foundations). I even took pictures afterwards and it looked AMAZING.

In the end, my skin looked like I was glowing within and had great skin (which couldn't be farther from the truth). I would highly recommend! I even converted some of my co-workers!

In MAC Studio Fix Fluid, I am NC40 and I use this foundation in the shade 03.

GO OUT AND BUY IT!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

thunderbird on 1/31/2011 12:29:00 PM more reviews by thunderbird

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Love this foundation. I have combination skin and it hides all the large pores on my nose and chin. So easy to out on. I find it works well on eyelids and under eye area as well. Lasts for ages and teenage daughter said makes me look younger ..so fab result.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sharybee on 9/21/2010 6:30:00 AM more reviews by sharybee

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Two words... LOVE IT! I have combination skin with open pores living in humid subtropical climate. Not a very good combination to have but voila it works. I have been using this for the past month and would like to declare that it has become my new HG foundation. I am using the lightest shade on 00 and even though I am not the fairest maiden in the land but it suits me just fine. It helps balance my skin tone seeing that my face is darker then my neck. I won't say the pores totally disappeared but it actually made my skin looked close to flawless. The oils are in control and of course what gave it the gold star was the fact that it didn't oxidize on it. Two thumbs up and 5 lippies.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

dacy on 9/4/2010 1:48:00 PM more reviews by dacy

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Was on a hunt for the perfect Fall/Winter foundation, not sure where to look, with Prescriptives OOB. Sephora girls had a few good ones to show, but went on to find the Clarins, silky, powdery, great coverage, 'Fond de Teint Lisse Minute'! The shade, 1.5 is perfect match and for 35., is not cheap, but less than some, and maybe the loveliest foundation i've used in yrs! Think i like it more than Prescripives, and that says a lot, as i used and was a MUA for yrs., so have tried almost everything. Using a fndtn. brush, takes small amt. for med-full coverage, silky-soft-smooth finish & look! Love !!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

echeng on 7/27/2010 11:25:00 PM more reviews by echeng

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I've been using the sample of this, and comparing it with other foundations. I'm quite impressed so far! It it more of a sheer coverage, but does manage to even out skintone (does not totally hide my redness on my cheeks and chin). Face does look softer, more glowy. Believe it or not, I am trying the soft vanilla shade, which looks super pink/peach, but actually seems to work for my asian skin (NC20-25). Weird huh? Feels lightweight throught the warm day, and without setting powder, seems to last for about 6 hrs or so.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lilnay on 6/4/2010 6:21:00 PM more reviews by lilnay

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I think this foundation works rather well. It doesn't rub off, it doesn't take much to apply and my face doesn't look greasy during the day. The smell is great too! The color I use is Ivory Beige and I have very fair skin. It blends amazingly well and doesn't look cakey. I also think I break out less using this product over Clinique which I used in the past and always hated.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

tannshepp on 5/15/2010 8:37:00 PM more reviews by tannshepp

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is my favorite foundation for summer--I use the Clarins extra-firming foundation in the winter. My experience is like fatoom68's--my skin's natural response to foundation is SHINE ON! But this stuff is the antidote. Looks great for hours and if I need to, I can add Clarins powder and it doesn't look cakey. If I know I'm going to overheat at an event or will have to go for hours without looking in a mirror, I pile on the Clarins loose powder with a big Smashbox face brush. As much as I'm in love with all things Clarins, I do prefer Lancome, Nars, and Smashbox for lips.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No