Clarins • Beauty Flash Balm • Treatments

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Anna12345 on 5/15/2013 6:17:00 AM more reviews by Anna12345

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

I bought this after reading rave reviews and hearing about it in one of Lisa Eldridge's videos. I was sceptical at first thinking how could a product work so well but I needed a new primer so I thought I would try this. It says you can use it as a primer or a treatment mask. I've only used it as a primer as I think it would be wasteful to use it as a mask.

I've heard that it can react badly to too much rubbing so it should be smoothed on to the skin with as little handling as possible. It has not "curdled" or become "flaky" on me even when I've thoroughly massaged it into my skin so I'm not sure why this happens to some people. I've also put it on top of sunscreens and moisturisers and have not had any problems.

At first, the aesthetic benefits aren't obvious: I was really neither impressed nor disappointed with it to begin with, and couldn't understand all the hype. I just thought it was a pretty good primer because it was keeping my oily T-zone under control and make up seemed to be lasting longer. However, I realised that it is in fact as good as people claim it is when a relative commented on how incredibly healthy my skin looked, and I've been told several times since then that I look fresh when I've used this product.

So, I believe there is substance behind the hype.

The only downside is that it can make my skin a bit sensitive on the cheeks if I haven't moisturised my face properly. However, I've only experienced this a couple of times and I've been using this for several weeks now.

I'm happy with this product and will probably repurchase it unless I find something better.

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lucindajj on 5/7/2013 6:58:00 PM more reviews by lucindajj

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

This made me very shiny and gave me severe breakouts.

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

mandy03 on 5/7/2013 6:51:00 PM more reviews by mandy03

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Anyone else feel like the effect wears off when you use it every day? It works for me and makes my makeup stay on my crazy skin, but I can't use it very often - if I do, then it's like my skin gets too used to it - such a shame!

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BeautyBead on 5/7/2013 11:53:00 AM more reviews by BeautyBead

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I got this product as a sample, as I have used Clarins foundation. And I must say this is one of the BEST sample products I ever tried. I was immediately hooked. I saw instant results immediately. Face glowed beautifully, I can just sometimes wear this after I apply my moisturizer and be happy wearing a nude face and nothing else for a day of running errands while I drink Fiji Water in the California sunshine. Other times, I apply my foundation over this and it looks great! I glow like a movie star all day long and my make up stays on. It's perfect and not over glossy and sloppy or greasy like other products.

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renners on 4/27/2013 9:26:00 AM more reviews by renners

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

really does wake up tired dull skin, nice apricot coloured balm that gives blah skin a boost under makeup or before bed.

This product has helped me with many a bad drinking hangover or case of jetlag when your skin looks 10 years older than it really is, so you can look somewhat human again before leaving the house.

only advice would be to use sparingly as it can leave a bit of residue, even though its tempting to just slather it on without restraint.

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Mari05 on 4/21/2013 11:36:00 PM more reviews by Mari05

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

After I read all the great reviews of this product I set out to go get myself one to try and I love it!
I apply it after my moisturizer and I PAT it on my skin, wait for it to dry and then I apply my foundation.
2hours later my skin was glowing and my make-up stayed on for hours. I am really happy with this product.
I even used it as a base under my BB Cream (i know i don't have to use anything under a BB Cream but I wanted to test it) and WOW!!! it gave my skin a luminous glow!! it enhanced my BB creams' wonders and smoothed out my skin even more...
I do think if i use it under my BB Cream in the summer that it will look a bit oily very soon after applying so i would skip the moisturizer then but now during the cold dry season it worked really well on my skin.
I love Clarins

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hawko on 4/11/2013 12:48:00 PM more reviews by Hawko

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I too, was intrigued by the good reviews in here. Bought it, tried it, nothing unusual, it does moisturize without being overly-greasy, I also find it effective as a cream mask, as with a lot of other cream mask, nothing unusual.
This really is nothing more than a hybrid of leave on cream/cream mask.
One ingredient towards the middle of the list made me rather uncomfortable : Potassium hydroxide.

3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* mariam1 on 4/11/2013 11:44:00 AM more reviews by mariam1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I am SO disappointed in this product. I had high hopes for it based on all the buzz but it all fell flat. It did nothing for my skin. Maybe a slight sheen but nothing I cannot get from a BB cream and it is an extra step that is unnecessary. The scent did not bother me but I just don't get it and think it's a fairly useless, over-hyped product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* fatbottmdgrl on 4/2/2013 10:42:00 AM more reviews by fatbottmdgrl

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I discovered this product years ago when I was an SA for Clarins. It was one of the pre-cursors to primers. We were advised to always apply this first, before applying foundation to our clients.

I had moved on to other makeup lines and forgot about this little gem, but not too long ago I received a small tube as a gift with purchase and had it in my foundation drawer and pulled it out again. First of all, I press this gently into my skin, do not rub it on, pressing it in will give you optimal results. I let it set for a minute and then apply concealor and foundation. This will make your foundation apply very smoothly and it does give a smooth finish to the skin. It also makes your makeup last much longer and not fade so easily. A small pea size amount is all you need. I have not had any breakouts or skin issues with this product.

I prefer this to alot of the other primers I have tried.

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Piletic on 3/27/2013 7:40:00 AM more reviews by Piletic

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I like this product very much, but it breaks me out and leavs my skin very dry. I have dry and sensitive skin, but I love it and use a little of it on special days.

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Venlanen on 3/27/2013 6:18:00 AM more reviews by Venlanen

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

A nice primer for dull skin. Tightens and brightens, just like it says on the tin. A little goes a long way, don't slather it on, smooth a tiny bit all over your face without rubbing. You can also mix it with your foundation for more nude and luminous look.

Not the best primer if you don't have dull skin! I've seen it do wonders to some and not much for others, depending on skin tone and quality.

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nwww on 3/24/2013 12:56:00 PM more reviews by nwww

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I put some on my face and just use blusher on top,my skin looks very fresh.

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Gidella on 3/24/2013 11:32:00 AM more reviews by Gidella

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red, Straight   Eyes: Blue    

I actually quite like the BFB. It's a fickle to put on without it peeling off but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. It helps that I don't have a lot of make up to put on after so I usually manage to get that on before it's "too late".

The first couple of hours I wear BFB I barely notice it at all. It really doesn't do much for me and I look the same as I always do. But toward the afternoon I slowly get this nice glow, and I don't look quite as tired as I usually do at work around that time. It's awesome really. I gave up wearing foundation and stuff a while back because it was better for my skin, with the result that I often looked tired and worn towards the afternoon so to be able to use BFB instead is really nice.

BFB doesn't break me out at all, it doesn't make me any oilier than I usually am, and it provides a nice base for my make up - especially for the concealer around my eyes. I can totally see myself buying it again. It's not a miracle product, and it doesn't change your face in a flash but it's a good secret weapon to use when tired or when you're gonna have a long day.

It's quite expensive, but I got it for half price online so I consider the purchase quite worth it!

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funnyblossom on 2/23/2013 11:24:00 PM more reviews by funnyblossom

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this years ago (1998) and then again in 2008.. I guess I just wanted to check whether it would serve me better with more mature skin - this is a flop. FLOP!... Goes on like any moisturizer but dries to a sticky texture that nevers behaves under foundation.. and under the eyes it is just horrible!

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

MelissaMH on 2/23/2013 7:30:00 PM more reviews by MelissaMH

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I wanted to love this product. I read all of the reviews. I followed the instructions to the letter. I even watched the video on Youtube. But in the end, the fragrance was irritating to my skin and it made my foundation (Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Tinted Moisturizer) flake and peel. I am sure it's a great product for others, but not for me.

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

LishWilliams on 2/21/2013 10:19:00 AM more reviews by LishWilliams

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

If you have really oily skin or your not a fan of a dewy glow finish this product will not before you. However, if you like the above, then buy this product! I love it, I use it under my foundation. I press it (not rub it) into my skin, like it saws on the directions and it works like a treat! I think alot of the negative review have come from people not 100% understanding what this product does, but buying it because people are taking about it. I've never been a clarins girl, as I always associated clarins with more mature skins, but after trying this, I might go have a look at what else they have to offer. This product is great for that dewy glow, not good if you love a matte finish.

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SmellsLikeChanel on 2/5/2013 4:09:00 PM more reviews by SmellsLikeChanel

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight   Eyes: Blue    

The review below me is correct- It is the best little thing out there. It really does perk up the skin, refreshes tone, and it does seem to start looking better and better as the hours go by... Every time I have ever received a compliment from a friend or anyone on my skin and how nice it looks, it has been only on the days that I happened to wear this stuff-- And those times have typically been on days that I was not wearing makeup, and threw this stuff on, hoping for a miracle... I think that says a lot, since it's not every day that people hand out compliments :/ It simply makes my skin feel "better", almost like refreshed and relaxed. I don't know how to describe it... It just feels comforting! OH, and yes, it holds makeup on nicely, because when I come home from a night of passion with my man, my makeup still looks great, but only when I wear this :)

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Elinorcordelia on 2/1/2013 10:34:00 AM more reviews by Elinorcordelia

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I adore this - the best primer ever. It makes my face look really awake also makes my foundation blend more easily. My mother gave this product to me as she didn't think it did anything for her skin, but for me it has been remarkable. It also smells fantastic!

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Elena1981 on 1/31/2013 11:00:00 AM more reviews by Elena1981

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I am absolutely in love with this balm! I believe it is the best primer ever!
It is a bit tricky to apply but if to do it correctly it makes magnificent work for my face. It refreshes, tightens the skin, and makes it more radiant, firm and healthy looking. I feel as if my face looks like of a celebrity on a red carpet when I am using this balm as a primer! :))))
I noticed that the primer gives you around 10-15 minutes for applying your foundation, concealer and powder. As many people said here you don’t have to rub it into the skin but apply a thin layer with long strokes, as it works like a film. There is no need to use your moisturizer before it (unless you have really dry skin) and to wait till it penetrates.You have to apply makeup instantly, so the products will set into the skin together. By the way I apply my foundation with strokes too, just in case I prefer not to use any brushes or massage movements. And then makeup lasts for a very long time and looks exceptionally good.
I believe it refreshes the skin gradually, you don’t see the best results there and then. The skin starts to look much better in around 20-30 minutes after applying it, but after 2-3 hours it looks absolutely amazing and the best and then after 3-4 hours the effect SLOWLY starts to go down. At least these are my observations how it works on my skin.
Anyway I don’t think it is a good idea to use it every day (as the product is more like a treatment) but 1-2 times a week for occasions is ok. Take into consideration that the product has to be used up to 12 months after you open it, so no need to keep this treasure for Christmas evenings and weddings’ occasions only. :))) LOL

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nikrou on 1/22/2013 4:58:00 PM more reviews by nikrou

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Boy do I feel like I've been missing out on this. I got a sample at Sephora after hearing rave reviews and I ordered my own after using my sample twice. I fell in love. This stuff somehow gives you a glow without looking oily. I agree that the way to put this stuff on is funky -- who the hell is use to patting product on their face? But the method does work. I put my make up on immediately after patting this on and whether it is powder or foundation cream, as long as beauty flash balm is on underneath my skin will GLOW GLOW GLOW. All day. My make up looks at 5 o'clock as it did at 9 in the morning. Its' awesome and I feel silly for being so late on this product. Where have I been?

I have also read that it works great alone and gives you a glow even without the make up but I have yet to try it and honestly am not sure if i want to. After patting the product on my face is a bit red (sensitive skin here) so the only thing I want to do next it cover the red up (now had I got to rub this stuff in, we wouldn't have a problem). I personally don't feel comfortable slapping my face with the product (literally) and letting that be that. Maybe for those who's skin doesn't get red easily but my face is red just after washing.

For those of you that can rock this stuff with no make up and still feel flawless -- jealous girl here ;)

I would recommend this to anyone. Does. Not. Disappoint.

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