40 Days and 40 Nights of Primer Reviews

Primer #33: Clarins

Because of the disasters that appeared on my face after the Monistat gel yesterday, I ran to a counter where I knew that skincare was prime focus, sort of reassuring myself that if I went to a skincare-oriented cosmetic line, maybe I could avoid the breakouts that happened when I, in the name of research, put a non-facial product on my face. Could there be a more skincare-oriented line at my local mall than Clarins? I doubt it. They're famous for their superior skincare products. I felt safe there. Soothed, reassured. Focused. It felt right. I bought the new Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, the Clarins primer that I had only tested on my hand when it was launched a few months ago. I'd planned to buy it anyway in the future, but drastic disasters require drastic measures. I'm not sure if this breaks the No Buy For Lent, since it is still in the name of research, but you'd understand if you saw my face.

Clarins Instant Smooth is a thick pinkish-pale paste that comes in an adorable little red jar. The box states "oil free" but according to the ingredients list, there is hydrogenated vegetable oil in this product. I'm docking a point right off the bat for that. On my freshly cleansed face, I applied this primer one area at a time, since it's so thick and dense, I wanted to be careful to apply it evenly. That wasn't hard at all. The Clarins melted into my skin, it was easy to apply it evenly, and even though it disappeared on my skin, I could tell by feel where I had applied and where I hadn't. The product felt comfortable and silky, it didn't make my face feel smothered, and despite its density, it did not feel weighty or heavy. I checked closely to see if my pores and lines were diminished, since this is definitely a silicone-based product. I was pleased with what I saw. I applied my La Prairie foundation over top and waited for the promises of Clarins excellent quality reputation to be fulfilled.

Clarins Perfecting Touch definitely mattified my La Prairie Concealer Foundation. I think that must be due to the silica in the formula. Isn't that the same stuff that comes in those little packets that you find inside new handbags and wallets? And I'm wondering why Clarins would put silica and vegetable oil in the same product! The mattifying effect continued to develop throughout the day, and although this could be a very desirable effect for someone with very oily skin, it wasn't for me, not right now at this time of year, anyway. I do plan to try this primer on oily areas such as my forehead, when the weather turns hot. I think it would be very effective at holding back oil as a spot-treatment. Although my foundation didn't crack or wear or clump, the mattifying effect began to accent pores and crepiness on my nose and cheeks. I have mixed feelings about this primer, as you can see. I believe it has an audience out there, but right now that isn't me.

Product rating, 5.

Review by Cavewoman
Disclosure: This product was purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman.