I write about lipstick a lot on this site and my collection is bursting at the seams, but the issue that arises time and time again is the lack of comfort and longevity that most offer. Although there are some great products that make the whole experience more enjoyable (my pick of five long-lasting and comfortable winter red lips is here!) what we all need is a little helping hand to boost the performance of EVERY lipstick. Clarins Instant Light balm and Natural Lip Perfector glosses are already some of my personal favourites, so when a handy little extension landed on my desk I definitely had high expectations. Launching just in time to catch the last couple of months of hardcore winter lipstick wearing, their new Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base has been developed specifically to help all textures apply better and last longer.
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This transparent base for lips is rich in plant extracts and shea butter to reinforce the lipid layer of lips, smoothing out lines and preventing bleeding. A jojoba, sunflower and mimosa wax complex traps water molecules to provide moisture, while hyaluronic acid and collagen have been included to provide a youthful plumping effect. Essentially this is like a mattifying balm which helps prep the surface of lips with a thin layer of waxes to prevent lipstick from budging, sinking into creases or drying out throughout the day. Although you could use any old lip balm, this has been developed specifically for ageing lips and doesn't compromise the effect of the lipstick by being too glossy or slippy.
Used alone it does remove a lot of the colour and obvious texture of the lips (making me look a little bit half dead in all honesty!) but when worn under a colour it does help to provide a more comfortable experience. I definitely notice that my lipstick is easier to apply, removing any dragging sensation and helping to create a uniform colour result incredibly easily - for a more precise finish I would recommend using a brush or lip liner around the edges of your mouth, as the balm underneath does make it a little tricky to get it just right. The Lip Perfecting Base helps to lock lipstick in place, however it doesn't actually prevent any transference; as soon as you sip on a cup of coffee you'll still leave a mark behind.
What's interesting is that this little understated bullet offers the prevention of uneven fade. As the colour wears away it does do so in a more even fashion, rather than ending up with a really dry centre of your lips devoid of colour while the edges look freshly applied. If you're out and about and can't re-apply your lipstick every other mouthful, then this is a great way of ensuring you don't end up with an unintentional ombre lip half way through your Starbucks. It may not be a game changer or essential in your makeup bag, but unsurprisingly it's firmly in the 'nice to have' category; if you've got a spare twenty quid come payday I'm sure you'll be pleased with this purchase, but otherwise just check out my top five tips for making your lipstick last!
What's interesting is that this little understated bullet offers the prevention of uneven fade. As the colour wears away it does do so in a more even fashion, rather than ending up with a really dry centre of your lips devoid of colour while the edges look freshly applied. If you're out and about and can't re-apply your lipstick every other mouthful, then this is a great way of ensuring you don't end up with an unintentional ombre lip half way through your Starbucks. It may not be a game changer or essential in your makeup bag, but unsurprisingly it's firmly in the 'nice to have' category; if you've got a spare twenty quid come payday I'm sure you'll be pleased with this purchase, but otherwise just check out my top five tips for making your lipstick last!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
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The Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base launches this January, priced £18.00.
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Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
