Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer

Primers are something I consider to be an essential step in makeup application. Anything that can help my makeup to look better & last longer is welcome in my collection. After reading several glowing reviews on this Clarins product I decided it was something I needed to try out for myself & I certainly wasn't disappointed with the results! I've written in depth before about some of my favourite primers but this is now the one that I find myself reaching for on a daily basis.

Instant Smooth is a pink silicone based primer that helps to give the illusion of flawless base. Don't worry, it becomes clear once applied on your skin! Theres a primer out there for everyone depending on your personal skin & makeup concerns. This product is a brilliant one to try if large pores are a problem for you. It fills in fine lines & pores with such ease. I tried it on the back of my hand when I was in Boots and was amazed at how it made even the tiny hair follicle pores disappear instantly. Naturally it works even better on your face! It comes with a tiny spatula so you can scoop out the product but I find that using my fingers works better or I end up with too much product on my face. One of the best things about this primer is how little of it you need for a flawless finish. It makes my pores look airbrushed without makeup & it feels wonderful on the skin, like velvet. Its so light and my makeup glides over this product. It makes my foundation last a lot longer, especially in the t-zone area which is where my combination skin is oiliest. I like to use it under my eyes too which helps to stop my concealer from creasing. Its also lovely to use over drier areas. The skin around my nose gets a bit dry & flakey when I have a cold but Instant Smooth really helps to minimise this. Its the perfect primer for anyone with combination skin. My skin type is slightly blemish prone & whereas other silicone based primers have broken me out in the past, this one has only helped the appearance of my skin.

The other primers I would consider to give a similar finish to this one are my other two favourites - Benefit's The Porefessional and Philosophy's The Present. However in my opinion Clarins Instant Smooth is actually better than the both of them. The Porefessional feels a touch greasier on my skin and isn't very cost effective. The Present is probably equal to Instant Smooth in terms of how it makes my skin look & feel and the effect it has on my makeup. However The Present is quite a thick primer and you have to wait for it to settle on your skin for a minute before applying your makeup. With Instant Smooth the results are, well, instant. You only need to use a tiny amount and you can get on with applying your makeup right away. I highly recommend getting this primer because it will last you such a long time & will make your foundation look truly flawless.