Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms Review and Swatches

I did promise to swatch and review these delicious lip balms from the Clarins summer collection, and here it is. The lip balms come in 4 colours and they are a bit different from last year's balms in that they all have a thin core down the middle which is a pretty pigmented lipstick. This makes them more pigmented than last year's lip balms, but it also present a small problem.

Crystal Pink, Crystal Violet, Crystal Coral, Crystal Red

The lipstick core is very thin and as it's located in the middle of the bullet, this makes it rather difficult to apply the lip balm evenly. I found that holding the lip balm sideways helps a bit (so you don't end up with loads of lip balm above your lips) and also you need to smoosh your lips together to distribute the lipstick. It is a bit of a pain, but the lipstick is very nice and with the balm the whole result is very moisturing and comfortable, and pretty long lasting (lasted on me for about 3 hours).

They have a gorgeous strawberry/tropical fruit scent (can't decide which) and they do look so yummy in the tube. My favourite of the 4 is Crystal Pink. At first I wasn't sure whether it might be too light for me, but it's actually a very wearable pink colour. Not quite Barbie pink, it's more of a light rosey pink. Love it.

The lip balms cost £16.50 and you get 3.5 g for your money which is the higher end of average lipstick size (3-3.5 g). I think they're still available from most department stores and Boots, but they are limited edition, so grab them before they're gone if you like the look of them!

See more pictures including swatches after the jump!

Crystal Pink, Crystal Violet, Crystal Coral, Crystal Red
Taken with flash

Crystal Pink, Crystal Violet, Crystal Coral, Crystal Red
Taken without flash in natural daylight

Wearing Crystal Pink on the lips

Wearing Crystal Pink on the lips

Wearing Crystal Coral on the lips

Wearing Crystal Coral on the lips