Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector 02 Apricot Shimmer Swatch & Review

I know this is one of those products that has been around for a long time and it doesn't look all that special- bare with me for a bit. It's very easy to get caught up in the limited edition, million and one collections that get pumped out every season so sometimes it's nice to get back to the basics. The tried and tested formulas that stand the test of time if you will, and this is one such item. The Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 02 Apricot Shimmer is a pale, milky peach balm-like gloss which hydrates your lips and smells divine.

It gives a slight hint of colour and doesn't settle into lip lines, it's a no brainer sort of gloss that you can just pop on without a mirror and looks great with all sorts of make up. My only gripe with this product is the applicator- it's sort of a sponge that the product squeezes through, not that hygienic! Apart from that you get a lot for your money- 12ml so you won't run out any time soon. I find this lasts about 3 hours on me, by which time my lips feel nice and hydrated. It's not particularly sticky or tacky either.

Swatches...

Clarins Apricot Shimmer (daylight)

Clarins Apricot Shimmer (flash)

Clarins Crystal Coral Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm Swatch & Review

Clarins Crystal Coral (03) Instant Smooth Lip Balm is a duo style lip product with a clear balm wrapped around a bright reddish orange core. Once mixed together you get a pretty pigmented orange shade and a slight sheen. I find with these type of lipsticks it's essential to use with a mirror- this is by no means an easy lip balm you can just throw on. Because the centre is virtually opaque in coverage you really have to work to get it all the way to the edges otherwise you end up with no color on the outside of the lips. I got about 2-3 hours wear from this before the balm had faded away but it did leave a pretty stain behind.

 As far as I remember Clarins released these a few years ago but they were clear all the way through and were incredibly popular- I loved them for one! I'm not sure where the new ones fit in- I don't find them hugely hydrating (but they are not drying) and they can be a pain to apply. It's also a bit of a shame that they don't have more of a glossy finish, I would classify them as semi matte which is fine in itself but the name "crystal" makes me think of a shiny product if that makes sense.

Swatches...

Clarins Crystal Coral (daylight)

Clarins Crystal Coral (flash)

Mac Au Rose Suntints Lip Balm Swatch & Review (Hey Sailor)

Mac Suntints Liquid Lip Balm in Au Rose is a warm peachy pink with golden shimmer. This is my favourite of this years Suntints, it's quite sheer but I do like the subtle colour and golden sparkle, I think this shade will suit a lot of people. As with my earlier review of Abalone, these are not very hydrating as lip balms go so if you're looking for a moisturising everyday balm- this might not be for you. I think these work well when you're in a snip, want a touch of colour and to protect your lips (as these have a SPF 20) so my plan is to use these when I'm at the beach to save packing multiple products.

I typically get about 2 hours wear from these before touching up. They are quite thick and a little bit tacky. I can just about detect a faint sweetish vanilla scent but it doesn't linger once applied.

Swatches...

Mac Au Rose (daylight)

Mac Au Rose (flash)

Mac Abalone Suntints Lip Balm Swatch & Review (Hey Sailor)

 Mac has rereleased their suntint lip balms for summer, they come in the same squeezy tube which has been decorated with the Hey Sailor blue stripes. Abalone is a sheer hot pink with no shimmer, it gives a little colour but is mainly clear. It has a nice glossy shine and a light sweetish scent. The main problem with these I found the last time around was that they weren't particularly hydrating, and I'm afraid to say that hasn't changed much. I do like the way it has a built in SPF 20 so it's perfect for the beach but as an everyday lip balm I personally find it doesn't give enough moisture.

Abalone has quite a thick texture and I get about 2 hours before I need to reapply.

Swatches...

Mac Abalone (daylight)

Mac Abalone (flash)