With summer en route, my appetite for brighter colors gets bigger every day, but it’s not so big yet that I can’t get behind something subtle like Clarins Instant Smooth Compact Highlighter in 01 Natural ($32, also available in a darker shade called 02 Bronze 
).
Speaking of natural, it’s natural to like a silky smooth cream highlighting skin balm, and the one in the new Clarins Instant Sun Light Makeup collection totes reminds me of Benefit’s velvety Dr. Feelgood.
01 Natural’s sheer peachy pink tint quietly shines with subtle golden shimmer for a very fresh, youthful cheek that doesn’t look overdone at all.
Lighter lasses may see more of the peachy pink tones on their skin than I do on mine. Some may even be able to use 01 Natural as a regular blush. Darker beauties, however, might want to keep looking, as 01 Natural leans a little frosty on me and may even look ashy on darker skin.
I’ve been using my fingers to apply it, either smoothing the product on bare skin or on top of tinted moisturizer, and blending’s been a breeze, too, thanks to how sheer the shade is.
Lovers of long-wearing products might not like how often they find themselves having to reapply Instant Smooth (about every four hours). I guess it could just be my combo-oily/dry, generally confused skin, but 01 Natural likes to disappear. On the bright side, it layers like a star and doesn’t cake at all, even when it’s really packed on.
I have to hand it to Clarins for how velvety soft they made this cute pie. It ends up being deliciously easy to use, but with limited wear time and just a couple of shades to choose from, Instant Smooth might be more appealing to die-hard Clarins collectors than newcomers to the brand. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
You might like Clarins Instant Smooth Compact Highlighter in 01 Natural if…
- …you’re looking for a subtle golden highlighter with a sheer peachy tint
- …you’re don’t mind touchups every so often
- …you like makeup that’s easy to apply
- …you’re in the mood to splurge
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Soooo sleepy… I’m plum tuckered out, yo. How was your night? Mine’s not gonna win any awards for excitement. After getting a bag of groceries, Tabs and I watched an episode of Castle on Hulu. I know, right? WOW! So action packed. 🙂 See you soon.
Other than some pasta for dinner, we stayed in. Our ays have worn us out with all the hiking and swimming… 🙂
That might be a bit too pricey for me but the compact is so pretty! I love the finish on you as well!
Today is the wedding … were taking it easy in the hotel room today and will start to get ready around noon for the 2pm wedding. 🙂 Have a great weekend, Karen!
Hi Nina,
How did it go? I hope you guys had fun and that the ceremony was beautiful! Love weddings. 🙂
Hi Karen,
I have combo oily/dry also (confused skin, haha) with the occasional blemish. I heard a very interesting tip the other day, and that was to only use a cleanser on skin at night, and in the morning rinse with warm water. Have you heard of this? I might have to try it out…
Hi Suji,
I think I may have tried that at the height of my skin dryness. I think it worked pretty well…
LOVE Castle! Shouldn’t it be illegal for Nathan Fillion to be that awesome AND sexy?
Totally! Although, I do like the introduction of the new detective. I want Beckett to get some action, yo!
Totes! But I’m still banking on her and Castle giving in to the sliceable sexual tension between them…. 😉
That has a nice shimmer to it.
nice natural color.