If delicate, diaphanous cheeks are on your spring wish list, make a note about the new Clarins Instant Light Blush in Coral Tonic ($28) in the margins before you send your list to the Easter Bunny.
Everything about this shimmery golden coral blush says “sweet.” Picture yourself waiting at the curb for the ice cream truck on a sunny spring day (order me a Drumstick, please!). That flush of color on your cheeks? That’s Coral Tonic. 🙂
One of three limited edition blushes in the new Clarins Spring Collection for 2012, Coral Tonic couldn’t be a whole lot easier or quicker to apply.
Not quite a liquid or a cream, it has the consistency of a sheer, fluffy whipped mousse, and it melts into my skin within seconds of blending. Because Clarins dialed back the pigment, the applicator doesn’t draw any high contrast edges that would take a lot of time to smooth.
For a dainty flush, I brush a quick 1-inch swipe on each cheek with the sponge applicator, blend out the edges with my fingers, and wait a few seconds for it to dry. I’ve been repeating the process a second time, but one layer should suffice if you’re much lighter than I. The color lasts on me between 5-6 hours.
Clarins also snuck in an extra touch, a light freesia scent that lingers on my fingers after application. It’s subtle enough that I don’t smell it on my cheeks while I’m wearing it, but the boys in my life (El Hub and Tabs) should get a nice surprise the next time they come in for a cheek kiss.
I tried Coral Tonic in combination with a bunch of different products (atop bare skin, primer, tinted moisturizer, foundation, powder, etc.), and I think the less it’s worn with, the better it looks.
When I want a fresh, dewy look, I start by applying Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer all over my face. Then, I add a layer of MAC Strobe Cream (also all over my face), and finish with one or two layers of Coral Tonic, just on the apples of my cheeks.
Easy, dressed-down and casual — purrrfect for lounging around the house and, say, watching a Real Housewives marathon, or making a quick run to Trader Joe’s for Mango Bars.
Vibrant, Coral Tonic is not, so if that’s your cup o’ tea, you can also ramp up the intensity by wearing it beneath your favorite bold blush. 🙂
PRICE: $28
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Clarins counters and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Hump that!
My dear, dear, Wednesday, I didn’t expect you to arrive so soon.
Northern California is bracing for a major rain storm that’s slated to arrive late this afternoon. We do need the rain, but too bad we can’t also keep the sun out at the same time, haha! Oh, well. I’m trying to mentally prepare myself because when it’s dark, dreary and wet outside, I feel kinda blah. I’m solar powered that way.
Anywho, I hope your hump day got off to a good start. 🙂 To quote my mom, “Smile, and the world smiles with you.”
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
happy humpday! stay safe and dry!
coral tonic is so pretty — perfect for the no makeup but polished and put together days!!!
Happy humpday to you too! The rain hasn’t started yet… but it definitely feels like it’s on the way. It’s the calm before the storm right now.
Did your cold end up going away? It sounds like you’re feeling better.
i am trying to ignore my cold away. i figure its all mind over matter LOL!
we had some rain yesterday … not a lot but enough to make it sticky and humid all day!
I wish it was only rain here. its -33 C with the wind chill and in the morning and earlier this week it got as low as -40 to -50
HAPPY HUMP DAY KAREN. This is super pretty – a warm pinkish coral like this would look great on both darker & lighter ladies!
Clarins has really been stepping up their makeup game lately, you should check out the Blush Prodige line, so silky, subtle, and pretty!
Sending you a big hello from Montreal, which is frozen over and -20 Celsius with wind chill.
Woohoo Wednesday is almost over for me already! I’ve made it that far!
This is a lovely coral I’m saying it’ll work well with my Cargo Rome…
Don’t let the rain get to you! I’m solar-powered too so I totally know what you’re talking about!
What a pretty color! I like to keep my blush application light, so this is right up my alley.
I don’t mind the rain too much as long as I can stay inside and curl up with a good book. And when it’s gone, there is a chance for rainbows – maybe even a double rainbow. 🙂
Have a great day!
I like the sheerness and I like the way it applies. Very different for a cheek tint!
I appreciate how subtle this blush is – makes it easier to wear, especially for those who don’t want a bam-pow-zoink colour. 😉
Happy hump day to you, too, Karen!
Gorgeous look, Karen! I love coral blushes.Hope the rain won’t get too bad!
I read your blog to see what I need to check out at work! Haha! I think I’ll be going in blush less tomorrow so I can play with this! Have you tried the YsL voile de blush? Similar concept and I’m obsessed!
Its quite sheer and soft, not something I’d go for myself but it looks nice on you!
It looks beautiful. And did I spot Trader Joe’s in the post? 😀