I Tried This Skin Prep Shortcut to More Radiant-Looking Skin Under Makeup

Skin prep is an essential step that cannot be missed before any makeup application.

I always spend the first 5 mins with a client prepping their skin before applying any makeup products.

The days of trying to “cover” our skin with foundation may be on the way out, as we embrace our skin and invest in better skincare (thanks to numerous lockdowns!).

If it's a tinted moisturiser, BB cream or foundation you are wearing, remember this, it will only look as good as the skin under it. 

This is why I cannot stress enough how important the right skin prep is, especially if you're wearing makeup.

There are so many advantages to having your skin well prepped prior to your makeup application.

Not only can it make your foundation look more natural (as you will most likely be using less), but you may find products will sit on your skin better and you will get a longer lasting makeup base.

Speaking of epic skin prep products, we need to talk about the cult Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, and the new matching peel version.

With event season and summer just around the corner, let's take a look at these two iconic skin prep products.

I trialled them both to show you how you can use them as an at-home shortcut to smoother and more radiant skin, ensuring you get a flawless foundation application.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm vs Peel

1. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.

What:

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm has been around for years and it truly is a cult classic. It's suitable for all skin types, and works instantly to refresh your complexion.

Fast facts:

• Promotes immediate and long-lasting radiance.

• Skin becomes smooth, soft and looks firmer.

• Ideal underneath makeup as a pick-me-up primer before a special event, or day-to-day. 

• Adore Beauty founder Kate Morris also rates this product, so you know it's a win!

Key Ingredients:

• Acerola Seed Extract - Energises the skin to enhance your natural radiance.

• Prickly Pear Extract - Activates skin cell renewal.

• Organic Oat Sugars - Helps to tighten and smooth the look of skin.

How to use Clarins Flash Beauty Balm:

It can be used daily, before a big event or as a luxe at-home treatment. 

Apply a thin layer in the morning before makeup to create that glow from within the skin.

Wanting an intensive beauty treatment at home?

Apply a thick layer, 2-3 times per week in the PM and leave on for 10-15 minutes, remove excess with a cotton pad.

2. Clarins Beauty Flash Peel.

What:

Clarins Beauty Flash Peel is the perfect sidekick to pair with the Beauty Flash Balm. 

It uses the same beloved Beauty Flash Balm concept, but in an at-home exfoliating peel.

Fast facts:

• A convenient and effective resurfacing treatment for an at-home facial.

• Leaves skin refreshed with an instant glow.

• Visibly tightens pores and eliminates dead skin cells.

• Quick and convenient to use 2-3 times per week in the evening.

Key Ingredients:

• Glycolic Acid - An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates dead cells.

• Salicylic Acid- A beta-hyrdoxy acid (BHA) which unclogs pores and smoothes skin texture.

How to use Clarins Beauty Flash Peel:

This gentle, no-rinse formula is an overnight exfoliator which can be used on its own, or can be used as part of a two-step routine to take your skin's luminosity to the next level.

My Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and Peel Review.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm has a soft soothing scent and its light peach gel consistency glides easily onto the skin.

The 50ml soft tube makes it easy to squeeze out just enough product for your application.

It melts into the skin and instantly you can feel the hydration and see the radiance.

I tried this as a brightening mask first, 2-3 nights a week.

I applied a thick layer on my face and neck, sat back, relaxed for 10-15 minutes, and found most of it had absorbed into my skin, so there was minimal excess to remove.

My skin was left feeling super supple, smooth and hydrated.

Next up, the Clarins Beauty Flash Peel has the ingenious built-in brush applicator which allows you to “paint” the clear gel formula onto your skin.

Twist ON the brush tip to dispense the gel, and then twist OFF to lock. I really loved this detail! 

There is a slight medicinal fragrance with this one, not too off-putting though.

My skin isn't sensitive at all, but this did feel warm and tingly on my face the first time I used it. I think it was the AHA/BHA in action.

This feeling only lasted a few seconds and I was sure to wear my SPF the next day after using this peel. 

I used this as directed; PM use only. A thin layer, 2-3 times a week on cleansed skin (avoiding the eye area). Leaving it on for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to absorb before I applied my night cream.

The next morning I was excited to see how my skin looked and felt. And WOW, just WOW!

My skin was visibly softer, smoother, more plump, my pores looked tighter and there was a certain radiance and clarity to my skin. 

Want even more WOW (brace yourselves)?

Apply the Beauty Flash Peel the night (or a few nights) before an event, then pop the Beauty Flash Balm on as your moisturiser in the morning for instant radiance and a smoothing effect.

Side note if you want to use the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm as a primer.

I found there is a slight sticky feeling when you first apply it, but this goes away within the first minute.

If you’re applying makeup, wait until it sinks into your skin, then go in with your foundation application.

After using this skin prep duo, I found everything I applied to my skin the next morning sat really nicely.

But the real test was working a 13-hour day.

I applied my foundation at 6am and I did not need to touch up anything. I was so impressed!

My foundation/concealer/blush DID NOT MOVE. All I had to do was blot down a little shine.

I tried a range of different coverages through the week and I found they all glided on and sat smoothly on my skin ALL day.

Success!

Final Verdict.

I really loved using this dynamic duo!

It’s a great combination for anyone who may struggle with a lacklustre complexion and is wanting a natural radiance under their makeup in a flash!

A must-try from me. I mean really, name a more iconic duo… I'll wait...

Read more of Dalal's product reviews on Beauty IQ below:

• Why We’re Obsessed With This Dewy Skin Tint Foundation

• Bargain vs Bougie: A Makeup Artist Rates 4 Multi-Use Neutral Eyeshadow Palettes

• I’m a Makeup Artist & Here’s the Best Dewy Makeup for Mature Skin I’ve Found