If I'm being completely honest, I'm not the biggest fan of lipgloss. Not since the days of gloopy magazine freebies I thought were the shizz, anyway. Those were the days. (and yes, I am aware I'm probably not old enough to talk about the past like this yet but oh wells.) However, since then things have moved on and I've been lucky enough to find a range that manages to bypass the stick, gloopy, hair-stuck-in-your-lipsness that we all used to know and love, and that to me is something pretty special.
The Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfectors are pretty much the most perfect lip product I've ever found and it's now available in two formulas. If you've been following me for a while, you'll know my love for the new balm versions, and I was so taken with them that I decided to test out the original too. It's an odd one to describe, half way between a gloss and a balm it gives a pretty pink wash of color whilst being very moisturising and creamy at the same time. A great way to wear color on the lips without the worry of their condition being compromised or alternatively layer over lipsticks to give a glossy finish.
In comparison, the Balm Perfectors are a solid version of their liquid older sister. Slightly more sheer they are perfect for everyday wear and a nice alternative to wearing a plain lip balm. Scent wise, these two have the exact same sweet scent which I absolutely adore, seriously, you need to smell it - good enough to eat! - and Rose Shimmer and Rose, pictured above are almost identical in color (a stunning pinky/brown/peach colour) with the only difference being opacity and the tiny shimmers in the gloss (don't worry, these are almost imperceptible on the lips and just help to give a nice full look)
So, which should you go for? The cute packaging of the balm version makes them great for carrying around with you during the day, whilst I find the longevity of the gloss version ever so slightly better. For lip benefits, the balm probably wins, but then on price the gloss. Honestly, it's a really tough decision (dramatic much?) between the two and not one I feel I can make a final decision on, I guess that just gives me an excuse to continue building up my collection of both. What do you think of these?
