Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning

Since break outs have become less of an issue for me and with warmer weather hopefully on it's way, I've been determined to lay off the heavier/fuller coverage foundations and have been on the hunt for products to brighten up skin and add some colour. I've been working my way through a few different lighter coverage foundation and tinted moisturiser samples, but have also been on the hunt for a self tanner. I spotted Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanner on a recent trip to my local counter and after reading quite a few very positive reviews on the stuff, I decided to order a pot from Escentual. 

Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning

Here's Clarin's description of their Instant Smooth Self Tanner: A caramel tinted complexion perfector and self tanner in one. A new clever cosmetic shortcut that instantly tints the skin for a look that`s weekend-fresh and progressively develops into a gorgeous, semi-permanent sun-kissed glow. The whipped mousse texture is fresh and light, and A caramel tinted complexion perfector and self tanner in one. Just as you`d expect from a self tanner inspired by Instant Smooth, it`s also silky soft and glides effortlessly over the skin for a super-smooth, even and long-lasting finish. Think instant, re-touched, sun-kissed skin - in a jar! The self tan element takes just 1-2 hours to develop and for a progressively deeper colour apply daily to face and décolleté and then re-apply every 2-3 days. 

I think what appealed to me the most with Instant Smooth Self Tanning is the fact that it's inspired by the brand's primer, Perfecting Touch, and promises to prime, perfect and tan all at the same time. Consistency wise, it is very similar to the brand's pink paste primer – it's quite velvety, very easy to blend and has a matte finish. I'm not much of a fan of the Perfecting Touch as a foundation primer, but I do like how the product evens out skin when it's used alone. The caramel tinted gel has a similar effect, and feels very light and silky smooth. It has a faint almondy scent with a slight hint of self tanner smell, but I've found it disappears fairly quickly after application. 

Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning

A small blob of the caramel mousse/gel is all that's needed to cover my pre moisturised face in a layer of product. The velvety smooth, hydrating formula applies and blends easily, and leaves skin with a delicate hint of colour and a matte (but not flat) finish. It creates a lovely smooth-textured base for make-up and leaves skin with a hint of believable colour, which develops and deepens throughout the day. The end result is still quite subtle after one application, and the result still a lovely natural, sunkissed, delicate bronze finish on my NC15ish skin tone. 

Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning & Perfecting Touch Primer

Overall, it's a really lovely self tanner, that's incredibly easy to apply. The tinted, velvety formula makes it easy to see exactly where you're applying and get an even, streak free finish, and the natural looking, orange free tan that develops after application is fantastic. If you're looking for a self tanner that creates a natural and believable colour, I think Clarin's Instant Smooth is definitely worth checking out. And if you're a fan of the brand's Perfecting Touch primer, chances are, you'll like this stuff, too, as the texture, feel and finish are very similar.

Available from Escentual (£14.50 for a 30ml Jar).