I went through a phase where I developed an obsession with primers started to collect them. I can confidently say that this primer from Clarins is the best primer I have ever used. It smoothes my pores and provides the most effortless, polished base I have ever been able to achieve. It doesn’t matter if your foundation is silicone or water based; the formula is elite meshes well with either. If you are even considering this primer, think no more and purchase… you will never regret this decision.

A fabulous face base

Got a sample of this product, and I'll probably end up getting a full size when I'm up for a splurge. The texture is divine-it's so soft, so light, and yet, substantial. Luxe defined.Perhaps most importantly, it does a great job of smoothing out the skin and masking pores before foundation/tinted moisturizer. It's more of a balm than a lotion or liquid, and a little bit goes a long way. The fragrance is fresh and lovely, too (I know not everyone is down for fragrance in their cosmetics, but for me, it makes for a nice experience).If it helps: I'm in my early 40s and have combination (leaning oily), fair, and at times sensitive skin that's prone to some redness and some acne.

A primer that does exactly what it promises

I've been eyeing this product for a long time. Seems like I've been on a never-ending search for a good primer, especially under eyes and around nose - wherever I use concealer.So I don't know why I waited so long to try this one by Clarins, especially cause it's been around a long time (I think). But now that I have, I'm sold! It's just the right consistency. It creates a silky surface, evening out all those imperfections. Doesn't sink in or dry too fast--nor does it feel like you just applied a layer of paste on top of your face. I usually apply the concealer right after I apply the primer--I like that I don't have to wait until it "sets."It's a small jar (smaller than most brands), but you use such a tiny bit, I'd say you're getting an amount that will last ... MoreI've been eyeing this product for a long time. Seems like I've been on a never-ending search for a good primer, especially under eyes and around nose - wherever I use concealer.So I don't know why I waited so long to try this one by Clarins, especially cause it's been around a long time (I think). But now that I have, I'm sold! It's just the right consistency. It creates a silky surface, evening out all those imperfections. Doesn't sink in or dry too fast--nor does it feel like you just applied a layer of paste on top of your face. I usually apply the concealer right after I apply the primer--I like that I don't have to wait until it "sets."It's a small jar (smaller than most brands), but you use such a tiny bit, I'd say you're getting an amount that will last the same amount of time as a larger container.Very glad, I found you, Clarins Instant Smooth!

Buy it now… buy 2!!

This is ridiculous. In a good way. Bought this on a whim having swapped my skincare to Clarins and I can’t believe how good it is. I’ve got primers more expensive than this that just let your foundation move around and sit in your pores. This is nothing short of amazing. The texture is luxurious, the coverage is 11/10 and the smell is like being in a spa. I have to say that on the first day I used this my foundation still sat in my pores (not Clarins but another brand that boasts ‘magic) as it has been for months. I then bought a Clarins foundation and the effect was flawless. I can’t recommend this enough partnered with a good foundation

Can’t live without this…

I’ve been using this since it first came out. It quickly became a favorite. Over the years, if I tried another primer that was supposed to be better, after a day or two I’d always return home. I always have at least 2 new jars of this in my makeup cabinet because I have ran out in the past and it is irritating. This calms my skin, this fill in pores, fine lines, and it just makes my face feel better. On no makeup days, I always wear it. It just makes your skin look better. And with having to wear masks this has been so helpful preventing mask irritation. I guess that’s all I can think of, it is the best product Clarins makes and I’m never without it.

Disappointing

Bought this because of the rave reviews. Very disappointing. It made my skin feel dry after application. No healthy glow, but not in a shiny eay which is what I was expecting. As to to blurring properties,didn't see any significant change. Maybe it is the way I am applying but I did follow the instructions given. It is such a small amount for the cost. Hence will not be repurchasing. I do not recommend this primer for mature skin types.

Extraordinary smoother

I am a make-up artist and never leave home without this product in my selection. People tend to neglect their skin so it's extremely difficult to enhance the skin's appearance, especially dry skin, when applying make-up. But with Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, it makes my job so much easier. It evens out the complexion, creates a silky smooth poreless canvas, make-up adheres easier and lasts all day. It's my Bestie!

Good...for occasional use!

I don't use this daily, only on the odd special occasion, but if I did, I can see this lasting forever as a little goes a very long way, dispelling any doubts I had when purchasing such a tiny sized product (0.5 fl oz).As a primer it does the trick. Pores - especially on my nose, and fine lines are instantly blurred, creating a good base for my foundation. I must stress though that you really don't need to use much because if you do it has the tendency to make anything applied on top slide right off. At the right amount you will get a good base for foundation that will help makeup stay on longer, whilst leaving a nice matte finish, or as I discovered I can just use a setting powder on top and not require anything else for an 'enhanced natural' look - useful if you ... MoreI don't use this daily, only on the odd special occasion, but if I did, I can see this lasting forever as a little goes a very long way, dispelling any doubts I had when purchasing such a tiny sized product (0.5 fl oz).As a primer it does the trick. Pores - especially on my nose, and fine lines are instantly blurred, creating a good base for my foundation. I must stress though that you really don't need to use much because if you do it has the tendency to make anything applied on top slide right off. At the right amount you will get a good base for foundation that will help makeup stay on longer, whilst leaving a nice matte finish, or as I discovered I can just use a setting powder on top and not require anything else for an 'enhanced natural' look - useful if you don't have the time to apply the works. It's a very silicone-heavy primer with no real skin benefits, just cosmetic ones that last only until you wash your face at night. Other than vegetable oil and some Vitamin E, there is nothing of benefit in here, just a long list of chemicals and FOUR types of silicone (those like myself who cannot tolerate silicones beware!), hence why I try not to use it too often. -> My 'Ulta Beauty Top 7 must-have list' (My 7 favorite beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Ulta) < - < 1. Hair Loss Treatment: Divine Herbal Hair Oil < 2. Eye Cream: Clinique All about eyes < 3. Lip Gloss: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil < 4. Makeup Remover: Lancome Bi Facil < 5. Pigmentation + Anti-Aging Serum: Divine Herbal Facial Treatment Serum < 6. Eyeliner: Ulta Beauty Gel Eyeliner Pencil < 7. Moisturizer: 'Lush' - Enzymion

Perfect Perfecting Touch

I first became aware of this when I treated myself to the Make-Up Heroes Gift Set, a 4ml miniature was included in that.Well, I've never used something as silky soft as this, I was absolutely amazed at the look and especially the velvety feel of my skin after use. And the difference it's made when applying foundation after is astounding, it's a perfect base for make-up or just a perfect base if make-up isn't your thing.A little goes a very long way, you don't need very much at all which makes it very good value for money. I was so impressed I treated myself (again!) to the full size product. It arrived with a small applicator but I find using my fingertips preferable. And the red and gold packaging is lovely, a luxurious look for a luxurious experience. I can't ... MoreI first became aware of this when I treated myself to the Make-Up Heroes Gift Set, a 4ml miniature was included in that.Well, I've never used something as silky soft as this, I was absolutely amazed at the look and especially the velvety feel of my skin after use. And the difference it's made when applying foundation after is astounding, it's a perfect base for make-up or just a perfect base if make-up isn't your thing.A little goes a very long way, you don't need very much at all which makes it very good value for money. I was so impressed I treated myself (again!) to the full size product. It arrived with a small applicator but I find using my fingertips preferable. And the red and gold packaging is lovely, a luxurious look for a luxurious experience. I can't say enough good things about it.

Simply the best

I’ve used the original Smashbox primer for years, and have tried many other products, but this works much better than anything. I have sun damage including large pores on and around my nose, and some skin texture problem areas. I test drove the Smashbox smooth and blur on one side of my face, and the Clarins on the other. Honestly, it wasn’t a full on miracle, but I could tell close up how much more invisible my pores were with the Clarins and my skin texture was improved, definitely enough to switch brands. It somehow also reduced the redness a little in the center of my face. You only need a tiny amount. I definitely recommend tapping and blending with your fingers. On top of that I used a little yellow color corrector on that part of my face, but less than ... MoreI’ve used the original Smashbox primer for years, and have tried many other products, but this works much better than anything. I have sun damage including large pores on and around my nose, and some skin texture problem areas. I test drove the Smashbox smooth and blur on one side of my face, and the Clarins on the other. Honestly, it wasn’t a full on miracle, but I could tell close up how much more invisible my pores were with the Clarins and my skin texture was improved, definitely enough to switch brands. It somehow also reduced the redness a little in the center of my face. You only need a tiny amount. I definitely recommend tapping and blending with your fingers. On top of that I used a little yellow color corrector on that part of my face, but less than before. Then I pat on the Laura Mercier radiance all over my face, then I pat on her tinted moisturizer. If I see anything that needs to be blended I gently use a foundation brush, then it’s on to blush, bronzer, mascara, and brows. All done in 10, 15 minutes max. This product doesn’t feel oily or heavy, but I’m almost 58 with dry skin. I find wearing foundation or too much of any makeup only makes me look older. If you need a little more coverage than a bb cream or tinted moisturizer, it definitely looks much more natural to layer a few different lighter products than going for a true foundation, and the Clarins adds to that effect. Sometimes I will try much less expensive makeup and skincare, but there are definitely times you need to go big or go home, and this is one of them.