Image via Clarins

You may or may not recall the absolute CONTROVERSY a certain Clarins skin expert caused on Product Fiend when he proclaimed facial steaming was gauche in a statement regarding their new Younger Longer Balm. Naturally, I've been super curious to try this much heralded new wonder product out, and I finally got my hands on it!!! The accompanying leaflet stuffed in the box is quite interesting--"are you ready to try out the Youth Stimulating Method?"--but overall, I'm confused...

Seeing as how the name of the product contains the word balm, I had high expectations--perhaps because to me, now Clarins and the word "balm" are synonymous with their Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, perhaps the most capable wrinkle filler I've ever had the privilege of meeting. But Younger Longer is more of a cream texture, and even though it contains botanicals and herbs like Maritime Pine and Butcher's Broom, disappointingly smells like (my pet peeve) old lady cream.

I believe that their Youth Stimulating Method, a series of patting motions meant to be incorporated in to the application process (the details of which are painstakingly explained with diagrams in a booklet that comes with the product), is probably a good thing. Think of how taut and fab your skin looks after a facial massage. Will I end up massaging my face every evening? Will you? Um, likely not.

As for the quality of skin this cream delivers, it does lend a bit of a serum-like finish in terms of dewiness, and due to its thickness I might recommend it as a great nighttime moisturizer for very dry skin. Otherwise, I'm just not sure it lives up to the hype or $100 price tag (for only 1.7 ounces-yikes). Sorry guys! Now Clarins, here's one for the suggestion box: can you please, please make a whole line based on Instant Smooth? Thanks.