Well, this new product by Bobbi Brown is aptly named, ’cause what you see is what you get: an illuminating (yup!), moisturizing (check!) balm.
Technically, this should not be exciting…
But it may be if your skin is dry like mine.
Yeah, I know. Another moisturizer sounds about as interesting as clearing out the leftover pieces of popcorn from your bra after getting home from the movies, but before you step away from the computer to go hug your plus-size tabby cat, you should know that this moisturizer is significantly more interesting than it appears.
Picture this: 10 hours of sleep followed by a trip to a day spa. 🙂
Yeah, that’s right. Rested, radiant skin. Like MAC Strobe Cream, Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm ($63) has a rich formula with opalescent particles to make skin look more alive, perkier and basically less dull.
It’s a new addition to Bobbi Brown’s Extra line for extremely thirsty skin, and it’s available right meow.
You’ll probably want to sniff it first before slathering it all over your face, because it’s also scented. I think it smells kind of, I dunno, herbal? — like I spent the morning squeezing lemons and chopping basil with Giada or something. But I like it. It’s refreshing, but it’s probably worth noting because the fragrance is rather strong, although it does seem to fade quickly.
Massage it on bare skin for a little extra lift and glow, or wear it under foundation or BB cream for upgraded opalescence, and if you want a slightly more intense effect, pat it on top of your foundation with your fingers or a flat foundation brush.
You could probably also mix it with your foundation, too, if you were feeling creative, although I haven’t tried that yet.
It doesn’t make a big Broadway-caliber dramatic difference, really. You may not even be able to tell at first, because it’s very chill, but you’ll see it up close — more luminous, energized skin.
Overall, I really, really like it. It’s refreshing like skin Gatorade! — and more moisturizing than MAC Strobe Cream, which isn’t quite moisturizing enough for me when my skin’s drier than usual, like it has been this winter. It also hasn’t caused any breakouts yet (and everything breaks me out), so yay!
If you’re in your 30s and up and have very dry skin (or, if pores are a concern), this could be your new secret weapon — a way to jazzercise and energize your skin without looking terribly obvious.
At $63, it isn’t cheap, but it is another option to consider.
PRICE: $63 for a 1-oz. bottle
AVAILABILITY: Permanent, and available online now and at Bobbi Brown counters
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A- (the only things are the scent — it is quite strong — and the price)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Estefania says
February 17th, 2015 at 2:33 pmThis sounds PERFECT. I’ve always loved MAC Strobe Cream, but my skin always feels a little tight if I use it on its own. I figure I can justify the price since it would be the equivalent of buying my moisturizer and mixing in MAC’s Strobe Cream… That’s reasonable, right…?
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Karen says
February 17th, 2015 at 5:22 pmYou would LOVE this then. It’s so hydrating and feels great on the skin. 🙂 It’s an extra step, but ya know… Why not?
Estefania says
February 18th, 2015 at 7:42 amThat’s my mantra for any beauty product I buy. Why not??? 😀
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Agata says
February 17th, 2015 at 3:29 pmThat sounds awesome and like everything I would need. Minus the price sticker…But I have never tried Mac Strobe Cream either.
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Karen says
February 17th, 2015 at 5:22 pmStrobe is awesome! It’s better for oily skin and if you’re not so concerned about pores. Next time you’re near a MAC counter ask for a sample! I’m sure the gals/guys will hook you up.
Debra says
February 17th, 2015 at 4:00 pmOh! You bought the new Illuminating Balm (bomb). Bobbi likes the herbals (lavender especially) but they don’t linger. And she’s pricey but a little goes a long way.
I’m using the SPF 50 Protective Face Base which is nice but it feels a little heavy for my skin. No breakouts from it but I know it’s there. It’s sunscreen & moisturizer & skin brightening all in one so maybe that’s the tradeoff. I’m probably applying too much.
This product looks worth a try for summer. Maybe I can mix it with the Face Base.
Thanks for the review!
Karen says
February 17th, 2015 at 5:21 pmYou’re welcome! I would love to know what other things from Bobbi’s skin care line that you use and love. 🙂
LindaLibraLoca says
February 17th, 2015 at 10:49 pmI always thought I was the only Person in the world with that popcorn-bra-problem.
Thank you for showing me I am not alone!
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Beautylymin says
February 17th, 2015 at 11:57 pmThis sounds right up my street!
Kiss & Make-up says
February 18th, 2015 at 3:56 amRight. I need this. I need this so bad. MY SKIN NEEDS GATORADE!
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Kim says
February 18th, 2015 at 9:06 amI like the idea of rested and pore reducing. Usually anything with a little shimmer puts the spotlight on fine lines and pores.
And I totally laughed about your popcorn/bra comment. It made me grateful that I usually prefer gummi bears. 🙂
Karen says
February 18th, 2015 at 9:11 amI think you’d like this! It’s more of a soft pearl rather than a straight up shimmer. It’s SO forgiving!
Gummi Bears = YES. Do you ever eat Sour Patch Kids at the movies? I like those too.
astou says
February 18th, 2015 at 10:10 amWaouw sound nice, really really nice !
But the price 🙁
In France it’s 85$ can you believe that !!!
Always much more expensive here !!!
Fancie says
February 18th, 2015 at 4:37 pmOoo it actually is illuminating and the formula sounds great for my dry skin. I could totally use this!
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Sana Nurani - Vancouver Bridal Makeup Artist says
March 7th, 2015 at 10:05 pmI have suuuper dry skin everywhere except my nose. Would you use in place of a moisturizer? or do u mix?