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Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm: Like 10 Hours of Sleep Followed by a Trip to a Day Spa (You Know, Sort Of)

February 17th, 2015 by Karen 15 Comments

Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm
Your new favorite secret weapon: Bobbi Brown’s Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm ($63)

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.

Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm
Twist the cap and BOOM! — there’s a pump right there

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.

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Moisture Balm swatches from the left: Moisture Balm Unblended, Blended and MAC Strobe Cream
Swatches from the left: Moisture Balm Unblended, Moisture Balm Blended, and MAC Strobe Cream by itself

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

Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm: Like 10 Hours of Sleep Followed by a Trip to a Day Spa (You Know, Sort Of) / Originally published February 17th, 2015

There are 15 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Bobbi Brown, Product Reviews, Skin Care

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

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Comments

  1. Estefania says

    February 17th, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    This 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…?
    Estefania recently posted … Being A NARSissist Isn’t So Bad… Also, We Can Use All The Empowerment We Can Get, Just Sayin’…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 17th, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      You would LOVE this then. It’s so hydrating and feels great on the skin. 🙂 It’s an extra step, but ya know… Why not?

      Reply
      • Estefania says

        February 18th, 2015 at 7:42 am

        That’s my mantra for any beauty product I buy. Why not??? 😀
        Estefania recently posted … Jane Cosmetics Haul and Mini Reviews!

        Reply
  2. Agata says

    February 17th, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    That sounds awesome and like everything I would need. Minus the price sticker…But I have never tried Mac Strobe Cream either.
    Agata recently posted … My Hair Update(d)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 17th, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      Strobe 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.

      Reply
  3. Debra says

    February 17th, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    Oh! 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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 17th, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      You’re welcome! I would love to know what other things from Bobbi’s skin care line that you use and love. 🙂

      Reply
  4. LindaLibraLoca says

    February 17th, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    I always thought I was the only Person in the world with that popcorn-bra-problem.

    Thank you for showing me I am not alone!
    LindaLibraLoca recently posted … From technical heights to going green – the Konjacsponge

    Reply
  5. Beautylymin says

    February 17th, 2015 at 11:57 pm

    This sounds right up my street!

    Reply
  6. Kiss & Make-up says

    February 18th, 2015 at 3:56 am

    Right. I need this. I need this so bad. MY SKIN NEEDS GATORADE!
    Kiss & Make-up recently posted … Review | L’Occitane Ultra Soft Balm to support International Women’s Day

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    February 18th, 2015 at 9:06 am

    I 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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 18th, 2015 at 9:11 am

      I 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.

      Reply
  8. astou says

    February 18th, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Waouw sound nice, really really nice !
    But the price 🙁
    In France it’s 85$ can you believe that !!!
    Always much more expensive here !!!

    Reply
  9. Fancie says

    February 18th, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    Ooo it actually is illuminating and the formula sounds great for my dry skin. I could totally use this!
    Fancie recently posted … On Wednesdays We Wear Pink!

    Reply
  10. Sana Nurani - Vancouver Bridal Makeup Artist says

    March 7th, 2015 at 10:05 pm

    I have suuuper dry skin everywhere except my nose. Would you use in place of a moisturizer? or do u mix?

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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