Saturday 25 January 2014

Bobbi Brown Extra Tinted Moisturizing Balm with SPF 25 + Demo Video

Hello readers!
Today I would like to share my thoughts on one of my favorite tinted moisturizers - the Bobbi Brown Extra Tinted Moisturizing Balm with SPF 25.  This entry will also have a product demonstration video towards the end. ^_^



Packaging:

This tinted moisturizer comes in a heavy glass jar with a plastic cover. The top has the classic Bobbi Brown brand name printed nicely across the diameter of the cover. I appreciate the quality of the print as I've had my jar for almost 7-8 months now and none of the letters show any signs of fading/peeling. (I have a compact powder from Bobbi Brown in a white plastic compact case with "Bobbi Brown" printed on it in black and the letters started to peel off after just a week! =_= ).



Product:

In the jar, the product looks thick. On my fingers, its consistency feels very gel-like. It is quite heavily scented but I love it. The smell is very plant-based, very organic. Each time I use it, I feel like I am giving myself almost like a mini spa treat! Also, the fact that it has an SPF of 25 is definitely a plus.
Those who prefer fragrance-free products may not like it. It does linger for about 5-10 minutes after application.

There are 7 shades in total. Alabaster, Extra Light Tint, Light Tint, Light to Medium Tint, Medium Tint, Medium to Dark Tint, and Dark Tint.

I use Light to Medium Tint during winter and switch to the Medium to Dark Tint in the summer.



Application:

A little bit goes a long way. I have tried using both my fingers and a flat top foundation brush to apply this tinted balm. Personally, I prefer to use my fingers (clean fingers of course!). The heat from my fingers helps smooth out the product nicely and smoothly across my face. This tinted moisturizing balm feels simply luxurious. It is hard to describe but with its consistency, smell (if you like the smell that is) and of course to some extend its price, you know you are applying a high end face product.



Coverage:

The coverage of this product is light. Period. I personally don't think that it is even possible to build the coverage up as I find the product simply melts onto the skin and gives it a light but dewy finish. This works very well with my skin type which main concerns are dehydration, dry, and dull.
Not a good choice for those who are looking for even slightly medium coverage. It does help with skin hydration and gives a nice dewy glow.

Staying power:

As with any tinted moisturizer or foundation, I never ever set mine with powder. Maybe I have not found the right powder or my powdering technique sucks, but setting my tinted moisturizer or foundation leaves my skin looking flaky and feeling dry. Yup. I have TRUE dry skin dear readers. Having had dry skin all my life, I do not mind at all some shine or dewiness. In fact, I search products that claims to leave the skin dewy. Matte finish is just not my cup of tea.

On my skin, even without any setting powder, this tinted balm lasts all day. Even during summer I had no issue with it melting off my skin. That being said, I did a sweat test (i.e. exercising in the gym) and on blotting with some facial tissues, there was some product transfer onto the tissue. Other than that, it has great staying power.

Value:

The Bobbi Brown Extra Tinted Moisturizing Balm with SPF 25 retails for USD54.00 before taxes. There is 30ml or 1oz of product in each jar. I am still on my first jar for each of the 2 shades I own since almost 8 months ago. Do note however that I do not use this on a daily basis since I am not a daily tinted moisturizer or foundation user. (I do use sunblock everyday). I do believe a jar should last at least 6 months with more frequent use since you only need a small amount each time. Remember, this is NOT the product to go for if you want/need more than a light coverage.

Demo:

As promised, the following is a video of me demonstrating how I apply this tinted balm. Forgive me for the beginner's feel of the vid. The audio is a tad off  =_= Bear with me! =)



Conclusion:

I love this Bobbi Brown Extra Tinted Moisturizing Balm and will definitely repurchase mine. Unfortunately, this product is no longer available in Canada. I was told by a few sales associates that Bobbi's exporting-importing license with Canada only allows her to bring in a limited number of products which has SPF. Since she wanted to bring in her beauty balm which also contains SPF into Canada, she apparently chose this Tinted Balm as a sub. =(  Residents of Canada now have to go across the border to get their hands on this wonderful product. What a pain!

As for my Malaysian readers, the last time I check in early 2013, this product was not available in Malaysia. Hopefully Bobbi decides to bring this to Malaysia soon if not already. =)

Reminder: Product that works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. =)


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