As a beauty journalist I’m always on the lookout for new trends, so when Mario Dedivanovic -the pro behind Makeup By Mario and Kim Kardashian's go-to make-up artist - announced the launch of his new tinted complexion balm, I knew I was onto something.
When it comes to balms in beauty, we’re all familiar with the type that remove our make-up, but over the past few weeks there has been a flurry of make-up versions launched.
What is a make-up balm?
These new balms reflect the current trend for ‘no make-up, make-up’. Designed to be buildable, they allow you to customise your coverage so you can go heavier or lighter, depending on your preference.
Jones Road’s What The Foundation Tinted Moisture Balm gained notoriety after going viral on TikTok. While users are divided on their opinions, those who loved it said it it afforded them coverage, but made it look like they weren't wearing any make-up at all.
Makeup by Mario’s new SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer, meanwhile, is a 3-in1 tinted balm that warms and evens out skin tone, making it the ultimate buy for those after glow-laden summer base.
While many of these new balms are designed to replace your foundation, others, like Patrick Ta’s Major Glow All Over Balm, deposit a wet look on the skin and can be used in place of a highlighter on your face or body.
From foundation, blush to highlight, these are the make-up balms we recommend you add to basket when pay day hits.
Shop: The Best Make-UP Balms To Buy Now
The best makeup balms
1 of 8Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer, £31
Makeup by Mario's latest addition to his SoftSculpt line is a 3-in-1 tinted balm that blurs imperfections, warms the skin tone and adds a sheer level of coverage. Available in 6 shades from light to dark deep.
2 of 8Jones Road What The Foundation Tinted Moisture Balm, £35.46
TikTok influencer Meredith Duxbury sent Jones Road's What The Foundation on the path to viral fame after her highly criticised negative review. Bobbi Brown herself (founder of the brand) waded in and explained that it works best on normal to dry skin types and that, unlike Meredith, you only need to use the tiniest amount for the perfect no make-up, make-up look.Available in 12 shades.
3 of 8Morphe Blush Balm, £12
Not all of these balm formulas are foundation based, take Morphe's Blush Balm for example. Cream blush has won all of our hearts and Morphe's balm offering is designed to give a soft focus finish matte finish. Ideal if your skin is on the oilier side.Available in 5 shades.
4 of 8Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder, £31
Danessa Myricks balm is especially unique as the once applied the foundation transforms to a powder on the skin. While the Jones Road balm isn't suitable for oily skin, Danessa's is perfect as it balances sebum and minimises oil production so you can stay shine free.Available in 11 shades
5 of 8Patrick Ta Major Glow All Over Glow Balm, £46
We know Patrick Ta is obsessed with glowing skin, so it's no surprise that his addition to the balm game is one that works as a highlighter. As the name suggests, All Over Glow Balm can be used anywhere you like on the face and body and leaves behind an editorial wet look.Available in 2 shades.
6 of 8Saie Sun Melt Cream Balm Bronzer, £20
If you're intimidated by bronzer, Saie's Sun Melt Cream Balm Bronzer is the one for you. On first application it gives a light, effortless sun-kissed glow that can be built up depending on how bronzed you want to look.Available in 4 shades.
7 of 8Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm & Brush, £29.40
Of course Kevyn Aucoin was one of the very first brands to launch a foundation balm and judging by the numerous 5 star reviews, they killed it when it comes to the highly pigmented formula. You can either blend and sheer this out as an all over foundation, or apply just where needed in place of concealer.Available in 14 shades.
8 of 8Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H Glaze Skin Glowing Perfector, £30
Possibly the most beautiful highlighter balm we've ever seen. Huda Beauty's N.Y.M.P.H Glaze is a solid cream highlighter than can be worn under makeup to boost luminosity or over the top to highlight areas of the face.Available in 3 shades.