If there's one thing we've noticed, it's that the beauty industry seems to have a lot of buzzwords to describe things that already exist. Lip oils, for example, are essentially glosses, while slugging is moisturising, but glorified. Then, there are complexion balms — while the word 'balm' suggests something thick and emollient, what we really have here is a light foundation or skin tint. It’s a makeup-skincare hybrid that blurs the line between cosmetics and skincare, offering light coverage with added skin benefits.
Think of it as the lovechild of a foundation and a tinted moisturiser. It’s not balmy in texture but lightweight, offering sheer coverage that evens out your complexion without feeling heavy. The product is designed to enhance your natural skin rather than mask it, with skincare-grade ingredients to back it up.
As a huge fan of the Vieve brand—especially its lip oil (or light gloss) — we were beyond excited to try its brand new Complexion Balm. With skin-loving ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, smoothing polyglutamic acid, brightening niacinamide, and plumping amino acids, we had high expectations. Vieve, which translates to 'full of life,' set the bar, and I’m happy to say the Complexion Balm lived up to the brand’s name.
Renee Washington
Our review of the Vieve Complexion Balm:
Renee Washington, digital fashion and beauty assistant said: 'It’s essentially your skin but better. I’m not really a skin tint or BB cream kind of girl because I love full coverage. On days when I don’t have time for a full makeup look, I usually go makeup-free entirely. But with this balm, I’m more inclined to go for a quick, natural finish. The packaging reminds me of skincare, which I like.'
One drawback experienced by the team was the applicator due to the preference of a pump. Renee added: 'I find it a lot easier to control products with pumps, but I understand the sentiment of not having one as it makes for easy transportation. So ultimately it is a win win.'
Cassie Steer, acting beauty director, on the flip-side of Renee, opts for lighter and breathable makeup. 'The older I get the less makeup I want to feel on my skin so when I heard that the brand behind my favourite primer was launching a foundation my interest was piqued. Aside from on the occasional night out when I might want a little more coverage I’ve moved firmly into the complexion tint camp and this one didn’t fail to impress. Texture-wise it feels more like a tint than a balm to me but it lends a totally fresh skin feel which I love. One I’ll be recommending to friends.'
Cassie Steer
Sameeha Shaik, beauty writer, has also joined the 'skinimalism' clique and has ultimately switched out full coverage formulas. 'My biggest make-up pivot of 2024 has been welcoming beauty balms and skin tints into my make-up bag. These lighter, breathable formulas offer a more pared back, natural-looking approach to foundation and are almost always primed to take care of your skin all while enhancing the look of it. Case in point: Vieve's new Skin Nova Complexion Balm, which boasts hydrating polyglutamic acid, plumping collagen amino acids, and protective niacinamide, as well as a covetable second skin finish.'
All in all, the Vieve Complexion Balm strikes the perfect balance between makeup and skincare, giving you a fresh, dewy finish with just enough coverage to feel polished, yet natural.
Shop: Vieve Complexion Balms
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
The simple answer is yes, it's worth the buy. Renee uses shade 410, Cassie 120, and Sameeha 310.
Main Image Credit: @vievemuse
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.
