TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer Review, Photos, Swatches
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer SPF 18 ($25.00 for 2.25 oz.) is designed to give “long lasting moisturizer” with a polished look while skin feels “silky.” Immediately, I wished there were more shades available–there are only three: Light, Light/Medium, and Medium. I tested out the Light/Medium shade, which I found to be a pretty good match, though perhaps a hair light, for my complexion (I’m NC25/30 in MAC, Punjab in NARS).
Tinted moisturizers are great for days when you want a little coverage but not a lot of makeup. Hallmarks of a great tinted moisturizer are sheer coverage, creamy consistency, and hydrating. BalmShelter provides enough coverage to even out my skin tone (especially around the cheeks, where I am a bit blotchy) and helping to give my face a uniform color (I’m darker around my hair line than anywhere else). It has a natural finish, so it’s not matte but not too dewy. I did find it more dewy than not, and if you have oilier skin, you may find it even more necessary to finish with a setting powder. I do, normally, set even tinted moisturizer with powder, though.
What I really liked about BalmShelter was its very creamy consistency; it was thick without being goopy and spread really well and evenly. It definitely felt like a lotion, which made it even easier to blend and cover my face during application. It comes in a squeeez tube, and there is no problem getting just what you need out. I wasn’t as keen on its ability to hydrate, though; it was decent but I felt like I needed to layer moisturizer underneath. I couldn’t just use BalmShelter in lieu of a moisturizer. For oilier skin types, it may be enough, but for my normal-to-dry skin type, it wasn’t quite enough. It wears for six to eight hours before I notice it has sheered out in some places (like my t-zone).
Where to Buy: Sephora, $25
The Glossover
Though it notes this as a product that gives long lasting moisture, I felt it performed just below average. I like it, though, overall, because of how blendable and smooth it is to apply. It feels lightweight and provides enough coverage to even out subtle imperfections in skin tone but looks perfectly natural.
See more photos & swatches!
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer (Light/Medium)
No Foundation / TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
TheBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
Disclosure
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Product & Review FAQ
What makeup are you wearing?
You can see the whole breakdown here.
Where can I purchase BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer? How much is it?
Sephora, $25.
Is it limited edition?
No.
I don't think the chemical sunscreens in this product are the ones in the study about this... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28796417/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/t/does-sunscreen-save-skin-or-damage-it/#.TpD1O64vhiZ I'm no chemist but the ones in this study that caused the free radicals are octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, bensophenone-3
i think there are two different forms of this product. for one, the tube I have says 2.15 fl oz instead of 2.25fl oz, the words "spf18" are blacked out, and the ingredient list is different from what I think is the american version of this product. people on makeupalley complained about the castor oil and parabens in this, but no where on my tube or on the box it came in can I find castor oil or any sort of parabens in the ingredient list. Does anyone know about why this is?
Hi Christine, could you do a review on Tarte Smooth Operator TM also?
Sadly, the sunscreen in this TM is unstable - avobenzone is unstable on its own, but further destabilized by octinoxate. the two should never be present together, and in this one they are. Also they did not stabilize the avobenzone at all - to be stable it must have octocrylene. This means not only will this product not give you UV protection, it will damage your skin because chemical sunscreens produce free radicals when they break down. :-(.
Really?!? Thanks for the information!!
I'm a big fan of theBalm, although it's a pain in the butt to find their products in France !
I'm so sick of these companies who make TM and/or Foundation that's not light enough for the pale ladies or dark enough for the cocoa ones. It's so frustrating! I really wanted to try this one too, I like TheBalm's stuff. It's just really hard for me to support companies who consistently do this :/ Korres, Josie Maran, UD to a lesser degree...sigh. Sorry for the rant Christine, it looks good on you though!
Looks like it gives good overally coverage (balancing your cheeks and forehead well) and blendability is nice to know as that is my problem with the Korres one!
I want a light coverage for summer to look more natural and let my skin breathe... any TM would do the trick, but before any purchase I wanted to ask the pros here at temptalia if I could obtain the same effect by mixing a drop or two of my liquid foundation into my daily moisturizer? Any input is appreciated :)
Great review =) You have a lovely skin ! I think it is really great that you're naturally contoured^^ (darker around hair line!)
How does this compare to Macs' Studio moisture tint? I was thinking about buying this one but, after your review, I'm having second thoughts...can anyone tell me which one is better?Thanks!!
I don't have that, sorry!
They both have pretty good coverage for TM. Mac is harder to blend but it has matte finish. theBalm feels nicer on skin and much easier to work with but i feel it wears off really fast.
Woah, I honestly think your complexion looks better with nothing! This did have an okay finish, but it seemed to dull your natural "glow" if that makes sense, haha. I think I'll be passing...
You look dewy and fresh!!
I've been waiting for this review! Now if only you had tried Laura Mercier TM and could tell me how it compares. I use Laura Mercier(oil-free) TM in Nude and have been considering changing to this more affordable brand. Has anyone else tried both?
omg the site looks so different now. love it!!! keep up the great work
is your first face shot you with nothing on, and then this moisturizer? because if it is it definitely does look natural!
Yes, no foundation and then just the tinted moisturizer (on the skin).
Its looking so nice on you...better than a foundation. I must say this blue color looks too too fab on you..you are glowing like a fresh dew!!
Passing! I'm not feeling that at all.
I love the texture of this TM! You also get a lot for the price. I prefer tarte Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer mainly because it provides SPF without the sunscreen smell (using only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).
I agree, Tarte Smooth Operator is the best tinted moisturizer I've tried. It has good coverage, SPF, is creamy and seriously moisturizing. I use it every day in lieu of a foundation, and as long as I set it with a powder it stays beautiful all day! I like it better than Laura Mercier's.
Oooh, intriguing! I've been eye-ing this TM for a while now, and this review was great! Thanks alot Christine!
Your assessment is bang on. I can use it without a moisturizer on my oily skin but I fall between the shades TheBalm offers and it didn't provide enough coverage for me. I really liked the texture and love the company and wanted to like it more, but it's not the right product for me.
I have my doubts that the darker shade will match me (NC50). =[
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