we heart this – 
As a beauty blogger it may surprise you that I am very low-key when it comes to day-to-day makeup. A bit of blush, a swipe of mascara and some balm and I am happy. At least as far as the “extras” go. The one must-have is a lightweight color corrector for my skin, since I hate the feel of foundation, but can’t go bare-faced. Luckily, Dr. Jart has some amazing products, including BB Beauty Balms and a CC Essence Balm, that all offer light coverage and glowing skin.
Not familiar with the Dr. Jart brand? Let me introduce you! Founded by Dr. SungJae Jung and JinWook Lee in 2005, the line combined their medical background with a team of 21 skilled dermatologists to develop the skincare collection. Using only scientifically certified ingredients with the intention to deliver noticeable results, the line soon became one of Asia’s leading skin care brands.
In 2008, the line obtained USFDA certification and American women quickly made Dr. Jart a coveted cult brand. Happily, in 2010 the line launched their legendary BB creams at Sephora USA and we all were able to treat ourselves to this secret to glowing skin.
Now that you have a quick background on Dr. Jart, let’s talk about these ah-mazing Beauty Balms! As a tinted moisturizer/BB/CC/DD Cream addict, I have to say these beauty balms rock. Lightweight formulas with medium coverage, goodies for you skin, no sulfates or phthalates AND a high level SPF? What more could you (or your skin ask) for?
One of our lucky testers got to check out the Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ ($34). This color correcting cream not only hides little imperfections, it also combines the benefits of a moisturizer, a sunscreen and a treatment serum – talk about mutli-tasking!
This water based beauty balm is made for those with dry skin. In fact, at first blush, you can see teeny water droplets that quickly get absorbed into the skin – hydrating and plumping your complexion while offering a dash of cooling comfort.
Being the greedy soul that I am, I tested two Dr. Jart products, including the Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm ($36). This one is for those of use that are acne prone, have sensitive skin, and/or are looking for anti-aging benefits.
Formulated with botanicals to soothe sensitive skin and calm red, blemish prone complexions, this universal shade also helps to hide dark spots and even out uneven skin tones. It also has a whopping SPF 25 so it helps make my morning routine even faster!
Where the Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ is packaged in a pretty metallic blue tube with a simple squeeze top dispenser, the Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm comes in a sleek black tube with a pump dispenser. While I normally prefer a squeeze-top, this dispenser has great control – allowing you to pump out a teeny dot of balm or enough for your entire face with ease.
Interestingly, these balms have slightly different consistencies – and not how you would expect! On the left is the Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ which has a creamy traditional tinted moisturizer consistency. Meanwhile to the right is the Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm with a more liquid-y formula.
The Black Label Detox Beauty Balm is a dream to apply – it spreads evenly, is super blendable and sinks into the skin in an instant. It just disappears into my NW 20/25 skin, offering light to medium coverage (with a second coat), leaving even, dewy skin behind. Best of all, after a day of wear, the beauty balm is still in place and my skin looks and feels calm and clear without any shine or greasiness.
When I’m looking for a bit more coverage, or want a little spot coverage during the day, I’ve been turning to the CC Essence Balm ($42). This little gem combines the goodness of a serum with medium skin coverage that works to hydrate and brighten the skin – even over your makeup!
Packaged in a stark white compact, the CC Essence Balm is a pretty swirl of light beige (the color corrector) and white (the serum-y goodness infused with sea buckthorn berry extract and hyaluronic acid). Formulated for even those with “hyper-sensitve” skin, this balm is great for refreshing skin during the middle of the day and can even help “de-cake” your makeup. Oh, and it also also contains an SPF 24 in the formula!
Great for tossing in your purse, the CC Essence Balm is super portable. You apply this balm with the included puff to smooth away uneven skin and hide dark spots, enlarged pores and blemishes. For the neat-freaks, there is plastic cover over the balm that houses the puff when not in use.
While the Black Label Detox BB Cream had a slightly cool undertone, the CC Essence Balm leans toward the warmer tones. The consistency is smooth and creamy and again, easily blendable. I use the puff to dab the balm over my entire face, and then use my fingers to perfect my look and get into the tiny crevices around my nose and eyes.
For me, the CC balm offered the most coverage, and I did have to be careful not to overdo it, as it could turn a little cakey on my skin with too much product. However, if I take the time to evenly apply and blend, it offers great coverage and hides imperfections with a lightweight feel.
Overall, I can see why Dr. Jart has taken the beauty world by storm – one face at a time. If you are looking for products to help simplify your morning routine, while offering a clean, clear SPF-protected complexion, I suggest you visit the Dr. Jart counter at your local Sephora.
Readers – Has Dr. Jart made a house call to your place yet?
photos: we heart this, swatches shown on NC25/30 skin tone
Tyna, co-founder and co-editor of wht, worries about becoming a crazy cat lady, reads at least a book a week, checks in at a Flyers fan forum every morning and is forever (some say obsessively) organizing her closets and drawers.
skin tone: NW 20/25
skin type: combination
favorite beauty product: eye shadows and lip balms
(c) we heart this – Read entire story here.