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People told me they were jealous of my skin... Air Brush Foundation
In the beauty world, there’s one thing I’m jealous of: people who have unreal skin. You know the kind where you’d suspiciously stare at their complexion, wondering if they’re wearing foundation or if the skin Gods blessed them.
I’m not saying I strive for flawless skin – in fact, the word flawless should be removed from the vocab altogether – but texture and pigmentation have always held me back from achieving a more unified complexion.
As a foundation-averse girlie during the day, I’m forever hunting out the best lightweight tints that give me that ‘my skin but smoother’ finish. There are many I rate, but Anastasia Beverly Hills’ new Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint is truly special. Here’s why...
To say I was sceptical at first would be an understatement – even with the TikTok viral vids telling me how fabulous this balm was. Firstly, I didn’t think I’d vibe with the texture (I’ve never been one for stick foundations). Secondly, I hadn’t used ABH since I was carving out my block brows in 2016 with the Dip Brow Pomade. The brand has always been a leader in glam looks and full-coverage finishes, so I was intrigued to see how it would take a softer approach.
Said to be the “first ever BB cream in stick form”, the tint has a creamy – but not pore-clogging – texture, it softens pigmentation to leave a believable finish, feels incredibly lightweight to wear and (a crucial part for me) it takes seconds to apply.
Hence the name, I see this product in two halves. First, you’ve got the skincare side; it contains the same hydrating ingredients you’d likely find in your favourite serum – although, that’s not your hall pass to skimp out on your skincare routine.
The hero hydrator is hyaluronic acid, alongside plumping peptides and seed oils to keep the skin nourished while you wear it. It's an emollient and doesn’t dry down throughout the day so, that being said, I’d suggest it for anyone with dehydrated skin rather than oily.
On the makeup side of things, it definitely champions the ‘no makeup makeup’ movement. Think: perfect for festival szn when you want to look presentable, but not like you’ve woken up early to do a full face in your tent. The pigment is delicate so you can use it alone as a flattering base, alongside concealer for more coverage, or as a primer to your foundation.
As for the finish – oh, the finish! To put into perspective the effect this balm had, I recently went on a work trip and as soon as I sat down for dinner, amongst fellow beauty journalists and PRs, everyone had something to say: “Your skin is glowing”, “I can’t stop looking at your makeup”. I was flattered, to say the least.
The dewy look is my jam, so all I do is apply the balm and touch up with concealer, before dabbing on a powder. This routine gives my skin a believable radiance while helping to set the product in place. And no matter how many layers I apply, it keeps its natural finish and lasts a mighty impressive amount of time before softly fading. Note: it's a skin tint so it won't last as long as a full-coverage formula.
It’s also one of the most functional products in my makeup bag. The oval shape of the stick means you can scribble it into all the crevices of your face and the creaminess of the formula feels like a cooling hug on your skin. In a way that no other foundation has ever done, it sort of feels refreshing.
My only niggle is the shade range. There are 16 to choose from which seeing as shades and undertones have come so far – with some brands offering 30 plus – I would have liked to have seen a wider spectrum. But due to the sheer base of the product, you're likely to find a shade that works.
The big, final question: has it replaced my all-time favourite skin tint? Right now, heck yes. I’ll always cherish my Shiseido Revitalessence, but the ABH balm brings a new level of ease to my routine that I never thought possible. As for the skin-loving result? It’s balmy beautiful.
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact reviews such as deep dives into skin concerns and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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