EM Cosmetics Face Cuddle Moisture Balm Review
I've been watching Michelle Phan from a decade back and have been waiting forever to try out EM Cosmetics! Their packaging is so cute, and colorful but minimal. Keep reading for the Face Cuddle Moisture Balm review, stay tuned for more EM Cosmetics reviews.
Quick facts:
Formulation: Alcohol, fragrances, essential oil, parabens.
Potential irritants: The balm contains a fair share of ingredients voted higher on comedogenicity on INCI. Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate may cause pore blockage and therefore potential breakout. (Formulated for dry / combination skin mainly.)
Application: A twist-up balm in a plastic tube container
Scent: This product does not contain added fragrance however the site claims a green/verdant scent inherent to coffee seed oil that dissipates after application
Where to buy: EM Cosmetics website
Price: $34 USD
Main pros: Overall I like the concept of this balm. This moisture balm seals in moisturizer well and does a good job at adding a dewy finish to your base makeup. The consistency is light, emollient and almost slightly waxy. It's convenient to use and in a pinch, you could also use it to hydrate your lips (or dry elbows =')).
Cons: I personally can't use this product as a standalone (it's not hydrating enough to substitute as my moisturizer on those lazy days. If you are using this below makeup, make sure you're only using a thin layer and pressing it into the skin first or else it'll be a slippery ride for everything on top. Also, some of the ingredients in here can be pore-clogging, so I don't see myself using this very often.
Verdict: 6/10. This moisturizing balm did not make it onto my all-time favourites list.
About
The EM Cosmetics website describes it as a lightweight, travel-friendly nourishing balm that cuddles your skin in hydration with a blend of Squalane, Sacha Inchi Oil & Coffee Seed Oil. This formula is a perfect companion to your moisturizer, creating an added protective layer to help prevent water loss, delivering instant and lasting skin therapy.
The formula contains zero added fragrance, but the coffee seed oil gives this product a natural green/ verdant scent. Versatile formula perfect for additional hydration or targeted re-hydration on-the go - wherever and whenever you need a dose of replenishing moisture.
- Universal, translucent moisture recovery stick that nourishes skin
- Multi-use formula perfect for additional hydration or targeted re-hydration on-the go
- Formulated in Italy with a nourishing blend of Squalane, Sacha Inchi Oil and Coffee Seed Oil
- Mess-free stick format can be used on your face, neck, hands…wherever you need a boost of hydration
- Ideal as a companion to your daily moisturizer for added, lasting hydration.
- Cruelty-Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, No Added Fragrance
Personally, I only use this on top of moisturizer on those super dry days, or dab a little over makeup using my fingertips. It's super convenient in this stick format, and it adds a healthy dewy look to the skin. I do not use this on my lips since the consistency of this is on the thinner side.
How to use the EM Cosmetics Face Cuddle:
- Do your basic skin prep - not too thick of moisturizer or sunscreen, give it some time to dry.
- Apply your moisturizer, then the face cuddle balm as the last step for a bare-faced look,
- Or dab a bit of EM Cosmetics Face Cuddle with fingertips (warm it up and only use a thin layer at a time) over makeup throughout the day on targeted areas that may need additional hydration.
*It's marketed also as also being hydrating for the lips, but since this balm's consistency is a bit lighter/waxier, I don't prefer it being used as a lip balm.
*On their website it says you could also use it at night as a sleeping mask, but I personally don't think this is hydrating enough to be used for that purpose.
Is the EM Cosmetics Face Cuddle worth it?
In short, no. I don't think this moisturizing stick is worth paying full price. I am feeling like there is a better original moisturizing stick out there in the asian beauty products world. I remember seeing some sort of a commercial for one in a kdrama once haha (if you know the one I mean, let me know below)!
The Face Cuddle Balm sadly didn't make my all-time favourites but when I find one out there, I'll update that list! So stay tuned.
Let me know if you've found this review useful, I'd love to hear!
*This post may contain affiliate links. However, these are always my honest opinions and I purchased with my own moolah*