This is my very first experience with the brand theBalm and thanks to Nykaa for making it available to the Indian market. theBALM Even Steven Whipped Foundation is a relatively new launch (2017) and I was pretty intrigued by the claims: light texture and natural matte finish. So, I randomly chose the shade after watching Nykaa’s Insta-stories where they had swatched this foundation. So, let’s dive into the review and find out how the foundation fares!

Price: Rs. 1599 for 13.4ml and has a shelf life of 3 years. However, the product needs to be finished in 12 months after opening the packaging.

Availability: theBalm cosmetics is available at Nykaa and Sephora stores. (Let me know if there are any other options available)

Shades: The shade range is limited to 7 out of which only 2-3 shades have warm tones. *Sighs!*

I got the shade mid-medium. (Skin reference at the bottom-most part of the post)

Have a look at the swatches here: Link 1 & Link 2

Packaging: theBALM Even Steven Whipped Foundation comes in a little transparent plastic tub with a matte chrome finish screw cap. The packaging is very travel-friendly. This might be a little unhygienic for some but I don’t mind dipping my fingers to get the product. (I always keep my hands clean, especially during applying makeup).

Texture & Shade: theBALM Even Steven Whipped Foundation has a mousse texture which doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. A very little product is needed, very very little, for a one-time application. Though the shade seems a pretty good match from the tub, it applies a shade lighter on the skin. You can also say that when the foundation dries and sets on the skin, it becomes a shade (or two) lighter. Also, it gives an absolute matte finish (and not natural matte) on my skin and accentuates dry patches if any.

Pigmentation: The foundation is very pigmented, very little amount is required for the application. I don’t like going full coverage even on occasions, hence I always apply very little foundation to get a natural finish. But, the case is different with theBALM Even Steven Whipped Foundation. You need a very little amount, to begin with, and the coverage cannot be built because then it will start accentuating the dry patches even more. In one layer this foundation gives up to medium coverage and evens out the skin.

Staying power: No foundation can keep my skin oil-free for more than 3-4 hours but the beauty of this foundation is that it stays for the entire day. I usually blot my face 2-3 times in between but it survives that too! My face looks fresh post blotting, there is no need to set it again with a powder.

My verdict on  theBALM Even Steven Whipped Foundation:

I really wanted to dislike this foundation for the absolute matte finish and also because of the fact that it clings on to dry patches, but couldn’t! I handled the dryness by moisturizing heavily before using this foundation. The lighter shade to which it sets can be handled by applying bronzer or a loose banana powder. The foundation adapts to the skin and becomes more skin like with the passage of time. This hasn’t broken me out yet. I look myself reaching out for this for traveling too! Going by the tiny amount that’s required each time, this little tub will last more than a year!

The only thing which needs to be kept in mind is that very little amount should be used else it is going to become extremely drying and patchy. This foundation is not meant for dry skinned people.

My skin reference: oily-dehydrated acne prone.

Shade reference: A little lighter than NC42 in MAC, Classic tan in NYX total drops, Maybelline Fit Me matte & poreless 310.

I hope you liked my honest review and if you did, do hit the follow button. Show some love to my blog lovelies by liking, sharing and commenting your views/thoughts.

Until next time, stay beautiful & keep smiling!

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