Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier Balm Stick Review
Flaky, tight, dry… these are some ways I describe my skin. So, if something promises hydration and comfort, I want to try it. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Balm offers that and then some. What intrigued me the most was the on-the-go element. My skin often becomes dry and uncomfortable throughout the day, so my skincare routine lacks a product like this. But can a balm really quench my dry skin? I put it to the test…
You Will Love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Balm If…
If you have dry skin, this barrier balm will be music to your ears… or should I say skin. It locks in moisture, the perfect boost over your everyday moisturiser. It comes into its own when you’re on the go. If you get a patch of dry skin, you can quickly swipe it over for instant hydration – even over your makeup!
What Does It Do?
It keeps your skin hydrated all day and strengthens the skin’s barrier. If you struggle with things like tightness, flaking and itchiness, the balm will provide immediate relief in a couple of swipes.
How Does It Do It?
The formula contains skin-quenching and strengthening ingredients. Signature Kiehl’s ingredient squalane, derived from sugar cane, helps replenish the skin’s barrier and keeps it soft, supple, and moisturised, alongside pro-ceramide. The ingredient that intrigued me the most in the lineup was glacial glycoprotein – mouthful! Originally sourced from the Antarctic Sea glaciers, it deeply hydrates and helps skin maintain its moisture balance.
What Does It Smell And Feel Like?
The Barrier Balm is fragrance-free, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin. It feels extremely lightweight and leaves a weightless layer that keeps hydration locked in and irritants out. I reached for the balm whenever my skin felt tight and itchy (I have eczema-prone skin) because it’s very soothing and stopped me from scratching on several occasions. It leaves a subtle glowy sheen on the skin, making it a great base for makeup.
How Long Does One Bottle Last?
A little bit goes a long way with this balm. It’ll last longer than your everyday moisturiser because of this. I’d say roughly 3 months.
Best Place and Time To Use It?
The Ultra Facial Barrier Balm is designed to be used on the go. I used it over my moisturiser in the morning to lock in the hydration, and then I popped it in my handbag. I’d get it out when I felt my skin drying out or an itch coming on. I used it on no makeup days and over makeup. It didn’t disrupt my makeup, which I put down to the formula, not dragging and being so weightless. I have a holiday in a cold climate coming up, and I think this barrier balm is the ideal thing to pack, so if you live in minus temperatures or are going skiing soon, I recommend you pick one up, too.
The Barrier Balm Design and Aesthetic Is Special Because…
The balm has a twist-up stick design that makes it easy and convenient to use on the go. It’s white and has black and blue writing and a red underline, which is in keeping with the look of the Ultra Facial range – fans will instantly be able to pick it out.
My Overall Experience
I didn’t know if I needed this balm. As someone with eczema-prone skin, I have hoarded very hydrating formulas. Did I really need an extra step to lock it in? But turns out I did/do. Applying the Barrier Balm after my moisturiser made a world of difference. On days that I forgot to apply it, my skin started to feel drier around lunchtime, and my makeup didn’t go on either.
I loved having the balm to hand in my handbag. It saved me on countless occasions. I tend to get eczema along my jawline, which gets drier as the day progresses. Before now, I used to slather on moisturiser, which messed up my makeup. Now I swipe over the balm – it feels soothing and doesn’t take off any makeup.