For many of us (especially us older millennials who spent our teen and early 20 years pining for every Benefit launch), it's hard to believe it's been more than 20 years since the brand's Hoola Matte Bronzer hit the beauty scene. Its ultra-fine, silky-soft powder changed the bronzer game as we knew it, and according to NPD, it's still the number-one prestige bronzer on the market. But, she's got a new sister in town and she's coming in hot: Meet Hoola Wave Cream Bronzer Balm. Whether you have dry skin or just prefer creamy, balm-like textures over powders, this new version of the cult-classic is bound to win you over. For me, it was love at first swipe. Here's why.
What I Love About This Cream Bronzer
My skin has been on the drier side lately, so I've replaced my powder bronzers with creamy ones, and this one in particular. The texture is buttery-soft thanks to jojoba seed oil, shea butter and avocado oil (it's giving Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm vibes). But, don't assume those ingredients mean it's greasy because it's not in the slightest. In fact, it dries down and sets with a natural finish that leans more matte. The formula also contains bamboo cellulose fiber, which helps it feel super smooth on the skin and lends a bit of an airbrushed effect.
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I don't even need blush sometimes when I'm wearing this bronzer. It makes me look like I just got back from vacation, but it doesn't settle into my fine lines or get patchy. It gives you healthy, sun-kissed skin in seconds, and it's so easy to apply. The brand also launched a new dome-shaped brush—the Hoola Wavemaker Brush—to pair with it, and I really like the way the two work together. If you wanted to use the bronzer to contour, you could also use an angled brush to really hug your cheekbones and hairline, but the Wavemaker buffs everything out nicely for a more diffused bronze.
The bronzing balm comes in five shades: Light, Original, Medium, Medium Deep and Deep. I am using Original right now, and in the winter, I could probably even switch to Light. The formula is also sweat-proof, humidity-proof, smudge-proof, water-resistant and transfer-proof.
How to Use It
Swirl your brush around in the balm and then apply it to the places on your face where the sun would naturally give you color. I do my cheekbones, around my hairline and a dab on my chin, and a little along my jawline to contour. Or, use it all over, or just as a contour.
