November 5, 2019

Banila Co Dear Hydration Balancing Moisturizer An Ideal Priming Moisturizer

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.
4 stars out of 5

Banila Co Dear Hydration Balancing Moisturizer ($30) has quickly become a staple daily moisturizer for me! I picked this up a few months ago and it recently launched at Ulta as well making it easier to grab a replacement. I was looking for something that would work well in the Summer as I had been experiencing some oiliness around my noses and forehead when the weather warmed up back in June but Banila Co Dear Hydration Balancing Moisturizer has stuck around well after the weather cooled down. It’s one of those great priming moisturizers that works well under my makeup no matter the weather.

I’m a fond fan of Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer. I actually dip a Beauty Blender in it and prime my face with it. If you ever hear me moaning and pissing about how dry my skin is yet being amazed that my skin looks so smooth and my makeup isn’t clinging to drier areas you can thank Bobbi Brown for that.

I wanted to go a smidge lighter though this Summer and although, I love my CosRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion I decided to try something new and I’m glad I did because I really liked this formula. It’s a great priming moisturizer! It leaves my skin very hydrated, plumped, and dewy for my foundation. Since I have drier skin it’s a great pick as foundation goes on easier and wears well over this skin softening formula.

It contains water, glycerin and coconut oil as well as Sodium Hyaluronate. I was a little concerned about the coconut oil as coconut oil can be iffy with me. Sometimes it makes me itchy, other times I’m just fine with it. Thankfully enough it had no effect on me. This does contains some plant oils and floral waters though as well as a fresh but heavy fragrance and that might prove irritating for some users. I had no problems with it.

The formula is a very lightweight lotion which I felt for sure would do nothing in the ways of hydration for me. I was obviously wrong because although light and runny it packs a powerful punch and hydrates my skin very, very well and provides long lasting moisture as well. The formula absorbs easily but does leave me slightly dewy for a few minutes which I didn’t have an issue with because my makeup applies more easily and smoothly thanks to that extra kick of moisture. After it settles down I have smoother skin but no dewiness, no shine, nor oiliness. Just smooth, nicely plumped up skin that looks fresh and bright.

It doesn’t have the very best ingredients in the world that’s for sure but Banila Co Dear Hydration Balancing Moisturizer is a nice little priming moisturizer that’s lightweight and highly moisturizing!

Where to buy

Soko Glam Ulta

Banila Co Dear Hydration Balancing Moisturizer ($30 for 5 oz) is a lightweight, highly moisturizing priming moisturizer that preps skin for makeup and leaves it smooth and well hydrated. This formula is a light, runny lotion that absorbs easily and leaves skin dewy to the touch. It contains water, glycerin, and coconut oil as well as Sodium Hyaluronate. This does have a heavier fragrance as well as few plant extracts and floral waters which may upset certain skin types. It worked great for me as a daily moisturizer providing plenty of moisture and leaving my skin looking fresh and bright!

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance(Parfum), Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Glyceryl Glucoside, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-6, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Mentha Arvensis Extract, Bambusa Arundinacea Juice, Pinus Sylvestris Bud Extract, Yeast Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Pros

  • Light, quick to absorb, provides super moisture.
  • Large size for the price.
  • Wears well under makeup and acts to prime skin for makeup!

Cons

  • Strong fragrance.
  • Contains floral waters and plant extracts that might be tricky for certain skin types.

Who

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Alison

    Where do you apply this in your skincare routine in relation to sunscreen? Does it still help prime if it isn’t your last step?

    • Isabella Muse

      I use Biore as my main sunscreen before my moisturizer! it’s gel-based and absorbs really quick. I follow up with this moisturizer so def still helps prep and prime for me!

  • Elaine

    Hello,
    Have you tried Dr. Jart+ priming moisturizer yet? I bought the new xmas kit from sephora Rouge sale and a small sample came in it. So far liking it a lot. I also have Bobby Brown prime/moisturizer. I also bought the new Dr. Jart+ SPF 44 tiger serum, enjoying it. I have to own Dr. Jart+ moisturizer for my redness and my dry skin. Any thought on how I should wear which one first? I use the serum last because I am using it as my make up too. Thanks

    • Isabella Muse

      I have but no good for me. Too drying! Doesn’t provide enough moisture for me. You probably should reverse that order. Serum first, moisturizer second. Typically it’s from thinner to thicker when applying skincare.