Multi-balms combine convenience with effectiveness, all in one easy-to-use product. Another day, another popular K-beauty innovation for great skin. This time, we are not talking about microneedling serums or snail mucin. Instead, HuffPost readers are buying multi-balms in droves, and if you do not know about this ultra-easy hydration hack, you are missing out.
A multi-balm is a thick, solid balm that is usually — but not always — packaged in a no-mess stick format and contains multiple skin-nourishing ingredients. It is multi-use, meaning you can apply it anywhere on the face, as well as the neck and often even hands or other places that need a little love, and multi-purpose, as most of them contain ingredients to address multiple skin concerns, from dryness to barrier repair, fine lines and more.
The genius behind multi-balms is that they are so easy to use whenever, wherever; the solid stick format is particularly convenient for travel, too. Plus, they might negate the need for other skin care products that take up more time and space. As a lazy beauty fan myself, I cannot deny I have been very intrigued by the rise of these easy-breezy balms.
Below, you will find a selection of some popular multi-balms you can try out for yourself, whether you are looking for hydrating, smoothing, firming or other benefits. Not all of these are from K-beauty brands, but they all fall under the multi-balm umbrella, and one of them might be just what your skin was waiting for.
1. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Stick
The bestselling balm that made one writer a believer. Kahi's Wrinkle Bounce stick is possibly the best known and bestselling multi-balm sold at Amazon, and has even earned one HuffPost writer's stamp of approval. Contributor Tatayana Yomary raved about her experience using the balm stick, which uses jeju oil, collagen and salmon DNA to deliver that Botox in a stick effect, as reviewers call it. I have noticed that the minor fine lines I saw coming in around my eyes have diminished, but beyond that, it has given my skin an overall gorgeous glow, Yomary wrote. I also appreciate that the balm's compact size makes it easy to carry around, especially on cold days when skin dryness is basically inevitable for me. Plus, the balm plays well with my other skin care products, leaving my eyes feeling light and rejuvenated. Available for $23 at Amazon.
2. Dr. Melaxin Calcium Multi-Balm Stick
A calcium multi-balm that is like a time machine for my face. In a previous story, HuffPost shopping writer Griffin Wynne reported that topical calcium can strengthen the skin barrier and increase cell turnover, making it a useful ingredient for anti-aging skin care. That is where this Dr. Melaxin calcium multi-balm stick comes in. This non-sticky balm contains calcium, vitamin D, collagen, elastin and adenosine to smooth, hydrate and firm the skin, plus reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The stick packaging makes it so easy to apply this balm wherever needed on the face and neck without making a mess. Best of all, reviewers in their 50s and 60s love it for its help with turkey neck and fine lines. Available for $19+ at Amazon.
3. d'Alba Piedmont Stick Balm
A 3-in-1 multi-balm stick with vitamin C, ceramides and a patented white truffle ingredient. This d'Alba Piedmont stick balm is designed to treat dark spots with vitamin C, hydrate the skin with ceramides, boost elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with trufferol, their patented antioxidant-rich ingredient that combines white truffle extract and vitamin E. The stick is lightweight and has a light citrus scent. One promising review states: I am pretty sure this balm has done more for my under eyes in 4 days than any other product I have used over the last 3 years. I am 44 and have pretty dry skin. I feel like my fine lines have drastically reduced. I have been so self conscious about it and am relieved to have something that actually works. I mainly use this under my eyes. It does have a bit of a greasy feel, but after it is on for a while it goes away. It does have a scent, but it is light and I do not notice it after putting it on. I am very sensitive to scents so the scent not lasting long is a big deal for me. I hope this never goes away or changes because I will buy this over and over again. I rarely rate things 5 stars, but this deserves it. Available for $22 at Amazon.
4. Kimuse Hydrating Multi-Balm Stick
This hydrating multi-balm stick that can promote collagen synthesis. Kimuse's hydrating multi-balm stick looks pretty darn similar to Kahi's Wrinkle Bounce, but the ingredients and benefits are slightly different. This one does not contain PDRN like the Kahi balm, but does have hydrating shea butter and jojoba seed oil, both of which may help promote collagen synthesis, thereby enhancing elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Glide the balm onto your forehead, lips, neck, under-eyes and more for simple, nourishing hydration. It is formulated to work with all skin types. One promising review says: If you have dry skin, or just want to glow, buy this. I am 69 years old with dry skin. When I see young women on tv with that nice, moist looking skin, I wish that my skin was not so dry. This product is amazing. It does not settle into my wrinkles making them more noticeable. It just gives me that moist glow that I have desired for years. Even strangers have commented on how good I look. I have not been putting it on my entire face. I place it where you put blush and a little in the center of my forehead. It actually makes my cheeks a little pink even though it is not a blush. It seems to bring out my natural cheek color. You must try this product. You will not be disappointed. Available for $11 at Amazon.
5. VT Cosmetics Multi-Balm Stick
An all-in-one vegan PDRN essence stick balm. Swipe this VT Cosmetics multi-balm all over for a variety of benefits, like plumping, elasticity, a glass skin effect and even as a base for under makeup. The stick's wider, flatter shape makes it great for covering more surface area — like on your neck, where it can hydrate and help firm the skin, for example. The stick is packed with buzzy ingredients like vegan PDRN (Korean wild ginseng), ceramides and collagen, and is more like an essence than a regular moisturizer. One promising review states: Lifesaver for parched skin, I looked like the crypt keeper from lack of sleep and dehydration. I applied this and it was magical, everything plumped up, eye bags lessened, fine lines gone. Available for $16 at Amazon.
6. Tatcha Serum Stick
A serum stick treatment balm from a beloved skin care brand. Of course Tatcha had to throw their hat in the multi-balm ring. Known for their holy grail moisturizing products, the J-beauty-inspired brand offers a brightening, smoothing Serum Stick for touch-ups or all-over dewy moisture. The stick contains 80% biomimetic squalane, like a concentrated serum, and also delivers sunflower seed wax and Japanese rice bran to the skin. You can apply the balm on dry spots or fine lines under or over makeup, and it can lock in hydration and help smooth skin while delivering a natural glow. One promising review says: Wow, very impressed with this product. I heard about it from my hair stylist. I am 46 with combination skin, and am having issues with fine lines especially crows feet. I have been trying new techniques and makeups for my age and skin but unfortunately I am still struggling with eye creams til now. I am so glad I tried this product because this is my new under eye moisturizer with my makeup routine. I am very pleased how it softens the fine lines and compliments to my makeup. Available for $49 at Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora.
7. Dr. Melaxin Cooling Multi-Balm Stick
Another Dr. Melaxin option, this time for cooling and tightening pores. Particularly useful for summer skin is this other Dr. Melaxin multi-balm stick, which focuses on cooling and de-puffing skin, as well as minimizing pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines for an overall smoother look. Standout ingredients like cactus extract, adenosine and caffeine work together to cool and calm puffy skin, as well as improve collagen production and elasticity. One reviewer's tip is to store the stick in the fridge for an even more satisfying cooling experience. One promising review states: This stuff is amazing! I am not playing when I tell you it works great. I noticed after using this product my fine lines look smooth. I am thinking it must be constricting the pores so it is constricting the skin making my fine lines look completely smooth. Love this product. 10 out of 10! Will definitely buy again! Available for $20 at Amazon (regularly $23).
8. Miguhara Rose Collagen Multi-Balm
A Korean rose collagen multi-balm that is luxury in a stick. This Miguhara rose collagen glow multi-balm stick hydrates and boosts collagen. As the name implies, it has a light rose scent and provides a subtle, natural glow. The included collagen can help with elasticity and smoothing fine lines, while the antioxidants from a 10-berry complex help with prevention. You can use the luxury in a stick on your face, neck and hands; it is also suitable for sensitive skin, according to the brand. One promising review says: It gives my skin such a beautiful, natural glow that looks fresh and hydrated. The balm is easy to apply, and I appreciate how it leaves my skin feeling soft without being greasy. It is perfect for a quick touch-up during the day, and the hydration lasts for hours. Available for $17 at Amazon.
9. Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick
Cocokind's matcha-forward moisture stick for under-eyes, lips and dry spots. This Cocokind Mymatcha all-over moisture stick is about twice the size of a typical lip balm stick, according to reviews, and is not just for lips, either. In addition to moisturizing with organic coconut oil, which is rich in vitamin E, the balm also contains matcha. This is useful for dark circles and puffiness, as matcha is rich in antioxidants and contains caffeine. Reviewers even mention using it to tame flyaways in their hair or on their brows, making it truly versatile. One promising review states: I will forever and always swear by this product. I have had issues with different moisturizers and lip balms since 2014, when the EOS eggs were a hit. I have some sort of stress related eczema that flares up and no matter what I use, my skin rejects it, except for this item. It has been my oasis for years whenever I have a flare up. I always have one of these with me. The best part is that you can use it on your face, hands or wherever. I also love that it is actually nourishing. I feel like any other cream or lotion I use is just wet while this nourishes and helps my skin be healthy. Available for $10 at Amazon.
10. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Skin Barrier Repair Balm
A stick version of Kiehl's beloved Ultra Facial line. You may be familiar with Kiehl's Ultra Facial collection, whether it is the cult-favorite Ultra Facial Cream or the thinner Ultra Facial Moisturizer. But you may not have known that the line also includes an Ultra Facial Skin Barrier Repair Balm, which comes in a stick format not unlike the other multi-balms on this list. The formula, designed to go over and under makeup, contains squalane, ceramides and glacial glycoprotein, all of which help to hydrate as well as restore the skin barrier. If you are already a fan of Kiehl's other Ultra Facial products, this could be an easy way to take similar benefits on the go with you. One promising review says: I love this! I purchased for travel to avoid bringing my regular moisturizer - I try to fly without any liquids. This goes on so smooth and made my skin radiant. It improved my under eye skin just as much as, if not more than, my everyday Elta eye cream. It was protective on a hiking day - when I expected to have windburn I did not! It is super lightweight and compact. I used it twice daily for a week and still have plenty left. I have had to stop myself from using it at home… do not want to waste my expensive travel items… but it is tempting! Available for $32 at Amazon, Nordstrom, and Kiehl's.
11. Pixi On The Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick
A drugstore option for skin and hair. Pixi's On The Glow multi-use moisture stick uses vitamin D2, ginseng and glycolic acid to not only hydrate, but also balance and revitalize the skin with a subtle glow. The balm is colorless, so do not get it confused with the brand's On The Glow tinted blush sticks, and has that wide, flat shape that makes it easy to swipe all over your face and neck. Like others on this list, you can even use it on flyaways to tame your hair. Available for $18 at Ulta.
12. Bonjout Beauty Le Balm
A splurgey bestselling solid serum from a French skin care brand. Le Balm, the aptly-named offering from French brand Bonjout Beauty, is by far the priciest option on this list, but hear us out. While it is a splurge — and it does not come in stick form — this solid serum is still exceptionally nourishing, using peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, amino acids and essential fatty acids to soothe, smooth and hydrate skin all over. The balm is made with a whopping 68 actives that help it be three times more concentrated than a liquid serum, delivering powerful results that make it worth the money, if you ask reviewers. One promising review states: After three weeks of consistent use, my skin is smoother, hydrated, and more even. I am 32 years old and was tired of break outs, dryness, and general roughness. My skin should be at its prime! Le Balm has been just what I was looking for. Available for $130 at Credo Beauty.
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
