COMPLEXION RESCUE: Discover the Magic Behind the Minerals

When there’s a product we’re really excited about, it’s usually because our community tells us how good it makes them feel. Well, 1,500 5-star reviews later, that’s definitely the case for COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. Monika, 41, was a fan, even before she was pulled aside by a coworker who wanted to know what kind of foundation she used, since her skin “looks like it’s been airbrushed and was beautiful.” Janet, in her mid-20s, couldn’t handle how foundations ended up super cakey-looking on her oily skin. She was afraid of trying this tinted moisturizer (Why, Janet? There are 1,500 5-star reviews!), but she did try it! And she proceeded to declare this the “BEST foundation!” based on her experience. (Thanks, Janet!) Another clean beauty fan describes her skin as “VERY sensitive … the wind could blow and I will have a breakout” and is “absolutely in love.” Intrigued? We thought you might be, so we’re answering some basic (and deep dive) questions about this hybrid foundation-skincare superhero. 

So, what is COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30?

OK, we know that name is a bit of a mouthful. We usually just call it COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer, to be honest, but let’s break down all the elements of its official title.

• Tinted: This is not a full-coverage foundation — it just provides a sheer tint to skin. That said, “airbrushed” comes up a lot when people talk about it. Why? Well, we combined amino acid-coated pigments, silica (a mineral) and highly refractive, naturally derived emollients (things that hydrate and soften skin) to create this really seamless, dewy coverage that makes your face look even and amazing.

• Hydrating: This is our favorite part (are we allowed to say that?). The water-based formula actually increases skin’s hydration by 215% in just 1 week.* That’s why we call this a true hybrid between makeup and skincare.

• Gel Cream: The texture of this product is really unique. It features a breakthrough clean water gellant technology that can hold high amounts of water. The result is a feel somewhere between a gel and a cream, and a super refreshing waterburst sensation when you apply it to your skin.

• SPF 30: Broad Spectrum SPF is an integral part of this formula. We use clean, mineral-based sunscreen in our products, as it provides physical protection from the sun and is environmentally friendly.

Oh, and “COMPLEXION RESCUE?” Well, it helps save your skin from sun damage and aging, it makes even dry skin look hydrated and dewy and beautiful… what else were we supposed to call it?

How did bareMinerals develop this product in the first place?

Once upon a time, you needed a moisturizer, a sunscreen and a foundation to get all these benefits. And while hybrid products became more popular as people’s lives got busier and busier, when we introduced COMPLEXION RESCUE, it was way ahead of its time. Our product philosophy is to create clean formulas without sacrificing performance, and during development, we wanted to create a moisturizer that had a bit of coverage. And that’s exactly what this is. While BB creams and CC creams rose and faded away, this do-everything tinted moisturizer has withstood the test of time.

OK, so what’s inside?

98% naturally derived ingredients. To be more specific, vegan olive-derived squalane, globe leaf daisy, sweet clove, glycerin and mineral electrolytes. Our favorite? That olive-derived squalane, which nourishes skin and helps protect against moisture loss.

Aren’t electrolytes in Gatorade? What can electrolytes do for my skin?

You’re right, and in the same way that water alone doesn’t effectively rehydrate an Olympian’s body after an intense workout, we discovered that mineral electrolytes can really help with skin hydration. COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer contains calcium and magnesium to help replenish skin, and potassium to help promote skin’s moisture balance.

Alright, and what makes mineral-based sunscreen better for the environment?

Studies have shown that chemical sunscreens may be linked to the bleaching of our coral reefs. Some localities have banned the sale of chemical sunscreens for this reason, and recommend mineral-based sunscreens instead.

What makes this different form other tinted moisturizers?

It’s all about the water-based formula, but words alone can’t explain the magic. Have 70 more seconds to spare? Click the image below to see for yourself: 

Is COMPLEXION RESCUE clean?

Yes! It’s vegan, cruelty-free and free of everything on our CLEAN WITHOUT COMPROMISE List. It’s also free of gluten, synthetic fragrance, talc and unnecessary additives.

Is there a shade that will work for me?

We offer 20 flexible shades of COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer to cover all skin tones. Since the coverage is sheer, each shade works on a range of skin tones, making it more flexible than a full-coverage foundation. (It takes 30 shades to cover the same range of tones in our full-coverage BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation formula.) If you need help deciding, start with our Foundation Shade Finder.

If this is so good, why haven’t I heard of it before?

Well that’s a mystery to us, too. COMPLEXION RESCUE is the #1 tinted moisturizer in the U.S.** and it has won numerous awards, including Allure’s Best of Beauty AND Reader’s Choice. Maybe it’s worth devoting a bit more time to reading about clean beauty?

*Source: The NPD Group, Inc. / U.S. Prestige Beauty Total Department/Specialty, Makeup Sales, 12 months ending January 2020.

*Based on average results from an independent U.S. clinical study of 62 participants.

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