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A complexion makeup category is gaining popularityjust dont call itfoundation.

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Photo: Courtesy of Merit

They also come with added skin-care ingredients.

I think through the pandemic people became more aware of their face and appreciated their skin more.

Balms appeal to them because they are so easy and skin-like.

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The benefit to a 38-year-old like myselfthe sleepy, dehydrated mother of an 8-month-oldis sheer simplicity.

And the solid, travel-friendly format makes it perfect for the purse.

You may, like me, find this refreshing.

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Its sort of an upgrade from the sponge compacts in Asiathe ease and convenience.

I asked a few top makeup artists for their notes, too.

Read on to see what we loved.

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