Jones Road Miracle Balm Review

Well, I’m confused. It’s described by the brand as a ‘a wash of soft-focus moisture to perfect and enhance skin’ but while it is light reflective, it’s got a smell that reminds me a bit of something ‘off’ and feels tacky on the skin. I don’t get it.

Jones Road Miracle Balms

I would not want to wear this in heat – I’m likening it to the feel of Vaseline in the way that it just sits on the skin, although the top ingredient is castor oil (followed by bees wax) and if anything it’s more of a skin gloss than moisture.

Jones Road Miracle Balms

The two shades I have here are Disco (gold lights) and Magic Hour (iridescent lights) and they’re infused with the tiniest shimmers. The bizarre thing about these ‘shades’ are that they have no particular colour on the skin. I swatched side by side and could barely tell the difference.

Similar to this

Jones Road Miracle Balms

What I can say on the positive is that if you love a dewy look to your skin you will definitely get that and while those twinkles are by no means obvious (no glitter face), they do indeed catch the light and give you skin radiance. So, you can use it as a no make-up skin enhancer or as a dot of gleam on specific points but personally, I would struggle with the texture. I’m wearing it now and want to wash it off. I can see Jones Road Miracle Balm working for make-up artists who are creating editorials or catwalk looks but to me, it just doesn’t wear comfortably.

Jones Road Miracle Balms

This picture gives you an idea of the Magic Hour effect (but please imagine it as wash on the skin, not as you see it in the pot).

Jones Road Miracle Balms

The same applies for Disco. I’d use this as a body product much more happily – like the old style ‘decollete’ enhancers or for shoulders and shins – than as a face product.

Jones Road Miracle Balms

I’m wearing Magic Hour on one side of my face (pointing!) and not on the other and it’s on bare skin – no moisturiser or base and you can see a gleam so in that respect it’s working but I saw no promised blur. But, if I put Vaseline on my skin it would also gleam. We just have to decide if this is a good gleam or not. I’m on the fence because it’s not just about my opinion but personally I can’t see I would ever use this again. It gets good reviews, the beauty press love it but it’s firmly not for me and especially not when you think we are looking at £33.18 worth of product (for castor oil!). There are so many good things about Jones Road but unfortunately I don’t think this shows you the best of it. You can find it HERE.

Discover more from British Beauty Blogger

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted

in

by

Jane Cunningham

Tags:

Have your say

59 responses to “Jones Road Miracle Balm Review”

  1. Sophie Bird

    Jane, I’m a long time reader and I really appreciate your honesty. To me it has always looked like a pot of overpriced tinted Vaseline, but I do get sucked in when so many people rave about it online. It’s refreshing to hear a sensible honest review. The wax seal on it seems gimmicky too.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Thank you Sophie – I’ve felt really enthusiastic about Jones Road but I just don’t get this particular product. They were given to me by a friend who had tried them so I never saw the wax seal, not that it would have made any difference :-))))

      Reply
    2. Lady Flora Calliope

      There have been similar products out there for years. Honestly, the photos remind me of older women who’ve been drinking Scotch and listening to Phil Collins. That kind of reminiscent glow. I don’t drink, but it honestly looks like alcohol glow to me. I guess that makes you sexy. I suppose this is supposed to help you get your groove back on. Is it by happenstance that it coincides with a drop in retirement fund value? Maybe you can get that ex to fix that roof and save.

      Reply
      1. Jane Cunningham

        haha that’s hilarious!

        Reply
      2. Gail

        Stop the senior bashing. If you don’t like something say so. No need for ageism.

        Reply
  2. Arpita

    Thank you, Jane, for being one of the few honest cosmetics reviewers! I trust your opinions because you are always plainspoken, fair, and balanced, as well as transparent about whether you receive sponsorships or gifts.

    I admit that I have a bias against this brand ever since the founder tagged many of her products on the ‘gram as #hownottolooklikeshit. I think of makeup as a fun, expressive, optional part of my look, and I do not appreciate being shamed by someone who made her fortune off the insecurities of women.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      You’re so welcome – and thank you for your kind words Arpita x

      Reply
    2. Sophie Bird

      I remember that tag. It was revolting and not something that would encourage me to buy. I enjoy wearing makeup, but I don’t consider that I look like **** without it

      Reply
  3. Dawn

    My understanding was that you had to ‘break the seal’ by basically gouging your finger down into the product to get it to work as Bobbi shows on her videos. Is this not the case? Did you do the break the seal thing and not photo it?

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      So the ‘seal breaking’ is literally shoving your finger into the pot – these were given to me by a friend so had already been ‘swept’ across – my finger has been to the bottom of the pot (or nearly) but even then although it looks darker you’re not really getting any colour once you’ve blended.

      Reply
      1. Nicci

        Trust me you need to break the seal. I just sat and thought as you did that it was essentially Vaseline that smells crap but as soon as you dig you hit the pigment and it’s great.

        Reply
        1. Jane Cunningham

          I’m going to have to try again!

          Reply
  4. Georgina

    I’m so appreciative of this review; I bought myself a tub, of this “miracle balm”. I followed the directions (broke the seal etc), but hated the sticky feel on my skin. Yes, it looked nice, but I could feel it had blocked my pores and my skin couldn’t breathe. Most annoyingly, my hair kept on getting stuck to it.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Yes, I couldn’t get past the sticky – I think we have such intelligent formulas that nothing should feel sticky to that degree any more.

      Reply
      1. Christina

        I tried a sample of it and i nearly threw up the smell was so bad , it was like gunk , horrid

        Reply
        1. Jane Cunningham

          Oh dear!

          Reply
  5. Jessica M

    I totally agree-I bought two of these and really wanted to love them but couldn’t for the reasons you mentioned. Additionally, I don’t see how these don’t break down your sunscreen during the day. I asked the brand, and they assured me it doesn’t, but oil is how I remove my sunscreen so…nope, I’m pretty sure they haven’t actually tested this with sunscreen. I will say I could wear this in a dark restaurant at night with my husband, but only because I shelled out the money for it, and that will probably only happen once or twice if I’m being honest.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      I also didn’t like the way it felt on the downy hairs on my face – I don’t have much but if you rub it up them it gives you shivers!

      Reply
      1. Sianne

        I have two of the miracle balms and the WTF. I really wanted to love them since I am a longtime Bobbi Brown user. However, I have allergies and just can’t get past the strong smell of these products. I love the tinted lip products and the lip and cheek sticks. They are not highly scented.

        Reply
        1. Jane Cunningham

          So much about the balms I can’t get along with – they’re just not for me and yet others love them 🙂

          Reply
  6. Jane

    Some of the blush colors in this formula are quite pretty but I don’t do essential oils on my skin. She just launched a powder blush and I love the lip and cheek stick of hers, so I don’t see a reason for this product in my collection.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      yes, I can’t really find a place for it although I have similar ‘gleam’ products – a Chanel glossing stick eg.

      Reply
  7. Leonie

    I’ve got a few of these now, and had the same opinion as you initially.

    I definitely agree that they’re not as pigmented as you’d think – they don’t work as a blush on me at all, because I’d have to use so much I’d become a sticky mess. Having said that, I have actually really come to like them, and now own four.

    I have Tawny, Bronze, Golden Hour and Au Natural. I started getting on with and loving the product when I started using much, much less. Almost none. Theres’ no discernible colour payoff in the way you’d get from a cream blush, but they do… tint, I guess. The bronze makes me look a bit more yellow-toned which counteracts the ruddiness in my skin. Tawny works on cheeks as a “I’m not wearing any blush but I sort of look healthier than before anyway”. Most of them are also beautiful on lips (Tawny and Golden Hour are my current favourites for that purpose), though I appreciate that would make it the largest lip balm known to man. I’ve decanted some of the colours into small – oh irony – Bobbi Brown sample pots to carry around for lip balm purposes.

    For me, the real win is that they just make me look… refreshed. I don’t know how, because I can’t pinpoint any major changes, but on no makeup days I just feel like I look better when I whack on a very light layer all over.

    I wish they made them with more pigment, because I think the concept is so lovely, and I love the little sparkles and the shades the way they look in the pot. The Flushed one is apparently more pigmented, but bright pink on the cheeks is not my colour (see aforementioned ruddiness), so I haven’t tried it.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Thank you so much for the detail – it’s really useful x

      Reply
  8. Hils

    I was taken in by the hype and bought a set of small pots in a few colours and I really don’t like them. The formula is too sticky and they highlight the old acne scar bumps on my face – I don’t have too many and can usually cover them but miracle balm makes them stand out nice and shiny.
    It also feels heavy and sticky. It many be nice on freezing cold no-make up days.

    Incidentally, the too shiny problem I also have with Trinny’s BFF. Again, I want to love it and love the idea but it also makes lumps and bumps stand out.

    I don’t like too matte coverage but these 2 sadly don’t fulfill their promises.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Yes, it’s really not a product for me – but each to their own!! I have steered clear entirely of Trinny so far but it’s interesting to hear your view because it’s the one product I’ve felt tempted by.

      Reply
  9. Ann

    I have Miracle Hour and it really works for me as a no make up make up. It does have just enough pigment to rid me of my redness. Yes I have to work with it. I put on just enough to feel a light stickiness, then blot with a tissue followed by a light brushing of pressed powder. Love it!

    Reply
  10. Chris

    I have been considering buying miracle balm for some time but I have been put off by the price. Also, it’s suggested one is not enough, 2 or 3 to get the job done, along with 2 or 3 “concealers ” in 2 or 3 different shades. Thank you for your honest review.

    I will stick to my beauty pie tinted moisturiser and cream blusher and my mac concealer.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      so welcome!

      Reply
  11. PollyCaney

    Thanks Jane, I’ve managed to get a sample on eBay as it sounds so wonderful, however I did imagine my hair stuck to my face as I’m a make up novice! I’m of an age (66) where I’m looking for a dewy glow to freshen my look is there anything out there you could recommend.
    Thank you

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Hi there – do you mean glow from a base or glow from skin care? If you mean base, I’m a big fan of tinted moisturiser or bases that are lightly pigmented because they allow for more light bounce. Try True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum and see how you get along with that before upgrading to something like Dior Forever Skin Glow. I think you might like Elf Halo Glow Liquid Highlighter which you can add to any base you already have and get a bit more glow that way or just dot it (sparingly) on the cheeks and polish in as you would a blush.

      Reply
  12. Bridget Tidey

    I really liked the look of the miracle balm and ordered au natural as there is a limited colour choice in the UK. I am totally disappointed and feel I have wasted nearly £40 with delivery cost. The texture is so sticky and I could hardly see a glow- my Bobbi brown cream blusher gives a far better glow.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      I just didn’t get it – it’s wasn’t for me either and clearly a very ‘marmite’ product. Sorry that you’ve so disappointed – I’ve tried to think of alternative ways to use it so it’s not a complete loss but its such a unique texture it’s hard to know. You could try adding some pigment to it and using as a glossy, translucent blush so at least it’s not that feel all over your face. If you have powder blush, use a brush to pick up plenty of it and mix in the palm of your hand with the Miracle Balm and see how it looks on just the cheek.

      Reply
  13. Mary

    Just like your last contributor, I was sold on the no-make up look, being 64 and now living the country life full time. Eagerly I applied it over my make up layer and now, I can’t wait to take it all off. It is way too sticky and I can feel my skin gasping for breath as it is all clogged up with oil.!

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Yes, I really didn’t like the feel of it either – or the look – or the price – or anything at all tbh!!

      Reply
  14. Cathy

    You have to break the seal for a color payoff. Golden Hour is wonderful as an all over color. I own 4 Miracle Balms and love them!! They don’t break me out. The key is to break the seal and not use too much

    Reply
  15. Michaela Toms

    So initially I hated this product as it does nothing really for the complexion apart from make it sticky and smell unpleasant, oh and then I woke up after using it looking like a spotty teenager despite washing and cleansing!
    However if I put Boots Witch hazel gel on first, then use the Miracle Balm in Au Natural followed by either Benefit Porefessional or Clarins BB Tinted moisturiser, I have to confess it’s a GAME changer! Never had so many lovely compliments about my skin (I’m 42) and putting another product over it helps get rid of that stickiness. Didn’t think I’d get to like it especially after bringing me out in teenage spots but the Witch hazel gel helps stop this and then a product over the top seems to do the trick and then just apply a light dusting of bronzer or blush and Tadah! Give it a go ladies it might just change your view on this very odd product……

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      funnily enough I have been thinking to give it another go….

      Reply
  16. Denise

    Hi there,
    Thanks for such an honest review – will spend my money on something else!
    Would you be able to recommend something similar but less smelly and greasy please?
    Thanks, Denise.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      There isn’t really a ‘like’ product in my opinion. People speak very highly of Erborian Skin Hero which you could blend with a liquid highlight (tiny, tiny bit).

      Reply
      1. Elizabeth Almond

        I unfortunately bought bought Au Naturale…no color at all, just a smell and a shine. Ridiculous and costly!

        Reply
        1. Jane Cunningham

          I just don’t get it at all.

          Reply
  17. Rita

    I was just about to order. I am so gladvI read all of the above. I could not handle sticky and as someone who had acne as a teenager I don’t want something to accent my scars. I will just add a drop ofvargan oil if I am feeling like my skin is dry. Thanks so much everyone I am sure this product has a place for some.

    Reply
  18. Jan Bullock

    I absolutely love this product and have it in two colours. It feels lovely and light on my skin and looks great wherever place it. The pots are big and will last ages so I totally disagree with your review.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Thanks for your comment – it’s a love it or loathe it product, that’s for sure 🙂

      Reply
  19. Joanna D Benn

    also fell for it and bought a tub – just feels oily and doesnt cover anything up -will try gouging a bit out but feels like a total con!

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      I had another go because so many people urged me to try again. I spend a lot of time buffing the product into my skin and I could see that there is something of a blur effect but I just hated the feel of it on my skin. It felt oily forever.

      Reply
  20. Debbie

    Just want to chime in with my experience. I did not like this product. It smells bad and feels tacky and gloopy. I did not understand how to even wear it. Do I wear over my foundation? Under my foundation? I ended up contacting the company to tell them I wanted to return. I had bought 3 so had spent a lot. They immediately returned my money and told me just to keep the product. I gave them to my daughter in law because she doesn’t wear foundation and I thought she might have more luck with it. She likes it more than I did.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      It’s definitely a Marmite product Debbie – it’s not for me, that’s for sure but some people love it so hope you DIL gets on well with it.

      Reply
  21. Holly

    I so wanted to like this. First of all, the color is nothing like it looks on the website. I understand that different screens will show a slightly different color, and that’s fine. But it’s very different.

    Secondly, the fragrance (if you can call it that) is strongly reminiscent of Vicks VapoRub, which was an odd choice for a beauty product. The texture of the product and how it feels on the skin are also very much like Vicks.

    This means that I’m left with shiny skin with an odd coating on it that doesn’t even have much color to it – and I smell like I have a chest cold and have slathered Vicks VapoRub all over myself. I’m fascinated by the people here in the comments that say they love this product. It definitely sounds like it’s Marmite for the face.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      exactly this – for everyone who doesn’t get along with it, there are those that do!

      Reply
  22. Pamela

    I was excited to try it. I am 73 but my face is still oily…it really is a lovely color but the Vaseline feel is gross. I will try dusting powder over it.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Yes, people are truly Marmite about this product – I couldn’t get along with the feel but think that perhaps one becomes used to it? I’m not sure dusting powder over it will help – I think perhaps use a brush to really work it around your skin until the oily feel dissipates.

      Reply
  23. Lesley Somerville

    I was about to buy the starter kit at nearly 80 quid! Glad I’ve read this first. Just not willing to take the risk although you can of course get your money back, but too much hassle. At nearly 68 there’s a limit to what I can achieve anyway – although eyebrows are THE gamechanger lol. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Good brows are everything!

      Reply
  24. Sarah

    I love miracle balm and also what the foundation. I guess it’s what you get used to. I love the fact that the foundation doesn’t dry my skin and gives a really natural look, just evening out. I use sun-kissed miracle balm and love this colour on my medium skin. My absolute top priority for any products I use are they must not test on animals. Still so many high end companies doing this and it disgusts me. It’s so unecessary, not to mention cruel. All in the name of vanity.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      I know, it’s such a marmite product – you either love it or you hate it 🙂

      Reply
  25. Laurie B.

    I wanted to leave a comment because your information doesn’t state, but you have to break the “barrier” of the product, in other words, not swirl around the surface of the product as your picture indicates, but dig your finger into the product. The product is meant to be patted on, not rubbed on like you would a cream blush. So essentially you are layering the color on to make it as deep or as transparent as you need it. The product is also rich with humectants that draw moisture to the skin as opposed to drying the skin out or leaving it feel cakey. Honestly, one of the best makeup products I’ve ever used. It doesn’t end up in fine lines, and leaves my skin feeling amazing after wearing it. And it definitely gives your skin a dewey youthful glow.

    Reply
    1. Jane Cunningham

      Thanks for this – I did break the barrier – it’s really a product people either love or loathe 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from British Beauty Blogger

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading