The Jones Road Miracle Balm Gave Me a Healthy Summer Glow

We put the Jones Road Miracle Balm to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review. 

I admit that you can add the word "balm" to a product and I’ll immediately want it. Cleansing balm? My favorite. Body balm? Add it to my cart. Call something a miracle balm? I need to try it.

Jones Road Miracle Balm is technically a makeup product, but it walks the line between cosmetics and skincare. It has so many uses, it led me to question: What, exactly, is the point of this product?

The multipurpose balm can be used anywhere and everywhere, but you’ll most likely enjoy using it as I have—on my cheeks as a glow booster and to add pigment to my cheeks and across my lids. There are four shades to choose from, and I chose Bronze, a gold-flecked shade, and Au Naturel, a clear balm, to share what makes this product special.

Ahead are my honest thoughts of the Jones Road Miracle Balm.

About My Skin: Looking for that “glow”

I’m cautious around highlighters and anything that will make me seem shiny, both because it can highlight the scarring on my skin and make me appear oily as I did in my teenage years. That doesn’t mean I don’t covet a “glow”, so I love a properly placed highlight—especially one that looks like it’s my skin and not just another shimmery product.

And speaking of products, lately, I’ve been using less on my skin. As old breakouts and scarring clear up and since my routine involves a lot less going out these days, I’m looking for a simple routine that doesn’t make me look like I layered on makeup. 

The Feel: Thick & emollient

Miracle Balm is super thick—think coconut oil on a cold day. However, once warmed up between fingers it melts into the skin. It never feels like oil and keeps its thick consistency even once it's worked in.

For the product’s first use, it’s necessary to “break the seal,” as Jones Road explains. This just means using your index finger to break through the top of the balm. After that, it’s ready to use. 

The Ingredients: Moisturizing

The balm's texture feels moisturizing and protective on the skin. To thank for this is the jojoba seed oil and argan oil in the formula. Miracle Balm might be good for days when your skin is feeling dry or when you want to protect skin from cold, windy air. 

The Results: A natural glow

I love having the versatility of a clear glaze and one I can use as a bronzer for a sun-kissed look.

I tapped Bronze across my cheeks and nose, and it was like my skin had suddenly taken on its own glowy flush, rather than emanating from a product. It sheers out nicely, leaving behind a soft glow. 

While Au Naturel looks like a warm pink in the jar, once on the skin the color doesn’t show up, making it a great pick for all skin tones. I like using this one for just a subtle highlight over my cheekbones, nose, and lids. You can use the product over your entire face, but I personally don’t think I would ever wear it this way due to how thick it can feel. The other two colors are Tawny, a deep red-toned hue, and Dusty Rose, a warm pink, both of which can be used as blush or really anywhere you want to add some color.

There are a couple of negatives. It feels slightly tacky on the skin, but only when I reached up and touched my face—it didn’t make my skin feel heavy or anything. Another thing I’ve noticed is that while the product smells fresh and herbal in the pot (thanks to a combination of oils like ginger and citrus) when I begin rubbing it into my skin it seems to turn. It’s hard for me to describe it, but it’s a subtly unpleasant scent. I didn't notice it after several minutes, but it makes it a little less enjoyable to use. I’m not sure if it’s something to do with my skin chemistry or maybe the other products I use on my skin, but I wanted to mention it just in case it happens to you.

The Value: A splurge

At $38, this isn’t the most affordable product. But I think there is something special about the Miracle Balm and the way it gives off a no-makeup makeup look. That makes it worth it if you have room in your budget to treat yourself. It’s unique, too—there aren’t many products exactly like this one if you’re looking for a more reasonable dupe.

Competition: Hard to match

Danessa Myricks Beauty Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm ($22): This product offers a similar balmy highlight to Miracle Balm but with shimmer. It’s available in three colors, and while it's less expensive you’ll also get way less product.

Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush ($20): While it’s not quite as balmy as Miracle Balm, this multipurpose cream also doubles as lip or cheek color. It’s shimmer-free, but the creamy texture keeps it looking glowy on the skin.