Review: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pink Transformer
Written By Jenny Wu on
When I first saw this product at Watson’s in Taiwan, I honestly had no idea what it was? Primer? Highlighter? Who cares, it’s pink, it has good SPF coverage, and it claims to give you baby-like skin. Sounds good to me!
The Claim
Pink formula contains a unique blend of pearls to make skin instantly brighter, fairer and more pink. Skin stays glowing and hydrated all day., UV protection with SPF35 / PA+++.
Findings
Yes the product claim is vague, but that just makes this baby all the more versatile. There are several ways you can use this:
- Alone after your day moisturizer.
This will brighten your skin a bit and give it a nice subtle glow. You can even replace your regular SPF with this, since it has great UVA and UVB coverage. Don’t expect this to hide any scars, acne, or spots though. - As a highligher.
This is great if you’re looking for something more natural and with no shimmer. I personally never use it this way though because I find the effects too subtle. What can I say, I’m a drama queen when it comes to highlighting. - Mixed with your bb cream/foundation.
This is my preferred method of application, as it makes the foundation easier to apply and gives it a dewey finish. I also find that my foundations crease a lot less and feels more hydrating when used with the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pink Transformer. The foundation coverage level does decrease, depending on the ratio of the products.
For me this product hits the perfect balance of faking brighter skin without it looking fake. One of my biggest skin concern is sallowness and dullness, and the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pink Transformer is able to brighten my skin in the most natural way, without any shimmer particles. The brightness/glow level is buildable, so depending on your look you can use a rice size to a pea sized amount. The squeeze tube packaging makes it easy to control just how much product you want to use – remember, a little goes a long way with this one!
The Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pink Transformer has a light creamy texture – it’s a bit thicker than lotion, yet it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy at all. It’s easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the skin. Though it claims to keep your skin hydrated “all day”, I found its hydrating properties were ok at best. It’s definitely more hydrating than any foundation (one of the many reasons why I like to mix them together), but I wouldn’t replace my moisturizer with this.
Another thing this can’t replace is your primer – hence why I mix it with my foundation and not apply it beforehand. For one it doesn’t cover your pores or fine lines like a traditional primer does, and second, it definitely doesn’t help my makeup stay on longer. What it can do though, is make your matte summer foundation more wearable for the colder months.
Final Verdict
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Packaging
7
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Longevity
7.5
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Performance
8
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Price
8
Overall this is a lovely product that I'd recommend to anyone who wants a natural, bright, glowing finish to their look. Though I occasionally mix my foundation with the Stila One Step Illuminate, I find myself using the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pink Transformer much more frequently. Aside from the hydrating aspect, this is a product that lives up to its claim 100%.
Where to buy
Amazon (~$13)
Further Reading
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Uglyfish
I've loved products from this line before, and my skin is always in need of a little pick me up! I've got a Boots voucher so I'll try this. I use the baby skin primer anyway, so hopefully the two products together would be great together! It's SPF properties look great too! I'd have to follow your tip and mix it with foundation though, I have too many acne scars to go barefaced...
Jenny Wu
I'm sure the Instant Pink Transformer would play well with the primer, or you could always apply the primer first and the transformer after. Just keep in mind the product ratio when mixing it with foundation though, especially if you need more coverage.
Lucy
I wonder if they sell this in the UK, it looks wonderful on the skin, the SPF protection and brightener all in one product gets my vote Lucy x
Jenny Wu
Hi Lucy! I recommend searching on Amazon or eBay. There's usually a couple international sellers that carry this :)
Rebecca
Does this product ( baby skin instant pink foundation) damage your face if you have acne?
Jenny Wu
It's been a long time since I've used the product, but I don't recall having any issues wearing this even when I had a pimple or two. However, I would check the ingredients to make sure there's nothing comedogenic, and patch test first.
Irish Jade Cabanlit
Is this product ok to use during pregnancy?
Jenny Wu
I don't see retinol or salicylic acid in this, but I would check with your healthcare provider to be sure.
Kausar Hussain
I want to buy dis ...how can i buy???