I’m not quite sure if the brilliance lies solely with BARE ESCENTUALS new Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream ($29/1.18oz), the Smoothing Face Brush ($28) or if it’s the combo of the two.

First, let me break down this Gel Cream for you.

What it is: A versatile gel cream that combines skincare benefits and naturally radiant coverage in one. 

• Mineral-based formulation that combines the best of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturizer to provide increased skin hydration after just one week 
• Features SPF 30 sun protection 
• 10 shades available

So what’s my take? Click below to find out!

My take: So this one combines the benefits of a BB and CC cream, tint of color and drops in some moisture? Ok, I’m in. With as many steps as makeup can take these days, who doesn’t love a double, or in this case, quadruple-duty, foundation?

It’s a gel cream as the name states but it looks like a regular cream foundation coming outta the tube and it gave me a medium coverage and lasted for hours on my face, which included a Zumba class on two different occasions. The proof was in the face wipe I ran across my face after the class.

Using the shade Ginger 06, I just applied a dab on top of their Smoothing Face Brush bristles and buffed it around one side of my face. Now, I’ve watched numerous videos on Instagram and YouTube of people solely using a makeup brush to blend in their foundation. Try as I have, I buff and buff and usually find myself needing to use a sponge afterward to take those streaks a brush can sometimes leave behind. But with this brush, I don’t have to do that at all as the brush blends everything in.

Let me say that again – This. Brush. Does. All. The. Work. And quickly! I don’t know if it’s because this brush is a compact stippling brush or if the bristles are just magic but I won’t use any other brush with this product. And I might pick up another brush just in case they decide to discontinue it, but I don’t think they’d do that as this brush is a total winner. 

Both available @ ulta.com, bareescentuals.com macys.com.

Disclosure: Samples of these items were provided for review purposes.