theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

This product has a cult following in the beauty world. When you say highlighter, this one will definitely pop into mind if you have even remotely heard of it, and since becoming the proud owner of this gorgeous makeup product, I must say I agree with all the hype. It is also marketed as an eyeshadow and a blush, but it can't work as a blush I think, not even on a very fair skin tone. But it can make for a beautiful eyeshadow.

theBalm Nude 'Tude Palette

theBalm Nude 'tude Palette with the cover

I guess when it comes to neutral eye shadows, I'll always be partial. They just look good on everyone, and if you have the right palette, you can pull of so many diversified looks to suit almost any occasion. Staying in tune with the Urban Decay Palettes, which are just amazing, theBalm brought its version of a neutral palette as well, and I gotta say...it does not disappoint.

The back

March Favorites

Hello friends…

I am here with my first post in the “Favourites” series. Some things I have been loving and using the past month. Some new discoveries and some old favorites. Here goes...

theBalm Girls Lipstick in Amanda Kissmylips

I'm a huge fan of theBalm Instain Blushes and Eyeshadows, particularly the Balm Jovi Palette. I've reviewed that here. So naturally I was curious about the lipsticks. I hadn't heard about these at all. I wondered why. The colors looked decent enough, but to be frank only one stood out to me to be unique and different. But you have to hand it to theBalm for their fancy slightly questionable names (and packaging).

theBalm Girls Lipsticks

I have the one that is the third from the left. Yeah it is scary looking...

theBalm Jovi Palette

I recently got one palette that I was and am so excited about. I had heard all good things about it, from the packaging to the names of the products to the actual product itself.

I am telling you that this did not disappoint. Its one of those things that are hyped up about but when you finally get it, the item actually does live up to the hype. That doesn't happen very often in my experience, but in this case I will go so far as to say that it went further than my expectations.

So let's just get into it.

The front

As with all theBalm palettes, an identical cardboard slip cover is provided. Notice the line on the palette inside, that is the flap cover, one opens upward, the other opens downward.

The back shows the product names and ingredients.

Battle of the Blushes: Tarte Amazonian 12 Hour Clay Blush vs theBalm Instain Blush

Disappearing blush syndrome, a very common problem which many a women suffer from, but hardly can find a cure for. You think maybe you're doing something wrong, but really, its not you, its probably the product that just doesn't want to stay put. 

Many brands, thankfully, caught on to the issue, and started producing long lasting blush formulas. Today I'll be putting two of the most popular blushes known for their longevity to test.

On the left: Tarte Amazonian Clay12 Hour Blush in Fantastic (mini version)

On the right: The Balm Instain Blush in Pinstripe

Tarte Claim: (26 dollars for full sized blush)

A long-wearing, solar-baked blush that lasts up to 12 hours. Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish for an amazing 12 hours. Suitable for all skin types and paraben free. 

theBalm Blush Claim: (22 dollars for full sized blush)

theBalm’s long-wearing, STAINING powder blush is a fashion must have! With six shades, perfect for all seasons and skin tones, it will give your cheeks color that won’t quit.

Do these blushes live up to the hype and do they fare when pitted against each other?