Spotlight on theBalm

*hangs head in shame* ... I really need to get my act together... lol I know I say I am an 'occasional blogger' but come on Christine... I have had these products since last year but obviously it has taken me forever to get round to typing the post up *rolls eyes* .. on the plus side however... it means I can give you a better review... no?

theBalm is an indie makeup brand that has been around for a while. I first heard of the brand a few years ago whilst watching a Makeupd0ll vid on YouTube. It has however, recently been getting a lot more love, particularly because of their liquid lipsticks and that infamous Mary- Lou Manizer highlight! I was mainly drawn to the brand because of their packaging! I don't know why but I am happy to see something other than black plastic and rose gold for a bit. Their products also have the cutest names ever! 

the Balm The Manizer Sisters (The Luminizers)

This is up first because I am obsessed with this product.. omy goodness! I am so glad that I was able to get hold of this palette because I really wanted Mary- Lou and Betty - Lou but I didn't want to spend the money on the single highlighters. The single highlighters are £17.50 for 8.5 g and this palette is £18 for 3g of each highlighter. Granted, you get much less but I feel like highlighters last for ages because you are only using a little bit each time,  so I know these will last me for a while. I absolutely love the rich buttery texture of these. They are all really pigmented and can be blended and buffed for a more subtle highlight or applied with a fan brush for that serious glow! I feel like these work best when you slightly dampen your brush... You'll be on that ultralight beam *word to Kanye*

L-R- Mary-Lou Manizer, Cindy- Lou Manizer, Betty-Lou Manizer

Mary - Lou is described as a 'honey- hued' luminizer. It is the most beautiful champagne gold and it is super pigmented. You need to be really careful when applying this, particularly if you are of a deeper skin tone but blended well it is gorgeous!

Cindy- Lou is described as 'peachy pink' hued luminizer. Unfortunately, I don't think this one works very well on deeper skin tones as a highlight shade however.. recently I have been mixing it with MAC Raizin and it just takes that blush to a whole new level. It just gives me this gorgeous glowy look .. think Sleek Flushed. 

Betty - Lou is described as a luminizer that gives a 'sun kissed glow'. This shade is really similar to MAC Gold deposit, which I love, but it's a little warmer in my opinion. I blend this with Mary- Lou and it is perfection! 

theBalm Schwing Black Liquid Liner 

This liner is black and quickly dries to a completely matte finish. Unfortunately, I just haven't mastered how to use this properly :( I feel like I have no control- especially as it dries so fast there is literally no room for error here. This would be great if you are one of those people who have mastered the single stroke wing liner. The tip of the applicator is thin and glides on smoothly. I think I prefer gel liners as I can use a brush I feel comfortable with and take my time.. In my case about 15 minutes per eye *the struggle is real*.. 

L-R - Loyal, Grrr!, Pop!, Honest

the Balm Meet Matte Hughes Liquid Lipstick

Liquid lipsticks are literally everywhere, everytime I open my Instagram feed I see new swatches from different brands! I have to say that the Meet Matte Hughes liquid lipsticks is the most comfortable formula I have tried out so far. When it sets it doesn't feel excessively drying like most other liquid lipsticks.  You can definitely build up the layers with this formula without it looking cakey. They also smell AMAZING... I picked up Honest which is described as a warm coral and Loyal - a deep red.  Honest is just incredible... it's not normally a colour that I would wear so I was very surprised to see how flattering it was. Loyal is a gorgeous red, I prefer applying this a little sheerer for some reason but you can definitely build it up to its true opaque finish.

theBalm Meet Matte Hughes- Loyal (lined with MAC Chestnut)

theBalm Meet Matte Hughes -Honest (lined with MAC Nightmoth)

theBalm Pretty Smart Lipgloss (Read my Lips in the US)

Firstly, these glosses smell and taste so nice! (not that I am eating lipgloss or anything) ...I don't normally wear gloss because it's hard to find a non sticky formula but these are everything! They are not sticky and they just give your lips the most luscious look. I picked the most neutral looking shades because I couldn't think of anything more scary than coloured gloss on me! You have to pump the wand a little bit in order to get enough product on it but they apply really smoothly have good staying power! I have been wearing Grrr! everyday and I will have to buy a new one pretty soon!

theBalm Pretty Smart Lipgloss - Grrr!

theBalm Pretty Smart Lipgloss - Pop!

You can  shop the full range of theBalm products from quite a few places in the UK now. Sometimes the products are cheaper on different sites, particularly ASOS so it is worth shopping around: 

ASOS

Debenhams ( some Debenhams have a theBalm stand where you can swatch everything)

Feel Unique

Cloud10 Beauty

Superdrug (some Superdrugs have a theBalm stand also)

TKMaxx (you can find certain theBalm products for a crazy reduced price in some TKMaxx stores!)

Have you tried any products from theBalm? 

'I'ma keep running because a winner don't quit on themselves'- Beyoncé

Christine x

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What's on my Face? Stila Magnificent Metals

I know I know.. for someone who doesn't wear eyeshadow this is quite out there but sometimes just go hard or go home right? I picked this Stila shadow up in my local TKMaxx for £2.99..yes £2.99! I had never seen this shadow before and I googled it whilst I was in the store only to find that this retails for £33.50. £33 whole British pounds for one eyeshadow?! Although the foiled finish is really stunning I don't think I could ever bring myself to spend that much on one product. So after I realised how much of a bargain this was I had to get it!

These shadows are described as being a revolutionary cream-to-powder texture with a magnificent foil finish. The shadow comes with a 'stay all day liquid eye primer' which you can either mix with the eyeshadow or apply it directly your lids and then adhere the shadow to it. I prefer the latter method as it seems to minimise the amount of product that transfers above my eyelids. If you don't use the primer, it applies a little chunky and the glitter moves around quite a bit. If you have hooded eyes or limited lid space like me I don't know how this is actually supposed to stay put on your eyelids.. but then again I might just be applying it incorrectly *welp*... I do think a glitter glue could work very well however. All in all I really really love the colour though! You can also build it up for a more intense look or apply it with your fingers for a slightly softer pop of colour. 

Base

Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H -Sienne No.13

Corrector: Kiko Natural Concealer- Terracotta 

Concealer: La girl PRO Conceal - Toffee

Eyebrows - Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow- Ebony

Eyes

Transition : MAC -Swiss Chocolate

Crease : Makeup Geek- Peacock and Makeup Geek - Corrupt

Lid: Makeup Geek - Envy and Stila Magnificent Metals - Metallic Jade ( Stila UK do not seem to sell this shade but check your local TKMaxx)

Waterline: Barry M Kohl Liner - Electric Blue 

Tear Duct: Kiko Eyeshadow - Dark Pearly Gold No.102

Mascara: Loreal Volume Million Lashes - Black 

Lips

Burberry Lip Glow - Nutmeg No.10 (old) (Similar - Thebalm Read My Lips gloss - Grrr)

Finishing touches

Blush: KIKO Soft Touch Blush - Beige Rose No.106

Highlight: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish - Gold Deposit

'We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.' - Maya Angelou

Christine x

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What's on my Face? Neutral Glam

Are you tired of my eyeshadow attempts yet? Why can I not keep the colour in my crease please? I feel like I put the shadow there and it fades after 5 minutes! Any suggestions? This has been my go to look recently, the simplicity - albeit trying to stop the colours fading,  is what appeals to me. I have concluded that I really lack patience for any kind of elaborate eyeshadow look so whenever I feel like it is not going too well I just overcompensate with the highlight- can you tell? I think I am going to try something really extra for my next What's on my Face? post... maybe glitter? or a crazy colour? We shall see...  This look also features my new favourite highlighter from theBalm.. if you are a blogger you know the one! ... if not it is listed below :* (post coming soon!) :)

Base

Foundation: The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation -Tuscany Chesnut

Concealer: Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer - Deep

Powder to set concealer: Collection Pressed Powder - Translucent

Eyebrows - Kiko Eyebrow Sculpt - No 06 Blackhaired

Eyes

Transition : MAC Swiss Chocolate

Crease : MAC Embark

Lid: Makeup Geek Cocoa Bear

Tear Duct: Mary-Lou Manizer from theManizer Sisters

Eyeliner: theBalm Schwing Liquid Eyeliner

Mascara: Barry M That's How I Roll

Lips

theBalm Pretty Smart Lipgloss - Grrr!

Finishing touches

Blush: MAC Raizin

Highlight Mary-Lou and Betty Lou Manizer from theManizer Sisters

'We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening and strange that self may prove to be'- May Sarton

Christine x

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p.s. I randomly decided to start changing the quote I use at the end of my posts... even though I live by 'Be your own kind of beautiful' I felt like it was time for a change... I hope the quotes encourage or inspire someone xx 

Magnitone Barefaced - #SpringCleanMe Update

Hi all! This is a quick update on the #SpringCleanMe challenge that I have been taking part in using the Magnitone* I have been using the device for just over 15 days and wanted to check in and document how I have been finding the experience! Please check out my first post for more details about the Magnitone and my first impressions! 

Surprisingly, I have not had to charge this thing once since the first charge! Although I have only been using it in the mornings I thought I would have had to charge it by now so one point to Magnitone!  The brush head has retained its shape and it is relatively easy to clean. I am quite paranoid about the brush head being as clean as possible before it goes on my face so I scrub it after every use with Dove bar soap and leave it to air dry and that seems to work out fine. Magnitone recommend that you change the brush head every three months so I am quite excited to look into the different brush attachments they offer (I will probably change it after two months because I am paranoid about these things!) . The brush really is 100% waterproof- I have used it in the shower and it has been fine!

As I mentioned in my first post, the sensation takes a bit of getting used to but after about a week, I was ok with the vibrations and it actually started to feel quite therapeutic. You can really feel the bristles getting to work on your skin and the after feeling is one of super smooth feeling skin. I did have a minor breakout after the first few uses, that nearly made me give up on using it but thankfully it did clear up after a few more days use. Although it cleared up I have stuck to only using this once a day because I think it would be a bit much for my skin if I tried to use it more :(

I definitely think that my skin feels much smoother than when I first started using the Magnitone and this has definitely been a strong selling point for me. My moisturiser and primer seem much more effective as I really feel that they are sinking in to my skin rather than just sitting on the surface.  It was hard for me to replicate the same lighting in these photos as the ones in my first post so it is hard to say, but I am not convinced that the appearance of my skin has changed that much. For instance, I don't think the appearance of my scars has necessarily improved or that my face looks any brighter as a result of using the brush. Magnitone do not specifically say this will happen anyway so I cannot really complain. It serves its primary purpose, which is to deep cleanse and tone your skin and I am happy with that...

All in all I am liking how clean this gets my skin. It is really easy to use and now that I am used to the sensation I think it is more effective than manual cleansing simply for the fact that it works my cleanser deeper into my pores. I will definitely do another post at the end of the 30 days for a final update!

*This brush is a gift sent to me by Magnitone PR. This post is not sponsored. Use the code BUZZOFF to get £20 of a Magnitone Barefaced. 

'Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them' - David Hume

Christine x

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My Blush Collection - Women of Colour Friendly?

Blush has recently become my favourite makeup product to apply.. After highlight that is. In fact I would choose to emphasise my cheeks and lips over eyes any day. There's just something about that little pop of colour and glow that is so satisfying to me!

I feel like blush is a little bit like nude lipstick- remember when we all thought it was a no go until MAC Chesnut? No.. Just me? Lolz. Most blushes, in my opinion, can be worn by women of colour. I have italicised this because I thought it necessary to emphasise the broad spectrum of shades that fall within that term. I have heard many times that some blush shades are not for women of colour- I think it is a little bit much to make such statements.. advise me on flattering shades, yes, but please don't tell me something is not for me!

I don't know, you may disagree with me on that one, however I think it all comes down to what you feel comfortable wearing. Remember that powder blushes are also very versatile- they can be layered, blended down to a soft wash of colour or built up for intensity and even used as eyeshadow. Obviously there are certain shades that will be more flattering on you but don't dismiss a gorgeous colour too quickly- because all it may need is a little extra blending or some layering! Take Nars Orgasm for example, it's one of those shades that is apparently not for women of colour. On fairer women of colour this can absolutely be a gorgeous blush with the gold shimmer giving a lovely glow. On deeper skin tones it works as a gorgeous highlight shade with a soft wash of colour- the warm gold shimmer is very complimentary on my skin tone for example. 

Below, I have linked some amazing posts/vids from other bloggers who have suggested certain blushes for women of colour with various skin tones: 

Deeper skin tones: Natalie from Discoveries of Self  and Danielle from TheStyle and Beauty Doctor

Medium to Deep skin tones : Lizzie from Britbeauty

Olive Brown to Tan/Medium skin tones: Hitesha from Hiteshashah and Jovita from Mr Jovita George

Leave links in the comment section to any great posts/vids you have seen .. it's good to share!! :D

My collection

I usually hate doing this but I decided to arm swatch all of these because I couldn't think of anything more painful than trying to show them on my face! Obviously no one will be applying these as heavily as I swatched them but hopefully you get a fair picture of what they are like :) (They will all feature in a What's on my Face? post at some point!)

First up is the Sleek Blush by 3 palettes. These blushes are super pigmented and intense, if you don't apply these with a light hand you will be blending for a lifetime. The pigment on these means they would all work well as eyeshadows too!

       L-R 1.FLAME- Furnace, Bonfire, Molten 2. PINK SPRINT - Pink Parfait, Pink Ice, Pinktini 3. PUMPKIN- Lantern, Squash, Pumpkin Pie

1. Sleek Blush by 3 - Flame 

Furnace - Earth toned peach with a hint of shimmer - the shimmer isn't too intense so this works as a great day time blush

Bon Fire - Warm, Matte red- intense colour that is a bit difficult to blend, once blended it's beautiful. (Dupe for Nars Exhibit A)

Molten - warm coral with gold shimmer- really gorgeous shade that gives a lovely glow. Very wearable on deeper skin tones, on fairer skin tones this is gorgeous when applied with a lighter hand 

2. Sleek Blush by 3 - Pink Sprint

Pink Parfait - deep matte raspberry - gorgeous on deeper skin tones - needs to be applied evenly with a very light hand or it can look a bit patchy

Pink Ice- bright matte fuchsia, reminds me of MAC Candy Yum Yum lipstick- a very bold shade that needs to be applied with a light hand 

Pinktini - matte muted raspberry- very smooth and the easiest shade to blend of the three

3. Sleek Blush by 3 - Pumpkin

Lantern- red toned coral with iridescent shimmer, quite similar to Molten in the Flame palette but it is a little pinker

Squash - satin light pink - not glittery but there is a sheen to it, applies smoothly and takes a bit more blending on me for it to be more wearable

Pumpkin Pie - bright matte orange, my favourite shade out of all three palettes- blends to a lovely glow although it applies a little chalky

L-R C.A.K.E Tropicana, Burberry Russet Blush, Kiko Beige Rose, MAC Raizin, Burberry Rose Blush, C.A.K.E Lucky, Nars Taj Mahal, Nars Orgasm

4. C.A.K.E Tropicana - Warm coral with gold shimmer- gorgeous blush! Really similar to Molten but applies much smoother

5. Burberry Russet Blush No. 01 - Medium terracotta with a slight iridescent and gold shimmer - would give a gorgeous warm look to fairer women of colour. I often mix this with MAC Raizin 

6. Kiko Beige Rose No. 106 - Muted medium brown with a slight iridescent shimmer, very similar to Burberry Russet Blush but a little cooler toned

7. MAC Raizin - Matte reddish brown, the blush that I wear on a daily basis! Stunning on deeper skin tones, applied slightly lower it can be used as a contour shade. 

8. Burberry Rose Blush No.03 -  Coral rose with slight shimmer , wearable on my skin if blended well. Goes well with a bold lip and can be blended with a bolder pink to make it a little more subtle

9. C.A.K.E Lucky - Muted plum pink with gold shimmer- applies very smoothly. Unique shimmer gives this blush an edge. I think this would be very flattering on tan-medium skintones

10. Nars Taj Mahal-Warm burnt orange with rich golden shimmer. The blush of all blushes...! (ultimate violation when I dropped this *welp*). Very pigmented and looks gorgeous on deeper skin tones 

11. Nars Orgasm - peachy pink with shimmer. Applies smoothly and gives a gorgeous glowy finish 

Similar shades

n.b. Kiko Beige Rose is a little more cool toned than Burberry Russet. Lucky is a more plum based than Orgasm but the shimmer effect is very similar. C.A.K.E Tropicana applies smoother than Sleek's Molten and is a little more golden.

L-R Sleek Molten, C.A.K.E Tropicana, Kiko Beige Rose, Burberry Russet Blush, C.A.K.E Lucky, Nars Orgasm

Jheez thank you if you read all of this! I am thinking of doing something similar with my lipsticks but I will probably have to break that up into different posts. What do you think?

What is your favourite blush shade??

'Be your own kind of beautiful'

Christine x

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