The Balm/Hautelook Haul and Mini-Review

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

About a month ago, Hautelook had a sale for The Balm, and since those deals don't come by that often, I went ahead and snatched some items that had been on my list!

I picked up Betty-Lou Manizer, a gorgeous bronzer/highlighter/shadow, Hot Mama, a rose gold shadow/blush, and two Time Balm cream foundations: Light for a base, and Dark for contouring.

The Brand

What I like about The Balm is that their products are paraben-free and they have so many unique products with amazing textures. Their shadows are also talc-free, which is great for people with sensitive eyes.

I know a lot of beauty bloggers and YouTubers rave about this brand, but not that many "regular" girls know about this brand. I think it's because this brand's not sold at Sephora (although I believe it once was back in the day). One thing that people first notice is they have the most ADORABLE designs on their packaging!

I just have to say that every single product I've tried, I've loved, and most I will 100% repurchase whenever they run out. Their prices are on the high end spectrum, but I always wait for their Hautelook sales and take advantage of their 30-40% discounts. The only bummer is that Hautelook makes you wait 3+ weeks to get your stuff! Which brings me to the haul...

Here's My The Balm Haul
Top: Time Balm full face foundation in Dark and Light
Bottom: Hot Mama shadow/blush & Betty-Lou Manizer bronzer/highlighter/shadow


 The Balm Swatches Top to Bottom
I wish this was a little cooler in tone, more like Illamasqua's cream pigment in Hollow, which is great. I had been trying to find a dupe for Hollow which didn't contain mineral oil. I still plan to use this to contour my cheeks, temples, and jawline before blending it all out with liquid foundation.

I used this cream foundation this morning. It has medium to full coverage and lasted all day. By the end of the day, I was a little bit shiny in the t-zone area, but overall, it controlled my oil very well! I like that it gives flawless buildable coverage and has no SPF, so I know this would photograph great. I used a Real Techniques Expert Face brush. The only thing is that it's slightly more time-consuming to apply than liquid foundation. This probably won't be a day-to-day foundation but it's sill a keeper!

I already had Betty's sister product, the Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter from a previous Hautelook haul, which has quickly because my Holy Grail highlighter! This powder is so silky-soft. I can't wait to use this on my cheeks this summer. 

This blush is a rose-gold peachy pink beauty! Just like Betty-Lou Manizer, this blush is incredibly soft, and very pigmented. I have quite a blushes that are similar in color, but this one has to be the silkiest! I can tell this is going to be well-loved and paired a lot with Betty-Lou.


Here I Am Wearing the Products
I'm wearing Time Balm foundation in Light, 
Betty-Lou Manizer on the cheeks, with Hot Mama on top (after 7 hours of wear)
As you can see, my forehead and nose is shiny, and the foundation has rubbed away from my chin area a little bit. I didn't powder at all during the day though, so I'm pretty impressed!
 
Hope you enjoyed! 
xo, Anaïs

All of the products I mention above I have purchased myself with my own money 
or they have been gifts from family and friends.

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