Brand You Need to Know | The Balm

The Balm is one of those brands that (despite the legendary Mary Loumanizer) can fly under the radar. Last month the Balm landed in my local Superdrug, which made it so much more visible and accessible to me. I’ve tried a few products from them now and thought I’d spread the love!

The Mary Loumanizer | £17.50

I have to start with my first ever product from the Balm which was the blogger favourite: Mary Loumanizer. This is the most stunning champagne-gold highlighter. The texture is so smooth, soft and easy to blend (though this can be a negative, as mine unfortunately smashed!) It’s also one of the most intensely pigmented highlighters I own, though I still use it in the daytime with a fan brush. I love how it delivers on the glow without a speck of glitter. From fair skin to deeper skin, this is as universally-flattering as a highlighter is going to get!

Fratboy Blush | £15.50

I’d looked at this blusher, I’d Googled swatches but I still wasn’t convinced this would suit my skin tone, so I made a beeline for it when the Balm opened a stand in Manchester’s Superdrug. It turns out it does work for me, though I’m not sure how it would look for a deeper skintone than my own. It has a really nice pigmented matte powder formula that applies subtly and can easily be blended in and built on. It’s a peachy-pink colour that’s perfect for everyday and I will definitely get a lot of wear out of when Spring comes round.

Instain in Houndstooth | £20.50

This is a gorgeous bright mauve shade (also a powder). Although the 'stain' name seems a tad gimmicky, the formula is so pigmented and long-lasting. It applies amazingly and blends out with ease. It doesn't go patchy throughout the day and the colour is perfect for winter.

The BalmShelter Tinted Moisturiser | £19.50

This was actually passed onto me by my mum as it was the wrong colour for her. It isn't perfect on me (it's a bit too neutral for my warm skin tone) but once I've added in concealer and done a bit of BeautyBlender-ing, it definitely works. I absolutely love the formula of this; it's light, non-greasy, gives decent coverage and is long-wearing. My face doesn't get too shiny, though it's still nicely hydrating. It looks very much like skin but evens out my skin tone and perfects my complexion. Best of all it lasts me the day and doesn't reduce my face to an oil slick! This is well worth checking out as a cheaper alternative to my much-loved Nars Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturiser.

Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Committed | £13.50

This is quite a runny stain-like formula unlike the creamier liquid lipsticks I've tried. When it sets it still doesn't feel drying at all and gives the look of a matte liquid lipstick. Committed is a gorgeous deep blush pink with hints of brown nude. This is one of the most long-lasting lip products I've ever tried; it's seriously amazing and the shade is just perfect for everyday wear.

Have you tried anything from the Balm? What are your favourite products?

 

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