The Balm is a brand that I'm slowly starting collect. I don't know why it took me so long to jump on the band wagon, but as a new convert, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my purchases. On my recent Haute Look haul (which was all the Balm products) I snagged one beauty of a highlighter: Mary-Lou Manizer.
The compact is made of nice quality plastic with a large mirror. The compact is also HUGE. I doubt that I'll ever finish this, but you never know... it can be used as eyeshadow as well.While on that note, it does make a beautiful, brightening eyeshadow.
Mary-Lou Manizer is a pale, golden-champagne colour. What makes it so great (to me anyhow) is everything that this highlighter doesn't have: no pieces of shimmer or glitter! This is a finely milled, soft powder that applies with a good dose of shimmer, but a glowing, lit from within shimmer. While it can pack a punch, it is easily blended out and creates a really pretty glow. I wasn't sure if the golden tones would work well on my skin tone, but it isn't so warm that cool tones can't use this and have it look great.
MAC Perfect Topping MSF, MAC Lightscapade MSF, the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, Urban Decay Virgin Eyeshadow
As you can see above, I've compared it to a few other highlighters in my collection. MAC Perfect Topping is more peach, MAC Lightscapade is lighter and cooler toned. Since Mary-Lou can be used as an eyeshadow I compared it to Urban Decay's Virgin, which is fairly similar, but it has more pink tones. I have found when using Mary-Lou as eyeshadow, I have to blend a little less or I'll end up with nothing. It does however work well on it's own or with a little liner, as a quick eye brightener.
I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I do! It's just so glowy and gorgeous and easy to use. I should add my favourite way to apply this is with my Smashbox Fan Brush (#22) It allows me to apply a light layer of highlight exactly where I want it. Have you tried this highlighter? What Balm products do you like?
I tried this highlighter in the store the other day and I fell in love but I figured that I would hold off until next time the Balm is on HauteLook so that I can get it for a bargain!
ReplyDeleteLovely post <3
Amy, xo
www.theprettyvain.blogspot.com
I bought it a couple of months agos and I only can say that I loooove it!! Is so precious...
ReplyDeleteRecently, I receive the HIGH BEAM by BENEFIT as a present and I want to try it too.
Kisses!!
http://marleahmakeup.blogspot.com.es/
I'm such a huge fan of this powder! I've been seeing it everywhere and heard the raves on it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is on my 2014 wishlist! :)
ReplyDeleteOhh I've always wanted to have Mary-Lou Manizer <3 I'll definitely buy it this year <3
ReplyDeletewhat program do you edit your pictures in ?:)
ReplyDeletewow that is such an amazing highlighter! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete