Now just like all you other make-up junkies out there I get more than a little ridiculously excited about discovering a new range, especially when the packaging is cute-as-hell retro inspired lovely and the products really do deliver.
It all began a few weeks ago whilst browsing the dreamy cosmetics department of the Manchester Harvey Nichols and I happened to stumble upon The Balm.
Queue lots of “ Ooh ahh lovely” “Oh My God I would buy this just for the name alone!”and “Ooh James look at this it is a special skin illuminiser – see how incredibly erm …illuminising it is!” whilst painting my hands with various types of lip goo and beaming like a complete goon.
NB ( My obsession with all things lip/lash/cheek enhancing is something James accepts but doesn’t necessarily understand)
The Balm was founded by the uber glamorous CEO Marissa Shipman who realised there was a gap in the market for multi-tasking products with a “beauty in 5 minutes” philosophy.
After investing in several “how to make make-up” books off Amazon and mixing a whole heap of gorgeous concoctions in her kitchen ( hmmm sounds much more fun than baking a cake)… Marissa designed a website, hired a chemist, got incorporated, and “The Balm” was well and truly born.
Previously only available in the US of A you gorgeous UK lot now get to try some The Balm fabulousness too, we are lucky lucky ladies….
And with such an abundance of brilliance what did I actually buy I hear you ask?
Down Boy Blush ( the perfect rosy pink flush for summer), Staniac in Beauty Queen ( makes my lips look cherry bitten ) and last but not least the Mary Lou Manizer . A little pot of honey-hued delicate sheen that lends a pretty youthful glow to your face and décolletage.
Oh and quote of the week?
“Youth is both a state of mind and a product of your make-up bag” – Marissa Shipman.
I think I might have a little bit of a girl crush on her.
The Balm is available at Harvey Nichols, Debenhams and on line at www.justbeautydirect.co.uk.
Go take a peek and tell us what you think and let us know what new items you have purchased recently;-)
Big Lou-Manizing Love
Charlotte xxx
oooh I was missing a beauty post and ‘I need’, yes ‘I need’, a new rosy pink blush. Off shopping tonight!
Admittedly I’m a little behind the times, but I finally made it over to John Lewis yesterday to spend some vouchers my lovely friends had bestowed upon me, and bought…. Rouge Coco in Perle!
I know, I know, that post was ages ago. But I love my gorgeous new purchase!
Another fabby (and hugely tempting) post ladies.
Xxx
Ooh, this is a little embarrassing. I don’t get the title?! Please enlighten me…
It’s the name of the product… it does sound a little like its going to ‘man up’ your skin!
Sorry, that was @Rachael
OMG I love it for the artwork alone!!
xx
Rachael/Sarah – it’s Mary-Lou Manizer as in it it lou-manizing ( luminising!) and the play on words is that Mary -Lou is a Manizer ….. as in she is so darn sexy with her luminous skin she gets all the boys.
Much like Madam Britney Spears singing about a womaniser ……. does that make sense?
If you go on the Balm site there is a close up of the packaging and the explanation is on there – they do a better job than me
Charlotte xxx
Oh I get it, I was pronouncing it totally wrong. Makes much more sense now…
I am always a little unsure of trying new brands. Better the devil you know…
I agree they are divine to look at though.
Packaging…(I am such a sucker for le packaging) and total gorgeousness. ooh love love love. Nice post ladies. Even though I’ve recently re-stocked with some fab Bobbi B…I may well have to have a look at that Mary Lou Manizer (fab name). Think I may just buy for packaging alone
Off to Harvey Nicks SW1 this eve…
Rachael, you are quite right – I impulse sometimes (!) and regret it later. if I know I can get back to the store I often ask the make-up artist representing the brand to put some product on my skin – I can then see how it wears/looks and if it is likely to react.
I only ever buy cosmetics from stores that have a returns policy should you suffer an allergic reaction.
Fleur, might be worth checking the London branch definitely stock it, I know Manchester does but sometimes it varies. Do let us know what you buy though Pet!
Charlotte xxx
Hurrah hurrah for beauty posts! Loving that quote – youth is a pop of blush and a darn good under-eye concealer – oh, and how you feel. I need some Pick Up Liner in my life…oh and the eyeshadow in Just This Once Jamie… sigh. And this is only a fortnight after I promised myself I’d only buy Illamasqua products from now on…thanks RMW!
is there room in my life for more makeup i ask myself? (more specifically, is there room in my makeup drawer!?)
who cares!!
r.now