Month: April 2016

  • the Balm's How 'Bout Them Apples? Lip & Cheek Cream Palette

    the Balm's How 'Bout Them Apples? Lip & Cheek Cream Palette

  • the Balm's How 'Bout Them Apples? Swatches

    the Balm's How 'Bout Them Apples? Swatches

I had been eyeing the Balm’s How ‘Bout Them Apples? ($32) since it made its debut because I absolutely love dual-purpose products (this one is a cheek & lip cream palette).  So when I received mine via mail, I tore into the package like my life depended on it. Once all the bubble wrap was on the floor I couldn’t help but stare at the packaging for a few minutes. Now for those of you who are new to the Balm and their line of products, one thing that makes them stand out from the completion is their amazing packaging. The covers of all their products have what look like hand drawn 1950’s inspired pin-up girls. Oh, and lets not forget the hunky guys with magnificent bodies that are sprinkled into an array of the Balm line. After I got my fill of the beautiful cover shot, I slipped off the outside sheet and was met with a large mirror and the six vibrant shades that make up this palette.

And without further ado, here is my review of the Balm’s How ‘Bout them Apples?…

Consistency

The consistency is like spreadable butter: creamy, rich and easy to apply. In fact, I only used my fingers to lightly dab the product onto both my cheeks and lips. Now blush or lip brush may be used for application, but I prefer using my fingers because it gives me more of a naturally flushed look.

Colors

the Balm cider and cobbler

  1. Cider: This shade is my favorite of the bunch because it goes on like a nude with a hint of a pink undertone. It gives my pout a natural look that stands out even more when I pair it with a sexy smokey eye. So it’s official…cider is now my go-to color for both day and night.
  2. Cobbler: This is a classic red that I could imagine Marilyn Monroe go head-over-heels about. This particular shade of red may be muted in tone, but it still oozes sex appeal. I personally like it for evening wear.

the Balm pie and crisp

  1. Pie: If you’re looking for a vibrant summer pink color, then pie is it.
  2. Crisp: Of the group this is probably my least favorite and not because its an ugly color. On the contrary, it’s a beautiful peach color with hints of iridescent sparkle that would light up any midsummers night. I just simply don’t wear peach shades all that often, but in the case I’m in the mood, I will certainly grab for Crisp.

the Balm candy and caramel

  1. Candy: When I’m in the mood to rock a more subdued version of a Barbie pink, then Candy is my color of choice. I particularly love this color on my cheek because it brightens up my face in a way that looks forever young.
  2. Caramel: This is the darkest shade of the bunch and lends itself to giving more of a vampy seductress look.

Favorite Guy

You know I could not end this review without picking my favorite piece of eye-candy. And so Best Male Goes To…Cider! Why you ask? Let me break it down for you.

✓ Cowboy Hat

✓ Mysterious Hidden Face

✓ Bad Boy Tattoos

✓ Abs for days

Enough said 🙂

 

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French Tips With A Twist

Looking for a fresh updated look for your nails?  Well we’ve got you covered with this french tip with a twist.

  1. On clean dry nails, paint with a base coat like Essie First Base Base Coat ($8.50).
  2. Continue by giving nails at least two coats of the shade Essie Limo-Scene ($8.50).
  3. Once nails are dry add the copper metallic tips.  Using a striping brush or the paint brush, apply Essie Penny Talk ($8.50).
  4. Finish the look with your favorite top coat like Essie Gel Setter ($10).

Magazine in the background and inspiration for this look: J.Crew Style Guide April 2016

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Pretty in Pink

Femininity – a singular word with so much meaning and symbolism. I equate femininity with beauty, strength, sensitivity, motherhood, sisterhood, independence and the freedom to express these things as we choose. This expression can take the form of wearing a pair of fierce heels, donning sexy lingerie, spritzing your most adored perfume, or by wearing your go-to LBD (little black dress). When I want to tap into this side, I don’t have to look any further than my vanity, where I can paint my nails a subtle shade of pink or apply my beloved fuchsia lipstick like MAC Girl About Town ($17).

My love affair with this shade, I assume, began from the moment I received my first JEM doll with the wild pink hair. From that moment, I’ve gravitated to the color pink and incorporate it into my beauty routine, especially those moments when I feel most in touch with my femininity. Whether I’m on a date with my husband or playing the role of a princess in my sons’ interactive plays, pink represents me and all those things I cherish as a woman. It means even more when I purchase a piece of makeup, like Bobbi Brown’s The Peony Set ($50), where all proceeds go to supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

So for those moments in your life when you want to feel “pretty in pink”, I say go for it!

My Favorite Pink Products

  1. Maybelline Color Whisper by Color Sensational (7.49)
  2. NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight ($26)
  3. MAC Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait ($20)
  4. Too Faced Liquified Long Wear Lipstick ($21) in shades Melted Peony and Frosting.
  5. Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle and Ballet Slippers ($8.50)

Insider Tip

Most often, when you buy a product directly from a brand’s website, you may get a 10% to 20% discount off your first online purchase.

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