This first of many brand spotlights is all about TheBalm Cosmetics, a brand I’ve been in love with for the past few years! TheBalm's multi-use, mega-fabulous beauty products offer quick fixes and wondrous solutions - and you'll love it too.

TheBalm Cosmetics was founded by Marissa Shipman when, in 2004, she realized that there were few simple products to help her look and feel glam all the time. What started as merely mixing cosmetics in her kitchen, TheBalm Cosmetics has grown to one of the hottest brands in cosmetics, with a product lineup consisting of makeup, skin care, hair care and nail polish. The products are both paraben and cruelty-free. Shadows and blushes are also talc-free.

A noticing feature of the brand is the packaging – retro and vintage images featuring women of the 20s, 30s, and 40s cover the palettes that stick out compared to the drab designs of many other brands. It’s a very unique take that promotes female empowerment in a neat memorable package.

Check out their site at thebalm.com, with one-of-a-kind tutorials filmed and added by wonderful ladies that love the product! If you want to get your hands on some of their products, TheBalm Cosmetics are found in retail stores around the globe and can be ordered online from their website. The company has also opened their first bricks-and-mortar store in the Mission District of San Francisco. If we’re fortunate enough, we could see more pop up through North America. Here’s hoping!

TheBalm is my go-to brand for almost everything. I believe I now have over 35 theBalm products in my collection...and it's continuously growing. Also, theBalm carries my favourite concealer (can't live without it!).

Wow! I've been m.i.a. Back in June, I've had an opportunity to visit one of the most trendiest, design conscious places in North America, San Francisco! I was lucky enough to be there long enough to see what's it all about, and to visit some of the cutest stand alone boutiques like Benefit Cosmetics and Fresh. I also managed to find theBalm special display at Walgreens. Ahh, it was fab! And the selection? Amazing! 

Benefit Boutiques can be found within San Francisco. There are only a few in U.S. and none in Canada, at least not yet! ModCloth is an American online retailer specializing in vintage, vintage-inspired and indie clothing, accessories and decor. The company is headquartered in San Francisco’s South of Market District. TheBalm Cosmetics doesn't have stand alone stores, but carries everything in Downtown San Francisco Walgreens.

Have a look at some of the photos of the trip: (don't forget to follow me on instagram:  @guiltlust)

OK, I've been at it again for the last few months. It's been a while since I've shared my haul with you - sorry for the delay! I've been rather lazy. Of course I've gotten more 'stuff', not that I ever need more stuff, but there's always something new out there that I want to try, don't we all? So, what did I get? A lot of it wasn't much of an impulse buy, but planned for months if not years. Is it something I really wanted? YES, yes, and yes! For instance, CK Beauty was something I've always wanted to add to my repertoire. To be honest, most of these purchases were carefully planned - I went through the aisles numerous times, in fact, taken hours and days to decide... And when the price looks good, how would you say no to yourself?

Hello Kitty Creamy Kohl Eyeliners - Sephora
Beauty Insider by Benefit Birthday Gift
theBalm Pick Up eyeliners
theBalm TimeBalm Concealer in Lighter than Light

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask Jet Black Brightening Mask
Ojon Full Detox with Soap Bark Tree - Rub Out Dry Cleaning Spray
KMS California Hairplay Makeover Spray
Batiste Dry Shampoos - Assorted
Love & Beauty Baked Shadows
ORLANE Paris Absolute Skin Recovery in 01
Vichy Thermal Water
Rodial Brazilian Tan - Light Self-Tanning gel for face and body
Calvin Klein Beauty Fragrance
Versus by Versace
Naturally Upper Canada Whipped Hand Repair Balm
Derma E Refining Vitamin A & Glycolic Toner
NYX HD Foundation in 01 Nude
Annabelle Skin True Foundation in Natural Ivory
Le Rouge Givenchy - 103 Brun
Rouge Coco Shine Chanel Sampler
Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv
Stila Convertible Color in Peony
Sumptuous Bold Volume Mascar by Estee Lauder

 

 

 

For this look, I have decided to use my the Muppet Show Palette by the Balm.

The palette is great! It's versatile, it comes with many shades, as well as a lip and cheek tint.

Colours used: Great Gonzo, Sensational, Lab Coat, Swedish Pancakes

Lip tint: Electric Mayhem

Cheek Tint: Le Diva
Mascara: Maybelline Falsies

Foundation: Missha M BB Balm in combination with 

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10
Eyeliner: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black

I've had Maybelline Eyestudio Color Explosion for sometime now. The product price ranges from $5.99 to $10.99. I believe it is a good deal for the money. The quality is also not bad, and is much better when used with eye-shadow primer. It doesn't hurt to try it!

This eye-shadow is a 5-shade palette that includes a liner shade, a light base, eyelid shade, crease shade, and a luminizing silver top coat.

The light purple base was not as pigmented as the rest of the palette, but overall, I was happy with final results. I can even wear the liner by itself. It's a nice deep purple colour.

PRODUCT LIST:

• DiorSkin Nude in 010
• Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Stick Concealer in Light and Medium
• Clinique Pore Refining Solutions - Instant Perfector
• theBalm blush in Hot Mama
• Rimmel Lipstick in Frosted 272
• Yves Saint Laurent Mascara in 01 Black
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel
• Spectrum Cosmetics Eye Primer
• Maybelline EyeStudio Color Explosion in Amethyst Ablazed

It's been raining quite a bit, and while I've been feeling down, I thought it would be a great idea to cheer myself up by adding a hint of bright purple eyeliner to an ordinary look. This look in fact is very simple and took me about 15 minutes to achieve! :)

NOW CLOSED! the Winner Announced on February 28th.

I happen to have two of theBalm's palettes and decided to give one away. You must be very excited since I am giving away a BRAND NEW limited edition The Muppet Show Cast Your Shadow Face Palette! And a JOE Fresh eye shadow palette that is also limited edition and is only available in Canada! :)


This will be my very first Giveaway! The items are brand new and worth over $70! + I will be covering the shipping costs!


Please fill out the form bellow and leave me a comment! 
+ you may follow me on Twitter and through GoogleFriend for extra entries!

This was just a regular look I did for a dinner in the middle of last week. I was using Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in 13. Ah! I love this stuff. It's my go to foundation/primer! Although, it can be too light, so I mix it with my Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 04.

PRODUCT LIST

• Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in 13
• Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 04
• theBalm Time Balm concealer in Light
• theBalm Balmbini Palette / I've used a little bit of everything except for the dark green
• GOSH / Velvet Touch Eyeliner in 010 Copper Girl 
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara sampler

This is a follow up post with swatches and a review of this beautifully designed, limited edition palette by theBalm. I have decided to try it out not too long ago, and I'm definitely happy with the results. theBalm always does an excellent job, especially when it comes to packaging design and branding—it appeals to my fun and girly side.  And here is the Original Post with Pictures!