Introducing The Balm Cosmetics, for Beauty Girls on the Go

Thu, 9 August 2012 3:06PM

This past week I’ve been taking a long hard look at my beauty routine, which often feels like it gets more extensive by the day. There’s always another serum, primer or illuminator that I fall in love with and somehow worms its way into the fold. And my makeup bag.

With this running through my head, and my morning primp-time getting longer and longer, I’ve been turning to beauty buys lately that are multi-purpose. Brow pencil? I want it to double as a liner. Blush? It’s gotta work on my lips, too. Which is why when I first caught sight of The Balm and heard murmurings of ‘beauty in five minutes,’ I wanted to hear more. And thought you might, too.

For those of you who haven’t heard of The Balm, then I’ll give you a quick rundown. Basically the CEO and founder of The Balm Marissa Shipman was working in television, but always had a passion for all things makeup. She purchased 11 books on making it from scratch from Amazon, got started in her home kitchen and produced her first product, a lip balm. From there, the beauty brand The Balm Cosmetics was born.

So as I mentioned, the main concept behind the range is ‘beauty in five minutes.’ Perfect for the time-poor girl – that’s you and me both – with most of the products having at least one dual purpose. I headed into David Jones, The Balm’s new Australian home (It’s available in select stores – call 02 9477 6900), where I got prettied up with the new range. Not only did I find a few firm favourites, but I loved the tongue-in-cheek product names and the retro-feel packaging. Too cute for words.

The Balm Girls Lipstick in Mia Moore, $19.95
Selecting the perfect shade of red lipstick can be a little tricky. There are so many factors – do you like cherry red or do you prefer berry? Glossy or matte? For me it’s all about a rich burst of matte red, and I’ve found it in Mia Moore. Not only is it worth its weight in gold in the pigment department, but it didn’t dry my lips out like other matte formulas I’ve tried. As for wearing time, I got over three hours before dinner, and then I only had to do a quick touch-up.

BalmShelter Tinted Moisturiser SPF 18, $34.95
An avid lover of BB creams and tinted moisturisers, this was one of the products I was most excited about. Available in four shades ranging from light to medium, it’s up there with one of the best tinted moisturisers I’ve tried. It gives a buildable medium coverage, leaving me with a smooth and even skin tone. Word on the street is that Sarah Jessica Parker used this in the Sex And The City movie.

Nude’tude, $49.95
If there ever was a palette that covered all your eyeshadow needs, then this is it. You’ve got your softer highlighting shades including shimmering champagne, to deeper bronzes and taupes, along with a matte black and brown to double as eyeliner. They also work both wet a dry, so I used the mini shadow/liner brush enclosed to create a killer winged eye, and then filled in my brows with one of the softer matte brown shades.

The Eye Makeup Break-up Balms Away, $24.95
One thing I’ve found with eye makeup removers is that when you find a good one, you tend to stick with it. I wear contact lenses so finding one that doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes is always tricky. Balms Away is a soft, super-hydrating salve is a clear cream formula that smooths onto your skin like silk, working to get rid of eye makeup. Then, just wipe away using a cotton pad or tissue. Also, it’s encased in a tin, so it’s great for travelling.

Bahama Mama Bronzer, $27.95
I love a little bronzer on my person, but I’ve always opted for one with a golden finish with a subtle shimmering undertones. Bahama Mama is of the matte variety, but don’t be put off by how seriously pigmented it looks. I found it best applied with a kabuki brush, but a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly for sheer, all-over glow. As for its dual duties, it’s also great for contouring.

Stainiac, $22.95
I have to admit I’ve always steered clear of most tints, as I’m weary of a streaky finish if I don’t work it into my skin straight away. However Stainiac is a gel formula infused with aloe vera, so it’s not only more hydrating, but it’s easy to blend in once applied. It leaves a really fresh and pretty flush of colour when dabbed on the high points of your cheeks, along with perfecting that just-kissed look on your lips.

So I could go on for days, as there’s also a skincare and nail polish range too, but we’d be here all night.

Tell me Primpettes, have you ever used The Balm products? Were you a fan?

Do you like the sound of any of these?

Hayley x

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

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Tags: eye makeup remover, eyeshadow, makeup, makeup collection, red lipstick, the balm, the balm cosmetics, tinted moisturiser