Last week I was invited down to the Soho Hotel to celebrate the launch of theBalm within Debenhams stores. As a big lover of the brand anyway (their cheek products are just phenomenal) I of course said yes, and headed down to Soho to find out more about the brand!
We were ushered into the hotel past awaiting Demi Lovato fans with giant signs, by kindly doorman, and directed to the Crimson Bar, a beautiful basement function room that made me feel like I was on the set of modern day Aladdin's Cave. We were offered cocktails and nibbles (ranging from delicious risotto cones and chunky sliders, to brownie bites and sorbet tasters), and set about mingling. Daphne and I bagged a chair and before we knew it, we were chatting away to the lovely Marissa, the founder of theBalm. Not only was she one of the most down to earth and lovely people I've ever met, but when she shared the story behind the brand, she left me feeling so inspired and motivated.
I was sad to leave at the end of the night, but we were lucky enough to receive a few products to take home and try out, so I thought I'd give you the run down!
Let's start with the product that's already available to buy! According to Marissa, the Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipsticks have been in production for over three years, and my were they worth the wait. This is without a doubt the most intensely pigmented liquid lipstick I've ever gotten my mitts on, it's thick and creamy, not at all drying, but it sets down and you honestly forget you're wearing it. This is the shade Devoted, a gorgeous pillarbox red that I can't imagine not looking good on anyone! At a bargain £13.50, I implore every single one of you to pick one of these up, they're incredible.
The Manizer Sisters Luminizing Collection is one I can see flying off the shelves when it's released, a slimline palette containing all three luminizing powders. Mary-Lou Manizer, the iconic champagne highlight, Cindy-Lou Manizer, a warm pink shimmer, and Betty-Lou Manizer, a gorgeous shimmering bronze. The formula of these is infallible, buttery soft and silky smooth, intensely pigmented, you only need to lightly tap your brush in. These look stunning on the cheeks, but equally make fantastic eyeshadows, it's a great multipurpose little palette. No word on price yet (although it's $28 in the states so we can expect it to be around the £22 mark), but you're going to want to nab this as soon as it drops, since it's a Christmas Limited Edition.
And lastly, my personal favourite, the In theBalm of Your Hand Palette, a collection of some of theBalm's greatest products, all in one beautiful palette. Again, this is a Christmas exclusive and hasn't launched yet but my is it worth the wait. Inside you'll find three powder blushes, one bronzer, four eyeshadows, one highlight, one cream lip and cheek colour and one lipstick in pan form, all packaged up in a cute compact, complete with giant mirror. This will be a great palette for anyone new to the brand or who loves the brand, since it's made up of their best sellers!
In the palette you will find:
- Insane Jane Eyeshadow from Shady Lady Vol 2 - a gorgeous silver taupe shadow.
- Mischevious Marissa shadow from Shady Lady - a warm golden bronzey shadow.
- Sexy Shadow from the Nude'tude Palette - a beautiful warm matte dark brown.
- Led Zepplin shadow from Balm Jovi Palette - an olive shadow with gold microshimmer.
- Mary-Lou Manizer - a champagne powder that can be used as a highlight or eyeshadow.
- Hot Mama Blush- a beautiful peach with a golden shimmer, very reminiscent of NARS Orgasm.
- Instain Long Wearing Staining Powder Blush in Argyle - a beautiful matte bright spring pink shade.
- Cabana Boy Blush - a shimmery plum blush perfect for autumn.
- Bahama Mama Bronzer - a good all round bronzer, not shimmery or warm toned & easy to blend (also doubles up well as a contour and crease shade for eye makeup looks).
- Caramel from How 'Bout Them Apples Palette - a nudey caramel cream cheek and lip product.
- Mia Moore from The Balm Girls Collection - the iconic red lipstick in pan form.
All the products get an A+ for me in terms of formula, pigmentation and all round awesomeness! Check back tomorrow to see the products from this palette in action on my face!
In the meantime, you can shop theBalm's full range here.
What do you think of theBalm's latest drop?
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