theBalm Nude 'Tude Palette Review and Swatches

I bought theBalm's Nude 'Tude palette from HauteLook and it finally arrived today!  This is the second palette I bought from HauteLook, the first being the Urban Decay BOS IV.  I like getting them on flash sale sites because they're deeply discounted, but it does take a few weeks for them to ship.  I'd say it was worth the wait, though!

The palette's outer packaging

I've always liked neutral eyeshadows best (I never could pull of the vibrant eye look), and only recently did I realize that there are entire palettes of neutral shades.  I know, I'm a late bloomer.  But with a full time paycheck came lots more spending money than I was ever used to, so I am now indulging my cosmetics-obsessed side with lots and lots of eyeshadow!  This palette retails for $36 on theBalm's website.  It has 12 shades and comes with a shadow/liner brush.  After taxes and shipping, mine from HauteLook cost me $31, so I still saved $5.

As you can see, the palette is rectangular in 2-D terms and has a mirror on the top flap.  It secures shut with a magnet, and it's pretty strong so I'm not worried about this ever flying open unexpectedly.  The shadows themselves have cute names, and the pans cover the racier bits of the nude women on the palette.  This is the "Feeling Naughty" version, due to the nude women, but I don't think there's anything overly-racy about the design.  The "Feeling Nice" version has a background of a bedroom and no women, but that one is currently out of stock on theBalm's site.

One thing I noticed right away was that one of the names of the shadows is different than versions I have seen before.  My palette has a shade named "Seductive," which was "Schitzo" in previous versions.  It may seem like a minor detail, but I think it's nice that theBalm changed the name because I felt that "Schitzo" was a little, well, rude, considering that mental health issues really aren't something to joke about.

I am really pleased with the quality of these shadows.  There is a nice mix of mattes and shimmers, so you can play around with different textures.  What I liked the most is that they feel so silky on application--I really noticed this when I swatched them using my finger.  They're incredibly smooth and apply well.  The color payoff on all of them was exceptional, except for maybe "Sassy."  But then again, that one is white, so maybe it isn't supposed to be as strong.

Bottom Line: For $31, I'm glad I picked up this palette!  It would even be worth it for the full price, especially compared to some other palettes out there.  The quality is great, the color selection is nice and varied, and so is the texture selection.  Overall, I think this is a good option for someone who wants to play around with neutrals without having to spend a ton of money.

Check out my swatches and close-up photos behind the cut.

Balmbini Vol. 2 Review and Swatches

I was lucky to win a giveaway that included theBalm's Balmbini Vol. 2 recently, and I was really happy because I've fallen in love with theBalm.  Of the products I've used, I feel that they're very high-quality and underrated.

At the theBalm website, the Balmbini palettes (there are two volumes) are described as "The Babies of theBalm."  I'm not really sure why they call them that, but I think it sounds cute nonetheless.  Volume 1 is currently sold out on the site, so you'll have to look elsewhere if you're interested in purchasing it.  These palettes retail for $28, which I think is a very fair price considering what's included.

The products in the Vol. 2 palette are:

• Promiscuous Pearl Highlighter/Shadow
• Jinxy Jasmyne Shadow/Liner
• Manic Maribel, Open to Offers Olwen, and Lavish Latoya Shadow/Liners
• Strawberry Lip/Cheek Cream
• Nude Lip Gloss

My favorite is Manic Maribel because I love gold, shimmery shadows.  Lavish Latoya is also a really fun shade.  I don't think I'll use Open to Offers Olwen, but it's still a beautiful and vibrant shade.

I think that the pigmentation and color payoff on these shadows is very nice.  Olwen and Latoya were a bit less pigmented than Maribel.  All of these shadows are shimmers, so if you're looking for different textures you won't find them with this palette.

I have to get a good eyeliner brush before I can use Jinxy Jasmine, but I definitely love it!  I take back my statement in the above paragraph--this is a matte shadow, but it's jet black, so I personally wouldn't use it on my eyes other than as a liner.  But I know a lot of people like to play around with black shadows so I think they'd be happy with the payoff on this one.  I'm on the fence about the two lip colors.  The Nude shade doesn't look good on me at all, it's too light.  Strawberry, however, gives a nice wash of color, but if you want a bright pop of pink you'll have to layer quite a lot on.

Bottom Line: For $28, I think the Balmbini Vol. 2 palette is a really good value.  There is a good mixture of shades, but a majority of them are shimmers so if you want texture you might want to look elsewhere.  The two lip colors are nice, but nothing fantastic.  Overall, if you're looking for a fun and affordable palette, theBalm's Balmbini is a great place to start!

theBalm Eyeshadow Swatches

Yesterday I posted a giveaway for a Hot Ticket nail polish and Balm Shelter lip gloss that were a part of my Black Tie Kit that I recently bought, and today I bring you swatches of the other items.

• Shady Lady Eyeshadow in Caught in the Act Courtney and Shameless Shana
• Overshadow Shimmery Mineral Shadow in No Money, No Honey
• Hot Mama! Shadow and Blush

I've been wearing all of these for the past few days and I love them all.  I've only used Hot Mama! as a blush, but it's a gorgeous pink/peach color that would look great on the eyes as well.  Just a light dusting along my cheekbones is enough; the color payoff is quite nice.

I'm really loving the Overshadow Mineral Shadow because it's so glittery and gorgeous.  It's definitely a "fun" shade, a light gold. I like to use it along my brow bone and in the inner corners of my eyes.  It's in one of those jars that has the three small holes inside, though, which I think are messy and kind of annoying.  I'd prefer the pressed format, but I guess most mineral products aren't packaged that way.

Lastly, the Shady Lady shadows.  Caught in the Act Courtney (top) is a deep, warm brown with flecks of gold glitter, and Shameless Shana (bottom) is a rust-brown/gold shimmer.  I like both of them because they're appropriate enough for work, but they're still really fun to wear.  Since they came in a set that was meant to be used all together, they obviously layer perfectly over each other.

Bottom Line: I'm so glad I was able to snag this kit for only $13 (at Marshalls), because I think theBalm products are excellent.  I'm happy with the color payoff on the shadows, and they have pretty good staying power -- although I've only worn them with eyeshadow primer, so I'm not sure how long they last without.

TheBalm Giveaway! [CLOSED]

I bought a Black Tie Kit by TheBalm at Marshalls the other day because I wanted the blush and eyeshadows that were included, but two things I definitely don't need more of are lip gloss and red nail polish.  Therefore, I'm giving them away to one lucky reader!

If you've never heard of TheBalm, they're an awesome cruelty-free company.  I really like every product I've ever tried by them; I feel that they're very high-quality.  The two prizes pictured above are Balm Shelter Lip Gloss in "Pin-Up Girl" and Hot Ticket Nail Polish in "Better Off Red."

Entering is simple, just use the Rafflecopter form.  There are no mandatory entries, but the more you do the better your chances of winning.  This giveaway is open to US residents aged 18+ and will end on Thursday, May 31st.  Winners will be contacted via email.