Birchbox: January 2013

My year subscription to Birchbox is about to end, it is a hard decision to try and decide to keep getting it or not.

Don't know what Birchbox is?
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a little, heavenly box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive 4-5 samples (sometimes even full-sized products) and generally a goodie (energy booster, granola bar, etc). The samples range from make-up, polishes, skincare, body, hair, and fragrances. All from luxury, quality brands. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked for you are based on a survey you fill out letting the gals know your style and skin-type. Birchbox costs just $10 a month, and your box will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Birchbox.

January 2013, Box #1
The new year isn't about changing who you are but making sure you refocus on things that keep falling to the bottom of your to-do list. Birchbox included in this month a poster showing 25 ways to make 2013 awesome. In the note from the team they ask how we are going to make this year the best. For me, my goals are to run a half marathon, study for really big test, and make sure I don't sweat the little stuff and enjoy life. How about you?

Information Cards:

Products:

Ojon: Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum
Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment - exotic ojon and macadamia oils work together to smooth and hydrate hair.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($25.00)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($1.03)
More hair oil... This product is meant to tame frizz and flyaways, boost shine, and add softness. You can use it on damp hair as a heat-protectant or as a leave-in styling/hair treatment. Because of my thin, thin hair I do better with hair oil mists. Even a drop of oil is too much for my hair. But either way, I will not buy or use Ojon products as the company is owned by Estee Lauder and therefore is not cruelty-free.
Tested on animals!

Alessandro: Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon
Launching exclusively in the Birchbox shop, this extra opaque nail polish has a satiny formula and a wide brush for easy application.
Full Size: 0.34 oz ($12.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($6.00)
I've never heard of Alessandro. They are a German brand that are selling their line in America exclusively on Birchbox. Alessandro is considered a professional grade polish. They tout having a wide, easy application brush, fast drying, and incredible long durability. I received a mini bottle in blue lagoon, a cream navy blue color. It isn't particularly a color I wear often, but the color itself is really pretty. I'm not sure if it was because of the mini handle/brush size, but I had a hard time applying the polish without streaking it on the sides of my fingers. The polish did seem to dry quickly, but for me it started to peel/crack off the next day.
Cruelty-free!

Harvey Prince: Skinny Chic Perfume
Get a glass-half-full disposition with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($55.00)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($2.26)
Another Harvey Prince perfume? This is my fourth Harvey Prince from Birchbox. That seems a little excessive. For me, these fragrances just don't have any staying power. I can smell them for a few hours just ever so slightly. Skinny Chic is a fragrance that is formulated to keep you energized and conquer cravings.This scent is dominated by mint, green apple, lotus blossom, grapefruit, and a creamy depth made up of warm amber, bergamont, and white cedarwood. To me it smells like a plumeria scent with a little kick. Of all the Harvey Prince fragrances, this may be my favorite. I wouldn't buy it myself, but it is a perfect daytime fragrances for those who want something fresh and light.
Cruelty-free!

theBalm: Put a Lid On It
Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.
Full Size: 0.4 oz ($18.00)
Size Received: 0.125 oz ($5.63)
This is a creamy, thick almost metallic beige-colored primer. TheBalm promises a formula that is smudge-free, long lasting, and keep your shadows vibrant. It absorbs oils to allow you to have a clean canvas when applying your shadow. After using it the first time I realized how little you need for each application, I think this sample may last me months! I decided to test it against my go to Sephora brand eye primer, wearing one primer on each eye. Both allowed for more vivid application, no smudging or creases, but theBalm's beat out my current eye primer ever so slightly in the wear category. This would be a great primer to buy next time I am out!
Cruelty-free!

Fresh: Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
With antioxidant-rich lotus flower extracts, this lush moisturizer protects skin from free radicals and hydrates for a full 24 hours. 
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($42.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($3.46)
This was considered an extra, so I won't diss the small sample size. We did receive two packets so that is a plus? I'm new to the Fresh brand, but I already am in love with it. A company that uses all natural ingredients from around the world. This moisturizer has been 'proven' to hydrate for 24 hours and is designed with a complex of ingredients that minimize and prevent signs of aging and boost radiance. I did like this cream as it absorbed quickly and was perfect for nighttime. It apparently didn't wow me, but it seems to have a pretty big following.
Cruelty-free!

Total value of my January 2013 Birchbox:$18.38

Not my favorite box. It is kind of frustrating that 4 out of 5 brands are repeats. Sometimes I love getting the same company, but when I clearly reviewed a product poorly or stated I do not want to see anything from this brand again it sucks to see that brand show up multiple times. I'm happy about the repeat of thebalm, but Im tired of Harvey Prince and I don't want Ojon products!

What do you think of my January Birchbox? How does it compare to yours?  How are you going to make 2013 awesome? Let me know in the comments below!

If you don't get Birchbox, click here to join! 

Birchbox: December 2012

So many people have been unhappy with Birchbox recently, but I still get so excited when I see it sitting in my mailbox!

Don't know what Birchbox is?
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a little, heavenly box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive 4-5 samples (sometimes even full-sized products) and generally a goodie (energy booster, granola bar, etc). The samples range from make-up, polishes, skincare, body, hair, and fragrances. All from luxury, quality brands. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked for you are based on a survey you fill out letting the gals know your style and skin-type. Birchbox costs just $10 a month, and your box will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Birchbox.

December 2012, Box #1
Let the festivities begin! December was all about making you feel and look your best for the holiday season. Birchbox cutely decorated the box this month and included a gift tag and gift box that could be reused. I loved how things used to be wrapped up individually with tissue paper since it really was like opening 5 teeny adorable presents. They've since moved towards small card boxes, which means quicker processing and most likely lower production costs. If it means Birchbox gets to share with more people and keep the price at $10, I'm quite okay with the change!

Information Cards:

Products:

Fresh: Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum
Wine aficionados and perfume snobs alike love this pinot-infused fragrance, which pairs a rich grape core with bright notes of citrus.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($80.00)
Size Received: 0.25 oz ($5.88)
My oh my, what a huge perfume sample!! I only know fresh because of the free Sephora lip tints on your birthday, I had no idea they were such scent connoisseurs. Citron de Vigne is a really complex scent. The 'pinot noir' core is compromised of bergamot, dark almond, musk, white sandalwood, and rose. It has a bubbly citrus top notes and deep earthy base to really make you feel like you are among the grape vines in France. This scent is light, fresh, and crisp without being too sweet. I generally have been wearing this as a daytime perfume, but it is so sophisticated. I'm tempted to buy the $20 rollerball!
Cruelty-free!

12 Benefits: Instant Healthy Hair Treatment
Top stylists love this protective leave-in mist, which tamps down frizz and restores the vibrancy of color-treated or damaged hair.
Full Size: 6.0 oz ($19.00)
Size Received: 1.5 oz ($4.75)
I have been using leave-in mists for years. With my thin, oily hair I can't use creams or gels or most mouses unless I want to shower ever 6 hours. These leave-in mists allow me to get the benefits without all the grease. My absolute favorite being Sebastian Potion 9 Lite, which protects and adds volume. They were recently bought by Proctor & Gamble, so their cruelty-free status is somewhat murky. 12 Benefits states clearly on the bottle that they don't test on animals and is 100% vegan. Sweet! This hair treatment smooths frizz, repairs damage and strengthens, prevents split ends, moisturizes and seals hair, prevents flat iron/blow dry damage, protects from chlorine, wind, and sun, detangles, and adds shine, softness, and a silky finish! All that in one bottle, one spritz, and no added weight to my hair!? This product is so reasonably priced too. I think I have a new favorite.
Cruelty-free!

Sampar: Ultra Hydrating Fluid
This gorgeous Parisian moisturizer helps skin retain hydration and prevents moisture evaporation while also protecting it from pollution. 
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($71.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($20.88)
Initially this product would not pump. I sat trying to get the pump to work for maybe 5 minutes? I gave up and tried again a few days later and still no go. I contacted Birchbox in hopes they'd have some leftover, but they didn't so they sent me 100 BB points. Strangely enough, a month and half later, it has started to pump! I could never see spending $35/oz on moisturizer. Ever. Although this hydrating fluid is stated to reduce water loss by 20% after only 2 days of application! It also helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, protect skin from the elements, and add back a youthful glow. I will admit this stuff is pretty great. It absorbs so quickly, leaves my skin feeling moisturized, and somehow is still non-oily. If you have the money, I'd go for it!
Cruelty-free!

theBalm: Hot Mama Shadow & Blush All-in-One
How cute is this peachy blush? The universally flattering pigment is laced with faint golden shimmer to add warmth to your complexion.
Full Size: 7.08 g ($20.00)
Size Received: 1 g ($2.83)
I have wanted to try this blush for quite some time. Many people think it is a good dupe of NARS Orgasm blush. They aren't much different in price, and NARS is a cruelty-free company, but it is still nice to try out dupes! This is a bright peach blush with loads of illuminating gold shimmer. The minute you sweep this on your look more awake and perky. I didn't think it would look good on me, but it really does flatter every skin shade. theBalm's blush products seriously are the best. Pigmented, illuminating, and last forever. I love this blush and it is now part of my daily routine!
Cruelty-free!

Emily's Chocolates: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Fortunes
Filled with festive messages, these treats have surpassed ginger snap cookies as our favorite holiday goodie.
Full Size: 6 cookies ($5.99)
Size Received: 1 cookie ($1.00)
I had high hopes that this would be vegan! I mean dark chocolate, but of course it wasn't. I forgot to take a photo before I gave it away. Woops. It made a cute addition to my sister's Christmas gift though!
(Product not vegan)

Extras

Rent The Runway: $50 off dress rental of $125

The idea of Rent The Runway is pretty cool. Rent a gorgeous, expensive dress for 4 (or 8) days, wear it to your event, and then ship it on back for a fraction of the cost. Rent The Runway also lets you rent a backup size dress for free too! I am always between sizes, so this is a must for me. The cost to rent is generally 10% of the full value of the dress, with many dress renting at $50-200. They do all the cleaning for you, so no extra costs for you. If I had a big time event to go to and wanted to look beyond glamorous, I would for sure use this service. No more combing through 100s of ugly, cheap dresses at The Rack, I'll be dripping in luxury wearing designer goods.

Total value of my December 2012 Birchbox:$35.34 + coupon

This was a box that I initially wasn't too excited about. But then got a chance to test everything out and figured out how great all the products are! I wish all perfume sample sizes were as big as the fresh sample! And what a great mixture of product types. A little make-up, hair, fashion, skin, scent. Its got it all covered!

What do you think of my December Birchbox? How does it compare to yours?  Let me know in the comments below!

If you don't get Birchbox, click here to join! 

Birchbox: October 2012

Happy New Year! Catching up, slowly, but surely. 

Don't know what Birchbox is?
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a little, heavenly box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive 4-5 samples (sometimes even full-sized products) and generally a goodie (energy booster, granola bar, etc). The samples range from make-up, polishes, skincare, body, hair, and fragrances. All from luxury, quality brands. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked for you are based on a survey you fill out letting the gals know your style and skin-type. Birchbox costs just $10 a month, and your box will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Birchbox.

October 2012, Box #24
Fall is about transformation. From the trees to halloween costumes. So Birchbox put together a box that would help change up our beauty routines. It could be adding new products, trying new brands, or switching up your skincare regime.

Information Cards:

Products:

Harvey Prince: Hello Eau de Parfum
Get a glass half full disposition with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria. 
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($55.00)
Size Received: 0.1 oz ($3.30)
Birchbox has a little love affair with Harvey Prince. This is the 3rd perfume Ive gotten to try. Hello is a light and fresh fruity (lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit), floral (forsythia and plumeria). Its nice, but not really my favorite. I wouldnt pay $55 for it, but its the kind of scent Id get from Bath and Body Works in a body spray. Once Hello settles on my skin, it just smells like I just showered.
Cruelty-free!

Benta Berry: G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream
Light but extremely nourishing, this all-natural French moisturizer regulates oil levels and keeps skin matte.
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($22.00)
Size Received: 0.2 oz ($4.40)
I received Benta Berry's cleanser back in my April Birchbox and loved it. A French, organic, cruelty-free company focused on young skin and simple skincare. I saw all the hype for this face cream on birchbox and makeuptalk and super excited. I tried it a few days ago and it applied thick as can be, did not absorb, and just sat on my skin. Once I started applying my makeup the cream rolled up into balls on my skin. Fail! One website said that your moisturizer balling up may mean you need to pat it on or applied too much. But I don't know. Maybe its not for me. Others love it and I already passed it along to someone who loves it.
Cruelty-free!

Mox Botanicals: Pomegranate & Fig Lip Butter
Made in Portland, this eco-chic balm revives lips with avocado oil and shea butter.
Full Size: 0.2 oz ($16.00)
Size Received: 0.1 oz ($8.00)
I'm not much for lip balm pots. I hate getting my hands all greasy and much rather would use a stick. I mistakenly assumed that this product would be vegan. I mean Portland, Oregon is the mecca of vegans.  But alas, it is not. I got the reply back after I already tried and loved it. It applied silky smooth without being greasy, and the pomegranate smell is amazing. But it does contain lanolin (wool wax) and beeswax. I did ask if they planned on offering a vegan version and the rep said they will most likely offer vegan options in the future!
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)

theBalm: Mary-Lou Manizer
Play up your best features with this three-in-one highlighter, shadow, and all-over shimmer.
Full Size: 8.4 g ($24.00)
Size Received: 1 g ($2.86)
Oh boy, oh boy. We all know that I love Mary-Lou Manizer! See my detailed review here. I think theBalm knocked it out of the park with this highlighter. It compliments multiple shades of skin, adds a natural glow, and is so pigmented that the product will last a lifetime. I have had this product almost a year and it looks like I've barely used it even though I use it every friggin day. I'll gladly take a mini version to travel with.
Cruelty-free!

Luna Protein: Chocolate Peanut Butter
We keep these yummy protein-packed bars on hand at all times.
Full Size: 15 bars ($14.95)
Size Received: 1 bar ($0.99)
I'm sort of tired of getting food products in my birchbox. Because almost every single one has dairy in it! So I've been having to give away all of my treats to friends. Not all Luna bars have dairy, so too bad that I just so happened to get one that isn't vegan.
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)

Total value of my October 2012 Birchbox:$19.55

Some months you find new things you love, other times you get to sample things you already love. I can see why people are saying Birchbox is going downhill. But I'll still stick it out and see what the new year brings about.

What do you think of my October Birchbox? How does it compare to yours?  Let me know in the comments below!

If you don't get Birchbox, click here to join! 

Birchbox: June 2012

For the first time in months I was really good and didn't peak once! Maybe I'll like my box more because I have no expectations.

Don't know what Birchbox is?
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a little, heavenly box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive 4-5 samples (sometimes even full-sized products) and generally a goodie (energy booster, granola bar, etc). The samples range from make-up, polishes, skincare, body, hair, and fragrances. All from luxury, quality brands. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked for you are based on a survey you fill out letting the gals know your style and skin-type. Birchbox costs just $10 a month, and your box will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Birchbox.

June 2012, Box #6
This month Birchbox is ready for summer to begin and jetsetting around the world. I love that they kept the theme going on the inside of the cardboard box with the passport stamps, too cute! All the products this month are devoted to indulging in your 'inner jetsetter.' Products to help you get to your destination and others to keep you looking great while you are there. I for some reason really love this theme! Maybe because I myself am so ready to jet set my way to a vacation. If only...

Information Cards:

Products:

Comodynes: Self-Tanning Towelettes in Intense
Who needs the sun when you can get a safe, buildable, and natural-looking tan with these bestselling European towelettes?
Full Size: 8 towelettes ($14.99)
Size Received: 2 towelettes ($3.75)
I received Comodynes self tanning towelettes now in three different boxes (GoGoGirlfriend and Beauty Box 5). I have yet to use any of the wipes. I received the other towelettes during the winter so I had no interest in having tan skin. But now that I'm showing off my legs in dresses and shorts I am conscious of the fact that I am whiter than a ghost. I'll be trying these out and will let you all know how it goes. I've never used self-tanner so this will be an experiment.

stila: One Step Bronze
Fake an island glow with this three-in-one bronzer, primer, and serum. It also keeps your skin's oil production in check.
Full Size: 1 oz ($36.00)
Size Received: 1 oz ($36.00)
Holy crap I just realized this is a full-size!! I haven't been a fan of stila's makeup products, but I was still excited to try this out. This is a one step bronzer/serum/primer. It contains swirls of the product that come out separately but then you combine it all together while you apply. The three helix are: matte bronze that warms and corrects color, a luminous bronze that enhances skintone and illuminates, and a 'kitten' shimmer that brightens and helps diminish sun spots. Plus, this stuff also has active clay that helps matte, minimize pores, hydrates and balances, and diminishes fine lines. Whew! It does a lot. At first I was worried it was too dark, but it isn't too bad it blends really well. It definitely made me tanner than I am! I had a glow all day. The shimmer is a bit more than I am used to, but Im still excited to use it especially since it has yellow undertones to help even out my pink skin! By the end of the day I did notice that my skin had pink splotches everywhere and some acne I thought was going away seems to be flaring up again. I'll try using it a few more days to see if it is actually the stila that broke my skin out. Who knows it may not be it.

Masqueology: Pore Minimizing Mask
This targeted sheet mask shrinks visible pores while amping up your skin's moisture levels. Use it daily and -- if you're brave -- during your next flight.
Full Size: 3 masks ($24.00)
Size Received: 1 mask ($8.00)
This is a creepy looking mask treatment that is suposed to minimize pores and add a glow.  This is a Korean company. I am always very hesitant about beauty products from Eastern countries because they are normally not cruelty-free or vegan. And my hesitation was spot on. The mask has caviar extract, which is fish eggs. No thanks. Not on my face. Plus, it has a lot of amino acids that could be from animal sources. And the website has no information about its animal testing policy. Skipping this one.

theBalm: Staniac in Beauty Queen
We're crazy about this two-in-one lip and cheek stain: the sheer gel formula delivers a subtle, long-wearing flush.
Full Size: 0.3 oz ($17.00)
Size Received: 0.04 oz ($2.27)
Everyone this month received theBalm's Staniac. It is a gel lip/cheek stain. The color is a reddish-pink, but luckily it doesn't have carmine! Wohoo! It literally is a gel product that you just dab and blend out. It is a very subtle color that you'd have to spend some time to build into anything more than a tint. It is nice to have underneath chapstick and it seems to last pretty long. My swatch even after washing my hand has not budged. This will be perfect to have floating in my purse.

John Varavatos: Star USA
In honor of Father's Day, we've included this dapper cologne, a blend of ginger, juniper berries, and vetiver. Pass it on to a lucky guy friend or family member.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($70.00)
Size Received: 0.04 oz ($3.75)
Maybe I'm greedy, but I'd much rather another lifestyle extra for myself! This is a men's fragrance that was created in hopes to offer a scent that isn't just current but goes with the trends. The top notes include ginger and juniper berries where the middle notes are spruce and cardamom and the base is vetiver and tonka. Many things that I am not completely familiar with. But the scent is actually quite nice. It is a bit spicy, a bit sweet, and woodsy. I have a male coworker that love his cologne, so I'll see if he likes it. He is actually intrigued by Birchbox Man but wouldn't pay $20 for the service.

tili: Bag
Breeze through airport security with these too-cute plastic bags. They're perfectly sized for storing all your travel essential (and beauty samples).
Full Size: 9 bags ($8.49)
Size Received: 1 bag ($0.94)
A plastic bag? Really? I would have used this for my liquids if I got it before my trip, but my box arrived too late. I don't see the point spending almost $1 for a plastic zip lock bag! Even zip lock sells nicer looking bags with patterns for maybe $4 for a pack of 20. I generally buy the generic brand since I only use plastic bags for snacks on the go. Not my favorite extra.

Total value of my June 2012 Birchbox:$54.71

Wow!! What a change from last month. I was so fed up! At first I wasn't super excited about my box, but after a few days of getting to know my products I am really happy! I am so happy about the full-size primer/bronzer from stila. I am obsessed with primers and anything that can correct my skintone. I love anything from theBalm. And maybe the third time is the charm with the Comodyne wipes since Im actually considering trying them out. A great value and some great products!

What do you think of my June Birchbox? How does it compare to yours? Let me know in the comments below!

If you don't get Birchbox, click here to join! 

Review: The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer

After signing up for my first beauty subscription box (Birchbox) last July and starting this blog in January I've been learning a lot of about makeup, application, and techniques. I watched a video on contouring and highlighting last fall. I had a bronzer that worked great for contouring, but no product that would work well as a highlighter. After just a little searching I was set on getting theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer. I saved up my Birchbox points and here it is!

theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer

Mary-Lou Manizer without primer

A look without any cheek products

The addition of blush applied to apples of cheeks

The look with blush and bronzer applied in hollow of cheek bone, jawline, and sides of nose

The COMPLETE look with blush, bronzer, and Mary-Lou Manizer applied above cheek bones, above brows, center of nose, cupid's bow, and center of forehead

Review:

Mary-Lou Manizer is theBalm's famous highlighter. I love how the name is a play on the fact that a highlighter acts illuminate! So what is a highlighter? A highlighter is a beauty product that is brighter and lighter than your normal skin tone and should have some shimmer in it. It is used to brighten certain areas of your face and draw extra attention to those areas. Plus, it gives you a glamorous, polished appearance. It is also used to dramatize angles created with contouring. And contouring helps enhance your natural bone structured helping to thin out and accentuate what you've already got.

Many celebrities don't leave the house without having their face perfectly contoured/highlighted. My favorite example is Kim Kardashian. She always has a bright glow and perfect bone structure. You may think what you like of her, but you really can't deny that she is gorgeous. Although I do think she goes a little too heavy on the eye makeup and lashes. Using Kim Kardashian as an example, TheUntrendyGirl.com made an amazing tutorial photo of how to properly contour and highlight.

image via: TheUntrendyGirl.com

With those shapes in mind I myself got to work using an angled powder brush. I don't contour or highlight as heavily as in the tutorial photo. Instead I focus primarily on giving shape to my giant nose, adding a little plump to my upper lip, and bringing out the angles of my jaw and cheekbones. Until this year, I only ever wore a little blush, but boy does contouring and highlighting do wonders! My face loses 5lbs in an instant and in photos my face doesn't look pancake flat and dull.

Mary-Lou Manizer may be the only highlighter I'll ever try. And I mean that. Mary-Lou Manizer is a pressed shimmer powder that can be used as a highlighter, an all over shimmer (body/face), or as an eyeshadow. The powder is a honey champagne color that has very finely milled shimmer that diffuses light. The color is extremely neutral. I am very fair and pink, but I think this shade would work would well with any skin color or tone. The shimmer catches the light adding a subtle glow and making anyone's skin look younger and softer. I don't even realize that it is a shimmer, instead it is just an instant glow. You couldn't ever pinpoint a single piece of glitter nor is it so much shimmer that you feel like you are prepping for your Broadway opening. One swipe and your face perks up.

In the photos above I wanted to show you the full 'transformation.' The blush adds a necessary addition of rosey pink to my cheeks after I neutralized out all the red tones in my face with my foundation. The bronzer helps to define my faceline and nose. I think it really does an amazing job at thinning out my wide nose! Then with the addition of the highlighter I think my face just looks completed. I may have a bit of a sheen from the start at some of the most common highlighting regions, but it looks just like I am shiny. Once I add the highlighter my shine turns into a true natural looking, glow. And the definition of my nose is even more noticeable because the contrast of the highlighter against the contouring. My upper lip also looks a tad bit fuller. It may all be subtle, but I love the enhancement.

You do have to be careful of where you apply it, but that goes with any highlighter. You don't want to highlight your entire forehead or all over your nose or you'll go back to looking shiny. Nor do you want to highlight any noticeable zits, it just makes the imperfection even more noticeable.

This product is also highly pigmented! A little goes a long way! I only need to lightly touch my brush to the powder to have enough product for an everyday look. I've been using this product for almost four months now and I can still see the original pattern etched onto the majority of the surface. I have no doubt that this highlighter could last me a few years. Yes, a few years. I mean it. It seems like theBalm realized that a product that lasts so long needs a sturdy case. Many bloggers and reviewers have said the case is metal but to me it feels like any old hard plastic. Yet it is very sturdy and feels like it will hold up. Plus, the adorable pin up gal guilty of womanizing theme is too cute.

I really can't think of a single negative. It shows that a little research before buying a new product makes a difference. With so many options it can be hard to weed through it all. But this was a clear winner. And in my book, the best.

TheBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer retails for $24 and is worth every penny. Take a look at theBalm's website at: www.thebalm.com

The bottom line: Neutral, honey tone that works with all skin colors; Finely milled shimmer that adds a subtle glow; A little goes a long way; May be expensive, but will last for years.  5/5

Have your tried theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer? Is it your favorite highlighter? Let me know in the comments below!