The Balm Cosmetics Manizer Duo Kit: Mary-Lou Manizer and Betty-Lou Manizer

The Balm Cosmetics, founded in 2004, has quickly become a well-established beauty brand. I had first heard of The Balm a couple of years ago, around the time I first started blogging, and ever since then had been lusting over many of their products. I came close to buying the Bahama Mama bronzer last summer while on vacation, but convinced myself that I already had enough bronzers to last me a good decade, and so I told myself that I had to finish one I already owned before getting a new one (oddly enough, it was one of those times where my little self-talk actually proved successful). Alas, Bahama Mama is still on my mind, but I am looking forward to trying it sometime in the future. Ranked very high on my wishlist were also the oh so popular Mary-Lou Manizer and Betty-Lou Manizer, so I was beyond excited when I got to try both of them out in the Balm's Manizer Duo Kit*!

The Balm is known for having the cutest packaging, and as soon as I opened the Mary-Lou Manizer* compact, it's as if everything I had ever been looking for in a highlighter was gloriously displayed right before my eyes. Mary-Lou Manizer is a highlighter which gives the skin the most stunning, subtle glow. It can be used to highlight the face (which I like to do right above my cheekbones, above and below my brows, down the bridge of my nose and on my cupid's bow) and it can also double as a brightening eye shadow. The texture is very smooth, and since the powder is so pigmented, the smallest amount goes a very long way.

Betty-Lou Manizer* is a shimmery bronze shade that can also be used both on the face and eyes. Once again, the incredible colour payoff and silky texture left me in total awe. Since I am very pale at the moment, I have to be careful not to overdo it when applying the powder on my face as I don't want to look like a bronzed up disco ball. However, I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it in the summer months when my skin gets more colour. I think this shade would look absolutely stunning on someone with a deeper skin tone as well.

Here are both swatches compared side by side, as well as how they look applied right above the cheekbones:

Left: Mary-Lou Manizer | Right: Betty-Lou Manizer

Mary-Lou Manizer

Betty-Lou Manizer

Mary-Lou Manizer and Betty-Lou Manizer both come in a handy compact with a mirror. The shades are super long-wearing, and do not flake one bit. I have found that the best way to apply them are with a small concealer brush or a tapered eye-shading brush, although using my finger also does the trick for applying just the right amount. Blending is also key for both powders to look subtle. I would highly recommend both of these shimmery powders - they have quickly become my most prized makeup possessions! 

The Balm Cosmetics can be bought online from ObsessedLook.com. This recently launched sister site to NailPolishCanada.com is now offering free shipping (no minimum required) on orders within Canada and also very affordable shipping rates on U.S. orders. While Mary-Lou Manizer and Betty-Lou Manizer retail for $24.00 each, you can get them both in the Balm's Manizer Duo Kit for only $36.00 - now that's what I call an amazing deal!

Have you tried anything from The Balm before? Which of their products would you recommend?

*Disclaimer: These products were kindly sent to me and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.