Shuga and Spice: May 2013

TheBalm MARY-LOU MANIZER

If you ask what my holy grail highlighting powder is, I'm most certainly going to tell you all about TheBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer Hightlighter.

What is it?

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (0.3 oz) is "..a seemingly innocent honey-hued luminizer that catches everybody's eye. This highlighter, shadow and shimmer diffuses light so your skin looks softer and younger while adding a subtle glow." Thebalm.com

Whether you are in search of a highlighter that offers a subtle or intense glow, this is the one for you. Dust on lightly by using a soft blush brush; for a more intense application pack more product onto an accent brush.

Swatches left to right: without flash / with flash

The champagne-colored sheen in this highlighter allows for a versatile use that some other highlighting powders don't have. I use it on the apples of my cheeks, the inner corner of my eye and brow bone, as well as on my cupid's bow. You can also use it on your eyelid as a shimmery shadow or as an all-over finishing powder for a shimmery look. I'm not big on having my entire face shine but for those that do, be sure to use a light hand when applying it all over the face.

It is not extremely noticeable at first glance when applied but the way the light (whether it's artificial or sunlight) picks up and diffuses the shimmer in the highlight is just gorgeous. Depending on which direction the light hits your face is when you can fully notice its beautiful sheen.

Although this is a powder, it has a creamy texture which means a little bit goes a long way with this highlighter. It may be a bit pricey for some, retailing at $24 for the compact but Hautelook has frequent sales for TheBalm Cosmetics where they sell the powder at a cheaper price. That's where I ordered mine along with other TheBalm products. I've had it for almost a year now and after using it on a daily basis I have yet to hit pan on it. If you aren't already signed up to Hautelook.com, be sure to check it out.

Hautelook is a members-only site that has flash sales of well-known brands, generally lasting for a few days. It is completely free to sign up and there are no commitments or membership fees. This is not a monthly subscription site like others we've been seeing floating around. To become a member through my referral link, simply click HERE!

Price: $24
Availability:Nordstrom.com / thebalm.com / Hautelook.com / Seen at TJ Maxx

Below are a few pics I took with my camera phone. You can see how beautiful this highlighter glows on the skin especially on the cheekbones. I will always continue to reach for this highlighting powder. Thus far, no other highlighter has been able to replace it.