theBalm: Sexy Mama & Hot Mama Review

When I think of cute, creative, and detailed cosmetic lines, my mind immediately thinks of the oh so famous brand, Benefit (and the back of my mind thinks of Too Faced). One brand that I just started to dip my toes into was theBalm Cosmetics. Well all I can say is "why the heck did it take me so long?" This brand is A to the AWE to the S-O-M-E! (Sorry for the random burst of cheerleading, I'm a little hyper right now). Just like benefit, every single product has its own unique name and packaging. However I find theBalm to have a more vintage feel while Benefit is definitely more cutesy modern. But this isn't a brand comparison post. This is a review of the two adorable products I picked up the other day, Sexy Mama & Hot Mama from theBalm.

The packaging is made out of cardboard, which surprisingly is very firm and sturdy. Both the compacts are equipped with a decent sized mirror and a magnetic close (so you don't have to worry about them opening up in your makeup-bag). I do find these a little hard to open since the magnet is so strong. Each one comes with 7.08 grams of product, not too shabby! 

 First up is the Sexy Mama Anti-Shine Translucent Powder. I usually stick to drugstore powders because they quality is usually good and the price is even better! But I decided to venture out into the world of high end  face powders, to really compare. I find this powder to be very silky smooth with just the right amount of pigmentation for a translucent powder. A lot of translucent powders give a white cast on the face (okay well not usually my face because it's white to begin with, but other peoples'). However this powder does no such thing! I would see this working for the fairest to the tannest of people. Also I love that this powder does not look cakey on the skin, it looks like you have nothing on at all. And as for its mattifying properties, it does mattify for a maximum of 1 hour (very shabby). If you have really oily skin, skip this. If you have normal to dry skin I would recommend this!

theBalm Sexy Mama Powder - $19

Now onto the lady of the hour, Hot Mama blush! When I first opened this, I immediately thought 'Nars Orgasm dupe fo sho', (sorry for going all ganster on you, I do not know what is with me today). It a peachy pink blush with a ton of frosty gold shimmer, how could it not be? I don't actually own Nars Orgasm blush but I have tested it out at sephora. They aren't dupes but they are very similar. Orgasm has bigger flecks of glitter, while the shimmer in the Hot Mama one is very finely milled. Hot Mama already wins just for that difference. One thing I can't stand, are chuncks of glitter in my makeup (that's why I wont even smell Nars Super Orgasm - chunky glitter fiasco). I usually go for matte or satin finish blushes, but I decided to try something new for a change. I do really like this blush. It has a soft texture, it's very pigmented (and I mean it!), and it just looks so pretty on the skin. You do have to be very careful when applying this, it is very easy to look like a clown since the pigmentation is crazy especially on my fair skin. I would recommend this blush to anyone who wants a good quality frosty coral blush. It doesn't even matter what skin tone you have because it will look good on everyone!

theBalm Hot Mama Blush - $19

Cargo Blu_Ray Review...

I was at Winner's the other day and came across this awesome kit from Cargo Cosmetics for a steal! This is the first time I've ever tried anything from the Blu_Ray line and let me just say I am thoroughly impressed. This line from Cargo is supposed to be a 'camera ready' line, hence the cool name of Blu_Ray.

Lets start of with the whole reason I bought the kit, the gorgeous blush/highlighter in peach shimmer. All I can say is that this is my new favourite powder blush. The colour is a really soft peachy pink with a hint of golden shimmer. The blush is very finely milled and is quite pigmented. I find that this blush is buildable and kind of hard to overdo (unless you try really really hard, you won't end up looking like a clown). This is definitely one product that I would repurchase over and over again.

Cargo Blu_Ray Blush/Highlighter - Peach Shimmer - $27

The second product that came in the kit was the Blu_Ray bronzer. This bronzer, just like the blush, is made up from a very finely milled powder. Since this bronzer is so pigmented and slightly orange toned I have to be very careful when applying it. One sweep too many and I will end up looking like I belong Jersey Shore. I do like this bronzer and will continue to use it. But when I finish it (if that time ever comes) I will not repurchase.

Cargo Blu_Ray Bronzer - $30

Next up is the Cargo Blu_Ray High Definitoin Lip Gloss in Belize. At first glance I wasn't too excited about the colour, it kind of looks like a muted brownish red. However when I put it on, it was a perfect 'my lips but better' colour. The formula is not sticky at all. The main reason why I despise lipgloss (okay I just don't like it) is because of the stickiness factor, but this lipgloss is smooth. Plus it has just the right amount of shimmer and gloss, nothing too overboard. I am definitely going to look at more of the lipgloss shades in this line.

Cargo Blu_Ray High Definition Lip Gloss - Belize - $24

The lipgloss has a sponge tip applicator that is soft, not rock hard like a dollar store lipgloss.

Lastly we have the Cargo Blu_Ray Mascara. Before I opened the tube I was expecting some HD brush, and when I say HD I mean big and bold. When I actually opened it I was like "what the heck is that?!" As you can can see below the mascara wand is actually a Barbie sized hair comb in disguise. This mascara doesn't really do much for my upper lashes but for my lower lashes it's great! The tiny combed wand can coat my lower lashes without making a mess. I don't think this mascara is water-proof but it doesn't transfer onto my face by the end of the day, which is a good thing. I will use this mascara for my lower lashes only and when I'm done I will not repurchase because it ain't that special.

Cargo Blu_Ray Mascara - $20

Look at this wand! Not what I expected at all.

Here are some swatches for you.

Overall I'm super impressed with this line from Cargo and can't wait to add some more Cargo products into my makeup collection. 

You can purchase these products separately at cargocosmetics.com

Or you can purchase this kit here: http://www.cargocosmetics.com/products//bronzing-collection-03