Trying Cult Beauty Brands For The First Time: theBalm & Beauty Blender

I haven't shopped for new make-up in ages. Instead, I've been focusing more on skincare products and have recently spent a small fortune since my dermatologist advised me how dehydrated my skin and how it desperately needed some kick power moisturisers. So, when Justmylook.com reached for a potential collab I knew I wanted to get some makeup goodies to satisfy the urge of buying some - the struggle has been real. With amazing brands being stocked at their website, it was the perfect opportunity to try something I had heard of but never tried, so I decided on two brands widely famous that I had yet to try (always late to the party, aren't I?). Keep on reading to see what I picked!

theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer (RRP £17.50)* | £11.97

This and the Hoola bronzer from Benefit are quite possibly the most sold bronzers out there. Hoola was one of those products I used to replace without even thinking but after some digging, I found out Benefit is sold in China, meaning products from the brand are still tested on animals. The Balm, on the other hand, not only offers cruelty-free products but everything is also paraben-free which is a plus in my books. Thankfully I've found an alternative product that works just as well and is cheaper in price. In terms of shade, Bahama Mama works incredibly well on my pale skin and it isn't orange at all like some bronzers are; I just have to remember to have a light hand as it is super pigmented. The formula is soft, easy to work with and it blends like a dream. Plus the packaging is a dream, isn't it!

BeautyBlender Sponge Pro Black (RRP £17)* | £14.95

Yup this is the first time I've owned a beauty blender. I could never justify the price of a beauty blender but this was my chance to try it so I took it. I'm a huge fan of the Real Techniques sponge and I personally find that to be more ergonomic than the beauty blender. Don't get me wrong, the bb does provide flawless application, but the flat top on the RT sponge makes applying foundation, concealer and powder in smaller areas a lot easier. The bb also has its benefits and I find that it absorbs less product than the RT, so all in all, I'm happy to have tried this but I won't be swapping it for my brushes (which are my ultimate favourite tools) nor for my RT sponge.

theBalm Foiled Again Eyeshadow Palette (RRP £32.50)* | £19.99

The Balm is also known for its quirky eyeshadow palettes and whilst I originally wanted to try their traditional nude palettes, those were sold out. I then settled on this beautiful palette containing 8 "supernatural" metallic-foil shades and 4 mattes. These eyeshadows give such an intense colour payoff, which you can see from the swatches, that I was quite surprised at how good this palette was. They stay perfectly in place throughout the day (I put this to the test on a work day) and these are some of the easiest shadows I've worked with, making blending effortless. I love the combination of the colours, ranging from a light gold to my beloved warm brown, and I'm sure this will allow me to create endless makeup looks. It is quite rare for me to say this, but this is one palette I know I am going to be wearing every single shade. To boost intensity, I like applying the metallic shades wet and the mattes dry, and it's great that the palette works well both ways. Being a handy compact with an integrated mirror, I know which palette I will be taking with me on future travel trips. Love, love, love!

Have you tried these brands before? Have any recommendations? Let me know below!

Thanks for reading beauties, and thanks JustMyLook.com for the goodies!

xoxo

* Contains PR Samples and sponsored links. All opinions are my own (disclaimer here).