Product Review: Mary-Lou Manizer aka "the luminizer" by the Balm

Hi everyone! So today i'll be reviewing on a makeup product called Mary-Lou Manizer aka "the luminizer" by the Balm. Personally, i love the name its given. Its catchy, interesting and most definitely appealing. I find it so attractive, with its sexy packaging and all, and it just makes me wanna buy it. Isn't it nice? But, you know when it comes to makeup products, the packaging doesn't really matter. What matters more is whats inside. And then what matters most is if its gonna suit you or not. Right? 

A little about the Balm cosmetics:
Founded by Marissa Shipman, "So she went to Amazon, bought 11 books on how to make makeup and started mixing in her kitchen. "I went crazy. I had a web site designed, got incorporated, worked out a budget, and hired a chemist." And the rest is history!" Going by the concept of "beauty in five minutes", the products are made with high quality ingredients in America. Read up more! 

So yea, i heard alot about the Balm and i even heard its the cosmetics used by Sarah Jessica Parker while she was filming for Sex in the City 2. Really? Anw, i seldom see them in stores in Singapore. I bought mine from Sasa, Tampines at SGD36.90 (Not bad for a 0.3oz compact luminizer) and it was a really small section in the store whereby they placed a few of the Balm cosmetics. It didn't really catch my attention at first until the salesgirl led me to it. Firstly, the reason why i wanted to search for that perfect illuminizer for myself is because i don't really have vibrant skin complexion like some women do. My skin can look dull at times and it doesn't shine as much, at times, even after makeup. Worse still, after a day out in the sun. Aweful! Then i tried on Mary-Lou Manizer and this is what i think about it;

It has only one shade and its in a light beige colour. The shade is a little too light for dark-skinned people like me but if applied lightly, it should be fine. All you got to do is BLEND! Another thing is the product is very shimmery. I wouldn't recommend it for those who wants to achieve a matte look because it gives your skin a glow and after using the product, my face has sort of a dewy effect. It shines like crazy under the sun but in the indoors, it works perfect. If you're going for DNDs, birthday parties at Hotels or outdoor in the night, anywhere where there is minimal lighting or yellow lighting, it works fabulous. Your face will glow perfectly under dim light. 


On the contrary, it will not work as well for the day when the sun is shining so bright and any bit of shimmer on your face will reflect all the light which will make your face look even more oily. Maybe some would like the very dewy, wet look but i don't, especially coz i have oily skin. 


One good thing though is that you can use it as a highlight, a shimmer and also an eyeshadow. The way i would use it:


1. As a highlight- Using an fluffy angled brush/bronzing brush, i'd pick up a lil of the product and use it onto the highest point of my cheekbone. You don't want to go so high till it gets onto the under-eyes because it will take the attention of your eyes especially when you're having on fancy eye makeup. 


2. As a shimmer- Using a powder puff, i'd use it on my collar bones and top chest area to create a glamorous look, wearing my best outfit for the day.


3. As an eyeshadow- To create simple shimmery nude eyes, using a flat eyeshadow brush, i'd use the product on my eyelids and brow bone. And then using a contour brush, id use a light brown matte eyeshadow on my crease to create the deep eyes effect. After which, use a blending brush to blend in all the colours and tie them together. I wouldn't use it on the entire eye area as one flat colour because it'll give you that very funny, comical look.

To sum it up: 

♥ Can be used in three ways: a highlight, shimmer and eyeshadow

♥ Gives your face a dewy effect and glows fabulously under dim light

♥ Doesn't work well under strong lighting or daylight so i wouldn't recommend it if you want a matte look

♥ A little bit pricey but definitely worth the buy

I would rate this product 7/10.

Would i repurchase this? MAYBE

the Balm cosmetics also has other very interesting products. Their eyeshadow collections are lovely and if i purchase them in future, i'll do a test and review on it! :)

**Please note that these are merely my opinions based on my own experience using the product. It may vary across all skin types.

So, this is the end of my review on Mary-Lou Manizer aka "the luminizer" by the Balm . What are your opinions on the product? What do you think is best to set your makeup? Do share it with me. Email your own reviews to sqeen.services@gmail.com and if i like your review, i'll post it here for all to read! :)