theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer

theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer ($24) is described as an all-in-one essential, smart shadow, beautiful blush and subtle highlighter that is tucked inside a go-anywhere compact. The light-reflecting peachy pink hue adds a splash of color to your cheeks and a hint of shimmer to your lids, while illuminating your finest features.

This beautiful soft sheen pressed powder can be used as a highlighter, blush or shadow on the lid. If you're familiar with theBalm products you know that they are very pigmented and have a silky buttery texture. This is the same for this multi-use beauty product. Use a light tap of your brush when applying the Cindy-Lou Manizer; its high pigment goes on smoothly so you don't need to use much of it.

Packaging
As with all of theBalm line, the packaging of this compact has a unique whimsical theme that is carried throughout their powder products. The inside holds a nice sized mirror which comes in handy for those of us that like to use compact mirrors.

With .30oz of product it is a fairly decent size compact powder that will last you for quite some time. Remember, a little goes a very long way with their products so use it sparingly. I have yet to hit pan on my previously reviewed Mary-Lou Manizer and have had it for more than year now; I use it on a regular daily basis.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer is similar to the Cindy-Lou but just in another shade. The Cindy-lou Manizer is a soft pink powder with peach undertones whereas the Mary-Lou Manizer is a champagne-colored powder.

Swatches

At first, the swatch applies heavily but when sheered out using a brush it gives a more subtle shine to the skin and does not appear as powdery as the intial swatch done with my finger.

Wearing Cindy-Lou Manizer on cheeks

Overall Thoughts
Although it is a beautiful powder I don't think it will be replacing my Holy Grail highlighter, Mary-Lou Manizer. Since I have more of a medium skin tone I plan to use it more as an eyeshadow and blush. I do think that it will work great as a highlighter on lighter or darker skin tones. On my skin though, it gives a subtle sheen on the cheeks but I tend to go for more dramatic highlighters on my cheekbones. Be mindful when working with high sheen powders like these. If you have drier areas on your face make sure you avoid putting them on those areas being that they tend to emphasize them more. All in all this gorgeous powder is going to be a nice little addition to my collection and I recommend it to anyone looking for a pink-toned highlighter.

Availability:Nordstrom / theBalm 
Pricing: $24

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions as they are my own honest experiences with the product.

NYX Springtime Blushes

NYX POWDER BLUSHES

Spring is officially here!! The warmer weather here in New York City - not so much! Big WOMP. But no chilly weather is going to stop me from transitioning into spring trends. Just because I can't throw on some high waisted shorts like my lucky Californians, it doesn't mean I can't celebrate spring in other ways. Thus, out come my spring time beauty products.

Description: NYX PRESSED POWDER BLUSHES deliver sheer, silky color that glide on, blend beautifully and create a natural glow. The formula is richly-pigmented and lasts for hours.

Available in (24) shades: mocha (PB01), dusty rose (PB02), angel (PB03), silky rose (PB04), pinky (PB05), peach (PB06), natural (PB07), cinnamon (PB08), sand (PB10), taupe (PB11), terra cotta (PB12), mauve (PB13), spice (PB14), desert rose (PB17), cocoa (PB18), copper (PB21), pecan (PB22), espresso (PB23), red (PB24), pinched (PB25), rose garden (PB26), summer peach (PB27), bourgeois pig (PB28), amber (PB29)

NYX Cinnamon & Bourgeois Pig Blushes

Of all the colors available there may be some that are not as pigmented as others but if pigment is what you are looking for then Cinnamon and Bourgeois Pig are right for you. Quintessential spring colors; Cinnamon- a matte bright orange and Bourgeois Pig, a dusty pink with slight blue undertones; pack a whole lot of colorful goodness that can be carried into the summer. 

PACKAGING
Each blush contains .18 oz (5.2g) of product that is housed in a sleek black plastic container that allows you to see the color of the blush through a clear window. Some may consider the packaging a downfall because it doesn't house a mirror but I can do without it as it would just add to the bulkiness.

APPLICATION
As mentioned before, these blushes pack quite a punch of color. You can tell by the swatches below that a little goes a long way when it comes to application. A light touch with a blush brush is enough to give your cheeks a nice flush of color.

I like to use a real techniques blush brush or one by crown brush to apply these powder blushes since they are dense enough to pick up enough product but apply lightly as well as evenly. Just make sure to tap off any excess before applying to your cheeks for a light even application.

LASTING POWER
I wish I could say that these blushes last until the very end of the night but they don't. You can get a good 5-6 hours of wear with these blushes before they begin to fade a bit. But for the price ($5 each) and for the pigmentation, they are well worth giving a shot.

NYX Cinnamon Blush

NYX Bourgeois Pig Blush

Swatches left to right: Cinnamon - Bourgeois Pig

Price & Availability: $5.00 @ Ulta / NYX.com

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NYX BLUSH?