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Friday, June 29, 2012

Mini-Review: The Balm Green Eye Kit from Marshalls

Even though The Balm Cosmetics have been surfacing at Marshalls stores across the country for some time now, I only JUST spotted them here in San Diego a few weeks ago, so I thought I'd share a mini-review with you of the Green Eye Kit, in case you happen to see these products in your area and would like a closer look. Also, I hope this helps if you're thinking about whether or not these products are worth "hunting" for at the Marshalls stores in your area.

NOTE: this is a mini-review, meaning that I will not go in-depth about staying power, consistency or wear. This is because, even though I purchased this kit a few weeks ago, I've only been wearing these products for a short time. I just wanted to get this up ASAP because things like this are timely and I want you to have a good shot at getting them if you're looking for them (vs. me testing them out for several weeks and not posting a review for a while, thus potentially decreasing your chances of finding these items in your area).

The Balm Cosmetics For Green Eye Kit
(Retail: $9.99 at Marshalls. If purchased separately: $85 on The Balm Cosmetics website)

These are all full-size products that are not a collection of now-discontinued products from The Balm. Every product in this kit is currently available on The Balm's website and I've included their individual retail prices with links below:

Cheater! Mascara: $18 retail
Shady Lady Eyeshadow in Just This Once Jamie: $16 retail
Shady Lady Eyeshadow in  Curvy Cami: $16 retail
Overshadow in Work is Overrated: $15 retail
Balms Away Eye Makeup Remover: $20 retail

The full retail price of these products if purchased separately: $85.




Balms Away Eye Makeup Break-Up
(retail price on The Balm website:  $20, 2.2 oz)

This is the full-size version (not a smaller version) and the tin itself is MUCH larger than a lip balm tin. in fact, it's even larger than some cuticle/body balm tins I've owned from other brands.


I've used this product three or four times and so far I'm very surprised at how much I like it. I don't usually use heavy petroleum-based products on my eyes, but if you follow the directions as indicated above, it literally makes even my toughest eye makeup slide off like butter. Also, you don't need much for each eye, and I'm VERY happy to report that after I remove it with a tissue, I can use my regular facial cleanser and there's absolutely no heavy, greasy residue left behind. This product really impressed me, as I initially thought this was the one "throw-away" product in the kit.


The Balm Cheater! Mascara
(retail: $18 on The Balm website, 0.2 oz)

To be honest, I really bought this kit for the eyeshadows, and again, wasn't expecting much from this mascara. But once again I was surprised and I LOVE this product. Here's what I love the most: it doesn't have a gimmicky brush (it's of standard side and has a nice tapered end) and it WORKS. It's a drier mascara but not so dry that it would turn anyone off from using it. What I really love is that it's truly a universal mascara, delivering a good amount of volume, length, definition and separation to my lashes. I'm a monster-volume lover and I'm totally satisfied with the volume I get from this one after two coats. However, if also gives great length, definition AND separation, so even if you're not big on volume, I can absolutely see this working for you. During the hot weather we're having here, this product hasn't run, smeared or flaked for me. Like I said, it's just a great universal mascara that I think many of you would enjoy quite a bit.

PS: You'll see some pics of me wearing this a little later in this post.


The Balm Shady Lady Eyeshadow Singles in Just This Once Jamie and Curvy Cami
(retail: $16 each on The Balm website, 0.12 oz)


Now THESE are what I was most looking forward to in this kit! I've heard so many people rave about The Balm eyeshadows that I finally had to try them for myself. In the pan, these shades remind me very much of Stila eyeshadows (Just This Once Jamie in particular reminds me very much of Stila Grace). And they perform very much like Stila eyeshadows as well--nicely pigmented, very smooth and silky and just a pure joy to apply and blend. Believe the hype on these, lovelies!


Just This Once Jamie is a pinkish-purplish-taupe shimmer that is warmer on the skin than in the pan. Cuvy Cami is a plummy-purple with slight sparkle (no crazy fallout though).

The Balm Overshadow in Work is Overrated
(retail: $15 on The Balm website, 0.02 oz)


I like the concept of the Overshadow. It's a fun way to add extra shimmer/sparkle to an existing shadow and give it a softer look or an added dimension. However, I am NOWHERE NEAR an expert on loose shadow application (*bows down to Phyrra*) and because this pigment is so light, fluffy and sparkly, it is fallout-city for me every time I try to use it. Fallout goes everywhere and I just can't control it, so I think this one's the "throw-away" in this kit for me personally. Although I might try it wet later down the road...it's a lovely champagne highlight shade but for me it's just too messy for day-to-day use.

Some swatches (swatches on bare skin and then over Urban Decay Primer Potion):




To give you a better idea of the fallout I experienced with Work Is Overrated, here's a pic taken with flash so that you can see that the sparkle flew all over the other swatches (Just This Once Jamie has NO sparkle to it on its own):


And here are both eyeshadows topped with the Overshadow:


And finally, a quick daytime look I did using both eyeshadows and Cheater! Mascara. I did NOT use the Overshadow in this look and I also did not use eyeshadow primer beforehand:



I hope this mini-review helps those of you considering any The Balm purchases (whether at Marshalls or elsewhere). Aside from the crazy fallout of that Overshadow, I have absolutely nothing but raves for all of the products in this kit. If you can find this one at your local Marshalls, I would seriously consider SNAPPING IT UP ON THE SPOT. For $9.99 (vs. $85 retail) it's a no-brainer.

Have you spotted The Balm Cosmetics at your local Marshalls recently?
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26 comments

  1. This makes me want to run out to my Marshalls and get this!

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  2. Have you ever tried Albolene as a makeup remover? It comes in a large tub and I swear it takes off all my makeup, I think in a similar way that the Makeup-Breakup does! :)

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    1. The ones I found were tampered with :-( Don't you hate that?!

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    2. Yes, mine was too - The overshadow was gone. But considering The Price, i bought it anyway.

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    3. Steffany: I haven't, but thanks for the tip!

      Cristina and D.A.: I hate that!! I really lucked out because this kit was flawless...safety seals perfectly intact!

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  3. Great review G! I love theBalm~ Just a little tip on how to keep the overshadow on (and really any loose eyeshadow or pigment) you should totally try Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy. It's kind of like an eye base/primer but it's meant to keep glittery particles and fallout on the eyelids. I use it pretty much everyday, and it's replaced my Benefit Stay Don't Stray and Urban Decay Primer Potion. It also really helps to make eyeshadow stay on better. The sample is only $2 and the full sized is $7 at www.fyrinnae.com. Hope that helps!

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    Replies
    1. Darling Girl Cosmetics glitter glue is basically the same thing as pixie epoxy except alittle cheaper. They aren't primers and won't prevent creasing on oily lids, but are a sticky base that will keep glitter, sparkles and normal loose or pressed eyeshadow pigment from fading and fallout. It also intensifies eyeshadows, it will make them look More pigmented and complex.

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    2. Pixie Epoxy has been on my to try list for years now. Someday.... Lol!!

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  4. I love The Balm! I'm currently using their cranberry eye cream which smells amazing. I have to check out Marshalls now

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  5. I agree with pinkpowderpuff above...I want to go to Marshall's right now!! :-) Looks like a great kit, thanks for your review! And I might add that I'm jealous of your lack of wrinkles...I'm a little bit older than you (42) and I look it...you don't!

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    Replies
    1. You are TOO kind, Jen!! I bet I have you beat on the dark circles and bags though, so we are even! *hugs* ;)

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  6. I want to go to Marshall's right now too!! LOL

    I already own the shadows from my Shady Lady palettes, but they are great shades.

    I'm actually interested in that mascara too. ^^

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  7. I want to go to Marshall's right now too!! LOL

    I already own the shadows from my Shady Lady palettes, but they are great shades.

    I'm actually interested in that mascara too. ^^

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  8. I was SO EXCITED to see TheBalm kits at my local Marshalls (Las Vegas area) awhile back and I went a little hog-wild. Okay, so I went to three different locations (the first had kits that were tampered with and icky) until I found lots of good stuff.

    Now I want to go back to see if they have any of these eyeshadow kits. If you happen to see a kit with Mary-Lou Manizer, snap it up!! It is THE BEST HIGHLIGHTER powder ever! (very glowy, not sparkly at all). It originally retails for (approx) $28 but in the kit, $9.99 for full-size compact, full-size lip gloss (I got "Valley Girl", a corally-peach shimmer, love it) and a full-size nail polish. How fun is that??

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the tip! I'll be on the lookout for that one! :)

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  9. Its funny, when i bought it i was thinking The same thing: The Balms away was a throwaway. But it really is a good product! I love The eyeshadows. I havent tried The mascara since i dont like to open a new One til im done With The old.

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    Replies
    1. Glad you agree about Balms Away! I just used it last night, on some waterproof mascara i'm testing, and it made things soooo much easier. I love that a little goes such a long way. :)

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  10. Try using your finger to lightly press the overshadow where you want it. It keeps the fall out to a minimum since it is so pretty!

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  11. G, that is such a great deal! This kit would be perfect for my friend who is starting out with makeup and wants to try a higher end brand. I just hope I can still find it at my local Marshalls.

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    Replies
    1. I so hope you can find it for your friend, hun!

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  12. I can't wait until I have time to head over to Marshalls! Thanks for the review and heads up :) I love the balm!

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  13. Great review! I have a ton of thebalm products but I haven't tried any of these. I'm interested in the eye makeup remover! Do you mind me asking which Marshall's you got this kit from? I'm a fellow San Diegan myself :)

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