theBalm Cult Classics - Mascara and Eyeliner

I am absolutely loving getting myself acquainted with theBalm Cosmetics, there are so many products that I had just never tried until now.  When the Cult Classics box arrived instructing me to 'Treat Myself' I was gobsmacked at just what was included.

As you can see, this is one amazing PR package and I had no idea where to start with even trying the products, but I was drawn to the bottom right-hand corner when I saw two mascaras and an eyeliner trying to catch my attention.  There will be further blog posts in coming weeks featuring everything within this box, so if there is something you really want to know about, then please do let me know.

Founded by Marissa Shipman in 2004, she wanted to wake up and love what she did every day. and like many of us, Marissa is obsessed with beauty. So, she quit her job, made a plan and started mixing ingredients and it is from here that theBalm was born. All of theBalm products are talc-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free too.

The first item out of the box is Mad Lash Black Mascara and this was the first mascara I have ever used from theBalm but it was the wand which drew me. Described as being a mascara that will 

Lengthen your lashes with the Mad Lash Mascara - Black from theBalm. Creating an ‘out of this world’ look, the mascara is able to capture each lash to deliver extreme length and volume.

You can't fail to notice the bright packaging that is presented before you and inside, the tube is an exact replica, print wise, of the box.

With a richly pigmented black formula, the wand, as you can see is slightly curved which theBalm refer to as being 'Injection moulded'. What I have found is that the wand is perfectly curved with bristles long enough to read the smallest of lashes.  

The formula is liquid like but not overly-wet which I am thankful for because this is one of my pet peeves when it comes to mascaras.  I have fairly long lashes, so a formula that is too wet weights them down.  I like how this mascara fans out my lashes without giving that spidery effect and depending on your preference, you can layer the mascara and add one or two coats without it clumpy or flaking off.  I also found it incredibly easy to remove with my usual eye makeup remover and cotton wool pad.

The second Mascara is called Scuba and this one is quite cleverly named because it happens to be waterproof or as the description states:

If we could have one thing on a desert island, we’d want SCUBA. Avoid smudges, drips or runs with this incredibly water-resistant black mascara. The lengthening, “pool”-proof formula makes sure your look stays flawless, above and below the waves.

Again, the packaging is really eye-catching with the glamorous looking diver kitted out in all her accessories.

The wand for this mascara couldn't be more different to Mad Lash if it tried.  Straight as a die, the bristles are much shorter and more condensed but it is incredibly pigmented and it doesn't clump whether you add one coat or two coats, which I find really impressive.  Unlike Mad Lash, this is a slightly thicker formula but it is just as easy to remove with eye makeup remover.

Finally, we come to Schwing and it is a matte black tapered felt-tip liquid eyeliner that describes itself as follows:

This liquid liner is a home run! Built with a uniquely thin and tapered felt-tip applicator, Schwing gives you careful control over subtle strokes and bold lines. Create winning looks with this rich, matte-black finish that won’t smudge, flake or take forever to dry. Plus, Schwing comes in a compact and pocket-friendly package — score!

I am not a regular user of eyeliner, but on special occasions, I do make the effort and apply a small amount and I tend to favour liquid liner over pencil, I find it easier to work with.

What I like about this eyeliner is the not the nib, which is easy to control, but the actual pen itself. Quite large in shape, it is easy to grasp and control as you apply the liner.  It dries to a non-smudging matte finish which doesn't budge through rain or tears but thankfully with a little eye makeup remover, disappears very quickly.  It is buildable without becoming cakey and it is also not in the slightest bit irritating.

I am incredibly impressed with all three of these products. I adore the mascaras, though I am a bit of a mascara-fiend and love trying new ones. If you are a fan of theBalm Cosmetics or have seen something that grabs your attention, then you can find the products on Lookfantastic (here), BeautyBay (here), Superdrug (here), Feelunique (here).

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Erborian A-black-ADABRA Collection

One of my favourite products from Erborian is the Black Cleansing Oil (full review here) and as soon as this AblackADABRA gift set arrived, I couldn't wait to share it.  

Featuring three incredible products, it is a great insight into Erborian as a brand. Best described as being a combination of Korean Herbal Science meets Modern French Luxury, it is well worth looking in to.

Treat yourself to a skincare trick by casting a skin-perfecting spell this Autumn with the A-black-ADABRA collection. The magical ingredient? Charcoal, known for its detoxifying, mattifying, and purifying properties. 

As far as Korean women are concerned, Charcoal is the ultimate do-it-all ingredient and even though it has been around for hundreds of years, there is no shortage of beauty products on the market that promotes Charcoal as their main ingredient. For Erborian, they use the powers of Binchôtan, a type of charcoal made from evergreen oak wood. Thanks to the high adsorption capacity of this charcoal, the carbon pores attract a maximum amount of impurities, leaving your skin clear and decongested. 

As well as being known for its detoxifying, purifying and mattifying properties, Charcoal is renowned for being relentlessly tough on excess sebum, making it a life-saver for oily skin. Thanks to the high absorption of charcoal, the carbon pores attract a maximum amount of impurities. 

Inside this gift set is three products and they are:

Black Scrub (15ml) - This black scrub is formulated with Charcoal powder and cotton micro fibres and is a triple-action exfoliating purifying mask. 

This fresh gel helps to rid skin of impurities, eliminate dead cells and absorb excess sebum, for a mattifying effect. 

The ingredients for the Black Scrub are:

• Charcoal Powder Purifying
• 7 Herbs complex Soothing, Hydrating, Anti-oxidant
• Natural Cellulose Absorbs the excess of sebum
• Arginine pH Adjuster

What I really like about this scrub is that it isn't at all overly-abrasive but it does an absolutely incredible job at exfoliating the skin and absorbing excess sebum, which for me, owing to my combination skin, is an issue.

Black Cleansing Oil (190ml) - This is one of the best cleansing oils I have ever used. 

As soon as it comes into contact with warm water, its silky black texture transforms into a light emulsion and it removes impurities, excess sebum and traces of even stubborn waterproof makeup. 

The final product within the box is the Charcoal Konjac Sponge and it is described as being the perfect accessory to naturally cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish skin.

The konjac sponge is made from an Asian plant that has long been used in Korea to cleanse the face and body. With added bamboo charcoal, known for its mattifying benefits.

This is such an amazing box of products and it retails for just £35.  If you have never used anything from Erbrorian, then this is an amazing place to start.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

L'Occitane Classic Advent Calendar

When it comes to Advent Calendars for Christmas, without question L'Occitane have always got a little gem of an offering up their sleeve. This year there is not one but two offerings to be had and honestly, they are both so beautiful, it is hard not to choose a favourite.

Illustrating this year’s Classic Beauty Advent Calendar for L'Occitane is French fashion house Castelbajac Paris. It is said that when L’Occitane’s ethical and sustainable commitments meet the bright, bold and colourful world of Castelbajac, the result is a happy and poetic expression, beautifully translated in this calendar.

Bright as it is bold, hidden behind every one of the 24 doors on this advent calendar is a bestselling product from L’Occitane and it is made up of a mixture of fragrance, skincare, body and hair care. Opening up as though it is a hamper, this is what you will find inside - word of warning, this post will detail each product that you will find behind the doors.

Inside the Calendar you will find:

• Almond Shower Oil, 35ml  - This is my absolute favourite product from L'Occitane and the mister and I go through so many refills of this every single year. It smells amazing and is perfect for moisturising and nourishing the skin.
• Shea Butter Shower Cream, 30ml - Another incredibly moisturising shower product from L'Occitane and again if you like Shea Butter products, then this is worth trying.
• Verbena Body Lotion, 30ml - This is a zingy scented body lotion which leaves the skin lightly scented with the fragrance whilst being soft and smooth.
• Verbena Leaf Soap, 25g - As with the Body Lotion, this soap is delightfully zingy and creates a beautifully scented lather.
• Shea Butter Body Lotion, 30ml - Rich in Shea Butter, this body lotion is amazing if your skin needs some TLC and it also smells just heavenly too.
• Cherry Blossom Shower Gel, 35ml - As a foaming bath, this gel transforms into a creamy, abundant mousse when it comes into contact with water and in doing so, there is a delicate Cherry Blossom scent that is released.
• Citrus Verbena Shower Gel, 30ml - If you need a sharp wake up call in the morning then this is the shower gel for you. It is Zingy but fresh scented.
• Shea Butter Hand Cream, 10ml - One of my favourite L'Occitane hand creams and my go to when my hands are really dry and chapped. It is packed full of Shea Butter which is deeply nourishing and moisturising.
• Shea Butter Foot Cream, 10ml - As with the hand cream, this foot cream is an amazing treatment for the feet and if my feet need a little extra TLC, I slather it on, put some socks and allow the cream to work its magic.
• Peony Hand Cream, 10ml - If you love the scent of Peonies, then this is the hand cream for you because it smells as fresh as a bunch of freshly picked flowers and is delightful for the hands.
• Aromachologie Shampoo, 35ml and Aromachologie Conditioner, 35ml. This range is silicone free and both the shampoo and conditioner work together to help repair, strengthen and protect dry and damaged hair. Using oat amino acid to repair, restructure and improve the hair fibre condition, alongside a patented anti-breakage complex of five essential oils (angelica, ylang-ylang, sweet orange, lavender and geranium) with provitamin B5, and sunflower oil, which works to protect and give softness and suppleness to the hair.
• Almond Delicious Hands, 10ml - My second favourite hand cream from L'Occitane is from the Almond Range.  It smells just absolutely incredible and I love that the scent lingers for absolute ages on the skin.
• Verbena Hand Cream, 10ml - In my view, you can never have too many of these hand creams because they fit perfectly into your handbag.  The Verbena Hand Cream is again as zingy as the rest of the collection and does an incredible job at keeping my hands soft and smooth.
• Arlesienne Soap, 50g - This Soap is subtly perfumed with the floral and captivating bouquet of rose, violet and saffron and lathers to create a beautiful fresh floral scent.
• Arlesienne Eau De Toilette, 7ml - If you like your floral scents, then without question this is a scent for you. With top notes of Saffron and Bergamot, it opens with a musky floral burst before the heart notes of Rose and Violet bring to life the fresh floral scent.  The base notes of Ambrox and White Musk give a smooth creaminess to the scent without drowning out the floral notes.
• Almond Soap, 50g - The only bar of soap I ever have in my bathroom is this one.  It smells just like the shower oil but in solid form and I just absolutely love it.
• Almond Milk Concentrate, 20ml - The only body lotion I have repurchased more than once and actually finished.  It is smooth, it cocoons the skin and leaves the most incredible lingering scent.
• Shea Butter Lip Balm, 3ml - You can never have too many Lip Balms and this is one that moisturises as much as it does nourish and is perfect for these colder days that are creeping in.
• Aromachologie Bath cube, 33g - This is a product I have never tried before and I am looking forward to dropping it into the bath to give it a try.
• Cherry Blossom Body Lotion, 35ml - Taking the scent of the shower gel and turning it into a body lotion, the scent is just beautiful and lightly scents the skin of fresh cherry blossom.
• Aromachologie Shower Gel, 35ml - If you want a shower gel that is designed to relax, then this is the one for you. It is enriched with a foaming base containing lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium essential oils.
• Shea Light Cream, 5ml - This is without question, one of my favourite L'Occitane creams. The texture is so light and it has an SPF20. Offering a triple action to smooth and firm the skin, while preventing damage caused by the sun.
• Shea Butter Milk Soap, 25g - One of the gentlest soaps I have ever used and one that smells just divine. It is as rich as it is smooth and above all else, it is so moisturising.

I think L'Occitane have taken some amazing products to create this calendar and even for me, someone who is well acquainted with the brand, it is exciting to see what is behind each door.

This advent calendar is on sale now right HERE and it is an absolute bargain at just £49! If you are new to L'Occitane and have never tried anything before, then this is an incredible way to get to know the brand.



*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here