Just a few of weeks ago, I went to visit New York City just for a day to spend some “Me time”. I was actually planning on heading to the Inglot store but it was a bit too far from where I was ,so I guess that’s going to be my next assignment. 🙂
Anyway, I couldn’t resist but to check out Duane Reade (the most recognized drugstore chain in metropolitan New York). Duane Reade became a part of Walgreens family and they carry a lot of great drugstore beauty products that Walgreens Pharmacy itself do not sell.
They have a beauty section (LOOK boutique) that sells a lot of amazing drugstore brands that we do not have here in Albany, NY. Few of the brands they carry are the ones that I’ve laid my hands to.
I have been wanting to check out theBalm’s Hot Mama! since forever. So without a second thought I had to grab one.
An all-in-one essential, this smart shadow, beautiful blush and subtle highlighter is tucked inside a go-anywhere compact. This pinky-peach hue adds a splash of color to your cheeks and a hint of shimmer to your lids, while illuminating your finest features.
This is the very first item that I looked for as soon as I reached their beauty section. The packaging as we all know is very different, it comes with a decent sized mirror and it’s super lightweight. If you have this theBalm’s Hot Mama! Shadow/Blush in your collection, you will for sure agree that this is amazingly pigmented. The shade reminds me of NARS Orgasm blush. It does have a hint of shimmer but very subtle, really gorgeous shade that goes with any skin tone. The color is a perfect peach/pink with just a good amount of shimmer. I love how multi-purpose this product is, where you can use this as an eyeshadow and blush at the same time, I paid $20.00 for this beauty and it’s really worth it!
Meet Mary-Lou Manizer, a seemingly innocent honey-hued luminizer that catches everybody’s eye. This highlighter, shadow and shimmer diffuses light so your skin looks softer and younger while adding a subtle glow.
Ok, now this gorgeous is mad serious! No wonder why everyone is going crazy over theBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter. Aside from the very unique packaging and high quality mirror. This highlighter is highly pigmented, the shimmer or highlight is really stunning! I don’t know how else to describe this beauty but I have been reaching for it since I took this home with me. With just a small amount of highlighter on your brush, it definitely gives you this beautiful glowing skin! The longer this highlighter sits on your skin, the better it looks! I paid $24.00 for this beauty and I’m not sure what took me so long to get this product..Really worth the hype my friend!
Swatches…
my camera didn’t do justice on the product but all I can say is “see it to believe it” 🙂
One last item that I purchased is a pressed powder. I wasn’t actually thinking of buying one but for some reason, this powder just captured my attention.
Description: High performance powder offers great coverage while looking completely natural!Formulated for high definition filming, the lightweight, velvety powder provides flawless results yet remains invisible to the HD camera.
Photochromatic pigments adjust with the lighting to create a natural, yet perfected look in all settings.
Micro fine particles create an optical blurring effect so skin appears flawless.
Features and Benefits
Suitable for all skin types.
Paraben free.
The moment I swatched this CARGO_HD PICTURE PERFECT PRESSED POWDER I was blown away. This pressed powder is so smooth! It glides on like butter which made me splurge $32.00 for one item. To be honest, I’ve never paid this much for a pressed powder but I had to gamble and experience it myself. I get oily around my t-zone so quickly and that is why I always go for anything with matte finish and this pressed powder is doing an amazing job on keeping my face shine free. This powder is paraben free which is great and it’s very compact with a decent sized mirror that is convenient to carry around. Super lightweight and non-cakey when applied on your skin, I use this to set my foundation to make sure that I’m picture perfect (selfie ready) with a flawless look all day. It provides good coverage and buildable too if you want. I love this powder so much so I guess my $$ didn’t go to waste. I just wish that this powder comes with an applicator to make it even more convenient when needed for a quick retouch.
Swatches…
One last look!
I have been loving these three gorgeous products right here since day one. I can say it’s money well spent, worth the hype and all are very useful for an everyday makeup routine. It did not irritate my skin which is a HUGE Plus! I am so glad that theBalm cosmeticsare Paraben and Cruelty-Free and is made in USA while Cargo cosmeticsis made in Canada and is Paraben-Free and does not participate in animal testing as well. Now, this made my purchases even better!
oh yes! I super love the highlighter.. the longer it stays on your skin it bakes really well and looks even better.. such a pretty dewy look. 🙂 and oh the Hot Mama is gorgeous.. so happy with this purchase. you should check out this blush, im sure you’ll love it too!
This is the very first item that I looked for as soon as I reached their beauty section. The packaging as we all know is very different, it comes with a decent sized mirror and it’s super lightweight. If you have this theBalm’s Hot Mama! Shadow/Blush in your collection, you will for sure agree that this is amazingly pigmented. The shade reminds me of NARS Orgasm blush. It does have a hint of shimmer but very subtle, really gorgeous shade that goes with any skin tone. The color is a perfect peach/pink with just a good amount of shimmer. I love how multi-purpose this product is, where you can use this as an eyeshadow and blush at the same time, I paid $20.00 for this beauty and it’s really worth it!
MyStyleInsideOut 
Great mini haul!
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Thank you!☺️
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Nice haul! Mary Lou-manizer is awesome!! You’re going to love it over the summer! I’ve been so curious about hot mama glad to see you swatched it
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oh yes! I super love the highlighter.. the longer it stays on your skin it bakes really well and looks even better.. such a pretty dewy look. 🙂 and oh the Hot Mama is gorgeous.. so happy with this purchase. you should check out this blush, im sure you’ll love it too!
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Awesome haul ☺️ My best friend is headed to NYC next week. I guess my shopping list has increased (again!) 😂 xoxo
https://prom1c3.wordpress.com
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hahaha… I hope you won’t blame me for that. LOL
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