theBalm Frat Boy Blush

Too Faced, Benefit and theBalm are the trifecta of brands that do the cute, vintage thing for their aesthetic. Out of all three, I think theBalm most consistently succeeds in putting out product that matches quality to styling.

I got into theBalm with their Hot Mama blush (which is a variant on the Orgasm-type golden-peach-pink) and have been collecting their blushes ever since.

Frat Boy was one of my recent acquisitions, which I didn't break out until last month - it called to me as a harbinger of spring, with its cheery pink shade and fun graphics. I thought now might be a good time to post this review, as theBalm is currently on sale at www.hautelook.com.

Frat Boy is packaged in sturdy cardboard with a mirror on the top flap, and a protective paper slipcover. It may not be as durable as plastic or metal, but so far I have't had any problems with any of theBalm packaging ripping or otherwise getting mangy.

Frat Boy is described as "peachy-apricot" on the site, and while it certainly has a strong peachy tone to it, I think it has equal amounts of warm pink as well. It actually ends up reading quite pink on my skin, but it may pull differently on warmer or cooler skin tones.

Indirect light.

Sunlight.

I would consider this a matte finish, though it does have the faintest sheen in the sun, barely perceptible. The texture is very, very fine, smooth and a little dry to the touch, without being powdery or chalky. It actually reminds me a bit of how the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes feel, though not quite as silky-fine as those. It also wears well, 8 hours minimum over foundation.

          

Indirect light.

Sunlight.

It applies seamlessly to the skin, blending out and building up with ease due to its texture. The pigmentation is excellent. The first set above are swatches applied with an eyeshadow brush, two layers, and then the second set are light, blended swatches applied with a small blush brush.

And yes, it's all on my skin. Bizarre how much the light change alters the way the camera (*cough* iphone *cough) reads skintone.

Availability: From theBalm website, which does ship to Canada, as well as Hautelook occasionally. Also at Sephora and the odd Jean Coutu. (Looks like Sephora might be downsizing theBalm. They're gone from my local store, and only some of the products remain on the site.) Price is 21$ USD, about 28$ CAD.

Pros: Adorably packaged, light-textured and pigmented, it blends like a dream and lasts well.

Cons: None, really, aside from maybe the color description not matching up to the way it actually looks, but YMMV.

(I purchased this from theBalm website.)