theBalm Instain Blush

Aww I really do love theBalm!  Firstly the packaging is always adorable with a cute vintage theme which just makes me want to buy everything!  This was a sample I received with one of my old beauty box subscriptions and, although I got this last year, I've only just whipped it out of my stash in the last couple of weeks.

What's On My Face #4

Lacura All in One Skin Perfector BB Cream 'medium'  |  Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer 'Medium'  |  Collection Pressed Powder 'Translucent'  |  theBalm Fratboy blush  |  Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner 'black'  |  Lacura Eyeliner 'Black'  |  Nouveau Lashes Noir Mascara  |  Cosmetics A La Carte Brow Ink 'Taupe'  |  New CID i-pout 'Pink Bliss'

The Balm Fratboy

Until very recently I've avoided wearing blusher.  I've always been a bit scared of it worrying that I will end up looking like a clown with big red cheeks.  I do love the look of natural make up with healthy glowing cheeks so for the last couple of months I have been trying out some of the blushers that have laid unused in my stash.  There are two in particular that I have really enjoyed wearing and have been reaching for a lot recently.  One of these is The Balm Fratboy, a gorgeous coral pink blush.

What's On My Face #3

Lacura All In One Skin Perfector BB Cream 'Medium'  |  The Balm Blush 'Fratboy'  |  Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust 'Rose Gold'  |  Urban Decay Primer Potion 'Original'  |  Asda Eyeshadow Palette  |  Nouveau Lashes Noir Mascara  |  A La Carte Brow Ink 'Taupe'  |  Avon Perfect Kiss Lipstick 'Smitten Red'

What's On My Face #2

Lacura All In One Skin Perfector BB Cream 'Medium'  |  The Balm Blush 'Fratboy'  |  Fearne From Dusk Til Dawn Eyes palette 'Day'  |  Lacura Eyeliner 'Black'  |  Nouveau Lashes Noir Mascara  |  A La Carte Brow Ink 'Taupe'  |  Burberry Lip Mist 'Copper'

Carmine October '11 Reviews

I've noticed the growing popularity in these 'beauty boxes' and had been considering trying them out for the last month or so.  I picked out 4 different companies Boudoir Prive (£10 + p&p), GlossyBox (£10 + p&p), Carmine (£10 + p&p) and Feel Unique (£9.95).  A bit overkill? Maybe, but I wanted to try at least one box from each company to see how they compared.  Each one promises almost the same 5-6 deluxe samples with the odd full size product and of course exclusive discount codes for some of the products should you wish to re-purchase.

Although I subscribed to each at the beginning of November I actually received October boxes from two of the companies, Carmine and GlossyBox, which I wasn't expecting.

Below is what I received from Carmine.  I'll be sharing my GlossyBox later this week.

I received my first Carmine box around a week after I signed up.  How exciting!

Opening up the bright orange mailing box revealed the black box inside.  (Sorry about the pics, I had to take them in the evening with a flash.  Hopefully the next ones will be in daylight!  ^_^)