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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Balm Cosmetics How 'Bout Them Apples? Review

There are GOOD apples. There are BAD apples. The Balm Cosmetics states "there are NO bad apples in this bunch!" Oh Contra-ire The Balm! Not so fast! I tested your How 'Bout Them Apples Cheek & Lip Palette ($32) Oh yes I did! And there's a mix of both good and bad apples. This is my first time trying cosmetics from The Balm (I always want to say THE BOMB! HaHaHa). FYI: The Balm Cosmetics started in San Francisco, California USA. They're paraben, cruelty free and can be found worldwide. Now, let's take a closer look at these apples ;)

Let's talk packaging! THE GOOD: Really cute front and back cover. The covers are really sturdy cardboard (more like a board), so it won't bend. It also has a protective slip cover. Open it up and the inside has a mirror (nothing plastic or faux about it). Each cheek & lip cream pot, sits within an "apple". THE BAD: The guys pictured inside! I can't believe I'm saying that, but it's true. I didn't expect, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper, Morris Chestnut, Jason Momoa, Ken Watanabe or Matthew McConaughey (ok, maybe I did LOL), but where did they get these yo-yo heads? I could've pulled guys off the street blind-folded and would've done better than that. I mean one guy (Caramel) has some man's head and another man's body (super freaky-weird). The other bad about this palette, is you have to be careful not to get cheek and lip cream outside of the apple lines (well, maybe that's not a bad thing, because most of the guys are ugly. LOL).

Let's talk color! THE GOOD: All the lip and cheek creams have really cute names! Cider (dusty rose peachy pink*), Cobbler (cherry pie red*), Pie (dark coral pink*), Crisp (sparkly coral*), Candy (light pink*), Caramel (toffee*). *At least that's how I visualize the colors. THE BAD: Some look really good as lip creams. Some look really bad as lip creams. Some look really good as cheek creams. Some look really bad as cheek creams.




COBBLER is a cherry-pie red. It's highly pigmented, so if you use it on your cheeks, dab lightly (4 dabs/dots) or risk looking like Ronald McDonald. What's great about these, is that you can powder the color down if you put on too much. This shade is ok on the cheeks (a little too red for my usual taste). I definitely prefer it as a lip cream (they really should've made all of these into lipsticks). Apply it to your lips full blast. It's a yummy red and very moisturizing. The problem is re-applying. Who wants to carry this palette all day in their purse? Or a night out? You bust out this palette in a powder room, and I bet you'll get all kinds of looks. LOL >.< The first thing someone would say is, where did they get those busted-ass men. HaHaHa Cut this palette in half (long ways). Make each apple smaller. Make it snap. Add a lip brush. Wallah! It's now purse friendly! If The Balm does it, you guys are more witness they took my advice. :)


PIE is a dark-coral pink.What amazes me about these palettes is how different the color looks on your cheeks vs. your lips. Truly amazing. I like this color on both my cheeks and lips. It's very soft on the cheeks and punchy pink on the lips. It's also very moisturizing. It's definitely a shade that will lift you up. Great for Spring and Summer!

This guy wasn't too bad. His hat looks wrecked as hell. It looks like they added a hat to his head. I'm no Photoshop expert, but I could've added a better hat than that. Do you like muscular men? I'm not a big fan. I know! I know! I'm moving on. Next color!


CRISP! Crisp is a sparkly peachy coral. It's the unique shade out the bunch. I couldn't capture it too well on camera, but it has a shimmery tone to it. I think you would love this for your lips! It's different. Why oh why, didn't they make these into lipsticks. When applied to the cheeks, most of these colors look the same. I think they look so much better on the lips. That's where you see the difference. Just my assessment.

I think this is the best guy out the bunch. Awesome arm tattoo. I think one major arm tattoo on men is sexy. The shovel and him barefoot kind of bothers me. I mean, who shovels barefoot? HaHaHa I over-analyze everything. Ok, I don't like him. He might be some Stephen King crazy killer character. LOL :S


CARAMEL was a surprise to me. I didn't expect to like it. Brown (clay) cheek color usually leaves me looking bruised. This was not the case. I REALLY LOVED it as a cheek color. It blends in well and gives off a natural look.I could use this as an everyday blush. As a lip color, it's nice. It has a tinge of pink, brown and red in it.

This is the really BUSTED guy out the group! C'mon! Some man's face on another man's body? Whoever signed off on this for final print should be FIRED! F-I-R-E-D! That's a damn shame. Looks like Mr. Bean's face on a Matthew McConaughey body! Let me stop!

CANDY. This shade didn't work very well with my skin tone. The pink just kinda sat on my cheeks, looking pale and doing nothing. HaHaHa I think this would look better on someone with porcelain to very fair skin. It's a pretty light pink, and can come across ashy or powdery on darker skin tones. Great for Spring and Summer. Just too light for me to pull off. I need COLOR! HaHaHa But here it is.

This guy looks pretty normal. I can't think of anything to say. LOL Moving on. 

Finally we have CIDER. Cider is a dusty rose, peachy pink color. For some reason, the formula for this shade is shiny oily. It just sat on top of my skin.  Look at me glow and I have DRY skin! LOL I powdered it down and I'm still glowing. It also comes across chalky, splotchy and glazed powdered dough-nutty on the lips. This guy is ok. Ok, so only 3 guys are totally busted and 3 are ok after looking at them again. HaHaHa 

Overall, this palette is ok. Nothing really got me excited, except for the packaging minus the busted men LOL. I collect themed beauty products, so that was the reason I purchased this palette. Plus, my goal this year is to try NEW-to-me beauty brands and products. Personally, save your money. You can find plenty of dupes for these (except CRISP...it's marvelous!). Plus the formulas are just ok.


Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet
supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)
  The Balm Cosmetics' How 'Bout Them Apples Lip & Cheek Palette is Bittersweet

FYI: My foundation is Urban Decay's Naked Skin #6. My concealer is Benefit's Boi-ing #3. 
I'm wearing CARAMEL for all the LIP pictures. I'm wearing Mally Beauty Super Natural on all the CHEEK pictures.
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91 comments

  1. Lol what's with those guys?? I had to laugh outloud a bit at that.
    The Cobbler lip is certainly bold, which is fun. Although I like how the Candy lip looks better :)

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  2. They should have you working for them and you could then make all the necessary improvements such as selling the balms individually and removing the odd images of the men!! Crisp really suits you and it's a pretty colour I would wear too but there would be no point buying the pack as I doubt I would wear the others. Great review, Kim. Entertaining too!
    www.missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk

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  3. When I first saw the guys, I was like whoa nice. Then after reading you comment, I can understand how you felt... hehe~ Btw the Pie on your cheeks look cute on you! :)

    http://ahleessa4realz.blogspot.com/

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  4. Oh, what a controversial product! :) Honestly, I didn't noticed the boys until you mentioned them and now cannot understand why they have to be there... Loved the colours, especially the cider and caramel, but was surprised how different they looked once applied. Good thing they look wonderful on you! Thank you for the review, Kim! x

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  5. Mmm I'd love to have them all! I'm truly obsessed with the lip balms;) And those pretty apple colours are perfect for summer. Especially I like the lighter hues in this palette

    Xx

    Alexandra

    www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

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  6. That had the weirdest packaging ever, those guys looked creepy, especially the ones with a different body to head. That would have put me off buying it, hahaha. I don't want creepy guys looking at me while I use these. This was an awesome review doll, haha!! xx

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  7. Hi Kim, honestly you are one of those very lucky ladies who looks good in every shade, they all really look so pretty on you. I used to have lip sets like this as a child so the packaging reminds me of that. Thanks for your opinion on my last post, hope you're having a great week so far.

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  8. Kim, you made me soo laugh regarding the men! Lol, but Im just wondering why they decided to included also them on the packaging, dislike them too lol!:) Btw, your review has been very useful for 2 reasons: 1 is that I was thinking to try The Balm cosmetics soon cause I recently found a store that sells the brand (the only one in the city, u think); then cause if I havent read it, I would probably picked up the palette cause Im a huge fan of cream cheek and lips products, which I always use in summer. But Im disappointed by your experience so for sure will skip it, CRISP is marvelous though Im also attracted by COBBLER, I would dare on the cheeks!:) Kisses! xo

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  9. Candy, Cobbler and Pie are my faves - they look so lovely on you! Um, and not gonna lie, the names of all these shades are making me so friggin' hungry!!
    xo Emily
    seeemilyplay.co

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  10. hmm i'm glad they look a bit pigmented but not the exact colors i'd like. and yea..nothign really special.
    Jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

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  11. These are nice for a spring day out ...lovely colours ^_^

    www.TheSyedaSisters.blogspot.com

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  12. All the colors are amazing and look stunning on you impressive tutorial.
    http://tifi11.blogspot.com

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  13. you are so right about the pallet not being purse friendly - that is a major flaw, almost as major as putting those creepy dudes on the packaging! At least there were a few good apples, but I'm not sure it's worth the price.
    Chic on the Cheap

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  14. Best part of the review: your guy comments. I die, Kim....I die.....

    PS The Pie looks really good on you, gurrrl! :D

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  15. That caramel is gorgeous on your cheeks Kim, like it was made for you!

    But the badly photoshopped guys made me giggle - very odd addition to a palette! haha

    Away From Blue

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  16. Candy looks amazing on you.
    Effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

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  17. I loved the crisp on your lips! I don't know it is a different color :3 I recently tried (and still trying) cream blush, it is a bit harder to use, but really gives a nice effect!

    Neko Bunny U=・ x ・=U

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  18. Haha Kim, you're cracking me up with your comments about the men!

    I find that these two-in-one products usually don't work as well as products that are just meant for cheeks or lips only.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  19. i love the cobbler color and it looks so good on you! and i'm not too into the men either. it's so weird to have them as part of the packaging!

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  20. these colors look awesome on you Kim!

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  21. Hi sweetie! The packaging doesn't look ideal for lip and cheek creams, you are right. Cobbler looks great on you, the others are a bit too fair :-)
    Baci,
    Coco
    Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook

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  22. Oh my gosh--- your description of the guys crack me up! And I always love the honesty of your reviews…

    ~Alexis Grace of North On Harper

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  23. Oh gosh... as cute as some of these colours look, the packaging of this palette turned me off right away. I'm never crazy about cardboard packaging, anyway, but what is with those guys?! Such a huge turnoff, I would never give this product a try based on the packaging alone.
    xox,
    Cee

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  24. The packaging is quite cute but what is up with the yucky shirtless dudes. Honestly that would've put me off from buying this at all. Loving how Cobbler and Pie wear on you and the formulation of the blush sounds pretty good. They seriously should've consulted you on putting this product together Kim :)

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  25. so amazing your presentation with apples :) nice review
    I posted a new outfit, I'd love to know your opinion
    would you like to pass from my blog?
    kiss

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  26. Your comment on Caramel had me laughing so hard! I feel like they may have taken some guy they knew and put his face on someone else's body. Maybe the CEO, who knows. I wanted to see the full review of this for awhile. I received a sample in my birchbox for pie (the guy on pie is pretty decent). I may end up spending my points to get this.
    Bright and Shiny

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  27. Gorgeous shades for blushes! I can't even decided which I like best on you :)
    xx

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  28. The caramel shade looks fab on you Kim:)very natural looking yet gives a nice touch of colour!
    ~Anne

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  29. Wow, the first one (Cobbler) really pops! Love the packaging because it's so sweet and retro (if not very practical) and they do look rather nice on your lips too. As I can't test them out myself, I will have to trust your judgement on the consistency etc. Having said all that, I rather prefer my lip balms to be packed individually with maybe a screw top or something like that? As I carry stuff around with me, I'd worry they'd run into my handbag when it gets warm. …and no, you don't want to see the state of my handbag… ;-) xo

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  30. I love the way you began this post. Great to know about the pros/cons. =)

    xo,
    nancy

    http://www.adoretoadorn.com

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  31. Wow they have some great colors and they have packaged it so cleverly. Wish I could wear brighter colors but they do not look on me.

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

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  32. Wow they have some great colors and they have packaged it so cleverly. Wish I could wear brighter colors but they do not look on me.

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

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  33. Ohh I do love this - very cute - but I must agree with you the crisp on the lips and the caramel on your cheeks look great. Could buy this just for the fun of it - perhaps a gift ;-)
    Have a great day love,
    Ax

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  34. Great post.

    Giveaway: Enter to win an Izak tote bag at stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com.

    Love,
    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

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  35. This is so cute Kim. I swear you always review products that are the cutest ever and has a unique packaging. OMG those guys are just eye candy, aren't day?, haha. I like the cider, i think that is more a better much for my skin tone. Thanks for visiting the blog, you are such a sweetie.

    xo
    Sam
    http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com

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  36. Off topic: You look FAB with natural lips. Not many gals do but you look lovely!!

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  37. Hi Kim, OMG you are always finding such unique and really cool makeup! I loved a few of the lip colors on you and this looks like something my daughter would like. Thanks for the review and for stopping by today. Have a nice afternoon!
    Julie

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  38. Ha this was a fun, yet informative review! I think the thing that confuses me about all of this is why there are muscular, shirtless men in cowboy outfits on a palette for make up in the first place?

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  39. Lol to the men description!! You really go in on this reviews...Great :-) The colours are lovely and looks good on you. Great post Kim!

    missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

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  40. Haha, I had to laugh when I first saw the video opened it seeing the guys. When I put on cute lipgloss I don't want to be looking and Chip'N'Dale's dancers lol, but you're so right how the colors look completely different from the lips to your cheeks. I really like the the bright red and the coral one you liked. This is cool they're from SF, will be interesting to follow them. Very creative! :)

    So exciting you're going to Memphis soon too! Hope you love it and make sure to check out the food.

    xoDale
    www.savvyspice.com

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  41. Ohh how pretty! The first color is my favorite - the deep red is gorgeous!

    Maggie
    www.PolishedClosets.com

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  42. He he, it's funny how you described those guys on the packaging, omg ;)
    Great review!!! xoxo

    http://stylesensemoments.blogspot.com/

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  43. who wouldn't love the lip gloss esp with those hot men beside them. LOL

    nightowlventing02.blogspot.com

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  44. This is adorable!!! Such unique packaging - kinda loving the topless men on there hahaha!!

    Everything looks lovely on you - even the one you said didn't suit you very well...I think everything looks really nice! :)

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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  45. This makeup presentation is so cute, bring memories from when I was a little girl, every girl love beautiful makeup. Love your blog.
    xoxo
    http://stunningchic.com/

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  46. The packaging is so fun and whimsical but it is a bummer it does not work better!
    www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

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  47. Great review on this product! I love love the packaging and the colors :) Thanks so much for sharing! I invite you to visit my blog and let me know if you would like to follow each other :)
    XOXO

    Milu
    www.hellolupi.blogspot.com

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  48. I've always wondered about this line!

    xx Cara
    www.carascliche.com

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  49. they look pretty, love lipbalm, would definitely try this!

    Hey visit my blog --> Blogging for Shoes

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  50. Kim you're so right. I would never bought this pallet because of it's tacky design and not being practical. It kinda remind me of Benefit.

    xoxo Ra

    http://www.ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/

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  51. how useful! the packaging is super cute, and I can tell the colors look great on the skin with your swatches. thanks for the sweet comment, Kim!!:D

    www.lettersimpromptu.blogspot.com

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  52. Love the packaging!! The lipstick is
    gorgeous shades are gorgeous and it looks really nice on you.

    http://www.thefashionstirfry.com


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  53. OMG ... i love em so much !! they look really pretty :) xx
    www.ambifashion.com

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  54. very nice palete! love all of them!

    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

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  55. I would agree I think there are much nicer palettes out there. Have a good weekend.

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  56. Haha that was funny with the guys! I really laughed. I actually like all of the colours on you!

    sunandsany

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  57. love the lipsticks! very pretty!
    Have you seen my recent post ?
    www.v-fashionwise.com

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  58. I wanted to say wha ta sweet packaging, but then I noticed those tacky men. ugh
    Still, those shades look amazing on you, I think i will think about getting this palette, cause its important what is inside not outside :)

    Brigita,
    http://www.lostinpattern.com/

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  59. Hey Kim, you're cracking me up with your comments about the men! Love the packaging because it's so sweet and retro and they do look rather beautiful on your lips too. As I can't test them out myself, I will have to trust your judgement on the consistency etc. But still I love the shades on your lips and cheek as well! Great and honest review sweetie! Have nice day <3 Kisses <3

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  60. This is such a hilarious review Kim!!!! I was laughing the whole way through plus, those guys in those pictures hahaha btw I really liked the PIE colour :)

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  61. The packaging and the name are adorable - and some of the colours are gorgeous on your lips - but I think these lip/cheek combos never really deliver. I prefer a lip product on my lips and a cream blush on my cheeks!

    Emma | Fluff and Fripperies

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  62. I don't know about having images of guys inside my makeup pallette either...haha. You are too funny Kim. Like the idea of dual purpose lip/cheek but they don't usually work well. Most lip shades look great on you Kim.

    I am slowly catching up. Miss reading your post.

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  63. What an adorable product! I like the colors and those names are the cutest.

    xx Hélène
    www.FashionOverReason.com

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  64. Whether there are good or bad apples in this bunch you look amazing. Love that you sampled them and photographed for us to see!!

    Meag xx
    travelwritedraw.blogspot.com

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  65. the packaging looks very cute but i wish it was smaller so i can carry them on my purse!


    Delightful Ideas
    MOZO Shoes Giveaway

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  66. So sweet colours!
    And it looks nice on you!

    http://ladyparisienne.blogspot.fr/

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  67. Hahaha, actually the thing I enjoyed most in this review was the way you reviewd those guys! Poor things! :D
    But I must admit the packaging definitely has it's charm, though it is a shame that the products didn't live up to it!

    www.callmemaddie.com

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  68. LOL! This review cracked me up, Kim! You really know how to pick 'em. Those guys are too funny.

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  69. THose colors are suuuper sweet :)

    Hugs
    Svetlana from Lavender Star // BlogLovin //
    Instagram // Faceboook

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  70. Fantastic Review ,great Swatches! Love Crisp! ,a wonderful Shade :)

    big Hugs :*

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  71. I enjoyed reading your views on my last post. Have a Fantastic Friday!

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  72. Kim, your description of those men are freakin hilarious!! Haha! I'm not a fan of apples so I don't think I'll try these out. Btw, I love your lip colours (left photos). You look good in lighter colours.

    xo Jo

    http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com

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  73. This packaging is adorable and the colors too! =D

    http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/

    xoxo,
    Jess

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  74. Nice review and the comments about the guys was too funny! lol I like the shades and they look good on you!

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  75. I like the Crisp colour. These products looks awesome Kim. They all look fabulous on you.

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  76. Great review! As always, very forthright. These products all look fab on you, Kim. My fave is "Candy." You know me and pink (smile). I'm still laughing about the "yoyo guys." :) xx T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogpsot.com

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  77. ooh crisp looks amazing on you! you actually have really lush lips (but you knew that!)

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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  78. Well, totally cute packaging and love your gifs! But the guys next to the apples looks totally creepy. I was wondering, what brush do you use to apply these to your cheek? The idea of dipping a blush brush into the pan for your cheek then dipping another lip brush for your lips is kind of scary and dirty.

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  79. Hahaha this packaging was so incredibly odd haha I really appreciated your hilarious commentary! xx You have a beautiful blog (much like yourself! c; )

    <(') Hoda || JooJoo Azad ~ Free Bird

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  80. Bahahahahaha! When photoshop goes bad! I was thinking this would be perfect for like a hens night gift thing but maybe not so much!

    SDMxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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  81. i think it's a cute idea for a palette, maybe not so great in the execution?? i think i like caramel the best! nice review, kim :)

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  82. Interesting product. I think all the colors look nice, but I like them better on cheeks. I think they give a faint flush of color - we all need that. I do like the packaging. Probably helps to have hard cardboard because our toddler chews my makeup (don't ask me why.) Thanks for the review. I agree with the "bittersweet" score.

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  83. Omg, how cute is this
    Love it

    http://coco-colo.blogspot.de/

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  84. The Balm looks like such a super cute brand. Very Benefit-esque packaging. Not sure about the random men next to the apples though. Since when were half naked men on female cosmetic packaging? It reminds me of the Abercrombie bags where the guy is pulling his shirt up (or maybe he doesn't have one on) and his jeans down, and there is wayyy too much in between that that we don't need to see. At least he waxed for it. Hahaha. Hope you're having a fab weekend Kim. Rosemary

    rosemaryofelephants.blogspot.com

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  85. I wouldn't be surprised if the person who photoshopped so poorly was fired and got it as a little revenge ;)
    Or, an inside joke.

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  86. Would really like to try out these palettes. They are so cute and pretty!

    http://industrialbarbie.blogspot.com

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  87. Very honest review! I don't mind the photos of the men, but I haven't seen something like that before.

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  88. You always have the most darling reviews! The palette and colours look really lovely.

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  89. I agree with you Kim, photographs of men were not necessary in the design, interesting product review!

    www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

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