"Lipgloss doesn't have to be sticky" LIPGLOSS REVIEW (PART 2): Balmshell

About a year ago, I remember asking a colleague at work what lipgloss she was wearing. She said it was from Balmshell and showed me the gloss. I remember liking the cute packaging, especially the side where there was a 'floating' image that moved when you tipped the gloss from one side to another. Since then I always wanted to try the glosses; I have given them as gifts and even sent one to Laura (Liparazzi) as part of one of our infamous swaps. But yet, I never bought one for myself and it was on my wish list for ages.

The lipgloss fairies must have been listening as Balmshell recently offered me an opportunity to try the glosses. First, a bit of background on the company. Balmshell was founded by Canadian identical twin sisters Jennifer and Fiona Lees who are self-described “cosmetic junkies.” Together they helped to develop what they consider the perfect lipgloss, a high-shine, moisturizing lipgloss made from the finest ingredients. The glosses are paraben free, and include jojoba oil and lanolin oil. They are perfume free and flavoured with a hint of vanilla. 

Their inspiration for the look and unique packaging of Balmshell came from a float art pen they purchased in a kitschy shop in downtown Toronto. Every Balmshell lipgloss has a “float art” top that can be made into a keychain, allowing you to keep the illustration after you finish the lipgloss. The illustrations are all created by Mar Marube, whose illustrations also appear in well known magazines such as Elle, Vogue and In Style.

I was able to try Darling You Look Fabulous (sheer hot pink); and sample sizes of Yummy Mummy (mocha); You Give me Fever (pinky coral) and Shopaholic (sheer light baby pink). Love the names!

These glosses are a dream to wear.They feel moisturizing on the lips and give an amazing shine. There is no 'tacky' feeling and you don't get any of the white bits on your lips that often happens with thicker and stickier glosses. These glosses are on the sheer side so they are good to layer over lipsticks. That said, if you want a subtle or natural look, they are wearable on their own, giving a hint of colour to your lips. I love the Darling You Look Fabulous. Even on my pigmented lips, I was able to see the pink when I wore it on its own. My favorite of the bunch is Yummy Mummy, which I want to get a full size of now that I've worn it two days straight! It is such a pretty shimmery mocha colour that makes me feel sophisticated. The other two colours are nice as well but a little too light to wear on their own for my colouring. I layered them over other lip products and the effect was really pretty. Overall, I give Balmshell a two thumbs up. Swatches below.

(Left to right) Darling You Look Fabulous, Yummy Mummy, You Give Me Fever, Shopaholic)

Balmshell is available on its Web site, Sephora, select Shopper's Drug Mart and other locations. Visit Balmshell's Web site for more information.

Stay tuned for part 3 of "Lipgloss doesn't have to be sticky". Next up is Face Atelier!