Metallic Eye Shadow – Balsam

3 Reviews

1. 

   contentWhiting0

   Reply

   I wanted to freshen up my look, so I headed to the Bobbi Brown counter. I told the SA that realistically I put my make up on the bus on my way to work, and I wanted something simple. I have relatively tanned skin compared to most Hong Kong-ese. The SA insisted that I try the Balsam. I was thinking to myself “OMG, how 80’s! No one uses green or blue eye shadows anymore”, when to my surprise, after dusting over with a lighter shade on the inner corners, it was so beautiful, like a peacock-ish metalic colour that was very modern and stunning! I love this! I subsequently went back to buy a palette of Gun Metal & Forest to add to my new found love of BB eye-shadows!

2. 

   kindCheese8

   Reply

   I bought this for ~AU$28 at a corporate discount store – a little bit pricey, I thought at the time, but I am not disappointed in the slightest.
   In the pan it is a very dark sort of khaki colour – the kind of slightly brownish green you associate with camouflage-patterned clothing – but when I swatched it it came out as a vibrant forest green It is very soft and applies smoothly, with excellent pigmentation.
   The only reason I would probably not buy it again is because I don’t think I’ll ever run out of it – while it can work as an everyday colour, it doesn’t look quite right with the majority of my clothing choices (pastels) so is more of a party shade for me.

3. 

   dearVenison8

   Reply

   Absolutely enchanted by this new Balsam shade! I had absolutely lusted for it after seeing it on the Bobbi Brown website (where the digital swatch looks more like an ivy-green) that I didn’t care when, fortunately, the real thing is more like an emerald-green.

   Whilst I was slightly alarmed that the colour looked more like khaki in the pan, it comes to life when it hits skin and has a sophisticated satiny finish. I don’t think the colour changes much under different lighting, but that’s no bad thing.

   The texture is just pure luxury: it’s almost buttery, like the Burberry eye shadow powders, and highly blendable without going murky. I’ve paired it with my Burberry Midnight Brown and my Bobbi Brown Gunmetal eyeshadows, and the Balsam holds it’s stunning presence despite the boldness of the others.

   I think this may be a revival of a previously discontinued colour, but definitely hope it’s part of the permanent line. But just in case, I’m going to pick up a second pan the next time I pass through duty free.