Battle of the Highlighters: Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki vs. The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Today is going to be the start of something I would like to do regularly on my blog.  I am going to compare one product in my collection to another.

Today is the Battle of the Highlighters comparing the Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki and The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer.

To be honest, I wasn't really into highlighters until recently.  Now I'm addicted.  If my blush doesn't have a nice sheen to it, I feel like I need a highlight so my skin doesn't look dull.  I know it's a personal preference, but right now I feel like I need my highlighters!

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki

Packaging: Tiki comes in a plastic compact, while Mary-Lou Manizer is in a solid, metal compact with a mirror.  Plus, how can Hard Candy compete with The Balm's adorable packaging?!  I do like that Hard Candy has a clear lid, so you can see the color without opening the product.  It's very helpful if you have multiple Hard Candy items. 

Size: The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer comes with 0.3 oz of product.  Hard Candy's Tiki has 0.44 oz of product.  Since one is baked and the other isn't, I think it's difficult to compare the weight of the product.  I would say they both have a good amount of product, especially considering I never use a lot of highlighter at once.

Product:  Here is what the products look like side by side.  As you can see, the Mary-Lou Manizer is a regular powder highlight.  Tiki is a baked highlight, so it has more of a domed shape.  Mary-Lou Manizer is a smoother, creamier powder, while Tiki feels like a dryer, baked powder.  They are just very different, but both apply smoothly and easily.

Mary-Lou Manizer, Tiki

Color:  Mary-Lou Manizer is slightly more cream/honey colored while Tiki has a bit more of a bronzy finish (it is marketed as a bronzer after all).

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, Hard Candy in Tiki

These swatches are heavier than I would apply on my face, so there is a more noticeable difference between the two.  When applied as a highlight, they definitely give the same effect.  They both give a gorgeous glow, which must be why people say Tiki is a great dupe for Mary-Lou Manizer.

Availability:  I wanted to throw this category in, because I don't consider either product to be readily available.  You can purchase The Balm products on their website.  Occasionally they are featured on HauteLook.  If you are lucky, you might find one of The Balm Kits at Marshalls.

Hardy Candy is only available at Walmart.

Cost:  The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer retails for $24 on The Balm's website!  I was able to pick it up in one of The Balm Kits at Marshalls for $9.99.  Click here  to see my original post about the Mary-Lou Manizer.  I have also seen it on HauteLook for $12, plus $6 for shipping.  

Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki is currently $7.06 on Walmart's website.  I think the Hard Candy bronzers are $9 in a Walmart store.


Overall: To be honest, I haven't really used Hard Candy's Tiki since I bought it.  I have been loving the Mary-Lou Manizer as a highlight, so I really haven't had the need to use Tiki.  However, since I got it out to take these pictures, I have been really enjoying Tiki!  I have worn it for the last few days!  It really is a cheaper, good alternative to Mary-Lou Manizer.