With the holidays over, I can finally admit what I gifted to all the BFFs... makeup! Most of their Christmas gifts includes products by Benefit cosmetics, which happens to be one of my favorite lines of makeup.
SisterT introduced me to Benefit when she began using Bene-tint in 2007. She continues to receive questions from friends on what blush she uses, and each time she answers... Bene-tint. She applies a single stroke of the product on the top of her cheek bones, blends with her fingers, and voila. You can apply more blush on top if you want some shimmer on your cheeks, try Nars "Orgasm," but SisterT only uses the Bene-tint. It has excellent staying power and can be used on your lips as well.
I have Bene-tint on my cheeks in this photo from December. I applied the product in a diagonal line on my cheekbones. I quickly blended the product in an upward fashion towards my brow bones in an effort to contour my face. (OOTD: H&M Dress, NY&Company earrings, TJMaxx leggings, and Tory Burch riding boots.)
For those of you looking for a wonderful multi-purpose mascara, I highly recommend "They're Real!"This mascara produces long and thin (non-clumpy) lashes. People will think you have false eye-lashes on when using this product. SisterT and I both use this mascara for our every-day mascara. While this is a great for a night out too, we prefer thicker lashes for evenings (try Lancome Hypnose).
SisterT gifted me with this "Badgal" eyeliner for Christmas in a set from QVC. The blend-ability is awesome, and the added smudge-end works wonderfully. The liner is dark and smooth, and it easily creates a smoky eye look.
I have discussed this product on the blog before, but this is THE staple in my makeup routine. Pinkloulou's blog introduced me to this product, and after I read that Carrie Underwood used this product... I was sold. This small container lasts an incredibly long time and is well worth the price. When using High Beam, I apply a small triangle of the product using the inner corner of my eye, the outer corner of where my cheek meets my brow bone, and the side of my nose at its slimmest point. I feel this makes a triangle of illumination.
Here is SisterT with High Beam on. You can see the illumination below her eyes extending to her brow bones.
I recently received this product in a sample, and I am still trying to figure it out. Like High Beam above, "Watt's Up!" is also an illuminator. I have been using it on my upper lids and at the outer corners of my eyes, and I do like the effect. I don't understand how different it is from High Beam; the only difference is the form: a liquid vs. a solid. This product is great to bring in your clutch or purse, because you can easily add a dose of shine on the move.
I received "the POREfessional" in a sampler pack from Sephora, and I had to purchase it. This primer works wonders in smoothing pores. I apply the smallest pea-sized amount onto fingertips and dot the cream primer on my nose, forehead, chin, and inner cheeks. I blend with a sponge, and it nearly erases all signs of large pores. Your skin will feel so smooth after using this product. If I am in a rush, I will use this and a bit of blush, then I am out the door.
Here are other products I recommend from Benefit. If you would like to check out all the Benefit products from Sephora, click here. Make sure to check your weekly e-mails from Sephora or Ulta, to find out when they are offering sample packs with these products. For almost everything mentioned in this post, I tried the sample first, fell in love with the product, and then purchased it.
"Some Kind-A-Gorgeous" Foundation (I have only used this twice so far, and each time I have really enjoyed the results. I will post a longer review after I wear it during the day.)
Lip Gloss
Benefit's lip glosses are spectacular. They have great staying power, are not too sticky, and create the most fantastic shine on lips.
What is your favorite product from Benefit? Have you tried anything new lately by other brands?
Have a wonderful Monday!
p.s. Did anyone notice Michelle Obama's new bangs during the Inauguration? She looked marvelous. Congratulations to our President and his family on this very important day!
Disclaimer: Benefit has not paid or endorsed me in any way for these reviews. These are the honest opinions from the author of this blog.