Benefit Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics (www.benefitcosmetics.com) got its start by twin sisters Jean and Jane Ford in San Francisco in the late 70′s. Over the next 30 years they received a cult following for their “fake it” products that instantly solve beauty dilemmas. Their motto? “Laughter is the best cosmetic, so grin and wear it!” Read more about Benefits makeup history on their website.
My all time favorite Benefit cosmetics product is their Box o’Powders. Hoola is my holy grail bronzer and I also use Coralista regularly.
14 Benefit Cosmetics Reviews since 2010
How to Restore Old Cream Eyeshadows and Paint Pots
If you’ve owned a cream eyeshadow/ paint pot for a while, you know the sad reality that they eventually dry up. While it’s good practice to always store them upside down to keep them fresh longer, they will all inevitably start drying out the older they get. One of my favorite cream eyeshadows in actually Benefit’s Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Birthday Suit. It’s a beautiful and unique brushed chrome shade. Since I’ve owned it for quite a while now it’s becoming drier and harder to apply smoothly these days. The thought crossed my mind to just purchase a new one but I recently learned that Benefit will be changing the packaging of their Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liners this Spring! I LOVE their original packaging so I’m a little bummed and perplexed about the change!
Original Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner Packaging
New Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner Packaging
Photo courtesy of MBB
I MUCH prefer the original packaging over their new one!
On a side note: Benefit is coming out with 10 Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liners this Spring- 7 new shades and 3 originals. Thank God they aren’t discontinuing Birthday Suit!! The other two that survived the cut are Skinny Jeans and R.S.V.P. I’m excited to check out their new shades! Karen from MakeupandBeautyBlog did a great preview of the new colors (linked above) if you want to check them out!
Anyway, I want to keep my original Birthday Suit packaging while also being as least wasteful as possible. Cuz you know, the more money I save on Birthday Suit, the more money I have to check out the other NEW shades! Muhaha! JK… but not really. So I did a little research on what I can do to restore my dried up cream eyeshadow!
Here are the materials that you’ll need:
- 70% Alcohol (Around 10 droppers full – eye it as you go)
- Makeup Spatula
- Dropper
- Eyeliner Brush
Check out this awesome visual I found on TheBeautyDepartment.com!
I’m really excited to try this out! I haven’t been able to do it yet since I’m lacking a few essentials materials but I’m thinking I’ll be able to pick everything up in one stop at Walgreens. I’m probably not going to get a spatula… I’m hoping my butter knife will do the trick.
I have to confess, I’m actually tempted to pick up a backup of Birthday Suit in the original packaging if I can find it in stores… The packaging is so pretty- I really don’t understand why Benefit had to go and change it! I personally find the new packaging very dull.
What do you think about the new packaging? Have you ever tried restoring an old cream eyeshadow or paint pot before? Let me know in the comments below!
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara Review
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara has always caught my attention mainly because of their advertising. Isn’t this photo hilarious? It does a good job implying that your lashes will be attention-getters; quite bold and dramatic. But it wasn’t until this past month that I bothered to try it out. I received a sample size as part of the 500 point gift at Sephora a while ago and actually forgot that I had it until I found it again a few weeks ago.
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara $23
Sephora’s Description:
What it is:
A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular “out-to-here” look.
What it does:
This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out.
Research results:
-94% saw dramatic length and volume*
-90% saw base-to-tip curl*
-94% saw visible lift*
-100% saw long-wearing results*
-*Results observed in a consumer panel survey
My thoughts:
I’ve tried it out a few times now and here’s what I can tell you. First of all, it gives me amazing volume and good length. They make a huge difference on my lashes compared to when I have no mascara on without looking like spider-legs or looking extremely goopy and unnatural. The formula can get clumpy but you just have to work the wand through your lashes correctly to smooth them out. Overall, I’m very happy with the immediate finish!
You do need to be a bit careful with the applicator wand because the custom-dome tip picks up quite a lot of formula. I’m extra attentive when I pull the wand out of the bottle and use the sides of the opening to scrape off any excess. I actually like the application that the body of the wand gives versus the tip that can give a clumpy finish.
BUT here’s the kicker. Benefit They’re Real! Mascara gives me major raccoon eyes at the end of the day! BUMMER! It’s been a really long time since I’ve looked in the mirror in horror because my mascara has smudged onto my upper lid. How embarrassing! I’m not sure how Benefit got 100% seeing long-lasting results because it honestly doesn’t last all day for me. Unfortunately, this is a major deal-breaker in my book. I love how my lashes look but I can’t spend good money on a product that I can’t trust to last through the day.
Before without any mascara
With Benefit They’re Real! Mascara
Will it work for you?
Well, here’s the thing. I have monolids so when I open my eyes my lashes end up resting on my upper eyelids. That constant contact as I blink throughout the day PLUS my oily eyelids means I need some amazing waterproof mascara. If your eyelashes don’t constantly rub against your eyelid and/or you do not have oily eyelids, this mascara might work out really well for you! I’d definitely recommend that you try it out. But if you’re like me and need waterproof mascara, I wouldn’t recommend it.
I hope this review was helpful for you! I stopped by the mall today and picked up a couple samples of foundation that I’m excited to review and share with you this week so keep an eye out for that!
Wishing you a wonderful MLK Jr. Day!
What’s in my Travel Makeup Bag – Oregon Edition
Hey All!
It’s been my goal to start traveling lighter- makeup wise. I always take so much makeup and then end up using maybe a quarter of what I’ve brought. It’s such a waste of space and adds extra weight to lug around. So here’s all the makeup that I took on my mini-vacay to Oregon that was 5 days, 4 nights long. I tried my very best to only pack what I need and know I’ll use.
I took Hubs’ Lacoste toiletry bag that I bought for him a couple years ago. He’s never used it… so it’s mine now, ha. I took this guy instead of my usual pink Victoria Secret makeup bag because it’s much smaller and forces me to pack lighter.
And here are the contents of the bag. It only filled the bag about half way! Pat on the back for me!
I actually took this picture before my trip and decided to leave my Benefit Hoola and Coralista behind along with MAC Lazy Day lipstick!
For my face I used my Garnier BB Cream and MAC blot powder
For cheeks, NARS Gilda and NARS Gaiety
For lips I took Tarte Charming, Buxom Bunny and Sandy, MAC Plink! and Media lipsticks and NYX Pumpkin Pie lipstick
For eyes, Urban Decay Smoked palette, my new small Z-palette filled with 9 different mostly nude shades, eyelash curler, MAC Added Goodness Fluidline, Covergirl Lash Perfection mascara and Urban Decay Primer Potion.
I did take my makeup brushes and those were packed in a different bag
I think I did a pretty good job of only taking a handful of things! What do you think? Is this a lot more than what you would take or a lot less? Let me know in the comments below!
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Benefit Hoola Bronzer Review and Swatch
**Don’t forget to enter the LeSportsac Bisous Frill Clutch and Bunny Charm giveaway! Winner will be announced tomorrow 09/28/12!**
Hey everyone!
Like I mentioned yesterday in my Benefit Coralista review, today I’m reviewing Benefit Hoola for you! Benefit Hoola has been my go-to bronzer for years now. It’s the perfect matte tan that doesn’t look too orange or brown against my skin tone. It can be used to contour or add more warmth to any other blush.
Benefit Hoola Swatch
You can probably tell from the photos my Hoola bronzer has gone through a lot with me! It’s been on every vacation and trip that I’ve been on since we’ve met. The box itself is still in good sturdy condition. If you were to buy Hoola today, you’d get the newer packaging where the lid is attached to the main box when you open it. I personally don’t mind the detaching lid but maybe it’s because I don’t know any better.
The brush is a super cute turquoise wood reminding me of Hawaii. I actually use the brush a lot because it works well contouring right under my cheekbones.
I’ve used Benefit Hoola for years now and I can see a dip but definitely haven’t hit pan yet. I can vouch that this will last you a good long time.
It’s a better deal than NARS Laguna which is the same quantity (.28oz) but is $6 more ($34 vs $28). NARS Laguna is one of the best selling bronzers out there. The reason why I chose Benefit Hoola bronzer instead is because I wanted a bronzer that was completely matte that I could use to contour my face. Laguna has golden shimmer and I didn’t think that would be appropriate for all over. I recently have been tossing the idea of picking up NARS Laguna after having it been used on me multiple times for weddings. Maybe next summer.
Let’s not lose focus.
I really love Benefit bronzer Hoola. I know it’s the bronzer that I’ll continue to use and repurchase because it’s so hard to find a good matte one that’s great for contouring! I’ve yet to see a Benefit Hoola dupe around. So it’s really about what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a good bronzer that you can use for contouring all around your face, choose Benefit Hoola. If you want a bronzer focused on your cheekbones with shimmer, I’d recommend checking out NARS Laguna.
Hope my Benefit Hoola review was helpful! Only 1 more day until the weekend, woohoo! AND tomorrow I’ll be announcing the winner to my LeSportsac giveaway! So exciting!
Wishing you a BEAUTYFULL Thursday!
Benefit Coralista Blush Review and Swatch
Hey all!
I’m finally getting around to reviewing one of my most worn blushes, Benefit Coralista. It’s just one of several box powders that Benefit offers. Coralista blush is a coral pink sheen that looks very natural and luminous in the light. It makes my skin look glowy and healthy coming out of the harsh Winter months so it’s one of my go-to blushes for the Spring/Summer and a definite MUST for all vacations especially cruises.
I have the older version with the separate top packaging.
If you buy one today, the lid is attached to the box itself- pretty nifty!
I personally don’t mind taking the lid off and on.
I love the cute brush inside and actually do use it for the most part.
It smells really pretty too!
Always a bonus!
It was really hard capturing the color in pictures because it’s so sheer and luminous
Trust me, it looks really pretty on and in person :]
I’ve used Benefit Coralista blush a lot and have barely made a dent in the pan. It’ll last you a long time so it’s definitely worth the $28. I’d recommend it if you want to add a little bit of warmth and glow to your complexion. It’s very light so don’t expect drama. It’s a casual luminous look. I love wearing this especially while I’m somewhere tropical on vacation and don’t want any heavy makeup on. The packaging has really held up considering how many places I’ve taken it too! You can also mix Coralista with Benefit Hoola to create a warmer look. I’ll be reviewing Benefit Hoola tomorrow so stay tuned.
Have you tried any of Benefit’s box powder/blushes? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!
Benefit Posietint Review & Swatch
Last Sunday when I was getting my makeup done for my friend’s wedding, I was immediately drawn to the lip color that was used on me. When I asked the makeup artist what it was, she pointed to Benefit Posietint. I’ve always been curious of Benefit lip and cheek stains but never thought the colors would flatter me. Well, it just took one try and I was convinced that I needed Benefit Posietint in my life! A couple days later I stopped by my local Sephora and picked up a bottle for myself.
The application felt watery at first but is surprisingly very pigmented. The texture is much much thinner than a lipgloss. I applied it on my lips with a lip brush and then waited for the stain to dry. I knew I wouldn’t have the full experience without trying it on my cheeks so I bravely dabbed some Posietint on my fingers and applied it to my cheeks in a circular motion upwards. Because the texture is not goopy it blends very well on the cheeks. The only downer is that it also stains your fingers in the process.
The bottle is cute although I wish that it was clear so that you could see how much Posietint you have left. I tried using the lid with the brush directly on my lips. It’s not bad but I felt like it had too much product on it. I like using my own lip brush and applying a little at a time and building up the color. The lid brush would work fine if I had nothing else to use.
Benefit Posietint Swatch
I’m really happy with the Posietint color! It’s a very wearable blue-based pink and I’m actually happy with it on my lips AND cheeks! Score! Usually with these two-in-one products I only use it one way. Benefit Posie tint is really cool because I can quickly apply a lip and cheek color without having to think about coordinating the two colors!
While Benefit Posietint is not extra moisturizing, it’s not drying like other stains either. My lips feel comfortable and it doesn’t really feel like I have anything on them. The stain stays put through food and drinks. You just have to be careful because the stain will appear darker on dry areas of the skin. It’s probably best to exfoliate your lips before applying.
Applied on my lips
Note that in real-life, the pink is much more blue-based
Benefit Posietint applied on both lips and cheeks
I’m glad I picked this up! This will definitely come in handy on those minimal makeup days and also for travel! Oh how I can foresee myself using this on an island vacations or cruise! It would do so well at the beach! I also don’t have anything like this in my collection. I just might need to check out the other shades soon…
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
FOTD – Featuring Urban Decay Smoked Palette
I’m pretty dang excited right now! Remember how I told you that I was most excited for the Mushroom eyeshadow from the Urban Decay Smoked Palette? I was planning on buying just the single eyeshadow when I discovered that it was going to be included in this amazing palette. Well, today I discovered the BEST base pairing for it! It’s Benefit’s Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Skinny Jeans! It’s like they were meant to be together. Click here for my review for Skinny Jeans!
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Skinny Jean – $19
Urban Decay Mushroom Eyeshadow – $18
Urban Decay Smoked Palette – $49
On the left is a swatch of Benefit Skinny Jeans and on the right is a swatch of Mushroom
It’s COMBO-TIME!! This is Mushroom eyeshadow with the Skinny Jean base (indoor)
And outdoors – isn’t the color gorgeous??
And now the look
So I started off with Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Skinny Jean as a base. Then I used Freestyle from the Urban Decay Smoked Palette to blend it upward. I used Kinky right under by eyebrows as my highlight and then Evidence on the outer corner of my eyes. I lined my eyes with MAC Fluidline in Added Goodness and lined the outer bottom lash line with Barlust. Then highlighted my inner lash line and corners with theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer. Last step, I curled my lashes and used Covergirl LashPerfection mascara.
Whew- that sounds like a lot of steps just for eyes but honestly it’s so fast when you do it (versus writing it all out!).
I wish my camera did a better job at capturing the true colors of the eyeshadows. Trust me it looks darker in person.
I know, my eye is red 
I LOVE my Urban Decay Smoked Palette!
And last but not least, CRAZY-EYE!!
I’ll keep working at figuring out how to take better photos. In the meantime, let me know if you’ve discovered an amazing eyeshadow combo! I’d love to give it a try!
Wishing you a love-filled day!
What’s in my travel makeup bag?
I’m headed for the big apple tomorrow!! I’m excited yet anxious as this will be both my and Max’s first time there. Packing for this trip will be a bit of a challenge since I’m packing for a week in Bermuda and then a week in NYC. I’ve noticed that while I’m on vacation especially in tropical climates I usually tend to not wear much makeup, especially on my eyes so I’ve TRIED to limit what makeup I take. Here’s what I’ve decided to take in my makeup bag.
What’s in my Travel Makeup Bag?
Cute pink quilted makeup bag from Victoria Secret a 2-3 years ago
And here are the face products I’ll be using- a simple tinted moisturizer with SPF and finishing powder
Tarte Smooth Operator (spf20) – Agent 04
MAC Prep + Prime Finishing Powder
And for the cheeks-
NARS Gaiety
NARS Madly
Benefit Coralista
Benefit Hoola (bronzer)
MAC Mineral Skinfinish By Candlelight (highlighter)
MAC Cream Colour Base – Pearl (highlighter)
And for lips-
MAC – Everhip (my all time favorite lipstick for vacays)
MAC – Lazy Day
MAC – Chatterbox
MAC – Soft Sell
Burt’s Bees Chapstick w/mango butter (smells so good!)
Buxom Lipgloss – Bunny & Amber
Kiehl’s Lipgloss – French Rose
And for Eyes-
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer – Original
MAC Liquidlast Liner – Point Black (the only eyeliner that does not smudge on me ALL DAY)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil – Zero
NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner – Madison Avenue
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil – Duck
d.j.v. beautenizer mascara – Fiberwig LX (best sweatproof mascara)
Covergirl Lash Perfection mascara (best for volume)
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
And we can’t forget eyeshadows
Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow – 2CE Iced Mauve
NARS – Lhasa
MUFE Aqua Cream – 13
MAC Paint Pot – Fresco Rose
MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow – Thunder & Rain
MAC eyeshadow – Concrete (for eyebrows)
MAC eyeshadow – Carbon
MAC Quad – Brule, Warming Trend, Prepped for Glamour, Mystery
NYX For Your Eyes Only Palette – Smokey Eyes
And lastly (this is a longer post than anticipated!) my makeup brushes
Okay, so I hope this was somewhat entertaining and/or helpful! :) Have a lovely Thursday everyone!
A New Chapter
**One update- Just saw that Sephora is will give you 10% off any purchase with the code: “THRILL” :)
Hi Everyone!
Last week was definitely a week of changes. We had to put my pup of 18 years down. It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but I know that it was her time and she lived a full life filled with family and love. It’s pretty amazing how much one little dog can change your life/family. She came into our family and loved us and brought so much laughter and joy. She was definitely such a blessing and we are thankful to have had her for so long!
Last week was also my last week working for “the Man”. I’ve been blessed to be given the opportunity to really pursue my passions in writing, blogging, makeup and also to focus on family and my relationships. This means having so much more time to focus on ABD and exploring my creative side. :)
Finally, my family and I are headed for NYC and Bermuda at the end of the week to celebrate my dad’s 60th! This will be our first completed family vacation ever- I say completed because it’s the first with my sister-in-law and Max. I’ll be posting about what’s in my travel makeup bag soon!
And to not leave without anything relevant to makeup, here’s my face of the day. Today’s casual since I’ve mostly stayed at home besides running some errands.
Tarte Smooth Operator (spf20) – Agent 04
Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Foundation – 203
Benefit Hoola bronzing powder
NARS Gaiety blush
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish – By Candlelight
Clinique Eyeshadow – 2CE Iced Mauve
Covergirl Lash Perfection Mascara (loving this right now!)
MAC Chatterbox lipstick
Hope you all are having a beautyfull week!
Sephora’s Chic Week 15% Off!
I’m so excited to be back posting again without the fear of my posts disappearing forever!! We have lots to catch up on, yes??
Let’s see- Last weekend, Max and I booked our HONEYMOON!!! Woohoo!! That combined with all of the fun Spring/Summer wear that has taken over the mall has put me into high-gear honeymoon shopping mode! So far, I’ve bought a few new swimsuits and maxi-dresses. I foresee a haul post coming shortly… hopefully… hehe. My next targets are a cute travel/beach tote and sandals. I’M SO EXCITED!!!
Today, I wanted to share with you what I’ve bought so far with Sephora’s 15% off promo. If you haven’t taken advantage of this yet, I highly recommend that you do since Sephora (and makeup in general) RARELY ever go on sale. You can order online and enter the code “CHIC” at checkout until the 21st of April. 
So far, here is what I’ve purchased. Well actually, Max bought these for me on Friday.
(Sorry for poor quality of picture!)
Make Up For Ever Sens’eyes Makeup Remover – $24
Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #13 (Warm Beige) – $23
Sephora 4-Step Buffer - $8
See that self-control?? Okay, okay it MAY have helped that Max was there as the angel on my shoulder keeping me in line… BUT I must admit that there will be one final online order to come before the end of this promotion. Here are the things that I have my eyes on…
1. Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
2. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream #16 Pink Beige
3. NARS Lose Yourself Blush/Bronzer Powder Duo & Lip Gloss Set
4. Buxom Buxom Lips – Sandy
5. Illamasqua Powder Blusher – Katie
6. CLEAN Shower Fresh Eau de Parfum Spray
7. Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner – Get Figgy & Strut
Not sure if all of these will make the cut- especially since I’m wanting so many other things this month… but I’ll definitely keep you updated!
Happy Sunday!