I love the Benefit brand – everything about it speaks to me from the super cute, retro inspired packaging, to the seriously great formulations. Today, I thought I’d showcase four of my must-have products from the brand.
The Pore Professional (R395)
The older I get, the more visible my pores seem to look. I’ve tried a couple of primers that claim to minimize the look of pores, but generally, I’ve been disappointed. That was until I tried The Pore Professional. The formula has a slight nude colour that applies translucent. You can either use it before makeup – after moisturising your skin – or after makeup. I use it both ways. In the morning, I apply some to my T-zone as like most women, this is generally where I shine and have more pronounced looking pores. I love how smoothly this oil-free formula glides on, almost giving my pores an airbrushed kind of look. I think they’re a lot less visible after using this. It also does a great job of preventing shine, but come afternoon, I do need to reapply a little more – but it’s easy and convenient as I just sweep a pea size amount over any shiny eares. For days when I go sans makeup, I apply a bit of this, just to perfect my skin. Oh, this products is quite fragranced, so if you have issues with stronger scents in make-up, try this first before buying it, as it could become a little overpowering.
Benetint Rose Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain (R385)
This is the cult classic Benefit product that began it all. For those of you who don’t know the story, here it is: In 1977 the first bottle of “Rose Tint”, aka Benetint was sold to a San Francisco exotic dancer who requested a product that would stain her nipples – true story. This see-through stain can be used on cheeks and lips. It’s super easy to use: for cheeks, I apply 3 stripes on the apple of each cheek (almost like whiskers) and quickly pat them a circular motion to work the colour in. For lips that look like you’ve just sucked a Popsicle, apply this stain liberally all over the pout. If you’ve never tried a benefit product, this is the one to get.
Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer SPF 20 (R345)
This BB cream for the eyes has an SPF 20 and “EnviroDefend” complex that protect against smoke, pollutants and the sun, all while prepping and priming eyelids. The fact that it contains an SPF 20 is incredible, considering there are so few eye products on the market do. I find this so strange, as the skin around the eye area is super thin, predisposing it to premature ageing, lines and wrinkles.
I love that Air Patrol comes in a pen-like applicator that your turn/click. It has a cushion tip, made from soft, gel-like malleable plastic that claims to be softer than your pinkie finger – which it totally is. I still use my finger to blend out the formula, though. Essentially what this beauty does -other than protecting – is create a base to which eye shadow will cling, preventing creasing, fade or smearing. It sets to a satiny finish that works well for both powder and cream shadows. What I like most about it how effectively it diminishes any redness on the lids, making my eye area look a LOT brighter. Often, I don’t even use an eyeshadow – I just prime my lids with this and a coat of two of mascara.
Gimme Brow (R295)
I’m all about well kept brows as they create a frame for the face. Mine are quite bushy, so I like a formula that sets them for the day. Gimme Brow gets my thumbs up – the small brush makes it easy to groom hairs and the small tip is great for drawing some of colour onto a scar I have right through the middle of my right brow. The tinted gel not only fills in sparse areas, but also thickens, so it holds onto brow hairs, allowing you to subtly build volume without the hairs becoming hard. There are two versions; light & dark brown – I use the dark brown version, but blondes and redheads should try the lighter.
Have you tried any Benefit products and what are your favourites?
