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Benefit | Benefit Brown Roller Lash Mascara

As a self-professed mascara fiend, I tend to stick to several tried & true faves but that doesn’t mean that I stop looking out for that next breakout star either. When Benefit launched their Roller Lash mascara last year (reviewed here) it became an immediate hit, delivering fabulous length and helping the lash-curl challenged reach new curves. The only downside? It came in just one shade, black. But now there’s a spanking new brown shade joining the family: fair-lashed lovelies (or everyone else for that matter) can rejoice.

Once again, Benefit has nailed it with the awesome press packaging details; this makeup bag is not only adorable AND large enough to fit tons of stuff, but is able stand open on its own without teetering or tipping over. Love!

Benefit | Benefit Brown Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit Brown Roller Lash Mascara (CAN $31.00) | A rich brown hue that’s dark enough to provide definition without looking as stark as black can sometimes get. Excellent for those with fair complexions and/or blonde lashes (again, the whole black-looking-too-harsh thing) as well as THE shade to reach for when going for a more ‘natural‘ lash look. The formula is the same as the original, containing Provitamin B5 and Serine — both known for providing conditioning benefits, while the unique patent-pending Hook’N’Roll™ Brush has these little ‘gripper hooks’ that are meant to grab & lift your lashes from the base. By using a rolling motion with the wand (i.e.: rolling the brush from base to tip) you wind up with both length + curl.

My mascara criteria are first & foremost volume, followed by length; curl isn’t something I’ve ever really worried about as my lashes have a pretty decent natural curl. I prefer my lashes to feel flexible and not crunchy, with the product able to stay the duration without flaking, smudging, or dropping down & creating those dreaded half-moon smears under my eyes. I don’t have an issue with clumpiness, provided it doesn’t leave actual blobs, as this effect makes for a trendy look and may provide the illusion of boosted volume as well. Lastly, I want my mascara to remove easily at the end of the day without needing to pry it off my lashes. So how does the the Brown Roller Lash Mascara fare, especially for someone like me who rarely opts for anything but the blackest black? Amazing. On all counts. And my new fave trick? I like applying a layer of the brown on my upper lashes topped with a layer of black mascara — provides a really nice depth this way — and the brown mascara solo on my lower lashes for a softer, yet still defined effect. Who would have thought that mascara could be this versatile?

Benefit | Benefit Brown Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit | Benefit Brown Roller Lash Mascara swatches

Back in the 70s, brown mascara was quite the scene, most likely inspired by the free-loving hippie movement and as a backlash to the Twiggy-esque lashes of a decade earlier. Then the 80’s hit and electric blue tips were all the rage (which I still adore & wear to this day) but sadly the formulas usually left much to be desired. Fast-forward to today, and Benefit has something really good going here with Roller Lash. As someone who rarely wears brown mascara, this little tube is impressing me with every wearing. Enough said.

Available at Sephora

Provided courtesy of Benefit for review consideration/All opinions my own

Benefit | Cheekathon “Kick Up Your Cheeks” Blush Kit

May 7, 2016

There’s just something about Benefit packaging that makes you smile, doesn’t it? Add to that some pretty awesome products, and I’d say they’ve got a winning formula. That being said, I do believe their price point can sometimes feel on the steep side which is why, when a deal like this comes along, it’s something that’s literally too good to pass up.

Benefit’s Cheekathon “Kick Up Your Cheeks” Blush Kit houses five full-sized versions of the brand’s cult-fave products (which also includes a natural-bristled brush and a mirror on the inner lid) in one palette — and all for CAN $75.00 (Value: CAN $188.00). So if you’ve been wanting to dip your brush in any – or all – of these lovelies, but have hesitated up to now (either due to cost or simply because it’s so hard to choose just one), here’s your chance to snag them all together in one convenient package. Pretty sweet, wouldn’t you agree?

Benefit | Cheekathon Kick Up Your Cheeks Blush Kit

Dandelion | A baby pink hue that’s absolutely gorgeous on those with very fair complexions, but can be made to work on up to light-medium skin tones as well (this shade will probably be too light to show up against really deep complexions). This is the perfect hue to create a whisper-soft veil of colour on the cheeks that magically never, ever, looks overdone. The swatch below on the left, shows Dandelion applied quite heavily so as to accurately display the colour; the blended out side is closer to what you’ll actually get.

Benefit | Cheekathon – Dandelion swatches

Hoola | The only bronzer of the group (although I’ve been known to wear this as a blush), Hoola is one product you’ll find in basically all makeup artist’s kits, as this is a unviverally wearable [warm-leaning] tan colour in a formula that while not shimmery, is not 100% flat matte either, but one that will instead impart a gorgeous sun-kissed tone … with just the barest hint of a sheen for added depth (PS: the new Benefit Hoola Collection has previously reviewed here).

Benefit | Cheekathon – Hoola swatches

Rockateur | With its geometric angles, complex shimmery tone and embossed lettering, this shade shines out like a beacon amongst the five, am I right?. Once the top overspray gets wiped away, you’re left with an absolutely gorgeous rose-gold hue that will suit a broad variety of skin tones. Dusted lightly along the skin (using either a fan or dual-fibred brush) will result in a sheer wash of colour, although its rich pigmentation means you can also build it up for more impact.

Benefit | Cheekathon – Rockateur swatches

Dallas | A shade that almost straddles the line between both blush and bronzer, Dallas is a warm-leaning hue that reminds me of a cross between NARS’ Orgasm Blush + Laguna Bronzer. I can even see this working as a hybrid bronzer/highlight type of shade against lightly tanned skin – something tells me it’ll look simply beautiful that way (*making a mental note to to test this theory out once I get rid of my Winter pastiness).

Benefit | Cheekathon – Dallas swatches

Coralista | A soft pink-tinged apricot shade that applies surprisingly much lighter than what’s seen in the pan; I’m guessing that the golden shift seen in the swatches below may contribute to this colour not falling deeper. One new way to wear Coralista is by layering it over a deeper blush shade to add a touch of colourful highlight, but it will also work equally well as a straight-up highlighter against darker complexions.

Benefit | Cheekathon – Coralista swatches

Honestly, I’m still stunned at the value of this palette and while CAN $75.00 is nothing to sneeze at (although why you’d sneeze at something like this, is beyond me – stupid expression), it’s still a relative steal where Benefit is concerned, working out to CAN $15.00 for each FULL-SIZED blush. The shades are all all brand best-sellers for a reason: each and every one is so wearable & time-proven, with an ultra finely-milled texture to the powders that provides an excellent blendability with no powdery residue when applied. For the record, this also makes the perfect last-minute gift for that special ‘mom’ in your life. Just saying.

*For those with sensitivities, please note that these powders are scented and while individually you probably wouldn’t notice the fragrance overmuch, it can be a little overpowering upon first opening this palette. On the plus side, once applied I find the scent dissipates fairly quickly – but it’s still worth putting out there.

The Benefit Cheekathon palette is available now through Sephora – find more information via www.benefitcosmetics.ca

A huge thank you to Benefit for providing me with such an awesome product

As always, all opinions are my own

Benefit | The Hoola Collection

February 16, 2016

Benefit’s Hoola family is growing and the brand’s cult-fave bronzing magic won’t be limited to just your face anymore. With the upcoming launch of Dew the Hoola, Hoola Zero Tan Lines and a new Bronzing & Contouring Brush, you can now faux your glow all over. And if you happen to live in a climate where winter is just being its miserable self (as in the view outside my window this very minute), then the timing of these beach-infused lovelies couldn’t be better.

Benefit | The Hoola Collection

Benefit | The Hoola Collection swatches

Hoola Bronzing & Contouring Brush (CAN $31.00) | This gorgeous beauty brush comes with a large head of graduated teal-coloured tapered bristles and a weighted golden handle that artfully mimics bamboo. The bristles are incredibly soft and feel so velvety along the skin, helping you to apply your bronzer seamlessly. The soft point of the head can also be used for contouring – especially under the cheekbone area and along the jawline, but it will be much too large for any fine/precision work. The handle has a good heft to it as well, offering excellent control without being too heavy in your hand.

Benefit | Hoola Bronzing & Contouring Brush

Hoola Bronzing Powder (CAN $36.00) | A universally flattering unscented bronzer shade in a matte finish. A staple in most makeup artists beauty kits (as well as found in countless makeup bags around the world), the finish of this bronzer does not give a flat appearance to the skin, but instead leaves behind a believable light sheen. Can be dusted along the high points of the face to mimic where the sun would naturally hit, or even used effectively as a contouring product.

Benefit | Hoola Bronzing Powder

Benefit | Hoola Bronzing Powder swatches

Dew The Hoola Soft-Matte Liquid Bronzer (CAN $36) | A liquid bronzer in a lightweight citrus-scented formula that comes in one universal shade, and which can be applied to either bare skin or over foundation. Buildable for more intensity if desired, the soft-matte finish doesn’t contain any shimmery particles but will instead provide your skin with a totally believable and natural-looking summery glow. The pump dispenser helps to keep the product’s integrity intact and sanitary, and you have enough control of what comes out that there’s no waste to worry about.

I confess to being a little thrown by the colour; that initial pumpkin orange hue that emerges from the dispenser, sheers out effortlessly and fuses beautifully along the skin – much to my relief!

Benefit | Dew The Hoola Soft-Matte Liquid Bronzer

Benefit | Dew The Hoola Soft-Matte Liquid Bronzer swatches

Hoola Zero Tan Lines Allover Body Bronzer (CAN $39.00) | Since Hoola has nailed the faux-glow factor for the face, it seems only logical that the body would be next. Taking things to the next level, this citrusy-scented body bronzer with its jelly-like formula comes with an applicator housed in the outer cap. The dense yet soft flexible sponge allows for an effortless application of the product along the skin (but unless you’re a contortionist, I suggest getting someone to assist with your back) and also has the added bonus of helping to keep your hands clean. Dry time is quite quick, but I still suggest waiting about 20 minutes before wearing anything light-coloured to avoid any potential transfer. Staying power is said to be about 12 hours, not including showering.

Benefit | Hoola Zero Tan Lines Allover Body Bronzer

Benefit | Hoola Zero Tan Lines Allover Body Bronzer (applicator)

Benefit | Hoola Zero Tan Lines Allover Body Bronzer swatches

Do The Hoola Beyond Bronze Kit (CAN $44.00) | Another option for Hoola fans, is this Sephora-exclusive kit that first previewed Dew the Hoola and also includes a mini of the Hoola Ultra Plush Lip Gloss – you know, just to keep the theme going. This über-shiny sheer gloss has very fine gold, bronze, and pink shimmer in it for a little zing of sparkle (but no gritty feeling), and allows lips to feel hydrated throughout the wearing. Longevity is about 2.5 hours (excluding drinking and/or eating), which is to be expected for an untinted lip product (but your lips feel really moisturized even after it’s faded away).

Bonus: this kit also includes an insert with some tips & tricks, as well as detailed illustrations for convenience. Benefit really does think of everything, don’t they?

Benefit | Do The Hoola Beyond Bronze Kit

Benefit | Do The Hoola Beyond Bronze Kit, tips & tricks insert

Benefit | Hoola Ultra Plush Lip Gloss swatches

When Benefit launched their Hoola bronzer 13 years ago, it became an instant hit and has stayed at the top of the game ever since, gaining new devotees every day. The latest versions bring different bronzing options to the table and everything has been designed to work cohesively together, or worn individually – the choice is yours. As someone who is somewhat obsessed with makeup brushes, I confess to being ridiculously attracted to the Bronzing & Contouring Brush – and not only because of how beautifully it applies product and its plush feel. I mean, just look at it; how can anyone possibly resist those teal bristles?

Please note that Hoola Bronzing Powder and Dew The Hoola are available now, while Hoola Zero Tan Lines and the Bronzing & Contouring Brush will launch on February 26th. The Do The Hoola Beyond Bronze Kit is a Sephora Exclusive.

Benefit products are available through Benefit Boutiques, Sephora, and select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores across Canada. Find more information via www.benefitcosmetics.com

Press samples kindly provided by the Benefit team for my unbiased consideration

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer & Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Edition

December 1, 2015

As someone who never really delved into Benefit’s magical & colourful world until fairly recently, I have become a quick convert not only to their whimsical and retro packaging, but to the products themselves, so when their latest offerings – They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer and They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Edition – landed at my doorstep several weeks ago, I may or may not have done a little happy dance #mascarafiend

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer & Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition

They’re Real! Dual Purpose Tinted Lash Primer (CAN $31.00) | A brown tinted lash primer that can be worn alone for subtle and natural looking colour, or layered under mascara for volume-boosting properties. The Custom ExtraFlex Brush has been designed to move with lashes, offering excellent lash separation, while the formula is enriched with Provitamin B5 for help your eyelashes stay conditioned.

For those days when I want a hint of definition & colour to my lashes, one coat of this primer gives me that easily enough; a second coat – while adding some volume – still stays fairly natural-looking, and provides a more ‘finished’ look to eyes.

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer (ingredients)

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They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition (CAN $34.00) | A jet-black lengthening mascara in a limited edition matte-black casing that is embellished with Swarovski® crystals (making this into one of the easiest mascara tubes to hold on to) with a specially designed brush that features staggered bristles to help grab lashes from the roots, thus providing a precision lift, curl, & definition (even for those teeny-tiny lashes at the corners). The formula while long-lasting, manages to also stay flexible enough so that lashes never feel crunchy, with no visible signs of flaking or clumping. Wear time is excellent and stays that way throughout the duration, easily removed with a dual-phase eye makeup remover.

When applied over the Tinted Lash Primer, the results are absolutely amazing; I noticed a visible difference, with my lashes seeming to fan out with more precision and while there was a marked increase in both volume and length, I didn’t have any of the expected chunkiness that you’d associate with layering lash products.

Benefit | They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition

Benefit | They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition (ingredients)

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer & Beyond Mascara (bare lashes, primer only, primer + mascara swatches)

Just had to show this; seriously, Benefit sends out the most amazing media packages!

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While lash primers are not exactly new on the scene, most versions (until now) have been white coloured and not always something people would remember to apply first. The ‘Benefit‘ (see what I did there?!) to wearing a primer, is mainly to add a thickening layer to your eyelashes – especially useful for those with thin and/or sparse lashes, and when said primer also has the added bonus of protection and conditioning properties, then that sounds like a sweet deal to me. As to the mascara itself, not only is it one of the better ones I’ve come across lately, but also now decked out for the holidays and yes … it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but I’m a totally sucker for pretty packaging. A pricey, but wonderful stocking stuffer just the same!

The Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer will be available as of January 2016; the They’re Real! Beyond Mascara (Swarovski Edition) is available now through Sephora and sephora.com Find more information via www.benefit.com

Press samples kindly provided by Benefit for my unbiased consideration

Post may contain affiliate links

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

September 1, 2015

There’s a new player on the primer playing field, and it’s a whopper; introducing Air Patrol from Benefit, the beauty world’s first BB Cream Eyelid Primer that is meant to ‘lock on eyeshadow, protect, hydrate, and colour-correct‘ the delicate skin of your peepers. Created with an exclusive EnviroDefend Complex which includes SPF 20 in the formula, Air Patrol is your first layer of protection to guard against environmental stressors while keeping your eye makeup locked down. As an added bonus, the Cushion Calm™ tip, inspired by gel foam mattresses & pillows, makes messy finger-applications a thing of the past and is said to be even ‘softer than your pinkie‘ (it is). All that, and in a slim portable tube … gives new meaning to the Mile High Club.

Then there’s the retro-kitchy packaging that Benefit has become synonymous for – how can anyone resist that? By the way, I have to say that this brand sends along some of the most unique and innovative press packages; just take a look at the military-inspired flap bag (and ridiculously cute button-pins) that Air Patrol came with!

Amelia Earhart, first female aviator (and total bad-ass) to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean (credit)

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer (CAN $38.00) | The slim tube with its ‘winged’ cap (seriously, though – nice touch, Benefit) has a clicking mechanism at the bottom to force the contents up & out, bearing a transparent squishy pink Cushion Calm™ tip at the top for effortless application. Unscented, this comes in one shade only – a light apricot tint – which seems to be universally flattering, although I would be curious to know if darker complexions would be able to wear this as easily.

Breakdown: To get things started you’ll need to give the tube several clicks (I estimate about 8) before the appearance of any product, but after that, anywhere between 1-2 clicks will bring up more than enough to cover both eyelids. The formula leans on the thin, but not runny, side and spreads out effortlessly along the skin.

At first glance, I was a little thrown by the colour of Air Patrol, assuming it to be much too yellow/peach tinted for my skin tone, but the formula is thin enough to melt into the skin without leaving any visible traces behind — AND provides a smooth and even-toned look to eyelids. It’s sorcery, I tell you. Now for the learning curve part; once I had brought up a bead of product (to be honest, it may have been more than that after my slightly over-vigorous clicking), I went ahead and applied Air Patrol to both eyelids and attempted to spread it out using the applicator — which resulted in a bit of a hot mess, so I then went in and smoothed things out with my finger. I assumed that the tip was just a gimmick and left it at that; after all, it’s about the results of the product, right? Still, I needed to try the tip again and see if I could make it work. Perseverance pays, because the tip is NOT a gimmick and yes, it does feel softer than my pinkie. Even better? It works. The trick is to bring up one bead and work one eyelid at a time; I begin by spreading the product all over, then using light patting motions I dab/rub everything in until it has disappeared into my skin and the tip feels almost dry (free of visible product). Of course, this take a little longer than using a finger would, but it’s fun and the slanted tip makes getting into inner eye corners – or the arch of one’s brow — easy and more effective than fingers can.

There’s an initial slight cooling sensation felt along the skin upon first application, but that quickly dissipates. With regards to the claims of Air Patrol feeling ‘calming & soothing while relieving dryness‘, I couldn’t say as I don’t have dry eyelids to begin with. Just the opposite, in fact; my eyelids are oily and absolutely need primer for any eye makeup to last. I also tested Air Patrol out using both cream and powder eye shadow formulas, and I’m so happy to report that not only does it work beautifully in the long-lasting primer category, but it does so without causing any creasing, flaking, or fading of eye makeup applied on top. Another bonus is how easily it colour-corrects eyelid tone (such as any fine but visible veins) and when worn alone, gives a refreshed look to eyes, needing nothing more than a swipe of mascara for an effortless daytime (or anytime) look. Just to sweeten the deal even further, Benefit has added SPF 20 to the formula and let’s face it, we never apply sunscreen to our eyelids, even though that area probably needs it more than anywhere else, being so thin & delicate. Never fear, Benefit has us covered.

NOTE: make sure that the applicator is clean and free of product after use, as it may dry and curst upon the tip’s surface.

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer (primer detail)

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer (ingredients list)

Benefit | Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer swatches

The verdict? This is one AMAZING primer. The pros are many: disappears into the skin, but still manages to colour-correct and even out your tone, can work alone, act as a base to build colour on, or ensure eye makeup stays put, offers skincare benefits as well as SPF protection. The only con, is the slightly steep price tag (why are Benefit products marked up so high here in Canada, anyway?) but after looking at all that Air Patrol provides, I say it’s still worth investing in – anything that works this well to keep my makeup in place? Must have.

Available September 2015 at Sephora locations and sephora.com Find more information via www.benefitcosmetics.com