I have been freelancing for Benefit Cosmetics for a while now and I must say that the line is very cute, fun, and effective. All the packaging is very engaging, and the product names produce a chuckle because the Company founders believe that “The best cosmetic is laughter.” Not only is the line fun to look at, but fun to play with as well. Benefit Cosmetics definitely carries a few of my favorite tried & true go-to products.
Stay Don’t Stray: This nifty little primer can be used in multiple ways. It is an eye shadow primer that can act as a primer for your concealer as well. Just dab a little bit completely around the eye area, but be careful how much you dispense out. Use sparingly because a little definitely goes a long way with this product. Sometimes I will use only ‘Stay don’t Stray’ as a concealer for my clients and it covers beautifully. If you need more coverage you can add a traditional concealer, or you can mix the 2 products and apply together. Although it does make a very nice eye shadow primer I almost prefer it as a concealer. I also like to use it when I am not putting any eye shadow at all on a client because it gives them a fresh, bright eyed, even toned look. You can also mix a bit of the product with your foundation to use as a highlighter in certain areas.
Eye Bright: This little pencil is amazing! It is another item that can be used in multiple ways. For fair skin I like to apply it on the inner corners of the eye & then apply 3 “cat whisker” upward strokes on the outer edge of the eye & blend it in with a small concealer brush. Use either with no concealer or apply Eye Bright on top of concealer. This is like an instant eye lift. You can also apply ‘Eye Bright’ right under your brow bone and blend out. It acts as a highlight and brow lift. You can apply eye shadow on top if you like. My favorite way to use the product is in the waterline. When using a light color in your waterline it gives the appearance of brighter eyes. I absolutely love ‘Eye Bright’ for the waterline because it is not a harsh white. It has more of a subtle pink tone to it so it looks more natural.
Erase paste: This concealer is great to use under the eye because it brightens and conceals. It’s a very creamy product so be careful not to apply to thick. When mixed with ‘Stay don’t Stray’ and or ‘Ooh La Lift’ it can erase the appearance of circles or darkness under the eye and give a flawless complexion. The only drawback is it comes in limited color selections. It only has 3 colors, and unfortunately that leaves out my darker skinned ladies (including myself.)
Hello Flawless Powder Foundation: I have been very impressed with this powder at the counter. It is great to wear on top of a cream or liquid foundation to set, or to wear alone to for a light, even appearance. Benefit is even broadening their color selection, and have introduced some deeper shades for women of color.
Sugar Bomb Blush: I absolutely love this blush. It is very flattering on just about anyone. (For deeper skin tones I like to apply over a cream blush for more color.) I love to use it on my brides because it provides the perfect subtle flush, and gives a beautiful natural glow.
Here are 2 of my beautiful brides wearing Benefit SugarBomb blush, stay don’t stray, & erase paste:
Photography: Franklin Fitzgerald Makeup: Carmen Dianne
Photography: Veronica Dana Makeup: Carmen Dianne
For the last couple of weeks I have been trying out the new Korres Anti-aging eye primer and I have been pretty impressed. I am somewhat familiar with the Korres line from my days of working at Sephora but it usually was never part of my professional kit. I am a fan of some of their skin care products though, so I was pretty interested to try this anti-aging primer.
