Best of Benefit

I have been a loyal Benebabe since my first benefit purchase. I was in my early teens when I developed an interest in experimenting with makeup. I used a tinted moisturizer but wanted a little something extra to help perfect my skin. In Ulta my search quickly became overwhelming due to my lack of knowledge about the rows of numerous face products. My mom, who is not a huge makeup person, didn’t know where to guide me exactly either. We walked down the block to the new Benefit store, and I fell in love.

The woman at the counter was helpful, sat me down, and went over all of my options with me. I settled on the Some Kind-a Gorgeous Foundation Faker (great compact – cream to powder) and was instantly sold on the company as a whole. I loved the packaging, the atmosphere, the customer service, and most importantly, the products.

I wanted to put a list together of my Top 5, but really struggled. So here are my Top 7, with an honorable mention to my Fluff Shadow Brush. Unfortunately, it no longer seems to be sold. I apologize for including something you can’t buy, but I use it on a daily basis so I couldn’t go without mentioning it.

High Beam ($26): Liquid highlight

Liquid luminousness. That’s what this product is. When I’m in a hurry, I mix together 2 parts tinted moisturizer and 1 part That Gal with a few drops of High Beam and my face has a healthy glow. When I have time for a full face, I use it to more strategically highlight my face i.e. cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow (I wouldn’t recommend using it down the center of your nose). It’s my favorite liquid highlighter.

 That Gal ($29): Brightening face primer

I swear by this brightening face primer. In my opinion, it’s the best. I think it is slightly hydrating so it’s perfect for the winter but by no means greasy in the summer. I mix it in with my tinted moisturizer when I am pressed for time and I think it adds that extra “oomph” my face needs. If I have ever applied too much concealer, I use this to blend it out and it looks less cakey. It might seem counterintuitive to add a product to an area where you want less, but trust me, it works.

They’re Real ($23): Falsies without the falsies mascara

I hated this mascara at first. I thought it was just terrible. A year later, I got a sample size in a gift set (I received as a gift) and gave it a second try. I fell in love. I don’t know what was different this time around, but something changed. It makes my stick straight lashes hold a curl with separation and volume.

Erase Paste ($26): Brightening concealer

I have terrible purple discoloration under my eyes. I also have dry under eyes. This is my ticket. I still have to use an eye cream with this product, or at least make sure I have That Gal on underneath. This concealer really does brighten with its peachy undertones. Note: you do have to set this concealer, use a light powder and light hand because it is a thicker concealer and you don’t want too many products layered under your eyes.

POREfessional ($31): Pore blurring primer

I love this primer. It makes my skin silky smooth and leaves a lovely canvas for your foundation whether it is liquid or powder. I only have a sample size at the moment but I will be purchasing the full size when I run out.  I concentrate on having it in my T-zone and then just blend out from there.

Hervana ($28): Pinky boxed blush

It is shameful how much stress this decision gave me: which blush do I include? I do own/have owned: Coralista, Bella Bamba, Hervana, Dandelion, and Rockateur. I love them all so much. The only reason I grabbed for this was because the color of the year is “Radiant Orchid” and this blush fits in so well with that. I use Coralista and Dandelion year round. They are great no matter what. I used Rockateur from the time it came out up until pretty recently when I started back up with Coralista and Hervana. I like wearing Bella Bamba best when I have a little more color in my face during the summer. I love them all and you won’t be disappointed with any of them!

*Bonus points: they are all slightly scented and have a matching lip-gloss!

Gimme Brow ($22): Brow-volumizing gel

I like big brows and I cannot lie. This brow gel gives me just that. The light/medium matches my brow color exactly but I went with the medium/deep because I wanted something slightly darker to give me bolder brows. I also bought this when I was wearing darker lips for the fall and winter, so I wanted my brows to help balance everything out. It is not too dark with a nude lip, though. It tames, appears to thicken, and adds a nice tint.

*Tin is from the 2013 Holiday Collection set

Are you a Benebabe? Which products are your favorites?