Good afternoon ladies and gents! I am pleased to be here today to talk about one of my favourite brands: Benefit Cosmetics. I have been working with Benefit products for a number of years; ever since I first began working as a Beauty Expert for Shoppers Drug Mart in 2012. This brand stood out to me for a number of reasons; its girly packaging, witty product names and its signature slogan, "Laughter is the best cosmetic." I thought to myself, this company is different; makeup should be something that we can have fun with! After a few years working in the cosmetic industry, I was delighted when I was offered a position to work as an Arch Expert at the Benefit Brow Bar in Burlington, ON. Many of my clients ask me if I wear Benefit makeup on a daily basis and the answer is YES! I want to make one thing clear, I don't wear the makeup simply because I work for the company; it is because I feel that the products I use are good quality products. Another common question that I am asked is what my favourite products are. Today, I am going to talk about my top 10 favourite products from Benefit Cosmetics; ones that I have tried and tested, and enjoy wearing on a daily basis. Enjoy!
10. The POREfessional
What it is:
A priming phenomenon that helps minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines. The silky and lightweight formula can be worn under makeup to create a smoother-than-smooth canvas or used throughout the day to mattify shine and touch up problem areas. The oil-free formula contains vitamin E, which is known to protect skin from free radicals.
Who it's for:
Although this primer is suitable for all skin types, it works especially well for clients who are combination-to-oily.
Why I love it:
One thing to note about this product is that it has a beige tint; don't worry, when applied to the skin it becomes completely translucent. I love the texture of this primer because it is slightly thicker; almost comparable to a balm. When you apply it onto the skin, the appearance of pores are diminished within seconds. Even on my days off when I plan on going makeup-free, I will apply this primer and wear it alone just to improve the appearance of my skin. Not only will it give you a flawless canvas, but it will also help your foundation stay on longer. Why else would you use a primer? It will create an invisible barrier between your skin and your makeup, thus protecting anything from penetrating your skin. This can prevent breakouts and/or clogged pores.
Price point:
CAN $39
9. Stay Don't Stray
What it is:
A dual-action power primer that works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eye shadows stay put. Concealers don't crease; eye shadows stay vibrant and true.
Who it's for:
Everyone!!!
Why I love it:
If you compare eyeshadow worn by itself to eyeshadow worn on top of this primer, you will be amazed. When you wear eyeshadow alone, you may notice that the pigment isn't top notch or that it seems to dust off by mid-day. By wearing this primer underneath concealers and shadows, it will help the product stay on all day long; which allows shadows to appear vivid and lively 24/7. You may also wear this product alone to correct redness and dark circles around the eye area.
Price point:
CAN $34
*Available in two shades.
8. Fake Up Concealer
What it is:
A moisturizing crease-control concealer with vitamin E and apple seed extract made to hide dark circles and diffuse fine lines for a silky smooth, ultra-natural look.
Who it's for:
Dry skin types and/or aging skin.
Why I love it:
I have never, and I mean NEVER... found a concealer quite like this. It seems that when choosing a concealer, you either pick one with great coverage (which creases) or one that is hydrating and sheer (which has zero coverage.) With this product, you can have it all! Made with a hydrating ring around its coloured core, the product applies smooth and creamy. A little goes a long way, as you will achieve high pigment with only a dab or two of product. Since it is hydrating, I find the finish to be quite brightening and dewy; leaving your skin with a glow like no other!
Price point:
CAN $31
*Available in three shades.
7. Hoola Bronzer
What it is:
An award winning matte bronzer that can be applied all over the face for a natural looking tan year-round. Complete with a soft, natural-bristle cheek brush, it delivers pure matte colour—without leaving behind shine or shimmer.
Who it's for:
Everyone; this bronzer comes in one universal shade.
Why I love it:
Finally, a bronzer that contains zero shimmer or shine! I enjoy this product because you can use it multiple ways. When applied all over the face, you will get a beautiful, natural looking tan. I also like to use this product to contour areas such as the forehead, cheekbones and jawline. The most common issue people have with bronzers is that they can leave an 'orange' hue on the face; especially on fair skin types. Unlike its competitors, Hoola will always deliver a natural tan finish, for every skin tone!
Price point:
CAN $36
6. They're Real! Tinted Primer
What it is:
A mink-brown lash primer that tints, defines, and primes lashes for a natural, feathery look—plus, it can be paired with your favorite mascara for boosted length and separation. *Can be worn alone in place of a mascara.
Who it's for:
Everyone; especially those who would rather use a brown mascara.
Why I love it:
If you've ever used a lash primer before, you will know that most of them are white in colour; this can be annoying for a number of reasons. Although these white primers claim to be transparent, they often are not - which means you have to work extra hard to try and cover up every last bit with your regular mascara. This is not the case for They're Real Tinted Primer because you can wear it alone!!! Since it is brown in colour, applying a mascara overtop is easy as pie, and if you want to rock a more natural look by wearing it alone, you can do that too! When paired with a mascara, you will also receive a boost in volume, length and longevity. This product is water-resistant, smudge proof and sweat proof.
Price point:
CAN $31
5. Benebalm
What it is:
A hydrating tinted lip balm that conditions and glides on sheer.
Who it's for:
Anyone with dry, chapped lips who is looking for sheer-to-moderate colour payoff.
Why I love it:
For me, moisturizing lip products are a must. I will take comfort over longevity any day. For those of you who are familiar with Benefit products, you will know of one of their first ever products, Benetint. The main complaint about this rose-tinted lip stain was that it was drying. Recently, Benefit decided to come out with these tinted balms to pair with their already famous range of lip stains. Therefore, if you are already using Benetint, you may place Benebalm overtop to receive that extra boost of colour and hydration. For me, I find that wearing this balm alone provides me with enough colour and comfort to last for hours.
Price point:
CAN $23
*Available in four shades.
4. Browvo! Conditioning Brow Primer
What it is:
A clear, nutrient-rich formula that primes and conditions for fuller, healthier-looking brows. This nutrient-rich, conditioning primer is formulated with keratin and soy proteins—known to help brows look thicker, healthier, and fuller.
Who it's for:
Anyone with sparse, thinning brows -OR- anyone looking to achieve a fuller-looking brow.
Why I love it:
Finally, a product to help you achieve that full, Instagram brow that won't break the bank. Rich in keratin, an ingredient known to help promote hair growth, this clear gel can be applied under makeup or before bed so that it can work while you sleep. I have been using this product for almost four months, and the results have simply amazed me. Like many, I had my brows thinned out too much in an unfortunate waxing incident years ago. Since then, I have been trying to grow out my brows; which can be frustrating as it does take some time. Since using this product, I am seeing hair coming in fuller, and in areas I have not seen hair grow in a long time. Not only will it make brows appear fuller, but it will also help to keep your makeup on longer. Overall, a must-have.
Price point:
CAN $36
3. High Brow
What it is:
A creamy brow highlighting pencil that easily blends to brighten and visibly lift brows.
Who it's for:
Anyone looking to define and highlight brows and/or those aiming to achieve a higher arch.
Why I love it:
I have loved this product for SO long. When applying makeup, most artists will always highlight under the arch of the brow; usually with a bright, white-tone eyeshadow. The reason I prefer using High Brow is because it is cream-based; therefore it stays on much longer. This product will also brighten the eye area, mask stray hairs and promote younger-looking eyes. *Tip: Apply this product on the inner corners of the eye to brighten dark circles.
Price point:
CAN $29
*Available in two shades.
2. Ka-Brow!
What it is:
A highly pigmented, waterproof cream-gel brow colour that easily builds natural-looking to dramatic brows. An all-in-one cream-gel formula with a built-in brush glides on smoothly to easily shape, fill, and define your eyebrows.
Who it's for:
Anyone looking for 24-hour, waterproof brows that range from a soft daytime look to a bold playtime look.
Why I love it:
There is no other product like Ka-Brow. It is so long-wear and waterproof that I once slept with it on and woke up looking like I had just applied it. (Note: Please don't sleep in your makeup, it's awful for you and on this particular occasion I was a no-good, lazy bitch.) Easy to apply, the cream-gel colour has a beautiful, powdery finish. I enjoy using cream products because they are easy to blend, fade and feather. If you are looking to achieve that bold, defined, Instagram brow, Ka-Brow is the answer to all of your problems. As a brow artist myself, this is my go-to product to use on nearly all of my clients. If you want a product that's durable enough to make it through a rainstorm, choose Ka-Brow.
Price point:
CAN $30
*Available in six shades.
1. Gimme Brow
What it is:
An award-winning, brow-volumizing fiber gel that mimics the look of real hair for fuller-looking brows.
Who it's for:
Anyone looking for full, natural-looking brows.
Why I love it:
"Gimme Brow’s innovative brush-on gel has tiny micro fibers that adhere to skin and hair, creating lush-looking eyebrows where before there were none. The water-resistant, long-lasting, buildable formula locks brow hairs in place while conditioning with vitamin B5 and marshmallow extract. It builds easily for thick, full arches, thanks to a tapered brush for blending and a precision tip for shaping perfect brows." - Sephora.ca
The above quote explains everything I love about this product. Since it contains fibers, it will actually thicken your eyebrows while adding soft, natural-looking colour. This product can be worn alone or overtop any other brow product(s). I find that many of my clients who express that they do not want eyebrows that are super defined or harsh looking really appreciate this product. On days when I wear little-to-no makeup, I will apply this product by itself on top of my Browvo Conditioning Primer. If I am doing a more dramatic makeup look, I will apply this product over top of my Ka-Brow, to keep each hair in line with the beautiful shape I have created.
Price point:
CAN $30
*Available in three shades.
Thanks for reading!
Stay tuned,
dear lady
*All images via google.ca