What’s the best way for a beauty-obsessed girl to spend a dreary, rainy early Saturday afternoon?
In the company of Jennifer Ho, a west coast member of Benefit Cosmetics‘ makeup artist roster, naturally.
I arrived at my 1 pm appointment feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to be made glamourous by Jennifer and her arsenal of Benefit goodies. After sitting down in the high chair, she informed me that the brand has actually been around for 30 years, a piece of trivia not known by most.
Benefit is insistent of keeping makeup fun, clearly evidenced by the very cute, pretty packaging and tongue-in-cheek (or is that chic?) product monikers. Jennifer informed me what the brand likes to do is “solve every day beauty dilemmas”, so heavy eye shadow and bright, bright lips aren’t on the cosmetic menu each day of the week.
She then asked me if I had any beauty dilemmas, and right away I told her about my constant battle with smudging eyeliner and mascara. Then she began her magic.
Here are the subsequent Benefit Cosmetics recommendations, as per Jennifer:
That Gal Brightening Face Primer. Jennifer said the function of a primer is to “bond makeup to your skin, making it last longer and also helps your makeup go on much silkier, without the cakiness”. That Gal can also be used as is to freshen up the face — its raspberry and chamomile properties not only brighten and sooth the skin, but make it smell yummy, too.
B Spot. The new scent is a delicious blend of mango, peony and sandalwood. Its name refers to is “the pulse points where you want to spray your fragrance”, said Jennifer, meaning the hair, wrists and neck.
Moon Beam Golden Pink Complexion Highlighter. This pearly pink highlighter is perfect for applying onto cheekbones for “a nice glow”, plus applying is a cinch — just blend with your fingers. Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez are huge fans.
Some Kind-a Gorgeous. The cream-to-powder product is silky with a color technology that easily blends with your natural skin tone and come in two shades: medium-neutral and pink. This is for the ladies who want a bit more coverage. And the record-shaped packaging is a plus, if you feel like channeling DJs Donna D’Cruz or Harley Viera Newton.
Eye Con. This eye cream should literally be the Eighth Wonder of the World, thanks to its ability to fade dark circles under the eyes. Orange extract is for dark circles, apple extract is for fine lines. Its texture walks the line between cream and gel form — and results come within two weeks.
Powderflage. The newer Benefit product is “a powder-concealer that diffuses light”. Jennifer explained that, like Eye Con, it helps minimize dark circles and fine lines with just a small amount of powder applied with an accompanying “flager” brush. When used alone, Powderflage lightens up the eye area. When used with concealer, it prolongs the staying power of that concealer. It also smooths out those laugh lines, so keep on watching those episodes of Arrested Development.
Dallas Bronzer Blush. This particular bronzer-blush gives that sun-kissed glow every gal seems to strive for all year round.
Thrrrob Blush. The newest addition to the Benefit blush brigade gives off that pink, flushed look — kind of like the kind you get when you see your latest paramour. Brush a little on your apple cheeks.
Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Birthday Suit and Skinny Jeans. This stuff won’t crease or fade throughout the day and easy to apply with your fingers.
BADgal Eye Pencil. Don’t let the thickness if this pencil fool you — lines can be drawn as thin as you like and be smudged out for that smoky look, too.
Miss Popularity Precision Highlighter for Eyes & Face. This is a fine shimmer that can go anywhere — Jennifer used it on my brow bones to highlight my eyes. You can even give oomph to your smile by dabbing along the outer corners of your mouth.
Speed Brow. A natural-colored brow gel, this cleans up your arches and sets your brows in place, putting them into the perfect position.
She Laq. As a clear liquid makeup sealer, this comes with mini set of four brushes, but Jennifer just uses a Q-Tip and dips into the She Laq. When you’re done with your makeup, “just glide it along your eyeliner, mascara and brows”, she suggests. It’s also easier than taking off waterproof products.
Silky Finish Lipstick. It goes on sheer, but is buildable, so you can determine the intensity you want.
The Gloss. This lip gloss is non-sticky and sheer, but it’s really the apricot-lychee smell that sold me.
At the end of my session with Jennifer, I couldn’t help but pick up Podwerflage, Dallas and BADgal Lash Mascara in Plum, while mentally adding other Benefit goodies to my holiday wish list.
After all, it’s a pretty easy sell when Benefit (and Jennifer!) had me looking ultra-fabulous for the rest of my Saturday.
Hi
Is the powderflage available in Canada.
Thanks,
Candace Edwards
Hey Candace,
Yes, it’s available in Canada! Just visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart — most of them have a Benefit Cosmetics area.
Cheers,
May