When I first heard about the all new cosmetics range from San Francisco – Benefit, I was both curious and sceptical. I have had my fair share of run-ins with clever branding on less than clever products – and most of the time, have been left disappointed. It became a case of don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but with this one, I just couldn’t resist.
The packaging on the Benefit Cosmetics range was so tempting, I couldn’t wait to try it out, and I was over the moon when Vanessa from their SA team, sent me a whole lot of Benefit Cosmetic goodies to try out.
The verdict, I think I may just be in love (all over again). For those of you that have been following my writing on StyleScoop – you will notice that I am somewhat of a “cosmetics whore” and I love, love, love make up! I like experimenting and playing with it, and it makes me feel like a kid in candy store – I want it all -pleeeaaasseee mom!
So, for the past week, I have been playing nicely with my new toys. And, being a Durban gal (yes, with the best damn beaches in SA), I am happy that I have discovered a product that is perfect for summer days. Or, at least a fake tan – Let’s face it, we can’t all spend our hot, sunny days soaking up the sun.
My first experiment could be described as “Some kind-a Gorgeous” . This creamy ‘foundation faker’ is light and smells delicious. The branding on the back says “Fake it, don’t cake it”, which is exactly what it does.
Without looking as though I’ve dipped my face in a bucket of paint, this foundation faker goes on really well and blends easily. It is perfect if you just want to even out your tone.
Although my skin tone is medium and not deep, I still tried this one out (sucker). But, in the process, I discovered that it also works as a bit of tan faker too. Of course, you have to make doubly sure that it has all been blended properly, and make sure you don’t over do it or you will look like Michael Jackson going backwards.
Next it was time to bronze… Of all the bronzing powders I have tried, the Benefit ones are my faves. They blend nicely, and leave you with a natural glow.
“HOOLA” which is a soft bronzing powder, comes in a funky purple box and “Dallas”, which provides a nice sunset glow, features a cowboy scene on the box. Of the two, Dallas is my favourite, but lets not forget my favourite, favourite, which is the Bronzing and Highlighting Face Powder Duo – it’s just awesome.
All the powders come in a funky little box with a cute little brush inside. There is also a little plastic thinga-majiggy that keeps the powder from going all over your brush.
Now, as much as I like getting all dolled up, I’m a gym-gal, too and, while I don’t really like leaving the house looking blah, at the same time, I don’t like going to gym looking as though I’m ready to hit the jol. So, the “You Rebel Lite” tinted moisturiser is perfect.
Not to mention that it has an SPF of 15, making it a great product for a day at the beach as well.
It provides a slight bit of colour within the moisturiser, but I still like to touch up my T-area with a bit of extra foundation too. Finished off with some bronzing powder, and you’re good to go!
Last, but not least was “Talk to the Tan” – a funky sheer bronze facial tint that, as the packaging says “glides on gorgeous”. This is the product that gives you “tannitude”. Again, it smells really delicious and feels soft and smooth.
By applying layers, you can deepen your face tan to suit the rest of your bronzed, summer body. For me, this is ideal, as I always cover my face when I tan – I don’t want to look like a wrinkled old leather strap at when I get to 35. In this case, fake is fab and certainly not drab!
To check out the Benefit range, and I know how much you’re all dying to try it out, it is available at these, selected Woolworths stores: Tygervalley, Canal walk, Cavendish Square, V&A Waterfront, Gateway, Cresta, Menlyn, Eastgate, Sandton.
It is also available online in the Cape Town and Pretoria regions via the Woolworths website.