Benefit Cosmetics

I discovered Benefit Cosmetics a few years ago via a free sample from a Sephora purchase. Over the years I have tried several of their products and have come to adore several of them.

I love the story behind Benefit. It's about sisters and makeup, and what can be better than playing with makeup with your sister??? It began as a small shop in San Francisco and has evolved into a global company with spots on HSN.

My favorite product is the Play Stick. I currently use the color Paperdolls. I put this on before I put on foundation or powder. It has a nice scent that reminds me of the powder my naturally gorgeous Aunt Dorothy used when I was a child. I just love the texture of it! It's so smooth and soft! I swear it's like putting camouflage velvet on your face! It blends perfectly with your fingers, Beauty Blender, brush, sponge, etc. I've found that it works wonders on those damn dark circles that just appear sometimes. You can achieve anything from a light to full coverage with it.

The newest product I've tried and loved is their Bronzing Powder called Hoola. It comes in the cutest little box with a dainty brush that is perfect for applying the bronzer. My favorite thing about this bronzer is how natural it looks! I am pretty fair in the winter time and just a few sweeps of this on my face gives me a glow that isn't oompa loompaish, but quite lovely! And, the best part?? It doesn't have the shimmer or glitter to it that most bronzers do. It has a matte finish that I have found gives you the most natural sun kissed color. Because, let's face it, most of us DO NOT want to look like Snookie ;) I have also used a large fan brush to lightly apply to my cheeks, chin, & nose. The general rule I use when applying bronzer is to put it wherever you would naturally get a sunburn ;)

The POREfessional is something I've worked into my beauty routine. It is a nice primer that goes on so smooth and sort of helps create a nice canvas for you to apply your makeup to! It has a translucent tan color, but quickly disappears into your skin. It helps to minimize pores as well!

One of the things you will find that I obsess over the most is mascara. I am addicted to it, and will not leave the house without it on. Ever. For any reason. BADgal Lash Mascara quickly became one of my go-to mascaras. I love the big thick brush. I have big/wide eyes and lashes, so this brush is perfect to reach from beginning to end. The formula is nice and combined with the brush it does a fabulous job of lifting and curling those lashes up and out!

Lip gloss. Can you ever have enough of it? If you were to look in my purse you'd know my answer to that! ;) Benefit's Ultra Shine Lip Shine comes in so many pretty colors it's hard to choose just one. So I say get several! My current favorite is Back to the Fuchsia. The formula is a bit thick, so I tend to only put one coat on. It also layers nicely over any lip stain you may have.

I've got my eye on several of the boxed powders and highlighters Benefit produces. I've been so happy with everything else I've purchased! Whether you buy from Benefit, Sephora, or a Benefit retailer in Macy's you will usually get a few samples of their products. The samples are awesome! They're not a one application sample, they are quite large and can be used many times. Try something out and let me know if you love their products as much as I do!!

Love and Long Lashes :)