Now we all know that I love makeup. I have the patience to trial different products, watch tutorials on You Tube and just mooch around the stores, often landing on a brand new discovery. However, much to my amazement, there are many people who just aren’t bothered by it, don’t have the time or don’t see what the fuss is all about. Each to their own I guess but I still maintain that most women, even those who aren’t bothered, probably are but sometimes don’t know where to start.
It can be quite hard choosing makeup gifts for them because you want to help but don’t want to get something that they’ll struggle with or find looks pretty, but isn’t practical for their busy lifestyles. That’s where Benefit comes in. I’m a fan of this brand because they always seem to take out innovative products that are fun, functional and effective and above all, time-savers.
I certainly felt like Christmas came early when Debenhams sent me some Benefit eye and lip products from the ‘They’re Real’ range to trial. What literally came to my mind is that they make for great gift or stocking fillers this Christmas, as well as being good to use all-year round of course.
First up is the Benefit They’re Real Duo Eyeshadow Blender*. This 12-hour wear and crease resistant formula comes with two shades – a neutral base colour and a darker complimentary crease colour. Equipped with a custom shadowblender, which fills your eye shape. All you need to do is sweep it across the pan and then from the inner corner of the eyes, sweep it across the eyelid. It’s instant blending and the colours compliment each other really well so there are no harsh lines.
You just need to get used to the positioning of the shadow blender but you can just as easily use a large flat and slightly dense eyeshadow brush if you prefer. I love the cute, compact packaging and this is great for every day wear with the ability to build up the intensity of the eyeshadow too. I have the colour Naughty Neutral, where the base colour is a champagne pink and the crease colour is a soft, mink brown. The eyeshadow has a frosted finish and there are also seven other colours available, but be quick as these are selling out fast.
Next are two lash products – the Benefit They’re Real Tinted Mascara Primer* and the Benefit They’re Real Mascara*. I must admit, I’ve never really worn a lash primer before but I know that some swear by them. What has put me off in the past is that most are white in colour and even though you layer with your mascara, I still feel conscious of white bits showing on my lashes. What I love about this Benefit one is that it is mink brown. Being tinted, it’s perfect to wear on its own too and you still get the same long, feathery lash effect but very natural looking. Equally, for extra drama and volume you can layer with the Benefit They’re Real Mascara, or indeed any mascara of your choice.
The Benefit They’re Real Mascara* is great for adding length and that fluttery false lash effect which sometimes is hard with the thicker formulas I tend to own. I was lucky to receive the Big Lash Blowout* limited edition kit which has a full-sized mascara and a free mini version – perfect for travelling and perfect as a gift too. Jet black in colour, I love how the wand coats each lash and the rounded spiked end gets to the outer corners too. As you can see, the wand of the primer and mascara are the same, hence these really work well together. The only thing is I find the wand a bit scratchy so I’m careful to make sure I apply it a bit more gently at the roots.
Next is a product I was in dire need of and it’s the Benefit They’re Real Push-Up Eyeliner*. I am literally hopeless when it comes to eyeliner so I normally stay away from anything gel-like. Luckily, this product makes it easy even for someone like me as it hugs the lash line allowing me to create that slightly more dramatic, big-eyed effect. The tip is perfectly angled, the product has the right consistency and it is jet black in colour – all you need to do is twist the base to release the product. I haven’t quite braved the winged eyeliner look, but will test that out too!
Lastly is the Benefit They’re Real Lipstick & Liner in One*. I’ve got to give it to Benefit for coming up with something like this. I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen a two-in one lip liner and lipstick, especially like this. It really does save time. Perfectly shaped like a tear-drop, the pointed edge has a darker colour, essentially the liner, whilst the bottom is the main base colour and is lighter.
You apply this as a normal lipstick and just need to remember to tun it around when you apply it on the bottom lip. I have the colour Lusty Rose, which is a lovely warm pink with a slight brown undertone – perfect for everyday. The colours blend seamlessly so there are no harsh lines and my lips appear fuller when I use this.
From left to right: Lipstick & Liner in One in Lusty Rose, Duo Eyeshadow Blender in Naughty Neutral & the Push-Up Eyeliner
So there it is. I think whether you are looking for yourself or for someone else, these are some great products to consider. In fact they are so popular that a lot are now out of stock. I’m told they will be back online soon so do keep an eye out for these.
Have you tried any of these before?
*This post contains products that are PR/Gifted items. Opinions are always my own.
