fun, flirty and feminine brand (Benefit in general)

Member Name: cerys82

Product:	Benefit in general
Date:	14/07/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: products that work and are original

Disadvantages: expensive, has a tendency to discontinue lines frequently

Benefit is a cosmetics company originating from the hard graft of a pair of sisters from America. These days it is a global brand with a strong presence in department stores in the UK and its own obsessive fans and afficionados, of which I count myself as one.

The company has an unashamedly feminine and fun ethos with a strong fifties influence in its publicity.

Its products cover the whole swathe of cosmetic related items from the obvious make-up to bath products, to quirky make-up products such as eyebrow definer "Brow Zings" , skincare and fragrance, brushes and cosmetic bags.

I'm not going to lie and say its cheap, because it blatantly isn't - its blushers retail at £22.50 and don't ask how much the bags cost! However, the majority of the products of theirs that I have used have worked unequivocally. Also if you shop around you should be able to get some good deals, for example bonus Advantage Card points at Boots or free gifts when spending a certain amount.

As a brand it doesn't patronise, it doesn't pretend that some bright eyeshadow and lippy and trowelling on foundation will make everything perfect. Instead it has a number of products which are designed to tackle various beauty problems specifically. For example, I suffer from dark circles under my eyes quite badly and use "Boi-ing" "industrial strength concealer", and my mum suffers from rosacea and uses "You're bluffing" which counteracts redness.

The only product of theirs that I have come across that I don't like is the Foundation stick, as it just didn't blend as well as I would have hoped and had a finish that was essentially just too powdery.

Their stand-out products are probably the bad-gal range, which is highly pigmented eyeliner and mascara ( now in waterproof version - thank goodness) and the benetint products which provide a beautiful natural looking stain for the lips and cheeks - however when I say stain I mean it - so keep it away from your clothes. I have already had to veto it from the wedding make-up look in case I manage to ruin my dress whilst topping my lip colour up.

I would strongly recommend that newcomers or even fans of the brand go to visit one of the department store counters for a make-up. I went for a consultation for my wedding day make-up and came back with some absolute keepers such as their eyeshadow primer, long lasting eyeshadow and eyebrow definers - Brow Zings and High Brow. I also want to profess my love for the SheLaq make-up sealer which works wonderfully!

I think that its fair to say that a lot of their products are for afficionados of make-up rather than those who just like a swipe of mascara and a hint of blusher but then that is what is so fun about the brand. Make-up shouldn't just be to please the boys - it should be an enjoyable part of your daily routine!

Summary: I'm a benefit babe!