Fake It, Benefit Style! (Benefit Realness of Concealness)

Member Name: dkm1981

Product:	Benefit Realness of Concealness
Date:	25/05/09 (81 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good choice of products, High Beam is fab

Disadvantages: Lip Plump isn't the best, tiny products

Realness of Concealness is Benefit's miniature 'concealing and highlighting kit'. I got it for my birthday and I have to say, despite one or two minor complaints, I love it. It contains five different products - Ooh La Lift, Lip Plump, High Beam, Lemon-Aid and Boi-ing O2 - and each of them has properties and functions that will, supposedly (!), make you beautiful!

-Ooh La Lift-

This is an under-eye cream that has extracts of raspberry and chamomile to help de-puff the under-eye area. You dab a couple of drops on and blend in. I'm not sure weather it does de-puff the under-eye area (to be completely honest, I'm not even sure what 'de-puffed' even looks or feels like!), but it did cool the area down, miraculously making my eyes feel less tired and the skin around then smoother. I have sensitive skin around my eyes and it always feels a little tight (probably because I rub them so much) so this felt very soothing which makes it a winner in my books, whether it does the job it's supposed to or not.

-Lip Plump-

This is probably my least favourite product in the box and the one that will be left long after the others have gone. It claims to be a primer that 'fills in lines whilst building up the lip contour'. I've used it quite a few times, as I feel you have to give these things a fair trial, but all it seems to do is dry my lips out and make them feel really tight and uncomfortable. It didn't really have any positive features, so I have concluded that I don't need my lip's lines filling in and that I can live with the contour they already have and don't use it any more!

-High Beam-

Contrary to Lip Plump, this one is my favourite product in the set and the one that I will be buying an individual version of when this one runs out. It's a pink highlighter that you dot and blend over your make-up along the cheek and brow lines. It does exactly what it says on the tub and highlights the area you put in on, giving it an almost glittery glow. It's easy to apply and doesn't smear any of the make-up that is underneath. It gives your brow a lift and generally gives you a healthy glow. If you don't want to buy this set, I'd definitely recommend that you by this product on it's own.

-Lemon-Aid-

This is a yellow correcting cream that 'instantly hides discolouration on eyelids'. I have a little red blotch just under my eye that I use it on and it does cover it up quite well. I also have dark rings under my eyes (again from the rubbing - terrible habit!) and so I've been dabbing a little of this on and have found that it covers it quite well, although it makes it look a little pale, so I combine it with some of the darker concealer to make it a better match for my skin tone. The only problem with this is that it is a little thick, so I find that I need to massage it in my fingers a little to soften it up, otherwise it just comes off on my eyes in clumps!

-Boi-ing O2-

This is their 'industrial strength' concealer that claims to cover even the darkest of circles and I have to say, it does work. I have been blessed with dark circles and have tried everything. Most of the concealers I've tried tend to just make my under eye area look grey, but this one matches the rest of my skin tone quite nicely. I find it works better with a dab of the Lemon-Aid underneath as well. Again the only complaint I have with this one is that it is a little thick, so needs softening up before application.

-Overall-

This is a great little set that, on the whole, does exactly what it says. The products are all really tiny, but I've had mine for two months, I use it every day and there's still loads left (definitely more than half). Like, I said, some of the things will last a lot longer than others, but I've found that it has been a perfect way to try a range of Benefit's products, without wasting huge amounts of money on things I don't like or that don't work.

It's not too expensive for what you get either - £22.50 in Boots at the moment; although most airlines and airports have this kind of thing in their tax free range, so you can get yourself a nice holiday treat. It comes in a cute little box with a mirror and instructions for use, so it makes a great gift - everyone I've bought it for has loved it (and not been offended that I've bought them industrial strength concealer as a gift!).

Summary: Great way to sample some of Benefit's products