Benefit They're Real! Push-Up Liner

To paraphrase the guy, sometimes a gimmick is just a gimmick.

Benefit is a brand I generally enjoy. I'm a fan of their boxed blushes, their eyeshadows and their foundation, and I usually find their faux-vintage vibe very appealing. They've come up with innovative products that really stand out as iconic - their liquid blushes, for example - and are the masters of the uber-cute sampler sets.

Which is why I so wanted the They'reReal! Push-Up Liner to be everything it promised. I mean, a cream liner formula in a convenient pen format that would make it foolproof to achieve a precise, lash-hugging line? A flexible, angled dispensing tip that would facilitate a neat wing? I was ready and willing to be converted, and doubly delighted when a deluxe preview sample of the liner found its way into my Sephora bag.

And yet.

I'll start with the positives, because there are indeed some really strong points here.

The actual formula is an incredibly pigmented, matte black. It goes on rich and velvety, and it wears like iron. It is waterproof, rub-proof, and generally ready to have a tangle with anything you throw at it. It's one of the only things that wears well on my waterline. (And despite reviews claiming that the only thing that gets it off is the They'reReal! Remover, I had no issues getting it off with a Bioderma-soaked cotton pad, pressed to the eye for 10 seconds and gently wiped away.)

Conceptually, the pen idea is also quite brilliant. It turns the usually cumbersome cream liner and brush duo into something that can be tucked away in a purse, perfect for adding some drama for a post-work cinq à sept. It's also a neat option for travel. The angled silicone tip is also great for precise lining, though still too thick for creating a really sharp point on a wing.

So if the formula is nice and the applicator is great, what's the issue? Simply put - they shouldn't be together. The product inevitably smears over the side and tip of the applicator as you use it, creating balled up product that needs to be wiped off or risk a gunky line. I tried eking out as little as possible, but that made the application patchy, as there was not enough product to work with, leading to skipping and weird "fraying" at the edge of the line. This required going over it a few times, which actually ended up being more of a problem, as the formula dries incredibly quickly - and the result was more crumbling.

Left to right: Clean line achieved with careful wiping,
thicker smeared line used as is, patchy line when using smaller amount.

You can see in the picture below that there is some patchiness evident in the inner corner, where I tried to use less product, and then again some of that on the wing and along the top edge where I tried to go over areas that had crumbled. The point is also not as sharp as I'd like it to be. From a distance it's probably fine, but close up it's just not the clean, flawless line I can usually get.

On the other hand, it's a nice, deep black, and it's kind of incredible for tightlining the waterline (if you click on the picture you can see in full size). That said, I would still need to follow up with a brush to get some of that black into the base of my lashes to get rid of any visible skin, as the silicone tip doesn't let me do that.

(Warning: Eyeball pic ahead.)

Yup. Kinda shitty.

And then there's just the sheer amount of product trashed, as it crumbles around and needs to be wiped off the tip. Considering that there's only 0.04 ounces (for 29$ CAD) compared to, for example, 0.17 ounces for a pot of Clinique Cream liner (at 17$ CAD), the waste is extra outrageous.

Product that needed to be wiped off, to achieve the liner in the pic above.

The formula, for this kind of application, really needs to be a little softer, but then I have to wonder if that would make the silicone tip problematic, as it would likely cut though the product it was setting down? I also assume that the quick dry time is also due to whatever it is that makes it so hardy, which is a point in its favour, at least for me.

I think if you're good at working with liner already and you want something tidy to carry and that will wear well, then you'll probably be able to forgive the application woes in favour of the indestructible formula and convenience. Personally, the time and energy (and wasted product) needed to achieve the same cat-eye effect I can get with a brush and a pot of my favourite cream liner just doesn't balance out. (And if you're a lining novice looking to execute a perfect wing, I would recommend starting out with a liquid pen liner. Same concept, but with a better applicator/formula match.)

That said, I do like this a lot for using in my waterline, and for that alone I might consider purchasing it.

Have you guys tried this yet? What do you think of it? (Tracy, I know you love it ever so much. :P)

(This was a gift with purchase at Sephora, and you can use code PUSHUP to get one if you place an order for 25$ USD/35$ CAD.)

Benefit The Big Easy Liquid to Powder SPF 35 Foundation

Sometimes it feels like BB creams are the Lululemon yoga pants of the makeup world - they promise to lift and perfect everything you've been neglecting for the past 20 years, while making you look like you just sort of roll out of bed looking like this glowy, wheatgrass-shooting, got-it-together, piece of gorgeousness.

Sadly, makeup magic (and lycra) will only take you so far. On the other hand, I do appreciate an addition to the BB family that tries to do something a little different. Where most Western BB creams have focused on a dewy finish and light coverage (basically tinted moisturizer with some extra bells and whistles), Benefit has opted to bring something new to the table. Their answer to BB is The Big Easy, which promises to balance both moisture and oil-control, while concealing imperfections and self adjusting to your natural skin tone. With a liquid-to-powder formula, it also offers an alternative to the dewy or silicone-satin options currently on the market.

Benefit The Big Easy Liquid to Powder SPF 35 Foundation

Benefit The Big Easy Liquid to Powder SPF 35 Foundation

The formula for The Big Easy is thick, rich, luxuriously creamy. Whenever I squeeze it out, I'm tempted to smoosh a big dollop on my face, just because it feels so nice. But that would be counterproductive, because I really only need the smallest dot. Benefit recommends using your fingers to apply it, and I do agree that the finish achieved that way is probably the smoothest. (Liquid-to-powder formulas can look cakey and will start kicking up flakes if you're over-enthusiastic with a buffing brush.) I also like the finish when paired with a Beauty Blender, though it will sheer out the product slightly.

I've seen some reviews saying that this is a sheer or light coverage foundation, but I would disagree. To me it feels solidly in between light and medium. I think if you're used to applying two layers to achieve medium coverage, then that might be the problem, as I don't think the finish is given to building up. I find a second coat takes the finish from velvety powder to straight-up powdery.

One application, however, takes care of my general discolouration and redness, to the point where I can wear it interchangeably with my medium-coverage foundations. The reason for that is while the coverage might be technically less opaque, it benefits (ha! pun!) from that light diffusing magic that seems to be part and parcel of BB formulations.

That sheerer pigment + diffusing effect is probably why Benefit can claim that this is self-adjusting to your natural skin tone. That's true, to an extent. In the swatches below, you can see that the Light is somewhat too pale and yellow, while the Medium is a touch too pink and dark. In reality, I can wear either of them without looking absurd. I wouldn't stretch it more than a shade either way, but I do appreciate that this is that rare base product that doesn't seem to struggle with my skin's natural undertone. (Light but kinda olive = freaking annoying to match.)

Top to bottom: Deep Beige 06, Medium 04, Light 02

To give you an idea of the coverage level and finish, I actually wore this in the picture I featured in my Radiant Orchid post. (I didn't use any concealer or powder.) As you can see, it didn't cover the dark spot I have on my cheek (my personal measure for full coverage), or obliterate my under eye circles, but it faked the look of nicely uniform, matte-but-not-dry skin.

As a side note, both the extra amount (35 ml compared to the usual 30 ml) and the broad-spectrum spf 35 are a nice touch.

Overall, I was really happy with how this foundation/BB cream performed. I though the finish was polished enough to be perfect for those days when I wanted to be a little less casual, but still wanted the ease of a tinted moisturizer. It wore well for me, about 8 hours before I noticed some very slight shine around my nose, but no breakdown otherwise.

If you have normal to somewhat combination skin, with no major skin concealing required, this would make a great everyday base. If you have dry or mature skin, however, I suspect the velvet/powder finish would be unkind to flakes and lines.

Availability: At Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale locations, as well as Sephora stores and www.sephora.com. (And if you're a BI, VIB or VIBR, you can also redeem 100 points for a deluxe sample via this link.) Price is 38$ USD and 46$ CAD.

Have you tried The Big Easy yet? How do you feel it compares to other BB creams or foundations?

(This item was provided by the brand/PR. All opinions are my own, this post is not compensated or sponsored.)

Pantone Color of the Year "Radiant Orchid" - featuring Lancome, YSL, Tarte and Elizabeth Arden

Oh, the Pantone Color. I feel like by the year's end we are all well and done with whatever the shade is. (I'm looking at you, Emerald. Not even Once Upon A Time will make me love you again.)

With the freshness and bright promise of spring lurking (possibly hiding) around the corner, though, I am MASSIVELY feeling the Radiant Orchid. I love pink, and I adore purple, so this not-quite-pastel lovechild of the two is right up my alley, trend or no.

Makeup brands are obviously feeling it as well, and have pulled out several offerings from their permanent lineups to cater to the demand. I was sent a few different ones to try out, and I shopped my stash for another item to cover all aspects of my face. (In retrospect, the Benefit Lollitint would have been perfectly appropriate as a cheek option.)

From Lancôme, we have the Artliner 24H in Amethyst, the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eyeshadow in Golden Orchid, the YSL Vernis à Lèvres Rebel Nudes in #108 Violine Out of Control, and the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Fantastic (limited edition from a past holiday set).

This was my first time trying out an Elizabeth Arden eyeshadow, though I've been lemming them for a while now. From what I recall from my obsessive swatching, they seem to vary a bit - some are dense, creamy and more opaque, some are softer in texture and payoff. Golden Orchid is one of the latter, and works very nicely as a wash over the eye. The shade itself is a warmer, more neutral play on the Orchid theme. It's not a faithful interpretation, but probably a more wearable one for a lot of people.

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eyeshadow Golden Orchid

This was also my first experience with the Artliner, and I loved both the formula and the application. This has the same kind of applicator as the Stila and Make Up For Ever waterproof liquid liners, and the same kind of shellac-like finish. Intensely liquid, setting to a vinyl shine and holding on for dear life in the face of oil, sweat and tears (and most makeup removers). It did crackle a bit in the folds of my eyelid after several hours, but that's the norm for me when it comes to this kind of formula.

Application was super smooth and easy to control, with really great pigmentation on one pass. The colour is a blue-toned, almost eggplant purple, with a bit of shimmer. It's lovely with brown eyes, and should be stunning with green eyes.

Lancome Artliner in Amethyst

I'm already a fan of the YSL Vernis à Lèvres, and this had the expected feel and performance. Long-wearing and glossy (though it did not make it through a meal), it also seemed to plump my lips slightly, which was an unexpected bonus. (The copy claims a Euphoric Pearl technology that creates a 3-D luminous effect, so perhaps that's it?)

Probably the truest interpretation of Radiant Orchid, this is a lilac tone with subtle shimmer. I don't think this pulls the yellow in my teeth nearly as much as others in this colour family do, but it's not brightening either. If you have concerns, layering it over a trusted lipstick might also be a (subtle) option for getting a bit of that orchid tone.

YSL Vernis à Lèvres in Violine out of Control

The mini Tarte blush was one I pulled out on a whim. I wanted a fairly cool, bright pink to keep in tune with the rest of the face, but one that would be a supporting player. As with all the other Amazonian Clay blushes, it's ultra-smooth, long-lasting and pigmented, so I used a light hand to add just the faintest hint of colour.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Fantastic

And, of course, the comparison swatches:

Left to right: Elizabeth Arden Golden Orchid eyeshadow, Lancome Artliner in Amethyst,
YSL Vernis à Lèvres in Violine out of Control, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Fantastic

This is the look I put together, which is what I actually wore to my birthday supper. (The big 3-6. I'm not traumatized or anything.)

I used Golden Orchid all over my lid, with some added definition in the crease and lightly in the lower lash line with some brown and taupe shades from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. Then I did a simple wing with the Artliner, keeping the flick fairly straight. (Eyebrows au naturel, because I'm lazy.) I used the new Benefit BB Cream as my foundation and concealer (no powder), and a veeeeeery light dab of the Tarte blush. The finishing touch was a single coat of the Violine Out of Control.

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out. I generally love purple tones, and the various incarnations of Radiant Orchid seem to work nicely for me. 

Are you guys feeling the Pantone colour this year, or is it a miss for you?

(Some of the items featured were provided by the brands/PR. This post is not sponsored or compensated, all opinions are my own.)

Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love Makeup Kit

If you're looking to get acquainted with a brand, a sample set or mini kit can be a low-risk and even economical way of trying out the biggest hits. Benefit is a master of this strategy, offering several different versions at Sephora.

I don't have any of the current ones available, but I thought I would analyze the concept and execution with The Beauty Groovy Kind-a Love Makeup Kit that was out just recently.

Exteriors first: this guy is all up in the kitschy retro-ness that is Benefit's calling card, with the vaguely psychedelic purple floral print of the metal container, as well as the romance novel worthy illustration on the lid. (I totally had a flashback to the Harlequin Presents books I used to buy for 25 cents from the used book store, back when I was 13.)

The kit also came with a cute little instructional booklet. It doesn't offer any revolutionary information or techniques, but if you're buying this kit as an introduction to makeup, then it's actually quite perfect.

The contents contained a nice variety of deluxe samples and full-sized products. The eyeshadows included two shades that are in Benefit's current line-up of Longwear Powder Eyeshadows - Guilty Pleasure (golden sand) and Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy (spiced brown). It also contained a mini duo of Dandelion and Gimme Fever, a large samples of The Porefessional primer, They're Real Mascara and the classic Benetint.

Let's take inspiration from my favourite blogger at the moment (Brightest Bulb in the Box - seriously, go read her, I'll wait) and do a value breakdown.

The kit itself retailed for 43$ CAD (and all listed prices will be in CAD).

Eyeshadows - two are in the current line, so I'll assume they're a comparable formula. The regular singles are 0.11 oz and retail for 24$. These are 0.04 oz each, which means a total weight of 0.16 oz. That means that the shadows alone are worth 34.90$, which is already about 81% of the total value of 43$. Qualitative value can be added for the fact that two of the shades are limited edition.

Porefessional - the regular 0.75 fl.oz tube retails for 36$, and the sample is 0.25 fl.oz, which means it's worth 12$. That brings up the total value to 46.90$, which already surpasses the retail price.

Blush duo - one one half (Dandelion) is currently in the regular line-up, but let's assume the same value of 36$ for 0.25 oz. The kit weight is 0.1 oz, so 14.40$. Total value is now at 61.30$.

Benetint - the regular tube is 36$ for 0.42 oz, so this little guy, coming in at 0.13 fl.oz, is worth 11.14$. Total is now 72.44$.

They're Real mascara - Sephora currently sells the exact same size contained in this kit (0.14 oz) for 12$. The actual value, compared to the full sized 0.3 oz at 29$, is 5.60$. (Which means the mini size is quite overpriced.) That boosts the total value of this kit to 78.04 - which is nearly double that of the actual cost. (Since we're all Math Fu here, let's put it exactly at 1.81 times as much.)

Purely from a cost-to-weight analysis, a kit like this is a pretty awesome deal, especially if it happens to contain items you'd like to try out.

All the deluxe samples have a really nice amount of product and are comparable to their full-sized counterparts. I already knew how I felt about both the Benetint and the Porefessional, but I was really glad to finally see what the fuss over They're Real was all about (in short: Holy Long Lashes, Batman!). A full review of that one will be forthcoming when I can get the full-sized version.

I also really liked the eyeshadows. They all have good to great pigmentation, and Shimmer Down is especially lovely, a lighter and slightly rosier version of Satin Taupe. Tickle My Ivory is that rare thing, a very pigmented and creamy smooth white-beige matte. Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy is the weakest of the four, having a drier texture and being more prone to powderiness, requiring a deft hand in blending. All have a decent wear-time, and hold well without creasing or fading on me for 9 hours with a primer.

 

I messed up the order in the side-by side pictures up there, but from lightest to darkest, they are as follows: Tickle My Ivory, Gilt-y Pleasure, Shimmer Down, Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy.

I liked the blush well enough, though Dandelion was bit too pale and a touch too powdery for me. Blended together with the shimmery pale plum of the Gimmer Fever side, however, it made for a really pretty warm rose tone that didn't come across as overly sparkly. The pigmentation was on the sheerer side.

Overall, I think a kit like this offers a great value. The box itself can also be re-purposed for storage if the other items are removed. (I wouldn't travel with a case like this, as it's impractical and bulky for that, nor would I bother to keep anything in it. I'm planning on de-potting the eyeshadows and blush, as well.)

Out of the ones available on Sephora at the moment, I think something like the Go TropiCORAL would be my pick to try out.

Have you guys tried any kits like this? Are you fans of the concept, or do you prefer purchasing full-sized products?

(This item was provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated, and all opinions are my own.)

Benefit Lollitint Lip and Cheek Stain

It is the year of the Radiant Orchid, and if you're a fan of pink-tone lilac, then you have offerings in spades.

One of the best ones is the Lollitint Lip and Cheek Stain from Benefit, which joins their already substantial stain line-up. With this one, Benefit took their usual cuteness factor and turned it up to eleven.

The packaging is girlie and pretty, the container a plummy bubblegum with a stylized pinwheel floral design. It's fresh and youthful and feminine - much like the colour it will bring to your cheeks and lips.

The texture is milkier than the classic Benetint, though still extremely liquid and sets to an ever-so-slightly luminous finish. It doesn't feel like anything to the touch, but it doesn't look matte or flat either.

Though the recommended application is using your fingers to quickly rub it in, I find I get the best application by using a brush that has already been used to apply foundation. I dab a bit on, and then blend out quickly. The formula of these tints is so lightweight that it melds completely with the skin, but you do have to be careful about edges. I find the "wet" brush helps to buff out those edges. The result is a completely natural, flushed from within look. And once this sets, it will absolutely not budge. You can go swimming, dancing, para-sailing, and your cheeks will remain as they were in the morning until you take your makeup off at night.

The colour itself is a stunner. A cool-toned pink with a strong lilac undertone, it seems like it might be difficult to pull off, especially for warmer complexions. On the contrary, I find it looks like beautiful, natural, flushed cheeks. The much-invoked (and in this case, perfectly apropos) came-in-from-the-ski-hill cheeks.

With pale skin, the effect is delicate and sublime. On medium, neutral skin, it looks bright and lovely. On deeper skin, I suspect it will look softly pink. On skin that tends to sallowness, it might have a brightening effect, or it might emphasize the yellow-green undertone - it's worth an application test if you can manage.

Like all of the Benefit tints, it can be used as a stain on the lips as well, where it dries to a matte finish. (If you're prone to dry lips, you may want to add a balm.) It can be dabbed on lightly, where the effect is more of a cool pink haze, or it can be layered up for a berry smoothie stain. I personally prefer using this as a cheek colour, because I don't love the taste, but if you're not picky it's a great double-duty product.

What about you guys - have you tried any of the other Benefit tints? Are you feeling the RO version?

Availability: At Sephora, select Murale and Pharmaprix/SDM locations. Price is 36$ CAD.

(Item was provided by the brand/pr to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated, opinions are my own.)

Benefit POREfessional and POREfessional Agent Zero Shine

I have pores. Everyone does, obviously, but some folks are more "blessed" than others. Mine aren't huge craters worthy of expeditions, but they're certainly more present than I'd like them to be, courtesy of teen acne and oil production that went into overdrive.

Enter Benefit's POREfessional. Once limited to a primer (or balm, as Benefit calls it) that promised to minimize the appearance of said pores, it is now joined by a shine reducing powder, the POREfessional Agent Zero Shine.

Like all things Benefit, these guys nail the kitschy-cute factor. (Whether that's an appealing aesthetic is, well, up to you.) What's more impressive is that the design for the POREfessional Agent Zero Shine is as clever and practical as it is adorable.

This is a loose powder packaged in a shaker-like tube, with a cap on the top and a hidden compartment on the bottom for a travel-sized kabuki brush. The top cap comes off to reveal the shaker perforations, which can be opened or closed with a twist.

As someone who prefers loose powder to pressed (less binders and oils being added to your face = less caking), I love the fact that this is a travel-friendly version. I don't have to worry about spills at all. The brush is a nice add-on, though I do find that's both a little small and a bit stiff to be a true replacement for a good powder brush. That said, it's a great thing to have when you need it, far more useful and ergonomic than the vast majority of brushes included with compacts.

In terms of performance, the POREfessional Agent Zero Shine takes the the promise of no-shine seriously. I took this powder with me to Barbados during my recent vacation and, let me tell you, I was more than impressed by how well it held up to the heat and humidity. When all the other ladies were forgoing face stuff for fear of the inevitable melt-down, I was gleefully spackle-ing myself like cheap drywall. My skin looked matte for a couple of hours after application, progressively taking on a satin finish as the sultry night went on. My makeup stayed intact throughout.

The texture is fine, lightweight and dry, making it a really great mattifying powder indeed. It doesn't cake up, and because it's a loose powder you can re-apply without it building up. The texture may be a too drying for some skin types, but I didn't notice this calling attention to my fine lines. I used it to set my concealer under my eyes, and it worked perfectly, without emphasizing any creasing.

It comes out as a light yellow powder, but it blends out without any perceptible tint on the skin - at least on my light-to-medium skin tone.

Now...what about those pesky pores? The back of the bottle indicates that this "pore perfecting" but truthfully I didn't notice a major difference in terms of minimizing the look of pores. Unlike some powders that boast a blurring effect, I think this one's strength really lies in its oil-control capacity. (Though presumably pores that aren't producing as much oil will also look less dilated.)

The POREfessional primer, on the other hand, works specifically at smoothing the appearance of pores. A beige-tinted silicone cream with an immediate silky-powdery dry down, it smooths the surface of the skin quite efficiently. I don't personally love it on areas that are showing age (I prefer a more hydrating primer with a lot of slip, designed for mature skin), but in the t-zone it's perfect. It fills in pores and creates a more matte surface, and helps foundation adhere and last better.

Availability: At Sephora, as well as select Murale and Pharmaprix locations. Price is 36$ CAD for each.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Benefit Brow Bar at Sephora and Gimme Brow Review

Several weeks ago I had the chance to be at the opening of the Benefit Brow Bar at the Sephora in Quartier Dix30 in Brossard. This was one of the very first Brow Bars that opened in Canada, and Benefit threw a nice shin-dig (slightly less raucous than a hootenanny) to celebrate the event. There were delicious pink cupcakes and, perhaps more importantly, demonstrations of the services that are now being offered in select Sephoras across the country. :P

The Brow Bar station, right next to the Benefit gondola.

The services range from tweezing or waxing (eyebrows and lip) to eyebrow tinting, and are performed by a Sephora cast member that has been trained by Benefit in their system, and certified as an arch expert. During quiet periods, they can possibly accommodate walk-ins (assuming the specialist is in), but it's always best to book an appointment. 

This is a paid service, so of course there is no pressure to purchase anything. (Though what I love about Sephora is that the cast members - and many of the LVMH-owned brand reps - aren't beholden to quotas or commission, so it's the most enjoyable makeup consultation you're likely to have.)

A list of services, translated:
brow waxing 23$
brow tweezing 23$
brow tinting 20$
brow waxing and tinting 36$
lip waxing 14$
brow and lip waxing 32$
brow waxing and tinting, and lip waxing 45$

My eyebrows were actually in pretty good shape, so I had a "dry" run through of the process, as the expert explained the process she would use to find and define my natural brow shape and arch, and how she would then use either wax or tweezers to shape and refine it.

I really love that they offer brow tinting as well! One of the easiest things you can do to look more youthful and alive is to lightly darken your eyebrows. Hair colour fades with age (at the same time that skin becomes more dull) and it's that lack of contrast that can look particularly aging. And of course if you dye your hair a wildly different colour, a good brow tint helps sooooo in making the shade look more like your own.

They use a gentle brow dye that lasts a few weeks before fading gently away.

Prepping the brow dye.

The lovely and stunningly photogenic Cynthia Dulude from Maquillage Cynthia was the blogger guinea pig for the brow tinting process, which she pronounced a success! (And by the by, do check out her youtube channel - she is a pro MUA and has some fantastic tutorials and reviews.)

Cynthia Dulude, getting her brow on.

I didn't get my brows done, but I was indeed wowed by the bar. :P

I also had a chance to meet Rema Gouyez (the Benefit Digital Marketing Coordinator) in person, and she is indeed as sweet, funny and generous as you would imagine from her tweets and The Burgundy Book blog. And DEAR LORD can the woman wear a punchy lip, or what??

And what Montreal event would be complete without these ladies?? Gorgeous and fashionable as always: Chloé Dumont from The Fashion Red Fox and Katia from Lapiz of Luxury.

A fantastic time was had, and thank you again to Benefit and Rema for the evening!

Along with a first-hand experience of the Brow Bar, I also had the chance to try one of Benefit's star products: Gimme Brow.

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep

This is essentially a lightweight fiber gel that adds both colour and volume to the brow hairs. Like a mascara, it builds on the hairs you already have to create a fuller, more filled-in effect. It also helps to groom them into place, but the texture is natural, not crunchy-stiff. If you have significant gaps, you will still need to fill with your choice of pen, pencil or powder, but otherwise this is a fast, easy way to add some fullness and definition. I love that the brush is small and pointed, which really gives a lot of control and precision, and that the gel isn't thick or stiff, which, again, helps to keep the effect natural looking.

Gimme Brow currently only comes in two shades (Light/Medium and Medium/Deep), and both lean a little ashy - which is excellent for most eyebrows.

My brows aren't especially wimpy, and they generally have a good shape. I am prone to some sparseness and "spikiness" at the inner corner, however, and Gimme Brow fills in and tames those hairs without ever looking overdone. The effect is clean and polished, though if your preference if for a thicker look, you can of course build it up a lot more than I do.

I find myself reaching for Gimme Brow with the same frequency I do mascara. Both are in the same business of making a face look more "done", with minimum effort. My laziness + high-performing product = AWESOMENESS. Well worth the 26$ CAD.

Natural brows, brushed more or less into place.
Other makeup: Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation.

Gimme Brow applied lightly to the inner two thirds of the brows.
Other makeup: Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation.

So! Have any of you tried out the Brow Bar services? Or Gimme Brow? 

Thoughts? Feelings? Haikus?

(Item provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)