Review: Benefit Benebalm Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

Recently, Benefit Cosmetics released four new Hydrating Tinted Lip Balms. As a person who fears lipsticks but loves lip glosses that provide a sheer tint and long lasting hydration, I knew I needed to try this product.
I read a lot of reviews before purchasing my own Benebalm. Many reviews indicated that the product was very hydrating but did not provide much tint. I agree that the level of moisture that this product gives the lips is exceptional. It is very smooth and long lasting, even through a small meal or a glass of water. I love how the product leaves my lips with a glossy finish, almost like a lipgloss (as shown in the swatch below).  It also feels like a light, non-sticky lipgloss. It’s never tacky, waxy, or oily.
As for its level of pigmentation, I was quite satisfied despite the disappointment of other reviewers. My lips have a medium level of pigmentation, and, on me, this balm looks comparable in pigmentation to a layer of Benetint lip and cheek stain, minus the dry feeling. It leaves a noticeable colour on my lips that brightens my complexion and makes me feel put together whether I’m wearing other makeup or not. The shade of this balm is very similar to Benetint with its red base and slight berry undertones—a fresh, rosy colour.

And let’s not forget about the beautiful packaging. With its mirror-like red casing and cute pink dots, this lip balm tube is something worth showing off. It’s also very well made and the cap clicks on with a tight seal so there’s no risk of it falling off and making a mess.

Despite the many positive aspects of this product, it does have a few negative qualities, one being the scent.  The lip balm has a waxy, rosy scent that is a bit unpleasant; however, it disappears quickly upon application and the balm does not taste like it smells. In fact, it really doesn’t taste like anything. Another downside is the price. $22 CAD is quite expensive for only 3 grams of product. I used my Shoppers Optimum points to pay for mine, but, since I really enjoy this product, I would definitely repurchase it with my own money.
Overall, I really like this product and plan to try the other shades of this balm (Chacha, Lolli, and Posie). What are your thoughts on Benebalm?

700 Followers Beauty Giveaway!

When I started my blog over two years ago, I had no idea that I would ever reach 700 blog followers. It is truly an honour and I would like to thank all of you with a beauty giveaway.

You can enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.

Good Luck!

****This giveaway is open internationally and will close on July 18, 2014 at 11:59 PM****

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Benefit Haul (Cha Cha Tint and Bikini-Tini Creaseless Cream Shadow)

Lately, Benefit has been one of my favourite makeup brands. I especially love their boxed powders and cheek & lip tints.
While on a recent trip to Shoppers Drug Mart, I decided to redeem my Optimum points to get some new items to add to my Benefit collection.

The first product is Cha Cha Tint which is a mango-tinted lip and cheek stain. I really love the red version (Benetint) and the pink version (Posietint), so I had to try this one. I have used it already and so far I really like it. On me, Cha Cha Tint is a lot more pigmented than the other two tints so I need to apply it with a very light hand. I never really use any of the tints on my cheeks but I love them for my lips. I’m very pale and sometimes I just need to add a bit of flush to my lips to look healthier and more youthful. I like how the tints dry completely and stain the lips with a long lasting colour. I never have to worry about my hair getting stuck to my lips on windy days or smudging my lip shade while eating.


Next is one of Benefit’s new Creaseless Cream Shadows. A few years ago I purchased an old version of this product (the one with the black and white bird patterned lid) and had to return it because it creased on me instantly and was not very pigmented. After my disappointing experience with cream shadows, I was hesitant to purchase a newer version but loved the colour of Bikini-Tini and wanted to give it a chance. I’m amazed how this new shadow doesn’t crease on me at all…even without a primer!!!! This pretty nude pink shade makes my eyes look brighter and more awake. I will be picking up more colours in the future.
Once I try out these items a bit more, I will write another post that includes a more in-depth review, detailed pictures, and swatches of both products.
What are your favourite items from Benefit?

June 2013 Topbox (Regular Topbox)

I opted for the regular Topbox again this month. The prive box brands have yet to impress me since the Benefit Cosmetics box.
I was very impressed with the June Topbox. Four items were sent (two full size) and all were makeup products. I can’t ever remember receiving a Topbox that was entirely makeup, so this month’s box definitely stands out from the rest. All items sent are from great brands, and I think that most can work for all skin tones.
For those of you who do not know what Topbox is, it is a service similar to Loose Button, Birchbox, Glossybox, Ipsy, etc., which offers monthly boxes of deluxe size product samples. Topbox currently offers its services across Canada. For more information check out topbox.ca

February Topbox (Benefit Cosmetics)

In December, Topbox contacted its members to let them know that the Privé Box will be introduced in 2013 and it will showcase a selection of products from one featured brand. All Topbox members were granted priority access to this box and received their first Privé Box this January. The January box featured Clinique items, and, as a result, it was very disappointing.
The February box is quite the opposite. It features products from Benefit Cosmetics, one of my favourite beauty brands! All items are “deluxe” samples and feature a variety of products from skincare to makeup. This month’s box definitely renewed my faith in the Privé Box and the Topbox company in general. I’m hoping that the March box will be just as impressive.