If you’re a beauty blog regular you’ll know the big news for July – in the middle of the month, Benefit Cosmetics will be returning to SA, but this time you’ll find them in Edgars as opposed to Woolies. (Scroll down to see a store list.)

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To celebrate the launch, Benefit threw a fabulously over the top bash that featured Parisian style cabaret dancers, pink drinks and an enormous ‘help yourself’ candy bar. As my camera doesn’t work well in low lighting I don’t have too many piccies to show you.

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Anyway, a few months back I was given a few Benefit goodies to play with as well as few more at the launch.

I’ve had a lekker speeltyd with all of them and thought I’d share my favourites, the first being this boy.

I really didn’t expect to be so impressed by a seemingly simple tinted brow gel but everything about it is awesome. The targeted shape, the colour, the way it somehow manages to look so natural while so many of its competitors don’t. It’s supposed to have tiny fibres in it but I really don’t see them – to me it just looks like a tinted gel, but it works and I love it.

Now, it’s time for my big confession… I’m (gasp) not a big fan of Benetint, the brand’s bestselling lip and cheek tint. To me, it’s just not bright enough and it fades too fast. However, the two newer kids on the block – orchid-coloured Lollitint (R385) and coralicious Chacha tint (R385) and I are now besties.

Both colours have a thicker, almost cream-like consistency so they adhere to your lips easily while you bake in your stain and, on me, they have a bit more staying power than Benetint.

I also find they blend fabulously on your skin to serve up a sheer, pretty flush that goes the distance.

I also tried Sun Beam (R325), a a pale gold complexion highlighting fluid.

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Generally, as I’m a paler peep, I’d be best suited to High Beam, a cooler-toned baby pink highlighter, but this was a ‘tan’ day thanks to self-tan so pale gold Sun Beam did a nice job of accenting my cheek bones and temples.

I was just sure to keep it away from my crow’s-feet as anything pearlescent or shimmery only ever ends up drawing attention to them, as is the case with pores.

As for the rest of my face, I’m wearing Gimme Brow, Chacha tint on my cheeks and Lollitint on my lips.

See anything you’re keen to try yourself? The first stores to boast Benefit counters are as follows.

Jozi

Edgars Sandton in Jozi – 11 July
Edgars Clearwater in Jozi – 13 July
Red Square Cresta – 15 July

Cape Town

Red Square Canal Walk – 17 July
Edgars Canal Walk – 18 July

Don’t worry if you don’t spot a store near you. More Benefit counters will be rolling out as the months go on and yes, it’ll soon be available to buy online via Red Square.

Love, love

Leigh

P.S. I don’t have pricing right now but hope to get it tomorrow and will be sure to update fast.