REVIEW | Best of Benefit Holiday 2017 Gift Sets, Photos

Ulta Beauty just received all the adorable new Benefit Holiday sets so I wanted to share some preview of my favorites! I'm always impressed by Benefit packaging, but this season's offerings are true showstoppers.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara Review

Blogger has been warping my photos during upload, translating too green or too orange but yes, I did have galactic violet hair for nearly 24 hours! It was so much fun while it lasted. I, however, decided to vamp it up with a black cherry shade that feels more like me. Since my hair was lightened to achieve the vibrant color above, my hair will fade more purple as the weeks go by. It will surely be an interesting journey! 

Now, I'm sure many of you have heard by now, but the Mystery Mascara that I reviewed a few weeks ago has finally been revealed! Benefit Cosmetics is the genius behind the innovative new Roller Lash Mascara, and I really have been loving its long-wearing, non-smudging formula and deep rich black color. Once it sets, the curl hold actually does power through the day! Plus the new hook and roll brush is very slim, making it particularly ideal for mascara application on my fine, super sparse lower lashes. More details regarding the brush can be found in the video! xo

Makeup Worn:

Benefit Cream Shadow in Bikini-Tini

Benefit Shadows in Call My Buff + Gilt-y Pleasure

Benefit Magic Ink Eyeliner

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit Powder in Champagne

Benefit Hoola

Benefit Dandelion

Benefit Posietint

Benefit Cosmetics Gloss in Lollibop

Hair:
Hot Tools 1.5" Curling Iron

Nails:
Dior Spring 2015
Dior Top Coat

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Benefit Eyebrow Wow Tutorial with Gimme Brow Review + GIVEAWAY

Benefit has always been one of the leading brow authorities, so I was honored when they offered me a complimentary makeover with brow mapping. I discovered at the session that brow tinting is all the rage these days and how natural and gentle it can be! More importantly, I learned how to use the new Gimme Brow volumizing gel, which has since changed my stance on how I fill in my eyebrows. I love using it on the weekend for a very natural but full eyebrow that is water-resistant (perfect for tropical vacations). Since I loved the products so much, I decided to recreate the look the Benefit girls gave me with the same set of products they used. I hope you enjoy the tutorial!

Makeup Used:

Benefit Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation in I'm So Money Honey

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Cream

Benefit Boiing Concealer in 2
Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation in Me Vain

Sigma Extravaganza Powder F95 Brush 18k Gold

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil in Deep

Benefit Brow Zing in Light

Benefit Gimme Brow in Light

Benefit High Brow Glow Pencil

Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Eyeshadow in Rose Quartz

Sigma Extravaganza Eye Blender E25 Brush 18K Gold

Benefit Boxed Powder in Hoola

Sigma Extravaganza Tapered Face F25 Brush 18K Gold

Benefit Boxed Blush in Rockateur

Sigma Extravaganza Angled Blush F40 Brush 18K Gold

Tom Ford Eyeliner Pen in Deeper

Benefit They're Real Mascara

EM Michelle Phan Waterliner Eye Pencil in Sunshine Yellow

Benefit 'Pin Up' False Lashes

Benefit Benetint

Benefit Ultra Plush Lipgloss in Kiss You

Sweater:

Joie Chyanne Sweater in Leopard Grey Print in XS

Nails:

Dior Holiday 2013 Diorific Nail Polish in Minuit

GIVEAWAY: All entries must be submitted through the widget below. Please leave your brow woe in the comment section of the video's YouTube page, not here on the blog. This contest is open internationally, since I wanted to show my appreciation for my viewers from all over the world. Thank you for your support over the years!

The PRIZE:

Gimme Brow

Instant Brow Pencil 

High Brow Pencil

Tweezerman Brow Shaping Brush

Tweezerman Slanted Tweezers

Raising Eyebrow Book

ENTER to WIN the BROW WOW KIT HERE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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October 2013 Favorites [Hits & Misses] Featuring Guerlain, Chanel, 3LAB, EM Michelle Phan, etc.

October was a relatively relaxed beauty month. As some of you may have noticed, I was unable to post twice a week as I generally aim for. I experienced a few issues with my stomach and body aches the past couple weeks, but I am finally getting better! It feels good to film again, so I hope these favorites will be useful. Guerlain nail polish formulas are really giving my Chanel collection a run for the money, though I will always prefer Chanel's color selection. I am also loving Benefit, especially the new lip gloss I reviewed and the Gimme Brow Gel that I will use in a video later this week (please stay tuned)! I had to cut the Gimme Brow out of the video due to time constraints, but I know many of you are looking forward to a tutorial so I will feature it in action. 

And if you haven't read my Best of 3LAB Review, please do check it out HERE because I think I have discovered my Holy Grail skin care brand. The products are expensive, but I have never been so pleasantly surprised by anti-aging skin care in years! Many of my readers and viewers think I still look young, but I am nearly 25 and can see slight signs of aging on my forehead. I am doing what I can to prevent the wrinkling from deepening as best as I can and reduce pigmentation/scars while I am at it! Last but not least, do check out the EM Cosmetics Waterliner eye pencils, which have incredible staying power on the waterlines. I am so thrilled with how budge-proof the metallic shades like Ro's Gold and Turquoise are!

Products Reviewed:

Guerlain Nail Polishes in 463 La Petite Robe Noire and 64 Gemma 

Guerlain Gel Top Coat 

Guerlain Protective Base Coat 

Guerlain Holiday 2013 Ultra Violet Top Coat [Limited Edition] 

Guerlain Maxi Shine Lip Gloss in 463 La Peitite Robe Noire 

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polishes in 593 Rose Moire and 677 Rouge Rubis [Limited Editions]

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Kiss You 

Lancome DreamTone Serum in 1 

3LAB Super "H" Serum 

3LAB The Serum 

3LAB The Perfect Cream 

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream

Lovers + Friends Soiree Peplum Black/Lace Top in XS 

DailyLook Crystal Owl Ring in Gold 

DailyLook Solitaire Textured Midi Ring (Size 3) 

DailyLook Double Band Midi Ring (Size 3.5) 

EM Michelle Phan Waterliner Eye Pencils in Emerald, Ro's Gold, and Bronze Kiss 

Makeup Worn:

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness

It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation in Neutral Medium

Shu Uemura Lightbulb Liquid Foundation in 554 Medium Sand [Asia Exclusive]

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 Natural Black [Holder Not Included]
Hourglass Visionaire Eyeshadow Duo in Suede

EM Michelle Phan Waterliner Eye Pencils in Emerald, Ro's Gold, and Bronze Kiss 

Velour Lashes in Whispie Me Away [NEW]

By Terry Mascara in Moka Brown

Benefit Boxed Blush in Rockateur

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Kiss You 

Guerlain Maxi Shine Lip Gloss in 463 La Peitite Robe Noire

Hair:
Natural [No Product or Styling]

Nails:
Guerlain 463 and 64 [Both Reviewed in Video]

Top:
Lovers + Friends Soiree Peplum Black/Lace Top in XS 

SHOP THE FAVORITES HERE

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Weekend Beauty Bargains: Benefit, bareMinerals, Laura Gellar, and Smashbox

In case you haven't heard, ULTA is currently hosting their 21 Days of Beauty event, which is a three week long extravaganza with daily Beauty Steals, free gifts, events, and free consultations. Nearly all of these on-sale items are too good to pass up, and it's perfect timing to stock up in preparation for holiday gift giving! You can snap up these deals in store or online (2 per customer). I tweeted and posted Instagram photos of some of the incredible 21 Days of Beauty promotions from the start of the event, but this weekend has some of the best buys for the month! Here are my thoughts and recommendations xo

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

Benefit The Sexy Steal -- A trio with two eyeshadows and one lip gloss is valued at $54 is ONLY $18! This is personal favorite of the four deals because the Velvet is Benefit's best eyeshadow formula, and the color of the gloss is what I consider the ideal pale peach-pink.

bareMinerals Blushes and All-Over Face Colors -- Regularly $19 a pop, any of the gorgeous blushes or easy to wear face powders are JUST $10 each! I highly recommend the Vintage Peach blush and Warmth All-Over Color.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Laura Gellar Beauty Balance-n-Brighten in Medium & Brush -- A duo valued at $48 can be yours for ONLY $20! This baked powder foundation color corrects the skin and gives the skin a glowing finish (formulated without mineral oil).

Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener -- Normally sold at $20 each, this is 50% OFF and a mere $10 apiece! This is best applied before concealer to help reduce dark circles and smooth out wrinkles.


P.S. Some of you have been running into the problem where the discounted pricing is not reflected. Instead of searching directly for the product on the site, click on the promotional product's photo on this page here: http://www.ulta.com/21days. Happy shopping!

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March 2013 Favorites [Hits & Misses] - Makeup Removal, Nail Polishes, Eye Products & More!

This is a LONG Favorites episode, but it has been a while since I have encountered so many misses. Hope you enjoy it!



Makeup/Products Reviewed:
Stila Sparkle Liquid Eye Liner in Curacao
Lancome Khol in Love Eyeliners from Spring '13 - Deepwater Blue, Jade Crush, Chocolate Affair
Tom Ford Illuminating Highlighter Pen in 05 Naked Bisque
Benefit Fake Up Hydrating Concealer in 001 Light
Cult Nails Nail Polish in Flushed, Wicked Fast Top Coat, Hypnotize Me
OPI Liquid Sands Nail Polish in Can't Let Go (5 min - add annotation)
Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in in Nyx
Dior Nail Polishes in Rosy Bow, Princess, and Spring Ball
Chanel Nail Polish in Taboo
Shu Uemura Pore Clarifying Cleansing Oil
Shiseido Benefique Makeup Cleansing Oil
Shiseido Benefique Cleansing Foam
Kerastase Initialiste Hair & Scalp Treatment
BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge + Cleanser
Nike Women's Basic Training Gloves
Under Armour CTR Trainer Half Finger Gloves
Eat Smart Precision GetFit Digital Scale from Amazon [$55]
**Preview: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in 12

Makeup Worn:
Stila Sparkle Liquid Eye Liner in Curacao
Lancome Khol in Love Eyeliner from Spring '13 - Deepwater Blue
Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Brownish Black
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara with Ardell Wispies
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black
YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation in B40
Cle de Peau Powder Foundation in O20
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer [very little]
Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Attirance


Nails:
Chanel Taboo
Dior Princess

Top:
DailyLook Braided Strap Tank [get it HERE]

Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Concealers in Light and Medium Review, Photos, Swatches

Benefit released news regarding their newest concealer, the Fakeup Hydrating Concealer Coverup, a couple weeks ago. Many of you that follow me on Instagram were very intrigued by this product, so I spent an extra day testing the wear of this product to make sure it was something I would still recommend since I fell head over heels for it at first swipe. I can confirm that it does last at least 6 hours, but read on to find out more!

Benefit's New Fake Up Hydrating Concealer First Impressions + UPDATE

Hello, everyone! I posted a picture of Benefit's newest product launch, a hydrating concealer called FakeUp, on my Instagram account today and I was flooded with questions. I generally do not rave about products after immediate use, but this product is truly phenomenal in my book thus far.. fairly priced, lovely packaging. It is intended to hide dark circles and diffuse fine lines for silky smooth coverage. I can attest to the hydrating properties, but I have the shade 02 Medium, which is a touch too dark to see if it will effectively conceal my dark circles. I will hold the release of the review until I can test the wear time and receive the shade that should better match my fairer skin, 01 Light. So please, hold all further questions until I can properly test the product!

Do keep in mind, however, that if you are interested in trying this new concealer, Benefit will be holding a 1-day FLASH SALE today, Thursday February 7, at select Benefit counters across the country. You can find the list HERE to see if FakeUp, $24 USD, will be available at a counter near you! For those who do not live nearby any of these select counters, FakeUp will be available online at www.benefitcosmetics.com beginning February 19 and in stores nationwide beginning March 4.

Thanks so much for your patience! And for those who cannot wait, happy shopping!

November Favorites 2012 - Nails, BB Cream/Face, Body, Gym ♡ [Hits & Misses] Video Details

Hello, everyone! I have been quite preoccupied with my new fitness routine and lifestyle, but I am pleased to say it is nice to be back to making a beauty video. I could not help but include a few work out products.. just know they were requested ;) And thanks so much to all my lovely supporters over the years! I still can't believe how fast this year flew by..


Products Reviewed:

Dior Nail Polishes in Safari Beige and Red Royalty
Illasmasqua Nail Polish in Purity
Dior DiorSnow BB Cream [one color only]
Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation in Honey
Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in 04 Espresso
Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Cleanser
Julique Purely Bright Night Moisturizer
Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Body Lotion
Philosophy Love Sweet Love Firming Body Emulsion
Daily Look Bracelets {Assorted, please feel free to shop HERE]
Nike Women's Basic Lifting Gloves [purchased at a Nike Factory Store]
Under Armour Women's Lifting Gloves with Grip [purchased at Sports Chalet]
Lululemon Fast and Free Crop


Makeup Worn:
Dior DiorSnow BB Cream [One Color Only]
Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation in Honey
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette
Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Curacao
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Binge [Lower Lashes]
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara in Black [NO FALSE LASHES]
Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Sheer in Pink 505

Nail Polish Worn:
Deborah Lippmann Supermodel

Shirt:
Victoria's Secret PINK

Earrings:
Pearl Studs

Dolce & Gabbana Tan Blush Review, Comparison, Photos, Swatches

D&G's The Blush in Tan is my Holy Grail contour color. Yes, it is categorized as a blush but I use it to contour my cheekbones and jawline to give my face and slimmer look and please, believe it when I say it's the best I've ever used. I am so thankful Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book reviewed this or I would have lived the rest of my life unenlightened. I have worn this regularly since I received it and can be seen sporting it in most of my YouTube videos reviews and tutorials nowadays.

The powder is finely milled, not chalky at all. I use my Sigma F25 to apply it and the powder never kicks up dust, which I love. The powder also does not accentuate any pores and it is not orange in any way so even those who are fair could use it. I must mention, though, when I opened up the compact for the first time to photograph it, I recoiled because the color in the compact was so dark and ashy. Rest assured, though, it is entirely natural looking on the face! As are the rest of the Dolce and Gabbana's blushes I own, Tan is extremely well pigmented so all you need is a mere sweep of the brush across the compact. Really, one swipe is all you need for each cheek. If you go overboard, you may look like you got hit in the face with a mud pie ;) Don't say I didn't warn you.

Benefit Hoola, Burberry Earthy, D&G Tan

Here is a comparison between the other two contour shades I was using before Tan. The first is Benefit's Hoola, which is a matte bronzer - coveted for lacking an orange undertone but as you can see below, Hoola appears to be much more orange when compared to Tan! The other product pictured between the two is Burberry's Blush in Earthy, which is best for fair skinned women or men who desire a very natural contour. Earthy has a pink undertone, which initially disliked but it actually makes Earthy more versatile than Tan or Hoola since I can layer it as a contour or apply it lightly as a blush.

Tan is much easier for the everyday woman to use as a contour, as opposed to Kevyn Aucoin's Sculpting Powder in Medium. Both are excellent powders, but the D&G Tan is easier to build and blend, especially on very fair to light skin tones.

Bottom Line: Worth every penny I paid ($44 + tax). Will buy again and will hoard tens of them if D&G creative ever decide to discontinue it. Most of you will purchase sight unseen like me but if you're a fan of contouring, Tan is definitely worth the splurge!

Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter Review, Photos, Swatches

Benefit's new soft focus champagne highlighter is a hit with me! I say that right off the bat because I've tried NARS Copacabana and Luxor Multiples, which slide around my cheeks, even when set with a powder. If you're not familiar with these solid stick, cream-to-powder finish highlighting products, you're in for a treat! I think they are the easiest highlighters to work with and they are also the most natural in finish. I simply swipe the top of the stick across the tops of my cheekbones, blend out, and apply my powder blush just underneath it. You can, however, use Watts Up! over your blush if that's what you're used to. The champagne color may seem to suit warmer skins better but it actually is flattering across all skin tones! There isn't too much pink or peach so it will also work with a variety of blush shades.

My skin is still tan [Chanel Perfection 40] but Watts Up! definitely works on my coloring.

Close-Up of the Champagne Color! Some say it's peachy but it's neutral on me.

The packaging is cute yet practical, with the product on one end and a sponge for blending out the product on the other. I don't find I use the sponge often, as I prefer to quickly blend with my warm fingers, but if you cannot bring yourself to touch your face with your fingers, the sponge is very effective at smoothing out the edges. Watt's Up! is emollient but not overly creamy so there is not much slip, meaning the product stays put on my face all day. It does fade 4 hours later, though, so you may want to throw this in your make-up bag if you like to have highlighted skin all day!

The sponge is small but precise - easier to work with.

I do feel it's expensive at $30 for 0.33 oz but because Watts Up! outperforms my NARS Multiples, I would repurchase. 

Images: Benefit & Rae of TheRAEviewer.com

Benefit They're Real! Mascara Review, Photos, Swatches

I rarely test out new mascaras and when I do, I am very skeptical of those that are not waterproof because 'regular' formulas tend to be wet, causing my lashes to droop throughout the day. Plus, my eyes are naturally teary and that is why I opt to use waterproof mascaras daily - to avoid any unattractive 'dripping' incidents :) So when I took Benefit's newest mascara, They're Real!, for a test run, I had very few expectations. To my surprise, it performed rather well on my long but stubborn lashes!

I used my Shu Uemura lash curler and topped with two coats of mascara, waiting 30 seconds for the first coat to set before applying the second. My lashes looked rather clumpy with a third coat so I stuck with two for the photo below. My lashes did droop after a few hours but if Benefit produced a waterproof version of this mascara, I'd be all over it!

Two coats on upper lashes, one swipe on bottom lashes!

Also, the mascara head is just the right size for an 'oversized' wand. The CoverGirl Lashblast's wand looks similar but They're Real's outperforms it by a mile. They're Real!'s wand has a softer and gentler silicone/plastic head, with longer bristles to coat each lash at the root. [Note: CG Lashblasts - all of them, including the waterproof formulations - are my least favorite drugstore mascaras.]

Bottom Line: They're Real! has a comfortable, all-day wear and flake-free formula that is worth a shot for those with cooperate lashes.

Make-up Haul Product List

My newest haul video consists of permanent items that you can still purchase. I figured this haul was a bit overdue since we're always chasing down the newest and brightest items from the summer.. this should slow the pace :)

Lancome Hypnose W/P Mascara in Black
Dior Bronzer Brush [Shown with the Dior Honey Matte 02 Matte Bronzer]
Dior Iconic Waterproof Mascara in Black
Benefit b.right Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Mist
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer [Now officially my H.G. Contour Powder!]
Chanel ÉCRITURE DE CHANEL Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in Black
MUFE Aqua Eyes Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in 6 Iridescent Navy Blue
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden [New Packaging]
Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Dab
NARS Powder Blush in Taj Mahal
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation in 4

If you want to see what I purchased from the Summer collections, I showed all the products in the introduction for each of my Summer 2011 tutorials!

The make-up I am wearing is from my first drugstore/affordable make-up tutorial.
I will try to start posting product reviews again next week! Thanks for your patience <3

Spring Skincare Regimen Product List

Regimen for Combination Skin [Oily T-Zone & Dry Cheeks]

Origins Zero Oil Cleanser
*User a pea size amount with Clarisonic Mia at night to clear make-up residue
Benefit B.right Foamingly Clean Cleanser [for morning use & for occasions when I am wearing lots of make-up]
Origins Zero Oil Toner [morning use only]
Benefit B.right Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF 15 [MUST-HAVE for oily skin!]
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate [exfoliator - use once a week]
Benefit B.right Refined Finish Facial Polish [scrub - once a week, maintenance/upkeep between weekly use of ExfoliKate]
Giorgio Armani Regenessence Eye Rejuvenating Serum
Benefit B.right It's Potent! Eye Cream
Giorgio Armani Regenessence Youth Regenerator Serum
Lancome Genefique Repair Night Cream



That's it! I forgot to show my Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+, which is my sunscreen of choice these days :) I apply it after my moisturizer.

By the way, my headband is available at Nordstrom, for $28. It's made by the brand Cara!

Take care,
Rae