Benefit They're Real! Push Up Liner - Worth the Hype?

There was a lot of hype surrounding Benefit's latest release and newest addition to the They're Real! range and I just couldn't help myself so I picked up the Push Up Liner.

Its a little bit fancy and pretty innovative but a new application method means that there is going to be some getting used to. I don't believe this product makes applying eyeliner any easier than felt tip liners and I've never tried to apply gel liner with a brush before so I can't comment on how it compares to that. However, I previously had no interest in using a gel liner and this product did make me want to try to use a gel formulation.

The formula itself is quite dry. It balls up, flakes off, clumps my eyelashes together and creates a bit of a mess. Unless the tip is completely clear and you twist up *just* enough product it can be difficult to create a smooth line. I think the biggest issue I have with this product is that it does create a bit of mess trying to wipe the excess product on your hand or tissue. It's difficult and fiddly but when you get it right...it all comes together.

Even the first time using this product, the final look has been pretty impressive if I say so myself. This liner is super black, matte and looks so bold on the eyes. It is really great for creating bold looks, and much faster too than using a felt tip liquid liner. I love doing big flicks or wings with this liner because it is much quicker and easier than using my Maybelline Master precise. However, doing really thin lines, close to the lashes was a bit more difficult.

Whilst the product is marketed to get in really close to the lash line, I had quite a bit of trouble doing so. When I did get in close to the lash line, the product clumped my lashes together which became an issue later and started smudging under my eyes.

Overall do I think it's worth the hype? Yes. It is innovative and definitely a game changer in terms of gel eyeliner. The packaging is cute and the price point reasonable. There are a lot of issues with using this product but as I have mentioned, I think a new type of application is bound to need some time getting used to. The final looks you can create with this product is well worth the effort in my opinion, especially if you are already comfortable with applying eyeliner and love bold looks. However, I don't think this is the first eyeliner you should buy as I think it's a bit tricky for makeup beginners.

I was also lucky enough to be the week 2 winner of Benefit's They're Real! Liner competition on instagram. Here is my Push Up liner look.

I was so excited to win and here are all the goodies I received in my prize pack! So excited to have the whole They're Real! family as well as the Porefessional products.

In other Benefit news, a few weeks ago, Benefit at Myer Sydney City held a meet up for a few Australian Beauty Youtubers. Of course I went along and had a chat to all the lovely girls. Benefit always throw a good party!

All photos from the event courtesy of Benefit Australia and can be found on their facebook page.

Have you picked up the Benefit They're Real! Push Up Liner yet? What are your thoughts?

xx Catherine

On-the-go Mascaras

Its amazing how quickly I accumulate mascaras. There are so many to try and I have to hold myself back before buying like ten different ones every time I go to Priceline!

Here are the mascaras I currently have open/am using:

Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express (Waterproof)

• waterproof mascara...*shudders* I really can't stand waterproof formulas but sometimes you just need them and I hate that! This one is ok, I definitely wouldn't repurchase though as I'm sure there are so many others to try that I would like more as well. It does make my lashes very 'plush' and full but nothing much in terms of length. This is the oldest one I have going and its nearly empty/dried up so at least I can throw it out soon! 

Photo sourced from: www.maybelline.com.au

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious

• Mentioned this one as my favourite product in January so I definitely am loving this one! Smaller brush than the Maybelline, beautiful formula that isn't super wet and makes my lashes look so long and full. Love! Definitely one I will repurchase.

Lancôme Hypnôse

• My favourite mascara ever! So great I won't even bat an eyelid when paying over $50 for one tube. The smallest brush of the three it creates amazing length and definitely the easiest formula to work with.
• I also have sample sizes of the other Hypnôse mascaras - Drama, Star and Doll Eyes. Each different one has a really interesting brush (photos* below!) and I also layer these on top of the original to create the most amazing lash looks ever!

 

*photos sourced from Nordstrom: these are the best photos I could find of the different wand types

Benefit They're Real!

• I also wrote a review of this one recently and am really coming around to it. Separates the lashes and adds amazing length.

I think I'm actually doing pretty well with only 3 full size and 4 smaller sized mascaras at the moment! 

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you're in the market for a new mascara gave you a good idea of what to try next.

xx Cat ^.^

Quickie Review: Benefit They're Real! Mascara

Everyone and their mum has this mascara which can even be seen in sale statistics - They're Real! was the no.1 selling mascara at Myer in the 12 months ending July 2013. I have received a deluxe sample size in the past but just gave it to my sister because I really don't like plastic bristles on mascara wands. After receiving another sample from Benefit the other week I decided to give it another go.

Image sourced from http://www.jennasuth.com/2013/05/free-benefit-theyre-real-mascara.html

I love the way this mascara makes my lashes look. It creates amazing length and curls really well too. It also gives just the perfect amount of volume and is super easy to build up when applying more than one coat. I also love the little ball at the end of the wand which is actually really useful for using on the bottom lashes.

Although this is undoubtedly a fantastic mascara and a lot of people swear by it, I really just can't get over the small plastic bristles. While I'm impressed with the result I don't see myself ever purchasing the full size of They're Real mascara as I feel like I can get the same effect with other mascaras and don't have to put myself through the trauma of using tiny plastic bristles.

Note that mascara is definitely a product that works specifically for different people - so if you prefer plastic bristles I'm sure you will fall in love with this mascara!

xx Cat ^.^