"o.m.goddess!" Benefit Fall 2011 Colours

Just before I jetted off to Melbourne for the Blogopolis Conference I received a surprise package from the Benefit Babes… all the new colours from the Fall eye colour collection as well as the hottest new item around, “They’re Real!” mascara. Dani was my roomie for the weekend and as she’d never tried Benefit Cosmetics before I dragged her to the nearest brow bar as we both needed a clean up and so she could find out for herself what it was really like. Whilst we were waxed and plucked Dani talked the talk and managed to convince the girls to give us a makeover using the new colours for our event the next night. They eagerly agreed and so the next evening we headed back for some pampering.

We arrived on time and Dani and I were ushered off the the VIP makeover station, we felt like total celebs. As we were being turned into a more beautiful version of ourselves, Dani and I took turns taking photos and playing with all the products. They get SUPER busy on a Friday and Saturday night so if you do head to a counter before a big night out try and book in ahead of time to save waiting too long. Emmanuelle was so friendly and utterly gorgeous, she made me feel right at home.

I let Emmanuelle go crazy with my make up, I don’t really like to tell artists what to do, I like them to be inspired and create with a sense of feeling… I mean really, who likes to be told what to do! She was in her element and adored the new colours, especially the champagne gold “Farenheit Fab” (not available until 3rd Sept.) creaseless cream shadow/liner and I had to agree. Usually I avoid cream shadows because they smudge or crease but this one stayed put all. night. long… even into the wee hours of the morning.

Here is the proof… this is me back at the hotel room sometime after midnight. I realised Dani may not have taken a close up shot during the application, the big camera was hooked up and importing photos so instead I just used my iphone… see, not one single crease. 

This photo is a little bit blown out but you still get the idea. Defined brows, smokey-shimmery eyes and a pale glossy lip in my favourite everyday shade “Nookie Nookie“. I couldn’t stop thanking Emmanuelle for doing such a great job. Incase you’re wondering I’m wearing the most beautiful Kiyonna Scolloped Boudoir Lace Dress which deserves a blog post all of it’s own, keep your eyes peeled. My hair colour looks totally fabulous thanks to Stevie English Hair I wished I had his team nearby to spruce up my do on the night, I’m not great at hair styles.

 Dani had fun messing about with my camera and I could tell that even though she wasn’t used to it, she loved being primped and pampered, I did too. Makeovers are great because you can either pay $50 just for the application and experience or you can just redeem your $50 back by purchasing a product, a practice that most counters encourage. If the makeover wasn’t on the house I would have bought “You Rebel” tinted moisturiser with SPF+15 for $51, it’s the next thing on my wish list.

 The new eye shadows are so soft, shimmery and have the best names. The satin taupe shadow is called “Tickled Mink“, the stormy teal shadow is called “Raining Men” and the icy blue shadow is called “Snow Job“… I mean come on, too cute! They’ll be available from Australian counters from the 3rd of September. It was like christmas when I showed the girls their new playthings, there was lots of ohh-ing and ahh-ing, brushes were whipped out faster than lightning! By the way Benefit’s brushes are brilliant, invest in them, I’m serious because I have and I adore them!

 Dani turning into an official Bene-Babe for the night thanks to Lisa Marie . It was so nice to just hang out and share a girlie moment like this, we hardly get the chance to see each other so it was really nice. I thought she looked amazing, her skin just glowed. That’s what I love the most about Benefit, they’re known for their illuminators like High Beam, Girl Meets Pearl and That Gal to name a few and me, well I need all the uplifting and brightening I can get!

 Dani’s favourite product was Oh La Lift, she’s always had a bit of an issue with the bags under her eyes, her eyes and the skin around them has always been a bit sensitive (not to mention she has three kids), that’s why she always wears big sunglasses. I know you’re looking and saying “what bags?” and you’re right, they’re totally gone which is why she loves the product… I might have to get her some for christmas.

 Doesn’t she look utterly gorgeous! Lisa Marie did such a good job. Dani admitted that whilst she really enjoyed herself and loved the final result she couldn’t see herself adopting the entire range anytime soon, sure there was a few stand out pieces but it just didn’t didn’t fit her budget and there wasn’t a Benefit counter close to her home. I agree that make up is a very personal choice, not everyone is going to love the exact same things you do and thats ok. As the saying goes, “each to their own“. I just like to share with people what I love.

We started our Friday night on a high. Our Pre-Blogopolis event was going to be huge, bigger than anything we had ever hosted before but we were polished and ready thanks to these lovely ladies. Got an event in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane CBD… then get thee to a Benefit counter!

*Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post, it was purely spur of the moment. Benefit cosmetics sent me the  products with no promise of a blog post or any mention in my social networks in return as stated on my advertise page. I love Benefit, I loved hanging with Dani and so I chose to blog about our experience… that’s why we all blog right?… ((sigh)) I hate disclaimers, such a depressing way to end the post.