benefit

Perfume

You Might Want to Be Friends With Benefit

If you're a fan of Benefit's original three Crescent Row Eau de Toilettes ($36 each), you'll probably be excited to hear that the brand has released a trio of new scents to round out the line.

If you're a fan of Benefit's original three Crescent Row Eau de Toilettes ($36 each), you'll probably be excited to hear that the brand has released a trio of new scents to round out the line. While the originals are a bit more traditionally distributed — one's a woody fragrance, one's a floral, and one is an oriental — all three of the latest scents are more experimental florals.

The Garden of Good and Eva ($36) is described as a "citrus floral," but more accurately, it could be described as a sweetened, softened neroli. Lookin' to Rock Rita ($36) smells like an actual margarita, with lots of lime, sweetness, and even a little saltiness. It's fresh, gourmand, and light. The last of the scents, and my favorite, is So Hooked on Carmella ($36), a warm, slightly fruity vanilla. It's not complicated at all, but it smells like comfort. Which one appeals to you most?

Lip Gloss

A Reader Gets Inspired by Katy Perry's "California Gurls"

Here's an excerpt from a colorfully fun post by OnSugar blog Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis: So welcome to my new series — Inspired By. The first edition? Katy Perry's "California Gurls."

Here's an excerpt from a colorfully fun post by OnSugar blog Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis:

So welcome to my new series — Inspired By. The first edition? Katy Perry's "California Gurls." After watching the music video, I'm still a little confused as to what a cupcake bikini has to do with California, but nevertheless, it's cute and fun. . . just like California. Here's my roundup:

  • Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Solid Perfume — This 100% vegan (so LA) solid perfume is an ode to the SoCal sun. Its scent has a lemony hint but not overpowering, like Pledge.
  • Benefit California Kissin' Lip Shine — Fact: LA is the land of the perfect smile. This lip product combines sexy shine with West Coast cool. The aqua blue sheen actually makes teeth appear whiter and it can be worn alone or with your favorite lipstick or gloss.
  • h.wood Ruby Lip Shine Pot — What's more Hollywood glam than red lips? This little lip pot is packed with powerful ingredients like jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter to help you get the perfect Hollywood pout.

Be sure to read the rest of Quarter Life's Cali girl suggestions, and when you're through, why not start an OnSugar blog of your own? You could be the next blogger featured on Bella!

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Beauty

Tinted Moisturizer — the Unlikely Tool in a Marathoner's Arsenal

Because of all the health risks associated with achieving a sun-kissed glow, I'm not big on tanning.

Because of all the health risks associated with achieving a sun-kissed glow, I'm not big on tanning. Related: I was made fun of for being so pale at a friend's Summer wedding a few years back. A girlfriend quickly intervened and gave me liquid bronzer to use on my arms, shoulders, and legs — I've been a convert ever since. I like it because it gives the illusion of a natural tan but washes off at the end of the day.

I'm not the only one who likes using this stuff. Reality star Stephanie Pratt says she uses Sally Hansen's Sparkle Legs during bikini season to hide imperfections and cellulite. And the authors of Run Like a Mother say that they — and a lot of other marathoners — use similar products when running in shorts or skorts to make their gams look great in finish line and post-race photos.

If you're a little on the pale side and are self-conscious about working out in shorts this season, tinted body lotion or bronzer may be for you. Personally I'm a fan of Benefit's Jiffy Tan, which I tone down just a hint by mixing it with my everyday body lotion. Besides Jiffy Tan, there is Stephanie Pratt's favorite — Sally Hansen — which you can find at most drugstores. Both of these products have the slightest bit of shimmer to them, which works with the light to camouflage imperfections and tone down the appearance of cellulite. And if you do decide to use a product like this, make sure to rub it into your skin completely so it won't end up looking streaky on your legs.

Makeup

What's Your Favorite Punny Product?

With thousands of cosmetics and beauty goods out there, manufacturers often look to their teams of creative copywriters to dream up product names that stand out from the rest.

With thousands of cosmetics and beauty goods out there, manufacturers often look to their teams of creative copywriters to dream up product names that stand out from the rest. Soap & Glory's Wizard of Flaws ($16) is a cleverly-named concealer and luminizer. Too Faced's The Bronzed and The Beautiful ($35) contains three different palettes so that you can achieve the perfect sun-kissed glow. And then there's Benefit 's punny products, like Eyecon ($30) brightening eye cream, and Lemon Aid ($20), a color-correcting primer. Do you have one to add to the bunch? I'm "dyeing" to find out.

benefit

Cupcakes Dominate in the Beauty World

Cupcakes are (still) having a moment.

Cupcakes are (still) having a moment. And over the next week, beauty brands are embracing it — sprinkles and all. Beginning today at 9 a.m. EST, New Yorkers can swing by the CupcakeStop truck at Broadway and Spring Streets for a sweet deal. If you're one of the first 300 people to purchase a Valentine's Day-themed Sugarbomb cupcake, you'll receive a new box of Benefit's Sugarbomb powder as a bonus. (Talk about icing on the cake.)

Benefit isn't the only line with a sweet tooth, though. Manhattan's Sweet Jewels Bakery is whipping up a lip-smacking dessert with a beauty bent. This cute-as-can-be red velvet cupcake ball is inspired by Lipstick Queen's Fired Up lip gloss. The wee treat is sweet and spicy . . . just as a Valentine's nibble should be.

benefit

A Tale of Two Bellas: Reviewing Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray

For one of us, it was the best of times, for the other, it was the worst of times.

For one of us, it was the best of times, for the other, it was the worst of times. (Well, not that bad.) Two members from Team Bella had two very different experiences after trying the new Stay Don't Stray ($24), the new paraben-free multitasking primer from Benefit. This moisturizing pre-makeup, which also includes vitamins C and E, is applied on both the under-eye area and lids to give concealers and eye shadows long-lasting, crease-free results. But one Bella's delight was another Bella's blight. Find out why when you read more.

benefit

More Foundation Colors Coming From Benefit and Bare Escentuals

Here's something to look forward to: Bare Escentuals and Benefit are both expanding their range of foundation shades this year.

Here's something to look forward to: Bare Escentuals and Benefit are both expanding their range of foundation shades this year. Now, both will offer even more options for both fair and dark skin colors — something I'm always happy to report.

Beginning in February, BareMinerals will add five new shades that range from a neutral light tone to a deep golden tone. Available in both matte and original formulas, these shades bring the total number up to 20. Later this year, Benefit plans to provide more options for its Hello, Flawless! powder foundation (see my review). When it comes to finding the perfect shade, things should get a lot easier in 2010.

The Pros Pick the Best Gifts for Beauty Junkies!

BellaTV goes on location at Sephora to show you our pros’ picks for the top beauty gifts of this season.

BellaTV goes on location at Sephora to show you our pros’ picks for the top beauty gifts of this season. We find you the best gifts in nails, hair, makeup, skincare, and holiday palettes to thrill all the beauty junkies in your life!

benefit

Bella Bargain: 50% Off Benefit "Buh Buys"

This is one deal I'd rather say"hello" to: Benefit's currently offering 24 products at 50 percent off.

This is one deal I'd rather say"hello" to: Benefit's currently offering 24 products at 50 percent off. Included in these buh buys are several shades of glosses, shadows, and more, along with a couple products you've already reviewed (like Jiffy Tan).

The selection features favorites from face wash and foundation to eye and lip liners, so I'm seeing a great reason to stock up on a familiar product or try something new — but don't complain if you feel half-off makes you want to spend twice as much in the end.