Glam Beauty Board Box Fall 2012!

I'm super excited to be a part of the Glam Beauty Board this fall, and have a wonderful opportunity to try some really amazing products that I can't wait to share with all of you. Some of which I was already familiar with, and some of which are completely new to me. I've been loyally testing out these products all month, and amidst all of the great products, I happily discovered some favorites!

I will be going more in depth about these products in future reviews, but in this post I've included brief summaries of each product (swatches at the end).

Lately I've been enjoying this bright pink gem in a little holographic box called Benefit Bella Bamba ($28). It's a vivid warm, watermelon pink with with fine golden shimmer. It looks a lot like the cult-favorite Nars Orgasm Blush, but it's pinker (less peach) in tone. It's a lovely shade that I can see both cool and skin tones enjoying all year round. The consistency is silky smooth and it's very pigmented. Included with the blush is a soft, flat brush that actually works really well. It's a bit fluffier than my brush from Benefit Hoola and applies the product evenly.

Don't you love 2-in-1 products? The Lorac Tantalizer Highlighter & Matte Bronzer Duo ($32) is a warm matte bronzer and champagne-pink highligher all in one convenient compact. I've been on the lookout for my perfect matte bronzer that isn't too cool toned (they have a tendency to look dirty/ashy on my skin) or too orange (have enough of those). The bronzer in here is a perfect golden bronze and is easily my current top pick for a matte bronzer. It works great as a contour, as well as all over the face for added warmth. The illuminator is sheer (no shimmer-bombs here) and incredibly soft. I like applying it across the highest points of my cheeks for added dimension and glow. It reminds me a bit of MAC Hush Cream Colour Base in powder form.

For a quick statement lip, try Mark Make it Rich Lip Color Crayon in the shade Peony ($11). It's a vivid, shimmery fuchsia - and because precision is a cinch with this crayon, lip liner isn't necessary! It's long-lasting on my lips, and even after most of it is gone, it leaves a pretty pink stain behind.

Review: Benefit Erase Paste + Swatches & Comparisons!

Benefit Erase Paste
 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

"A brightening camouflage for the eyes and face."

"Benefit Erase Paste is a concentrated, creamy, blendable concealer that instantly brightens and camouflages all-in-one. It has an innovative formula which makes sure signs of stress and fatigue are a thing of the past. These three brightening neutral shades give every gal correction perfection." (Sephora.com)

The consistency of Benefit Erase Paste is quite different than any other concealer I've tried. You would think it would be similar in texture to your average pot concealer (MAC Studio Finish, NYX Concealer in a jar, etc). But, actually, it's what the name says.. "paste". When you touch the concealer with your finger, instead of leaving a dent in the product, a small amount of product will stick to your finger. It's very thick and tacky, but very creamy.

I find that it requires a little work to blend into the skin, and a little does not go a long way. Because the product is very dense and thick, it doesn't smooth across my under eyes as well as I thought it would. I found this product works the best when it is dotted under my eyes and then blending it with light tapping motions of the tip of my finger. The "window washer" sweeping technique isn't as effective, and I found myself having to go back for more product. The finish is a bit dewy and can settle in your fine lines if you don't set it with powder.

Because of the products milky pink color, it works extremely well at brightening the under eyes. I found that my eye area looks much more illuminated when wearing this. I do have to mention that I was a little disappointed with the coverage. When I swatched the product on my hand when I was at UTLA, I thought that it was going to provide full coverage because of the product density. Once this concealer is blended under the eyes, it sheers out quite a bit. The coverage is definitely buildable to a heavy medium, but because of it's texture, when it's built some may experience a problem with it "settling" or "caking". I didn't notice caking under my eyes, but I did notice it doesn't stay put well. I have to apply my foundation very carefully under my eyes after I've applied the Erase Paste or it will get swept away with the brush, and I'll end up having to apply more. I personally love using it in conjunction with another concealer. I've tried it under (as well as on top) of Hard Candy Glamoflauge and the end result is 100% coverage with a brightening effect.

Here are a couple of comparisons. I thought it would be similar to my Bobbi Brown Light Peach corrector, but Erase Paste is more pink toned. It would be a closer match to Bobbi Brown Bisque or Light Bisque corrector. Also swatched my MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25. All shades are around the same depth, with NW25 being the deepest. Some medium skin tones may find that "Medium" to be a tad light.

I wanted to show you a before and after, but I was already wearing foundation and concealer. So bare in mind, my dark circles are already concealed well in my before. But I'd like to show you the "brightening" effect in the after photos.

Here's a comparison of both eyes. The left side is with Erase Paste and the right side is without.

Overall, I do like this concealer, but I don't think it's a must have for myself. I think it gives me a similar effect as YSL Touche Eclat #1 (Benefit has more coverage though). Luckily I nabbed a trial size through a swap. The retail price for the full size (0.15 oz) is $26. I do find that price to be a little steep, but you can nab a trial size (0.11 oz) along with an eye primer and cream shadow for $10 in the "Stay Put Set" from Sephora (view here). When using this concealer, I do recommend using a concealer brush or "tapping" the concealer on with your finger tip to avoid tugging your skin. Because it doesn't spread very easily, it would be a good idea to moisturize beforehand. The main complaint among reviewers is that they find this concealer creases, so it may be a better concealer for those with minimal fine lines.

Have you tried this concealer? What do you like or dislike about it? Share your thoughts in my comments below!