For the last week Macy’s in NYC have been offering a fantastic new make-over service on their Benefit Beauty Counter. Complete with drinks, snacks and a host DJ, they offer you a great way to try out all their products by having a free make-over. The event is being held to promote their new product Erase Paste, and naturally, as soon as I heard about it I signed up right away!

Benefit is a well-known funky brand of make-up which originates from San Fransisco. In 1976 Jane and Jean Ford, two twins from Indiana, created a beauty boutique in the sunshine state. Working with the idea that make-up can be fun and should not be taken too seriously, they created the Benefit brand. Now it is stocked in stores all over the world. When I first heard about the make-up line, I thought it was a bit gimmicky and was using wacky names to repackage basic products. However, recently I decided to check out their stuff and I have been pleasantly surprised.

So last Wednesday, I turned up at the Benefit counter in Macy’s armed with a whole bunch of questions and products in mind (check out Dr Feelgood on the Current Cravings section of the site). Jamila, my beauty consultant who I had been in contact with before, was super excited about doing my make-up. She offered me a free Benefit cookie and a bottle of water and led me over to the make-up area.

She started by cleansing my skin thoroughly and applying a brightening primer called That Gal, which really lifted my skin-tone. She then coated my face with Dr Feelgood, the anti-shine face primer. Jamila then asked me what foundation I wanted and I realised I should try a liquid (as I am currently using a powder and wanted to try something different.) She applied Non-Fiction all over my face with a make-up sponge. Immediately my skin began to feel a little heavy and I become conscious that I was developing a caked-on look. She then added some concealer under my eyes. I was intrigued when Jamila used a fan-shaped powder brush, which she said is good for a more natural, lighter coverage. She also applyed Hoola bronzer all over (right up to the hairline) and a little blush.

Then the attention turned to my eyes, which is easily my favourite part of the beauty routine! She used BadGal eye pencil, which is a great rich dark color. My eyes were left fairly natural, with just a little brown color added over the lids and a touch of High Brow highlighter. She finished off the look with some mascara and natural lip gloss.

I left feeling as if I had way too much skin-make up on. And although it looked great from a distance, I could already see it looking dry and heavy up-close. I think my make up artist Jamila knew exactly the sort of look I wanted and she worked hard to create it – but I actually just had too much make up on (not something I normally complain about ladies – my motto is generally “the more, the better!”).

I left with some fantastic products and I am looking forward to taking them home and trying them out!

Steph xoxo