Monday 16 December 2013

Christmas Countdown: Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love

I'm always envious of the fantastic value sets which are available in the USA, particularly around this time of year & specifically, from makeup brands. I feel that of all of the brands available here in the UK, Benefit is the one which puts out the same level of good value gift sets which are most often reserved for USA customers. This year is no different and Benefit have once again pulled out all the stops with their gift offering, which for 2013 is presented in reusable tins featuring pop art inspired designs. In particular, I recommend the Groovy Kind-a Love Gift Set which would be the perfect gift for teens upwards.


 
The tin is presented with an outer cardboard sleeve and on the back, there are pictures showing the contents.



Inside, there's an instruction booklet which beginners may find useful. There's a double ended sponge applicator and mini brush which I'd personally be inclined to discard but in a pinch, they'd come in handy.

 
 
The set contains miniature versions of some of Benefit's bestselling products, notably the UK's Number 1 Primer, The Porefessional (7.5ml) which I personally haven't gotten on so well with but know that it's hugely popular and counts the likes of Rihanna amongst its many fans. Additionally, there's a miniature They're Real Mascara (4g), which is again a UK Number 1 bestseller in its category and a product which I feel lives up to the false lash effect claims. Alongside these is a miniature Benetint (4ml), the cult rose-tinted liquid lip & cheek stain.
There's also a blush duo featuring Dandelion, described as a brightening face powder, and Gimme Fever. The sections are rather small so it would be awkward to dip a brush in & use the shades individually and as such, they'd be best applied swirled together and perhaps applied as a highlighter. Individually, Dandelion is a very subtle peach that is best suited to pale girls as a blush, otherwise it works well applied all over the face to lift the complexion. Gimme Fever has a lot of glitter and I'd personally find this difficult to wear on my face.
Although miniature, the products are sufficiently sized to be able to gain a feel for them and determine whether they're hits or misses.
 
 
 
The set also features four generously sized powder eyeshadows. For me, these are the highlight of the tin because the four shades are all wearable neutrals. They're good quality, pigmented shades which blend well and are easy to work with.
The swatches above are shown in the order of the pans in the tin. First up is Tickle My Ivory, a matte white which would be a useful addition to any makeup collection. It's not too stark a white so it would work well as a base or to highlight the brow bone to create definition.
Gilt-y Pleasure is a true, metallic gold and forms part of the permanent eyeshadow offering from Benefit. Shimmer Down is a gorgeous metallic taupe. Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy is a deep bronzed brown which is another shade from the permanent eyeshadow collection and would work well applied to the outer "V".
 
Overall, I'd highly recommend Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love. At £29.50 it offers good value and an opportunity to try out a variety of makeup items.

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