Bad Benefit Mascara: BADgal Plum Mascara

Benefit is most easily recognized by their fun, retro inspired packaging and quirky product names. Though the line might seem a bit gimmicky at times, I have a few favorites including the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows/Liners, Coralista blush, and Silky Finish lipsticks. Since I've had good luck with Benefit so far, I figured I'd like their Bad Gal mascara as well. I decided to be adventurous and test the "Plum" shade.

The Bad Gal Plum Mascara features a big, thick brush coated in a deep plum shade. Benefit's website describes the mascara on their website, saying, "Our rich, luxurious plum mascara intensifies your natural eye color while lushifying your lashes." Lushifying?


The color may look a little scary to some but I thought it would be flattering for my hazel eyes. Typically colored mascaras do not look as intense when applied as they do in the tube and Bad Gal Plum is no exception. In fact, it doesn't look plum or purple at all. It just looks like a cheap black mascara! Very disappointing. I didn't find that the mascara brought out the colors of my eyes or had any flattering effects.


I also have a bone to pick with the wand and formula of Bad Gal Plum Mascara. The wand is big, which is usually better for creating volume than length. I prefer small wands as length is my issue but that's a personal preference. However, it's just too big to really coat your lashes. Little volume is added and I found the formula way too drying. Not "lushifying" at all! Overall, I was disappointed in this mascara. It's a decent price for a higher end mascara ($19) and seems like a fun addition to any makeup collection. Yet the product doesn't do what Benefit promises and hardly measures up to even cheap drugstore mascaras. My hunt for the perfect mascara continues! This one's going in the trash.

Overall Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
Pros: Nice packaging, Doesn't flake
Cons: Drying, Doesn't create much volume, Doesn't live up to claims
Price: $19
Size: 8.5 g, Net wt-.30 oz

ETA: After wearing this mascara all day, I found that it left little violet smudges and rings all around my eyes. I looked like a raccoon on its way to a rave and that's just what I'm going for these days.

Benefit Coralista, Peachy Please!

Benefit Cosmetics features fun, retro packaging and great products. The story behind the line is as cute and whimiscal as their image. Benefit Cosmetics was started by the Ford twins of San Francisco, California, with the simple idea, "Who says makeup has to be serious to be good?" And with that the playful, sassy and sweet cosmetics line was born.

Today I'm going to review one of my favorite Benefit products: CORALista blush. Coralista is one of Benefit's top sellers and with good reason. I have been looking for a peachy blush but since I'm fair skinned and cool toned, the search hasn't been easy. I happened upon this product at the Benefit counter in Memphis and then received it for my birthday a few months ago.



The wild, tropical themed packaging is the first thing to catch your eye. Coralista comes in a square shaped box, with a pink leopard print design. Even if the packaging is too loud for your taste (personally, I think it's fun!), keep in mind the blush is worth your money and it will be easier to spot in your makeup bag.

Now onto the color- Benefit describes Coralista as "a warm coral-pink cheek powder." The color is one the warm side but the pink tones in Coralista make it wearable for just about any skin tone. Coralista will most definitely flatter warm tones and will offer a believable peachy flush for cool tones. (Check out the color below)



One of my favorite things about this blush is the brush! Usually brushes included with makeup aren't keepers and typically don't perform as well as brushes bought seperately. I tried the blush with my usual makeup brush first but I found the application looked a bit heavy. So, I reached for the Coralista blush brush and what a world of difference. The brush comes with a wooden handel and squared off bristles which are great for emphasizing cheekbones. The blush also lasts a long time, needing no reapplications throughout the day, and offers very subtle shimmer.

I recommend this blush to anyone!

Overal Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Pros: Universally Flattering, Cute Packaging, Easy to Apply & Wear
Cons: Expensive
Price: $28.00
Size: 12.0 g


I'll be reviewing some more Benefit products soon but be sure to check out their Creaseless Cream Eye Shadows/Liners and the One Hot Minute face powder.

*Disclaimer: I have not been paid for any of my reviews. I chose products on my own, through my own interests, and provide honest reports to my readers!*

July Beauty Wants!

I've been getting ready for my month long trip to France (yes!) that I haven't been able to update this blog much in the past week. I thought I'd post some things I've been "lemming" lately for fun. Of course, I'm saving most of my money for France....who knows what I will find!

1. MAC Lipstick in Creme d'Nude



Gotta love MAC Lipsticks. They are gorgeous and affordable! I have a hard time finding nude lipsticks that aren't too pale or orange-y. Creme de Nude looks perfect!

2. OPI Mod About You



Sometimes my obsession with colorful nails makes me go all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum. Pale nails can be gorgeous with an opaque finish and Mod About You looks like no expection. It's not a new OPI color but a beauty supply store near me carries it. Such a pretty baby pink color!

3. Benefit Blush in Coralista



I think even cool skin tones look good in a beautiful warm apricot blush! There's something so summery about a peachy pink blush. Benefit makes lovely blushes and Coralista comes with pretty packaging and a nice size brush. What more could you want?

4. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in R.S.V.P.


I have a Creaseless Cream Shadow in Marry Up (a bronzey copper) and it's perfect alone or used as a base/liner. R.S.V.P. is a champagne color that I think would be perfect for a bright eyed look.

5. MAC Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe




Oh, MAC, what you do to my wallet! Taupe is a very hard color to describe but I typically think of it as a grayish brown. However, often times you'll see purple-y gray shadows called taupes too! It's very confusing. No matter, Satin Taupe looks perfect for a daytime crease color or for a unique evening smokey eye.

So, that's my list for now! I'm planning on doing some serious shopping at the Monoprixs and department stores in France but if there happens to be some good duty free beauty shopping at the airports...well, no one's stopping me! :)