Easy 4-Step Eye Makeup with Benefit Cosmetics

Mon, 06/29/2009 by Karen | Posted in: Face of the Day (FOTD), Makeup Tips/How To

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I love crazy, complicated eye looks as much as the next makeup junkie, but some mornings I just can’t get it together — I’m either running late or just plain lazy as all hell.

I’ve been wanting to do something with my eye makeup for a few days but haven’t wanted to do anything *too* complicated, so I limited myself to four steps.

Why four steps? I guess it’s my happy medium. Five steps feel like too many; three not enough.

Oh — I’m not counting curling my lashes or applying mascara as individual steps… I probably should, but I don’t like the sound of six steps as much as four. :)

Benefit four-step eye look

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The look is a shimmery neutral eye with a bit of gray, and I think it’s a great look for beginners.

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Here’s how I get the look…

  1. To start, I apply Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Samba-dy Loves Me (a shimmery peachy gold) on the lids and just up into the crease with my fingers, smoothing away any harsh lines.
  2. Next, using a Sonia Kashuk Large Eyeshadow Brush, I sweep Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow in Leggy (a shimmery peachy pink) over the entire eye.
  3. With the same brush, I pat Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow in Where There’s Smoke (a shimmery blackish gray) onto the lid and into the crease.
  4. To finish, I line my upper and lower lash lines with Benefit Bad Gal Waterproof Liner (a true black) and smudge out both with a MAC 219 Pencil Brush and Where There’s Smoke Eyeshadow.

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Cheeks and lips

You could pretty easily dress up this look with bold pink or red lips, but since I’m not really going anywhere special today, I shot for light and breezy with Benefit Posie Tint (a semi-matte peachy pink) on my cheeks and Benefit Full Finish Lipstick in Thrillin’ Brazilian (a shimmery golden peach) on my lips.

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Sure, it’s not the fanciest or flashiest makeup look, but I like it because it’s simple, fresh and easy. It’s something I’ll wear when I want to look like I have my shizz together but don’t feel like spending a long time doing makeup.

Something borrowed, something blue

I finished my chick lit book late last night (Something Borrowed). At the end, there was a preview of the sequel, Something Blue, which interestingly retells the same story, but from a different character’s point of view.

A few years ago I remember reading that Stephanie Meyer wanted to retell Twilight from Edward’s point of view.

I would totally read that book, for sure! :)

Speaking of vampires, this morning I watched a cool trailer for an upcoming Ethan Hawke vampire flick called Daybreakers.

E. Hawke (my Hollywood crush from 1993-1995) plus vampires = hotness. I can’t wait!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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  1. 1. Jane said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Hi Karen:
    Love the look. You look nice in blue. I was wondering about the creaseless creams. How would you compare them to MAC paint pots? I’m curious, but I don’t want to risk such a splurge if it’s not going to hold up to its claims of not creasing. What do you think? And if you could only own one creaseless cream, which on would you choose?

    (Just FYI, I love MAC paint pot in “painterly.”)

    Jane

  2. 2. Paris B said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Hi Karen, its a beautiful no fuss look and I love it! Its part of the reason I love gray – I always manage to look pulled together in gray and I love your necklace too! :)
    Paris B’s last blog post… Bluunis Facial Salon – My experience and it was not great

  3. 3. Lipstick Rules said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Beautiful look Karen! I haven’t tried those Benefit creaseless shadow colours (I only have Skinny Jeans)

    Re: Twilight. The first part of that book from Edward’s POV is online on Stephenie Meyer’s web site. It is really good and I hope she ends up finishing it!!
    Lipstick Rules’s last blog post… End of Project Revisit: The Finale

  4. 4. Vampy Varnish said, on June 29th, 2009:

    That look is great and that blue shirt is a great color on you with your dark hair!

    I am totally vampire obsessed right now. Am reading the 2nd book in the Charlaine Harris series (which is what HBO’s True Blood is based on) and renting the 1st season of True Blood from Netflix. Books and show both excellent!
    Vampy Varnish’s last blog post… OPI Spain Collection for Fall 2009 – Part I

  5. 5. Aimee said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Something Borrowed and Something Blue are my two greatest secret guilty pleasures.

  6. 6. Nicole15 said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Love the simplicity & beauty of this look. I wish i had the discipline to limit myself to 4 steps. I need to get better at doing so. I tend to grab this color for here, this color for there, then this color over here…and so it goes. It can be a bit much & then I’m late for work! HA :) The grey & blue combo is def one of my faves!!

  7. 7. Crystal said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Hi!
    I love Benefit. So, I love this look! Can you do more reviews and FOTDs on them maybe?
    I’m going to copy it, if you don’t mind! :)

  8. 8. Marcela said, on June 29th, 2009:

    This is a really pretty look Karen, it flatters you so much! Don’t underestimate a 4 step look! I must try sth like this some day, as I am the ultimate simple step makeup for day girl. And speaking of Twilight & the like, apparently Meyer already started writing the Edward version. My sister pointed it out to me since she’s already read a sample; I’ll see if I can get her to tell me where to find it for you. ;)

  9. 9. Sherry said, on June 29th, 2009:

    thank you for sharing the steps :) great tips for me
    Sherry’s last blog post… Pink Thoughts’ Pink Contest

  10. 10. Samm said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Hey karen
    I love the simple look : ) thanks for sharing.
    was just wondering how you got your hair to look that pretty. i tried curling my hair today and i ended up looking like a crazy lady !

  11. 11. Karen said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Hi Samm,

    Thank you! I hope you try it sometime — tis very easy. :)

    Before curling, I sprayed my hair with Bumble & Bumble Spray de Mode Hairspray, brushed it through, then let it dry. Next, I used a large barrel curling iron and curled my hair sections, starting from bottom layers and working up to the top. After curling I let my hair cool for a few minutes, and then I ran my fingers through the curls to loosen them. One last spray with the hairspray and then I was done!

  12. 12. Kailey said, on June 29th, 2009:

    I’m totally gonna try this look =]

  13. 13. sunmom said, on June 29th, 2009:

    you look like a blushing first dater on this fotd! love it! :)
    sunmom’s last blog post… Nap Time: In Transition

  14. 14. Karen B said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Love the look :)
    And I started to read the first chapter of that book on Amazon and it sounds so much fun;

  15. 15. Doreen said, on June 29th, 2009:

    Wow, I am loving this look on you, Karen! You look so fresh and young, honestly. I really like the lips (my first thought was, “WHAT GLOSS IS THE GIRL WEARING?!”). I’ll have to pay the Benefit counter a quick visit…

  16. 16. Nancy said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Did you notice in the main picture (or is it my computer?) that you look like you have a “glow” around your final picture? Were you feeling angelic today? :) Great look! I’m all about non-complicated, low step makeup looks.

  17. 17. gio said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Love this look! It’s so simple and fresh! You look gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
    gio’s last blog post… Are you addicted to lip balm?

  18. 18. Judy said, on June 30th, 2009:

    You can find the first twelve chapters of Edward’s Twilight by going through wikipedia and searching for Edward Cullen, Twilight – there is a link to Stephenie Meyer’s website – you can download it, but are not allowed to print…it’s adddicting! :)

  19. 19. Merylynmagic said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Good morning Karen!
    I love this look on you, its really fresh and simple, like you said. I have been meaning to get a Benefit creaseless cream shadow for some time now, ever since you first reviewed them here on your blog… hmmmm maybe sometime soon.. My wallet is still kinda reeling from the MAC friends and family sale!! ;)

  20. 20. Kajal Couture said, on June 30th, 2009:

    This is a cute, easy look! I really like some of Benefit’s products and I feel they don’t get enough credit sometimes. Glad to see you do a look with just Benefit. =)
    Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Straight Hair? Curly Hair?

  21. 21. Tiffany said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Such a pretty look! Looks great and simple for summer!

    Here’s the start of Midnight Sun – Stephenie Meyer posted it on her website: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/pdf/midnightsun_partial_draft4.pdf

  22. 22. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Tiffany,

    Great! Thank you for the link. :) Now I have something to read over lunch…

  23. 23. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Kajal Couture,

    Sure… I like them, too, especially the Creaseless Cream Shadows. What’s your favorite Benefit product?

  24. 24. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Merylynmagic,

    They’re awesome! You gotta start with Birthday Suit.

    I am still waiting for my MAC Sumo haul. :( Did you get your goodies yet?

  25. 25. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Judy,

    Thanks! I’ll read it at lunch. :)

  26. 26. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Gio,

    Thank you. :) Hope you’re having a nice Tuesday so far!

  27. 27. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Nancy,

    Sometimes the non-complicated looks are the best. Four steps or less, girlfriend… ;)

    Have a great Tuesday!

  28. 28. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Doreen,

    I *love* that lip color. Seriously… it made me fall in love with lipstick again. It stays on forever and doesn’t dry out the lips! I hope you try it. :)

  29. 29. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Karen B,

    Thanks! Oh yah… it’s a good, fast read, especially if you’re in the mood for some escapist chick lit. :)

  30. 30. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Sunmom,

    LOL, thank you! :)

  31. 31. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Kailey,

    Sweet. Let me know how it works out for ya!

    Are you enjoying your summer so far?

  32. 32. Dao said, on June 30th, 2009:

    This is such a pretty look! I love it! You have magazine-worthy photo :)
    Dao’s last blog post… How to Get Gisele’s Hair

  33. 33. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Jane,

    They are more “wet” than the MAC Paint Pots. I find them easier to manipulate and smudge. In terms of wear time, I think they work just as well if not a little better. On my semi-oily lids they don’t crease at all, but if you’re lids are *super* oily you might want to start off with a lid primer beneath it. My fave color is Birthday Suit! It’s a shimmery champagne that I can’t live without. It totally wakes up my eyes — I swear it’s like five hours of sleep in a pot! :)

  34. 34. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Paris B,

    Thanks! Sometimes I don’t want the fuss, LOL!

    How are things in your neck of the woods?

  35. 35. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Lipstick Rules,

    Skinny Jeans is a great color. I love it for smokey eyes. :)

    You’ve gotta try Birthday Suit next!

    Oh, and thanks for the link. Are you a Stephanie Meyer fan, too?

  36. 36. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Vampy Varnish,

    Thanks! I love blue… it makes me feel happy when I wear it. :)

    Speaking o’ vampires, did you ever watch the Underworld movies? I swear the vampires have the best clothes and cars.

  37. 37. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Aimee,

    Yup, I’m right with ya. I wonder if it’s ever going to be made into a movie? I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s on the big screen in a few years.

  38. 38. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Nicole15,

    I do that, too, when I have palettes out. Things can spiral quickly out of control!

    What kind of job do you do? Do you enjoy your work?

  39. 39. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Crystal,

    Oh yes, please do this look! I always like to share looks so I hope that it works well for ya. :)

    I will try to do more Benefit reviews… it seems like a lot of readers love the line!

  40. 40. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Marcela,

    I am starting to really appreciate simple makeup looks for day (especially when I need extra sleep in the morning).

    That’s so sweet of you to offer to find the sample… it looks like a few people put the link up here, so no worries!

    Hope that you are having a nice Tuesday so far!

  41. 41. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Sherry,

    Sure! Glad you like this look.

  42. 42. Babybubblz said, on June 30th, 2009:

    I LOVE your necklace and hair in this pic!

  43. 43. Lipstickrules said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Karen,
    Aside from makeup, Twilight is my ‘other’ obsession. And I don’t care that I’m in my 30s. LOL.
    I will have to check out Benefit Birthday suit!
    Lipstickrules’s last blog post… End of Project Revisit: The Finale

  44. 44. Cindyrella said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Pretty, soft and fresh! That lipstick looks fab on you! I need to try the new velvet e/s–any rec’s on which one to start with?

  45. 45. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Cindyrella,

    I’d recommend colors you could use every day, like Where There’s Smoke, Leggy and Bikini Line. I put up a couple of swatches awhile back, here they are if you want to see ‘em. BTW, do you have Birthday Suit? You gotta get it!

  46. 46. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Lipstickrules,

    LOL… I’m with ya. It’s not part of the Twilight series, but her book The Host is excellent. It’s her first “adult” novel. I really enjoyed it — bawled like a baby at 1 am when I finished it!

  47. 47. Karen said, on June 30th, 2009:

    Hi Babybubblz,

    Thank you! :)

  48. 48. Redhead said, on June 30th, 2009:

    I LOVED The Host, Karen! I reread it about a month ago… OMG, Jared is so sexy:D Meyer’s retelling of Twilight from Edward’s P.O.V. was in the making and tited Midnight Sun when the rough draft of the book was leaked on the internet. She said she was so bummed about the leak and that many might not read her book after just reading itonline that she might not even publish it!:O

  49. 49. Michele said, on June 30th, 2009:

    i can’t use Aveeno or Murad ; I am allergic.
    But there are others i can use.

  50. 50. Catherine said, on July 1st, 2009:

    Oh I love this look on you! I never would have guessed Posietint would look so good!
    Catherine’s last blog post… FOTD – Fresh Purple and Pink (3 days in a row!)

  51. 51. jessica said, on July 3rd, 2009:

    i absolutely LOVE this look. i am going to attempt it when i’m getting ready for work today. it’s so clean and fresh and just simply chic. i’ve been on vacay so i’m catching up on all your entries. i’ve missed you! =))

  52. 52. Karen said, on July 3rd, 2009:

    Hi Jessica,

    Aww, I’ve missed ya too. Where did you go for vacay?

  53. 53. jessica said, on July 5th, 2009:

    we flew to puerto rico and then took a cruise around to some of the the caribbean islands. it was fantastic! ^.^

  54. 54. Marisol said, on July 6th, 2009:

    You look gorgeous karen!
    Marisol’s last blog post… Kindle me this…

  55. 55. Karen said, on July 6th, 2009:

    Hi Marisol,

    Thank you!

  56. 56. Cathy said, on July 27th, 2009:

    Hi Karen, I just purchased the Benefit Creaseless Eye Shadow and absolutley love it. I really enjoyed seeing your step by step photos too. Thanks very much!
    Cathy’s last blog post… Trendsetter-Fall 2009

  57. 57. Karen said, on July 27th, 2009:

    Hi Cathy,

    Glad you love ‘em! They’re fantastic products. What color did you get?

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