Before the new limited-edition Benefit Femme Metale Precious Metals Eye Makeup Kit entered my life, the closest I’d come to metallic greatness was the time James Hetfield and I shared a sidewalk.
For $38, you get three full-size Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows and three large sample-size pencil liners in the Sephora exclusive kit — a headbang-worthy bargain (insert sign of the beast [HERE]), considering the Creams usually go for $19 a pop.
Femme Metale’s gilded metallic shades, new but limited edition, give the kit an almost steampunk vibe, and all six colors apply with shimmer to spare.
I’m a Creaseless Cream die-hard, and Taupe-Aztic (the shimmery golden tan), Platinum (the shimmery white) and Plum-ing For Gold (the shimmery plum) are just as pigmented and long-wearing as Birthday Suit and Skinny Jeans, my go-to faves from the permanent line.
Texture-wise, though, I think they’re a little different. These Creams feel fluffier and less dense to me — Cool Whip vs. Country Crock — which seems to make ’em easier to spread and blend.
I wonder if Benefit plans to expand the whipped texture to the rest of the permanent Creaseless Cream line; if they are, I’m totally on board! I find the texture easier to use.
The three liners are also new to Benefit and remind me A LOT of Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. Like those, they practically glide on my skin, depositing plenty of pigment, and don’t smudge once dry.
Clockwise from lower left: Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows in Plum-ing for Gold, Taupe-Aztic, Platinum
Plum-ing for Gold
Taupe-Aztic
Platinum
Liners from lower left: Steel Her Date, Gem-n-eye, Blinged
Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow Swatches from left on NC35 skin: Taupe-Aztic, Plum-ing for Gold, Platinum
Liner swatches from left: Steel Her Date, Gem-n-eye, Blinged
Additional products used in this look: Benefit Sugarbomb blush on my cheeks, Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick in No Competition on my lips
With fun colors, smooth textures, excellent staying power and a fantastic price ($38), Benefit’s Femme Metale kit’s a star.
Sephora will launch Femme Metale nationwide this October, but New Yorkers won’t have to wait. The kit’s available now at the Sephora store on 34th Street! Sephora Beauty Insiders can also get it now. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Today I can’t help but reflect on the events of another September morning nine years ago. It was one of those defining moments in time, clear and precise, and even though years have passed, I still think about it often. Take care of yourself today. Talk to you soon.
Isabel says
I want it now! These colours are to die for! Great post, as always!
Karen says
Thanks, Isabel!
Lisa S. says
love this look! I don’t have any the Creaseless Cream shadows and this might be a great entry point for me. Oooo No Competition, I had this on yesterday…..
Karen says
That’s a great shade. Yesterday I was wearing Benefit on my lips too — Sugar Cookie lipstick. Have you tried that one?
Tiffany says
You look cute, as always! I have this kit on it’s way to me!
That was the day before my 18th b-day, I still remember it clearly also. Hard to believe it was 9 years ago.
Karen says
You’ll have to let me know what you think of the new liners! 🙂
Nina says
Oh my pretty colors of the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow … I wants! 🙂
Love the look you did w/ it … 🙂
Karen says
Thanks, Nina! Happy Sunday!
Sherri says
Pluming for gold is gorgeous 🙂
Karen says
That’s my favorite shade out of the three. It’s really pretty in the crease!
Meghan says
ooooo i think i have to get this, especially because theres an eyeliner called “gem n eye” which is pronounced “gemini” which my sign so thats my signal right there that i need to have this!
Karen says
I’m a gemini too! 🙂
Amber says
You look sharp! This set makes me wish I had less makeup. 😀
Karen says
LOL! You can never have enough Benefit Creaseless Creams, IMHO!
Say hi to Sweet Pea for me!
Kate & Zena says
Between Benefit and UD, I’m going to go BROKE.
Karen says
Yeah, it’s going to be a great fall/holiday season!
Christina says
I like these shadows but what I’m really interested in is what foundation/powder did you use?! Your skin looks FLAWLESS yo! Do share your secret!
Karen says
Hi Christina,
Please see the comment to Roseline below! 🙂
Christy O says
Oh. My. Godot. I’ve been following you for years and can’t believe I never read of your James experience. I lust for that man. I assume I didn’t click on the original link as the colours are neutral and I’ve been doing bright and BRIGHT since the age of 14.
Please post details the moment you ever see Robert Trujillo or Wayne Static. Loooove.
Although James holds a very special place for being my first and only blond-hair crush.
Sweet dreams to me tonight.
Oh, and yeah, gorgeous palette!
Karen says
Ha ha! Yeah, he was literally an arm’s length away (what’s also funny is it happened to be El Hub’s second brush with Metallica… he’s also run into Lars).
kirsty says
Ooh, this kit looks so beautiful! I got my first creaseless cream the other day (skinny jeans!) and I’m eager to try more 😀
Is there any word on if this will be hitting UK shores?
Karen says
So far I’ve heard this that this is a Sephora exclusive in the US, but I’m not sure if it’s going overseas; let me check and I’ll get back to you.
Roseline says
Karen! Your foundation looks amazing. Which one are you using? =]
Karen says
Hi Roseline,
I used a combo of different things:
1. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer
2. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation
3. A 50/50 mix of MAC Prep+Prime and MAC Blot buffed into the skin with a kabuki brush
It’s a little heavy for day-to-day wear, but this trio happens to photograph really well for me!
Pinch says
Love love love the look of these! I’ve been meaning to try the Creaseless cream liners since forever but never gotten around to it – but these are right up my alley! 🙂
Kim says
Those are lovely and, predictably, I got excited about Platinum and Blinged. 🙂
I remember it very well; it was a completely surreal day. Our wedding was 4 days later and several people weren’t able to make it because of the flight situation, including a groomsman. It was definitely a bittersweet week.
JessM says
Hmmm. Now I think I might get this to try the cream shadows out. I’m a UD 24/7 junkie and would love to try the liners too. I’ve never used a cream shadow before. Any tips on how to apply it? What type of brush do you use? How to blend it, how long does it take to set, etc?
Alexandra says
Awww why cant we have sephora over here 🙁
Vince and Gannet send purrrs to Tabs lol
Susana Felix says
I just love the colors… been wanting to try Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow for a while now..