I can appreciate the over-the-top-ness of gold grills and pimp cups as much as the next girl, but I don’t always want my gold makeup all blinged out, ya know?
That’s where the new 24K Sexy Gold Set ($32) by Benefit Cosmetics comes in. It delivers frosty golden sparkle without going over the top.
The three-piece limited edition set comes with a lipstick, loose gold powder and a cute mini-purse…
24K Sexy Gold Lipstick: A moisturizing, frosty golden lipstick in hawt metallic packaging, this baby washes lips in warm bronzy-gold. I like to wear it with a layer of MAC Clear Lipglass on top, but I think it’d look wonderful with warm pink or red lipstick shades, too. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
24K Nugget Shimmering Loose Powder for Eyes and Face: This shimmery pale lemon-gold is quieter than I expected. It almost looks like a neutral beige with tiny flecks of blue and green glitter on my lids. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+
Gold clutch pouch with 24K logo: I’m going to fill this soft, small zippered pouch with lipstick and gloss to take some of the pressure off my heavy duty purse, aka the over-the-shoulder turkey holder. My only wish is that it had its own wristlet… Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
From left to right: 24K Sexy Gold Lipstick, 24, Nugget Shimmering Loose Powder for Eyes and Face
How to Get a Gold, Mod-Themed Look with the 24K Sexy Gold Set
The Eyes
First, I pat a thin layer of MAC Cream Color Base in Pearl on my entire eyelid using a MAC 239 brush. Then, with a MAC 252 eyeshadow brush I sweep 24K Nugget over the entire eye, concentrating most of the color on the lid. To emphasize the eye, I add a line of thick black eyeliner on the upper lash line with a MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and a Laura Mercier Flat Eye Liner Brush, curl my lashes with the Shu Uemura lash curler and add two coats of Chanel Exceptionnal Mascara in Noir.
The Lips
For a contemporary spin on a frosty 60’s lip, I apply one layer of 24K Sexy Gold Lipstick directly from the tube, and, after blotting with a tissue, add one layer of MAC Clear Lipglass right on top!
The Cheeks
Since both the lips and eyes are gold, there’s room in the look for some color. I sweep a pop of pink on the apples of my cheeks with MAC Dollymix and a MAC 187 skunk brush.
BOOM!
Sometimes when I blog I like to listen to music. Remember Cars that Go Boom? If you were born after 1980 and have never heard this song before, 1) I’m dating myself and 2) you may think it’s tacky as hell, but trust me — circa 1986, it was the JAM! 🙂
We like the cars, the cars that go boom… LOL! Anyway, hope you’re having a good Monday so far. What are you listening to today?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. For all you SF Bay Area gals/guys, Benefit Cosmetics is hosting a party on December 12 from 7-9 to celebrate the grand re-opening of their boutique on Chestnut Street in San Francisco!
Jean Ford, one of the creators of the Benefit line, will be there, along with cocktails, snacks and goody bags. Fun! To RSVP for the event call (415) 567-1173. Maybe I’ll see you there!
gina says
December 8th, 2008 at 3:44 pmthis video is too funny!! i was born in 84 but i still totally appreciate it, i would love to learn those dance moves!! hahaha
gina´s last blog post..Confidence Shines
Tiffany says
December 8th, 2008 at 3:54 pmYou look gorgeous!
I have a few products from the Benefit line, but after seeing your post and swatches of the colours, this is definitely something I want to add to my collection! I love the lipstick, especially. Only thing is..I’m not a huge fan of frost finishes. I’ll probably layer gloss over it like you do.
Have a good week!
Indian Girl says
December 8th, 2008 at 4:08 pmKaren you look lovely ! The subtle gold looks amazing on you ! I was just thinking that this might have been a great look for your friend’s wedding in Florida !
Indian Girl´s last blog post..JULIE HEWETT SIN NOIR LIPSTICK GIVEAWAY !!
Brittany says
December 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pmI love that look. I’ve been seriously lusting over the Benefit products you’ve been featuring of late. And that song is seriously cracking me up!
Karen says
December 8th, 2008 at 4:27 pmHi Gina,
LOL, glad to know that I’m not the only one with love for Tigre and Bunny!
I am guilty of actually doing those dance moves in public and being totally serious about it.
Karen says
December 8th, 2008 at 4:27 pmHi Tiffany,
Y’know, I’m not the biggest fan of the frost finishes, but I think this is sheer enough to make it wearable. 🙂
You have a good week, too!
Karen says
December 8th, 2008 at 4:28 pmHi Indian Girl,
Thanks, hon. 🙂 Oh, good call… I should keep this one in my files just in case I get asked to be a bridesmaid in another wedding!
Do you have any favorite subtle golds?
Karen says
December 8th, 2008 at 4:30 pmHi Brittany,
Thank ya! The best thing about the look is that it’s easy.
LOL, yeah, it’s pretty cheesy! I remember recording off the radio onto a mix tape in sixth grade.
jojoba says
December 8th, 2008 at 4:55 pmhi karen,
is that loose eye shadow part of the new dust lusters that replaced showoffs!? i have been wondering about those but they are never discussed on makeup alley or else where for some reason. and you are right on about that lipstick. it’s very charming.
i hope this colelction will reach here too. many people say that benefit is overrated because its tacky packaging but i have found great things from this brand. they work well for me.
thanks again for this lovely post. you look great as usual.
jojoba´s last blog post..Review: Shu Uemura Eye Color Palettes, Mika Holiday Collection 2008, Part 2 – Secret Luscious Rose
Thumper Too says
December 8th, 2008 at 6:48 pmI love this look! It’s a very pretty soft look for everyday–hmm…now i’m going to have to seriously consider the lipstick 🙂
Thumper Too´s last blog post..Chicago, Illinois 1
Okyanus says
December 8th, 2008 at 7:07 pmOh I love this gold lipstick. I think I’ll look at my options the next time I visit Sephora!
Vampy Varnish says
December 8th, 2008 at 7:29 pmOh yes, I remember that song and video, ahhhhh those were the days!
Vampy Varnish´s last blog post..Chanel Haute Chocolat for Christmas Contest!
Marisol says
December 8th, 2008 at 7:56 pmThat lippie looks fab on you and you are looking gorgeous!
That video just reminded me of JJ Fad’s Supersonic – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3nPLoODtGU
Have fun at the Benefit party. I may tell my sister about it since she works on Chestnut Street.
Marisol´s last blog post..TILT 11.27.08
Tatiana says
December 8th, 2008 at 8:22 pmI wish I had the time ( though I work at a makeup counter, it’s in a small store in a small town ) I dont get to play with more than 4 brands. I also work retail so … with, work, el hub, and the childrens, I barely have time to drive out and play at the bigger stores. Benefit is one of my faves though…
CSB says
December 8th, 2008 at 9:12 pmSooo pretty! I wish I could pull that lipstick off.
Shefali says
December 8th, 2008 at 9:43 pmOh Karen…no you di’int!!! Do you know I bought a compilation CD just for Cars that Go Boom? Hilar!!!
Love the look. I wasn’t really interested in this kit but I might check it out now.
lesley says
December 8th, 2008 at 10:05 pmOh! Maybe I’ll go to that event and maybe see you there! This kit didn’t seem to “wow” me in the store, but it looks so much better actually swatched!
Hope you, El Hub, and Tabs are doing well~
Tekoa says
December 8th, 2008 at 10:24 pmThis song was released the year I was born! This was what the world was like then? What a strange place…but still, the word BOOM has an addictive and groovy vibe to it.
Erica says
December 8th, 2008 at 11:23 pmack, i was born in 81…big bro had a car that went boom and used to drive me to school and pick me up bumping THAT jam along with other various tunes by digital underground and toni tony tone…SO embarrassing! everyone knew when i was at school and when i was leaving school. BUT of course now i love the songs and HAVE to get on the dance floor when they’re played at clubs.
Erica´s last blog post..Review: Clinique’s Eye Creams
Miss QQ says
December 9th, 2008 at 2:17 amHi Karen. This is beautiful! Yup, I like wristlet too so that I can hang it around.
yadiq says
December 9th, 2008 at 6:44 amlmao
i love the turkey holder! as you know my turkey holder is in full force at all times lol
this is such a cute set – your makeup look is super BAD @ss!
i will have to revisit benefit these days i kinda lost faith in them after trying she laq and hating it 🙁
mukho says
December 9th, 2008 at 7:29 amHi Karen..
Very pretty look; the lined eyes go so nicely with the gold lips 🙂
ines says
December 9th, 2008 at 9:05 amlove the gold look on you. i wish i could wear gold but except for the palest of rose golds and champagne when i wear gold i look either like an oscar statue or just VERY VERY YELLOW. i wonder what i can do about that, since my skin never tans or takes on a bronze hue (i wear mac nc15 or nc20 in the summer)…
Amanda says
December 9th, 2008 at 11:14 amLOL, oh wow that video. gotta love the 80’s. YOu look great in golds! the whole look is very flattering on you today. I’m also doing gold eyes and peach cheeks (BB sandy gold long wear and becca peach beach tint). i skipped liner and used stila spiced rum lipglaze -a very sheer sparkly copper.
JillyB says
December 9th, 2008 at 2:22 pmI have a tube of this l/s from when you could buy it alone. I wish you still could. I wear a coat of this underneath a red lippie (my current fave- Mac Port Red) and it leaves a nice golden shine to the red.
Tiffany says
December 10th, 2008 at 12:38 pmOh wow, this is such a good look on you! You look really great in gold!
Vanessa says
December 10th, 2008 at 3:31 pmThis is a good look on you. The gold really brings it out.
DAR BELLISSIMO says
December 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm..LOOKING GOLDER IN THE COLDER…..
Andrea says
December 10th, 2008 at 5:09 pmWowwwwww!!!
I love it!!!