September 14, 2010

Benefit Femme Metale Review, Swatches, Photos

The Ford twins began creating cosmetics in the 70’s. They may be most recognizable to you as the names behind Benefit Cosmetics.

Benefit has long since been a brand filled with whimsical, vintage-style cosmetics that get the job done.

Recently, you may have noticed Benefit’s evolution. The company is evolving every so slightly and developing a bit of a modern edge thanks to Maggie and Annie Ford Danielson, Jean Ford’s daughters and Jane Ford’s nieces. Maggie and Annie are Benefit’s new makeup trend artists and now make up the power house that is Benefit Cosmetics.

With Maggie and Annie’s influence I’ve noticed Benefit Cosmetics has a new twist and that shows in one of their newer releases, the Benefit Femme Metale Precious Metals Eye Makeup Holiday Collection.

It’s a little different for Benefit. It’s not cute, nor is it pretty and cute in the traditional Benefit sense but it does have edge and a certain hipness that should appeal to a new generation of Benefit Cosmetic lovers.

So Benefit isn’t only about natural, fresh, and flawless now but also a bit of an edge to that softness that brand is known for.

Check it out after the jump!


Benefit Femme Metale is a gift set that features three Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows and three Benefit Eyeliners.


First off props for such a deal here. You’re getting three full sizes of the eyeshadows and three mini versions of the liners. The shadows normally $19 each so you’re getting $57 worth of shadow here not counting the liners for $38. Breaking down the six pieces you’re looking at $6 and some change per item. Not bad right?

Strangely Benefit dropped liner from these shadows. They are normally called Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow and Liner but these are simply called shadow, no liner here which I think is great because I’ve never felt the formula on these was dense enough to line with. Anyone feel that way too?

The shadows are quite lovely and have plenty of pigment to back them up. They blend quite nicely and leave behind plenty of color pay off. The pencil liners included are just as great and sport a melty, creamy formula a la Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliners.

The set includes shadow pots in Platinum (metallic white), Plum-ing for Gold (metallic plum), and Taupe-aztic (metallic golden beige) plus pencil liners in Blinged (silver), Gem-N-Eye (golden olive shimmer), and Steel Her Date (steal blue shimmer).


There are two types of people when it comes to the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows I’ve noticed. Those who belong to the cult following and adore them and those who are bit meh on them.

I happen to fall into the meh category. I’ve never been particularly keen on these as they kinda feel like I’m smearing Smashbox Photofinish Primer on my lids. They have an unusual texture that feels like a silicone primer of some sort. One of my biggest pet peeves with them is the fact they stay creamy to the touch for so long and never fully set. I’d say they take about 2 minutes to set which makes blending with them a bit difficult at times since they smear around a good deal and never dry down on my lid. Not really a big problem but…I dunno it’s not a formula I enjoy using to be honest.

I do hear quite a good deal of raving how great they make as a base. But again they never truly dry down which makes for a messy base in my opinion.

To add to my ranty good nature here I will say the colors in the set don’t actually match up so well. Benefit includes some different ways to match the shades up but I personally feel none of the shades included contrast to well together or maybe I’m simply a matchy-match type of girl.

The set is hailed as a “metallic” one however the shadows come across more shimmery to me aside from Plum-ing for Gold which is simply a nice solid plum. Both Taupe-aztic and Platinum are pure shimmer finish which isn’t a bad thing because hey I’m about the shimmer but don’t go into it believing you’re going to have a cool metallic effect with the cream shadow pots because I simply didn’t feel they lived up to that. I will say the liners definitely come across more metallic than the shadows.

And finally I do feel the shades are uneventful. These are shades you likey already have in your stash if you collect Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliners plus the cream shadows are easy enough to dupe. The only shade that’s a stand out for me is Plum-ing for Gold but this can be easily done with MAC Cranberry if you don’t mind a powder format.

  • Anyone looking for more and paying less for it (this set is an incredible value as you’re getting a good deal of full size product for a low price tag).
  • Anyone who doesn’t have a stash of Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliners hanging out in their makeup arsenal.
  • Anyone looking for a bolder, vibrant look for the Holidays (this brings a bit of bling and fun).
  • Anyone who doesn’t mind a set that doesn’t include contrasting, matching shades of color!

  • Anyone wanting the full metallic effect (this leans towards more shimmer than metal).
  • Those who dislike cream eyeshadow.
  • Anyone who has alot of shades of Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliners or MUFE ones.


I wasn’t particularly thrilled with this set but I can’t deny it’s a great deal and has alot of fun products and color to work with. A few different people will find the joy in this including those who adore Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows and those who do not already have alot of the shades included. The set not only comes cheap but also has quality cosmetics included to back it up. I did point out a few reasons I wasn’t in love with it but I do think it’ll be easy enough to cause a few lemmings and possibly warrant a purchase. It’s a killer kit for sure but for reasons stated above I’m not too hyper about it.

Have you hauled this set?

Planning on it?

What do you think?

Share it!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • LiAnn – Sparklecrack Central

    Thanks for this review!! I do like the Benefit cream shadows as a base, though I prefer using MAC paint pots; but I was kind of on the fence about this kit. I’m still debating. (I’ll probably still be debating until December or January, when I have enough spare money to purchase toys for myself. Got to save up for Dragon*Con next year…and finish saving for the water-heater switchout.) I have only two UD liners, so these three wouldn’t be much duplication – how do Benefit’s liner pencils compare with UD’s liner pencils, in terms of smooth application and longevity?

    • the Muse

      my pleasure liann! the dragon con funds are way more important lol 😀 sorry about your water heater what a crummy time for it to go down with fall/winter coming up! I’d say there are about the same formula and actually in some cases pack a bit more pigmentation. They have a smooth application, glide on without tugging and wear well on the waterline or at least for me they do. 😀 they smudge dreamy like as well. If you don’t have a ton of UD liners this is the way to go PLUS if you love benefit cream shadows another yay!

      • LiAnn – Sparklecrack Central

        My water heater hasn’t died – but if I didn’t replace it this fall like I’m planning, it might – right in the middle of winter. It does double duty (domestic water plus hydronic water for the heating system) so it’s got a 10-year lifespan…and this winter is its tenth, and I’m not taking chances 😀 . I’m also taking advantage of the government rebate for folks putting in tankless water heaters…it’ll save me money in the long run, but they’re a pretty big up-front cost.

        Great that the pencils pack the same or slightly more pigmentation than the UD pencils!!

      • jenna

        i may be able to grow fond of one or two items but i choose to discriminate against the blah packaging! i count on benefit for cutesie pastel images on cardboard containers and the like!

        • the Muse

          ahhh I hear ya jenna 😀 I guess this is more maggie and Annie’s influence 😀

  • breyerchic04

    On your arm these look a lot better together than I expected, the liner shades are darker and duller. Still probably not getting it.

    • the Muse

      I felt like none of them matched up so fabulous breyer….i dunno I’m kinda meh 😛

  • HautePJ

    I don’t get the choice of colors here. They could have included a plum, darker purple metallic eyeliner. I just love plums anyway, LOL.

    • the Muse

      that would have been nice. believe they thought the plum and blue would work…but I dunno kinda meh about the cocktail.

  • Julianna

    Have you noticed what they did in Photoshop to the woman sitting on the bottom left of that picture? Her arms and her hand on the seat look….odd? Maybe they cut out large chunks of her waist?

  • Shayne

    I may be in the minority but I am LOVING this collection & do plan on getting it! I do happen to have quite an arsenal of UD liners, but I am so anxious to try Benefit’s pencils. I am lemming the gold cream eyeshadow & the silver pencil. Yummy!!!

  • Leah

    I need this in my life.

    Muse will you be checking out Her Name Was Glowla? Saw it on the site yesterday, pretty please… 😀