Samples Showdown: Marc Jacobs and Benefit

Today I’m bringing two deluxe samples into the showdown, and I’ll tell you which you should buy and which to say buh-bye to.

MARC JACOBS LIP LOCK MOISTURE BALM WITH SPF IN 10 MAKEOUT

Yes, even a clear lip balm gets a color code and name.

You can count on Marc Jacobs for luxe packaging

I got this as part of a Sephora VIB exclusive lip-focused goodie bag.   I’m always looking for the next big miracle worker in lip balms/treatments because I have incredibly dry lips, and I looove products with SPF, so I had my eye on this before… but the price point is high, because Marc Jacobs.  This unfortunately, isn’t anything to go crazy for.

THE VERDICT: Don’t expect the inside product to match the outside luxe; though it wins points for having SPF (your lips need protection too!), it loses huge points for being so expensive yet blah.

BENEFIT THEY’RE REAL! PUSH-UP LINER

The applicator is a slanted tip made out of flexible rubber, and the product comes out by clicking it up through the dispenser.

Benefit comes up with the cutest names.

I’m sure you’ve allll heard the hype surrounding this new innovation in makeup technology – gel liner, in a pen form?? Oh my!  I love just about everything about it; the name (sassy!), the brand (Benefit is awesome!), the packaging (sturdy yet easy on the eyes), except… yeah.  The product itself is good, but doesn’t blow me away.  The gel formula is really long-wearing, to the point where it’s a little overkill.  I think I used half a bottle of makeup remover getting this stuff off!  The slanted tip is going to give you a nice application, but not as nice as a brush dipped in a gel pot or a liquid liner pen.

THE VERDICT: Girls, don’t throw away your liquid and pencil liners yet – this liner is worth buying but probably won’t replace your current favourite.