Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep ($26.00 for 0.33 fl. oz.) is a liquid product that can be used an eyeshadow base to keep eyeshadow in place and keep the color looking true as well as to keep concealer in place. I reviewed the formula when it originally debuted, and as I said then and can reiterate now: it is a fantastic product. The major downside was the packaging, which Benefit had used a pump-type dispenser that dispensed far and away too much product. Like the amount you’d need to cover your face, rather than just underneath your eye or on the lid.

In January (yes, of 2013), Benefit will debut new packaging and a new shade in Medium/Deep, which is about the color of NC35/NC40 I’d say. My arm is right around NC20, while my face around NC25/NC30. There’s a definite warm tone to the Medium/Deep shade (the original shade is closer to neutral). The finish was completely matte. It is a liquid, but it has a very thin, lightweight consistency that spreads easily, evenly, and dries down quickly.

It worked well at keeping crease-prone eyeshadows on the lid and prevented the creasing. When I layered it under my concealer, it also helped prolong the wear by another hour or so. On me, this was a bit too dark to use underneath my eye–mixed with the original shade, and it was a better match.

The new packaging features a twist-open cap with a doe-foot applicator attached to it. For me, it’s a major improvement over the pump. After trying and using primers that come in a tube, I’m not in love with them. I find that the product separates or will squirt out (causing waste). I’m not convinced doe-foot applicators are the very best, but it’s the type of applicator I’ve have liked the most from what I’ve used so far.  Tubes are just slightly under them in my experience.  I like both, not sold on either, but huge, huge improvement from the pump system they had before.  I also appreciate when a brand listens to their customer base–both by creating a darker shade and tackling problematic packaging.

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray in Medium/Deep