A while ago, I itched to get something from Benefit Cosmetics, but I balked at paying the high prices we pay here in Malaysia. Yet, I did not have enough in my shopping cart to warrant the free international shipping with purchases of $100 and above. So, I contacted a few friends to share in a bulk order, and 2 weeks ago, our order was placed.
Here are my goodies from Benefit Cosmetics which I received a couple of days ago. Shipping from the USA took just about 2 weeks to Malaysia from the date of the order which I found speedy enough. Also, I was entitled to free shipping since the total purchase exceeded $100. I was glad because the shipping would have cost me $27+ otherwise!
The Benefit Cosmetics package came in a largish box which was nice, because there weren’t that many products inside. The products are cushioned with air bags (plastic bags filled with air) but aren’t bubbled wrapped. I was a little worried about the powder products, but I checked and they all held up well.
All the products came in excellent condition except my 2 orders of Skinny Jeans Creaseless Cream eyeshadow. Both products were defective. One had a hole in it (as you can see in my picture above) and the other had a piece of hard plastic sitting on the top of it. Don’t ask me how or why it happened but the box did not look like it was tampered with and the issues did not look like they were man-made. I consulted with my friend who was having the other Skinny Jeans and we decided not to return for a refund, because it would be just too much hassle and costly to have to send the products back to the USA.
I did however, contact Benefit Cosmetics’ Customer Service to tell them about this problem and I attached photos I had taken of the products. Within 24 hours I received a response from Customer Service telling me that they would offer me a 20% discount if I decided to keep both products and it would be credited back into my credit card if I agreed! I was impressed at their efficiency and prompt response. So, we got an additional discount off the eyeshadow!
I had been wanting to try a Silky Finish lipstick so I got one in Nice Knickers purely due to the name. No, I’m serious. 😛 It helped of course that when it arrived it looked like a colour I’d like.
I also had been wanting to get the Benefit Show Offs loose powder eyeshadow, but I did not quite want to pay RM65 for the little pots of colour. So, when I saw that they were on sale under the Buh-Buy’s section for US$12 (RM39) I decided to cave in. I got Miss Moon and Mint Julep
– 2 colours I knew would work for me. They are still on sale under the Buh-Buys sale section
and there are other colours available so do check them out.
Because my friend told me to get her the Creaseless cream eyeshadow in Skinny Jeans, I knew I’d want one too when I saw the colour – a shimmery dark grey that would make a lovely base or lovely enough on its own. I’m into grey eyeshadow looks lately so this was right up my alley.
All in all, I had a good experience shopping on Benefit Cosmetics online. The shipping was quick, the customer service was good, and I’m happy about the free international shipping for purchases $100 and above. If you get a few friends together, it won’t be difficult to hit $100 and you get to save a ton! Now, look out for my reviews of these products coming up in the next couple of weeks!
Have a good weekend everyone!
Nice haul! Can’t wait to get my stuff-heh! And that skinny jeans looks nice–please do an eotd!
Their customer service sounds fab–that’s how all retailers should be 🙂
that is a great idea!! asking friends if they would buy some so you’ll get the free shipping!!!! And great for them to give you the 20% discount for the defective product, that is good customer service!
Monstro: I’ll try – never know how to take EOTDs 😛
Nikki: Yep, share and love, and everyone pays a much lower price! 🙂
awww..now I wish I’d gotten some stuff too…
But I did pick up Benefit’s Boi-ing while I was in London…and got some free samples out of it as well, so I did get my Benefit fix after all…(but damn, the Show Offs look good…eeps!)
Wow, free shipping for international orders also? Some sites offer free shipping within US only, like Dermstore.com. Excellent idea to pool your friends’ orders because US$100 is a lot of stuff to buy as things are relatively dirt cheap compared to here.
free shipping is a tempting proposition, but i’m not that attracted to benefit as a brand… it’s a little too frou frou for me! i’ll take my BB and MAC in the minimalist black packaging 😛 i have to admit Skinny Jeans is a gorgeous color, and i also admit i’ve checked it out a few times contemplating to buy it, but I have a strange phobia of cream eyeshadows in a pot drying out. let us know how the drying-out bit works out for you okay.
Beetrice: There’ll be other times! 🙂
Celine: Yes free shipping internationally at Benefit. It sure will bring more business to them!
Jooj:I get what you mean about the brand image. It looks so young doesn’t it? I don’t own much Benefit, especially not those with even stranger cuter names!
so nice! i’ve been thinking to buy online from benefit but i have no one share with me.. and if i have to spend US$100 in one order. it’ll be a bit difficult for me.. 🙁
i really want to buy dandelion only..
do swatches, PB!! would like to see u wearing those eyeshadow and lipstick!!
Oh yes, their customer service was really good !
I would say Gorgeous !!
I used to purchase a benefit skin care product which I then
met with problem.(forgive me for not telling about the details)
I e-mailed to the benefit customer service regarding to my problem and they did give me a satisfactory reply in a short time.
I would definitely re-purchase their products in the future!!
thumb up for benefit 🙂
hi PB. Still remember me?…now i wanna go to benefit.com to spree..anyone wanna share?
Thumbs up for good customer service! That was nice of them to give you a discount.
Maria:I’ll keep you in mind if I do another bulk purchase. Test out Dandelion in the store and see if you like it first. Its really light. And I’ll do swatches on these later.
Akiki: Its good to know someone else had good customer service there too!
Alice: Of course I remember you! 🙂 If you are interested in doing up a Benefit spree, maybe let me know and I can put you in touch with some other girls?
Rinnah: Without questions too! Hurrah!
yea u can link them to me..email me at [email protected]
alice is doing a spree?
PB: anything particularly nice that you would recommend?
i was glad you offered me the benefit ride. and i can’t wait for the stuff to arrive. though i know my skinny jeans is going to have a deformed appeal but the 20% off makes it looks BEAUTIFUL all of the sudden. lol.
i am sure you’d love the lipstick. i was considering about that colour for some time too but decided that i can’t wear such a strong shade.
as for the loose e/s, they are on the sheer side but buildable. i know you have read my review so you know well that i love these 2 colours! miss moon is especially useful as it’s one of the most lovely wash that goes just about everything.
jojoba: You are most welcome and I still haven’t tested the lipstick. Skinny Jeans is nice, but I have my grouses as you’ll read in the coming weeks. Ditto with the show offs. Miss Moon is truly lovely though.
Prettybeautiful: I’d say the face powders – Dandelion or Georgia. Or maybe lipsticks. Go to a counter and test first to see if you like it and to choose colour 😉
OMG! I just realized you have given me the better conditioned Skinny Jeans! I feel so bad!
and I am worried about what you have to say about the lipstick. i love mine. all of them! *_*
the package didn’t get stopped by customs (to tax)?
didn’t know it was that much cheaper. i do love some of the key Benefit items but the prices here have stopped me from making purchases on their other items.
Jojoba: I only just tested the lippie so I’ll review later. And don’t feel bad lah…
kat: Nope, I’ve never had any packages stopped by customs. I don’t think makeup interests them much hehe… Benefit is substantially cheaper in the USA which is why buying online makes sense, if you share with friends and get free international shipping!