Pumps & Pleats: Sneak peek at Benefit's new products

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio

Walking through Macy’s cosmetics and fragrance section can be a nightmare. You must dodge eager salespeople spraying stinky perfumes and makeup artists hoping to smear tacky turquoise eye shadow on your face. Yuck!

In spite of these harsh conditions, there’s one very good reason to brave the pain. Benefit Cosmetics!

The retro-themed makeup line is a top seller at Macy’s, which has two stores in Brooklyn — one at Kings Plaza and the other in the Fulton Mall. Look alive because Benefit gave Pumps & Pleats an exclusive preview of its hottest new products for spring. Some are hitting shelves right now!

When it’s warm enough to don your favorite sundress, make sure your legs shine thanks to the Bathina “take a picture, it lasts longer” silky glimmering body balm ($28).

Use the provided velvet puff to rub the balm into your skin. Fear not, it won’t leave you looking like a glittery disco ball. Instead, the balm provides a subtle sparkle that makes your skin glow. The rose-scented balm is so luxe you could use it as a perfume.

Complete your sun-kissed look with Sugarbomb, which Benefit calls a “sugar rush flush” face powder. A Pumps & Pleats test revealed that cheeks look naturally pink — and free of heavy blush streaks.

Stay Don’t Stray ($24) is a primer for concealers and eye shadows promising to keep your eye makeup on all day and night — and not leave creases under your eyes. The primer is easy to apply and will probably last for months since all you need are a few drops each day.

When browsing Benefit’s counter at Macy’s, be sure to check out the line’s bestselling products.

The most popular is Benetint, an award-winning lip and cheek stain. It’s easy to customize the shade of your stain. Start by putting just a few drops of Benetint on your lips and rubbing them in with your finger. Repeat the process for more saturated color. Doing this will take you from a sweet rosy hue to a seductive scarlet. (If you want the Benetint color but aren’t interested in stains, try the rose tint lip balm with SPF 15.)

Once you see how dramatic Benetint can be for a night out on the town, you’ll understand — and love — Posietint.

Also a “kiss-proof” lip and cheek stain, Posietint offers a soft pink sheen that’s perfect for everyday wear. There’s nothing fresher for spring!

Macy’s has two stores in Brooklyn — in Kings Plaza at 5400 Avenue U and in the Fulton Mall at 422 Fulton Street. Visit www.macys.com for hours.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.