Benefit Cosmetics: Glamouriety Event

Oh hello there, kitty cats!

The other day I was lucky enough to be invited to an exclusive Benefit Cosmetics event…

It wasn’t a blogger or PR event at all, but an internal party for all the employees of benefit (or “Benebabes” as they affectionally refer to themselves) and so I was so lucky to be able to sneak in and party with them!

In fact, it was a film premiere for Benefit’s very own feature film – Glamouriety. Yep, you heard right, Benefit created a film – “but why” I hear ya purrr? Well, to tale the tell of their 40-something year history to kittens who were unfamiliar with their story; like me!

Anyway, the event was at The Lowry at Salford Quays, which I thought was odd at first but upon arriving was blown away. The setting was just perfect – the function “room” (more like an open space with a large bar) looked out onto the quays and canals, which looked just beautiful at night with the new Media City up in lights. There were more free drinks than I’ve ever seen, high quality canapés (where I tried my first macaroon) and showgirls to boot!

I soaked up the atmosphere for an hour or so, where all the Benebabes look suitably glamorous  done up head-to-tie in posh frocks, sky high heels and, obviously, impeccable make-up. There were branding signs, show girls (yep, show girls) and photographers everywhere. I felt hugely underdressed having come straight from work, but luckily I was in the company of the ever so lovely Anna and we stood out as the only bloggers together!

After an hour or so we were ushered into the smaller of Lowry’s theatres – which was bright pink(!) – and watched a very comedic ironic make-up tutorial from a comedian and the head of customer experience of Benefit. This was followed by a short talk from the founders of Benefit UK themselves, appropriately named Mr and Mrs Benefit, before the preview of the actual film.

The film itself tracked the history of Benefit creaters, twins Jane and Jean, who starred in the film themselves. It also contained loads of Benefit in-jokes, such as the story of a stripper, a cross-dressing farmer and “Dr Feelgood” – don’t ask! It was a brilliantly out-there film and full of humour… I loved the motto of laughter being the best make-up!

After the film, we watched dances from the showgirls, had some nibbles and were serenaded by 1950’s style girl group Elle and The Pocket Belles. It was great speaking to all the Benebabes too, they really are so enthusiastic about the brand they work for and it really shines through, which is hard thing to find these days! 

Over all, I had a fab, girly night out and I felt so special and honoured to be allowed a little glimpse into this exclusive Benefit world. Everyone I spoke to was more than welcoming, which was lovely, and it left me wanting to try even more Benefit products out – oops! Now I truly understand why my good friend Jenna from Benefit’s concession at Harvey Nichols Manchester is so passionate about her job. Well done Benefit, you’ve got me hooked!

Oh, and if y’all are interested, this is a typical work outfit for me – the event invite was pretty last minute so I didn’t even have my emergency heels at work, doh! However, this beautiful polka dot blazer is my new favourite from Peacocks, which is perfect for perking up an otherwise plain look – also very on trend with monochrome! I just added this statement necklace and ring as a bit of extra bling.