Bringing oneself to swipe on a lip color is hard enough before even flirting with the idea of too-often-overlooked lip liner. It's hard out there for a woman perpetually pressed for time and always on the go. That's why I'm kissing the ground that Benefit co-founders Jean and Jane Ford walk on because as per usual, they've dreamed up another product that just gets us AKA is a hack in and of itself.
Ever since I added one of their They're Real Double the Lip pens to my repertoire, my pout has been "done" all day long. A personal feat, because more often than not I can't be bothered. The big draw is that it's a 2-in-1 situation, with a lipstick and liner blocked onto one teardrop-shaped tube. The darker-hued liner is at the tip, while the lighter full lip color makes up the body.
At first blush, I thought the cross-bred formulation was way to be good to be true. Surely the application wouldn't be as precise as two separate steps. But I was wrong. The shape makes it easy to pivot around every contour of the lips as if you were using a skinny pencil. Plus, the semi-matte finish packs the right amount of punch while ensuring that application gaffes won't be fatal. A few smacks of the lips and everything blends nicely.
For a long time, I didn't want to subscribe to Team Overline Your Lips, but doing so slightly with this hybrid really did make me feel like I'd enhanced my lips twofold. I'm officially cool with some ever-so-slight VLL (visible lip liner) à la Brigitte Bardot. And to that end, my BB-inspired shade of choice was "Criminally Coral" a dusty rose pink with slight peachy undertones and a dark berry liner. There are eight dual combinations in total ranging from classic red lip "Flame Game" to hot fuchsia "Pink Thrills."
The individual pens go for $20 a pop and you can also opt for the kit, which includes a set of four miniature shades (Flame Game, Pink Thrills, Revved-Up Red, and Lusty Rose) for $29.
Benefit They're Real! Double the Lip, $20; benefitcosmetics.com.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Why Queen Elizabeth "Couldn't" Give Fan Her AutographInstead, the monarch personally arranged for a special surprise to be delivered after the event.
-
A Photo of Diana With David Bowie Caused Controversy"My agent got a call from the palace, saying, 'Don't use the pictures.'"
-
Diana's Surprising Revelation About Marriage to Charles"She said to me just before she died, it wasn't Camilla."
-
I've Been to Over 100 Concerts, Which Means My Sweat-Proof Makeup Routine Is Basically FlawlessHours of dancing later, I can confirm this is the best concert-ready routine.
-
22 Under-$50 Products at the Shopbop Beauty Sale I Swear By for My Summer GlowMy favorite self-tanners, bronzers, sunscreens, and more are currently 20 percent off at Shopbop.
-
This Cult-Favorite Urban Decay Eyeliner More Than Lives Up to the HypeIt passes my strict standards with flying colors.
-
The 2025 Met Gala Beauty Looks Were Even Better at the After-PartiesThe behind-the-scenes hair and makeup we missed on the navy carpet.
-
Everyone Needs a Bad Bitch Lipstick in Their Makeup CollectionHot girl certified.
-
Patrick Ta's Major Glow Bronzing Body Oil Gives My Skin a Vacation Glow—Without the VacationPatrick Ta's newest drop gives a vacation glow without the vacation.
-
I'm Sweating Just Thinking About Summer's Hottest Makeup TrendsIt's about to be a bold summer.
-
Laura Harrier's Met Gala Makeup Stays Glowy-Not-Greasy Thanks to This $14 Setting SprayLocked in "from the carpet to the dinner and to all the after parties."
