Courtesy of HeinekenIt’s a Benito Skinner summer, and we’re just soaking up all the sunshine-y goodness he has to offer.
Benito, also known as Benny Drama to his social media fans, is fresh off starring in the Amazon Prime hit TV show Overcompensating. Plus, he’s still keeping fans laughing with new episodes of the Ride podcast alongside co-host and bestie Mary Beth Barone.
And somehow, Benny still found time to take on a new project. He’s partnered with Heineken to announce the return of its popular non-alcoholic Heineken L0VE.L0VE cans, available for the first time at retailers nationwide.
He’s also helping launch the brand’s “0.0 Reasons, 0.0 Judgment” initiative, which encourages zero judgment around moderation during the US Open.
E! had the chance to chat with the comedian slash TV star about the US Open campaign, his USO essentials, the fashion trends he’s into, and what he’s riding for — all under the judgment-free vibes curated by Heineken’s “0.0 Reasons, 0.0 Judgment” initiative.
Spoiler alert: His USO must-haves are iconic, his style and beauty picks are peak Benny, and yes, he’s absolutely riding for a judgment-free summer.
What essentials are in your bag for the US Open?
“Heineken 0.0, of course. What I like is, I want the taste, but I’m not really a day drinker. I’m just not. So I’m going to have Heineken 0.0,” Benito said.
“Sunglasses, because you never want people to know what you’re thinking—eyes are the windows to the soul, and you can’t let people know who you’re rooting for. A little sunscreen, my babies, because we don’t want to fry. It’s going to be hot out. Gum could be huge. And you know what I always bring? Is just like a little spritz of something—just a little scent, just in case. Oh, and about 12 lip balms.”
Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Never-ending Summer Eau de Toilette
“I’m obsessed with this fragrance Never-Ending Summer by Maison Margiela. I smell like a big spritz or something. It’s delish! the Overcompensating star said.
Your skin looks incredible today and you’re not even shiny. What are you using to stay matte and even, especially in this heat?
“Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes did my makeup for the Heineken ad we’re filming in Grand Central,” the Idaho-born star explained. “I think she used a little Charlotte Tilbury powder. But in summer I like lighter coverage, because heavier makeup makes you sweat.”
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Refillable Blurring & Setting Powder
This ultra-fine setting powder blurs imperfections and visibly reduces shine. Choose from four shades.
“Setting sprays are my go-to,” he continued. “The One/Size spray is crazy—you could wear your makeup until your last days. Sometimes deep breathing helps too, because I’m a sweater. And I don’t sweat shame. This is a judgment-free zone.”
ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Benny’s favorite setting spray offers 16-hour waterproof wear with a matte finish. It’s transfer-proof and features green tea extract and oil-absorbing witch hazel.
The characters you play online often have bold makeup and hair. Have you kept any beauty tricks for yourself?
“Blush. Always blush,” he answered. “I like putting it high under my eyes, across my nose, and a little on my temples—like a sun-kissed look. If I could only wear one thing, it would be blush. I love the Half Magic one, I think it’s called ‘Sexual Flushtration,’ which is very cute. And then Saie has some good ones and then I love Ciele. I usually have Ciele on.”
HALF MAGIC Cheek Fluff Soft Blur Cream Blush
The unique hybrid cream-powder formula magically blurs on application to infuse your cheeks with diffused color. Available in 5 dreamy mattes.
ciele blush & PROTECT SPF 50+ liquid blush
“I use one, I think it’s called ‘January’ and then I mix it with ‘June.’ And there’s sunscreen in it, which is very nice. I will absolutely have that on for The Open,” he said.
You’ve shouted out sunscreen a few times—what are your favorites?
“This is so hard. I can’t think of a harder question,” he laughed. “I am rosacea-prone, so I can’t use chemical, so I have to use mineral. EltaMD is really good. Skinbetter, has a super expensive one if you want to go just absolutely feral with that. But I think those are my faves.”
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This lightweight, oil-free face sunscreen is formulated to protect acne-prone and sensitive skin. It’s a great choice for reactive skin types.
No judgment here. What fashion or beauty trends are you loving and hating right now?
“Oh my god. I hate when people are like something’s out, because I think so many things look really good on different people and different styles. I’ve really tried as I’ve gotten older to be like no, is this actually something I want to wear or am I just kind of like everyone has this on and I will look dumb if I don’t? But I try to have a judgment-free zone all myself too and just let her rip,” he shared.
“I’m loving the love of vintage, going back into the archives. I’m loving polka dots. I mean I kind of have always loved a polka dot and I love kind of like a 50s-60s moment so that’s very cute. And a polo shirt! I’m wearing two today. Heineken let me wear two! Judgment free!”
Everyone who listens to Ride knows you’re a Grailed king. What’s the last thing you bought on the resale site?
“Oh my god, before the plane took off, I had to buy two things,” he said. “I just bought a pair of old Abercrombie jeans that were like, shredded, because I was like, oh my god, I would have worn those when I was in high school, but I knew that like Thanksgiving dinner, my uncles would have been like, how much do you pay for the holes in your jeans? So I bought that.
And then I bought an old Polo Sport cutoff shirt and I wore it. And my friend said I looked like a ‘Masshole.’ So I’m feeling really good about that. But yeah, oh my god, Grailed! I’ve been hitting it really hard lately, which says a lot about my mental health.”
Hollister Low-Rise Ripped Light Wash Baggy Jeans
The shredded look is back! If you can’t get your hands on vintage Abercrombie denim, this low-rise Hollister pair will do the job.
We have to ask, what are you riding for at the US Open?
“I’m riding for the fact that I can have a drink that tastes like alcohol, but it’s not alcohol so that I won’t fall asleep because that really is my issue with day drinking,” he began.
“What am I riding for? I’m obsessed with bestie dates. I’m taking Mary Beth out to dinner and I’m taking her to The Open. Heineken is letting me take my wife to the U.S. Open, and what a gift that is!
But I’m obsessed with taking your best friends out on dates. I think we just have to have intimate times and intimate experiences with your best friend as you get older. I just think it’s so fun. So, we have a little play date outside of work. Also, we work together so consistently with Ride and Overcompensating. So, it’s nice to just be able to go and I’ll share love with her and we’re gonna have the best day. I cannot wait.”
Looking for more celeb interviews? We chatted with Aspyn Ovard about her fashion and beauty favorites.
