It’s officially a Benito Skinner summer.
The comedian, better known online as Benny Drama, has been everywhere lately – from starring in the Amazon Prime hit Overcompensating to keeping fans laughing on the Ride podcast with best friend and co-host Mary Beth Barone. And now, he’s adding another big project to his list: teaming up with Heineken for the US Open.
Skinner is helping launch the return of Heineken’s popular non-alcoholic L0VE.L0VE cans, available nationwide for the first time. The campaign is part of the brand’s “0.0 Reasons, 0.0 Judgment” initiative, which encourages judgment-free moderation – a perfect fit for Benny’s playful and inclusive energy.
E! caught up with Skinner to chat about his US Open must-haves, his favorite beauty picks, the fashion trends he’s into, and how he plans to enjoy tennis season with his longtime collaborator Barone. Spoiler: his list of essentials is very Benny, very glam, and very judgment-free.
His US Open Bag Must-Haves
Asked what he’s packing for the Open, Skinner rattled off a list that mixes practicality with signature flair.
“Heineken 0.0, of course,” he laughed. “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.”
Other musts? Sunglasses (“eyes are the windows to the soul, you can’t let people know who you’re rooting for”), sunscreen (“my babies, because we don’t want to fry”), gum, a spritz of fragrance, and no fewer than a dozen lip balms. “Oh, and a little scent, just in case,” he added.
His Go-To Beauty and Makeup Picks
Skinner is no stranger to beauty talk, often sharing his love of blush and skincare with fans. For the Heineken shoot in Grand Central, makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes used Charlotte Tilbury powder to keep things light.
“In summer I like lighter coverage, because heavier makeup makes you sweat,” Skinner explained. “Setting sprays are my go-to. The One/Size spray is crazy – you could wear your makeup until your last days.”
Blush, however, is his true essential. “Always blush. 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 called Sexual Flushtration, which is very cute. And then Saie has some good ones, and I love Ciele too.”
As for sunscreen, Skinner admits the choice is tough because of his rosacea-prone skin. “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 feral with that. But those are my faves.”
His Fashion Trends (and What He’s Avoiding)
Skinner is refreshingly judgment-free when it comes to style. “I hate when people are like something’s out,” he said. “So many things look really good on different people and different styles. I’ve really tried to ask, is this actually something I want to wear, or am I just doing it because everyone else is?”
Right now, he’s loving vintage and retro vibes. “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 a polo shirt! I’m wearing two today. Heineken let me wear two! Judgment free.”
As fans of his Ride podcast know, Skinner is also a Grailed enthusiast. “Before the plane took off, I had to buy two things,” he said. “I bought shredded old Abercrombie jeans – exactly what I would have worn in high school – and an old Polo Sport cutoff shirt. My friend said I looked like a ‘Masshole.’ I felt great about that. Grailed has been hitting hard lately, which says a lot about my mental health.”
What He’s Riding For This Summer
When it comes to the US Open itself, Skinner says he’s all about the experience – and making it judgment-free.
“I’m riding for the fact that I can have a drink that tastes like alcohol, but it’s not alcohol so I won’t fall asleep. That really is my issue with day drinking,” he joked.
But the bigger highlight for him is spending time with Mary Beth Barone. “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 US Open, and what a gift that is!
“I think we just have to have intimate times and experiences with your best friend as you get older. We work together so consistently on Ride and Overcompensating, so it’s nice to just go, share love, and have the best day.”
For Benito Skinner, whether it’s blush placement, vintage jeans, or non-alcoholic beers, everything is about enjoying the moment without judgment. His US Open essentials prove that practicality and playfulness can sit side by side – just like him and Barone courtside.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
