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Wednesday 22 January 2014

It's Pore O' Clock | Benefit's Porefessional Primer & Powder


Every girl in the entire blogging universe must have heard of Benefit's Porefessional Primer (if not, I think you need to get yourself out from under that rock pretty sharpishly...) It's won its fair share of awards and holds 'holy grail' status in many a makeup bag across the globe - and with good reason too. Just recently, things got even more interesting as Benefit announced the launch of their new Porefessional Powder.  Never one to resist a duo of any kind, it's safe to say I could feel my intrigue rising - a primer and matching powder?! Ohh my bloggery hands were almost shaking with anticipation. So, when the lovely ladies at Benefit HQ kindly sent me their new arrival along with their ever famous Porefessional Primer to try - I put them both to the test straight away... So what did I reckon?

Benefit PoreFessional Powder | £23.50* | Link

First up is the Porefessional powder. This product is all about controlling shine and minimising the appearance of pores, as well as providing that much needed invisible, flawless finish.   Firstly, it goes without saying that Benefit always get their packaging spot on the mark - the typical 'ice cream parlour colours' and quirky designs never fail to catch the eye and this one is no exception.  The packaging is all very neat and compact and ideal for travelling - something which is quite handy when it comes to powder.  It's lightweight, comes with a little fluffy brush and the powder is dispensed via a simple 'twist and tip' mechanism (no danger of over-spillage!) The powder itself is finely milled, easy to blend and feels very smooth and light on the skin, whilst mattifying its appearance in an instant - it knocks out shine with ease.  Personally, I don't have particularly oily skin and don't struggle an awful lot with shine - I tend to use powder for purely setting my foundation and for makeup staying power benefits - so I found this powder a little too mattifying for me. I'm one for a dewy, natural finish and it just made me feel a little bit too powdery for my liking - you have to be wary of over-applying as it can settle into fine lines.

It does seem to help even-out skintone which is a nice plus point - so for those of you who like to add powder for a little bit of extra coverage you might find this is a winner for you.  All this being said, I do like the concept of the Porefessional Powder and it does do what it says on the tin - it mattifys in an instant and my pores look undeniably reduced and smoothed over.  It manages to achieve that flawless finish and works well at keeping foundation in place. It also is perfect for throwing in your handbag as there is no need for carrying a powder brush or sponge.  Would I spend £23.50 on it though? I hate to say it but no - at the moment, I don't think I would.  It's a nice powder don't get me wrong, but I just get on with my trusty Mac MSF much better and I think there are similar powders on the market you could pick up for less money.  I still enjoy using it when on the go - but it just didn't blow me away.  Those of you with oily skin might find this a perfect companion - it's worth looking in to if you do prefer a full-on matte look. I reckon it might rack up more admiration from me in summer when I do need a slightly more mattifying powder. You never know - it could be appearing in my favourites as soon as the warmer weather rolls around later in the year but for now it's just a 'yeh - I like it' as opposed to a full on product rave... 

Benefit PoreFessional Primer | £24.50* | Link

Ok. So the powder didn't blow me away but I'm no stranger to the Porefessional Primer and I am fully aware of its benefits.  I adore this product - I can really see why it gets so much praise and why it's the UK's best selling primer.  I've only ever bought travel sizes to take abroad with me before but I've never been disappointed.  Now I have the full size, I've been using it daily and really have fallen head over heels in love with the stuff.  It really does do a smashing job of keeping makeup in place as well as creating an amazingly smooth, flawless base.  I find it works particularly well underneath my eyes and around the sides of my nose - usually places I find I have to top up occasionally but wear-time of my foundation/concealer is impressively increased whenever I use this.  The oil-free, balmy formula feels so silky and soft to apply - it smooths across the skin with ease and feels so lightweight - it instantly makes your skin feel velevety soft and smooth to the touch, as well as reducing the size of pores and creating an even skintone ready to apply your base.

I don't fall in love with primers easily so it really is saying something that I enjoy using this one.  It even smells lovely. As well as prepping skin for makeup, it works well at minimising shine and reducing any redness or open pores - meaning that it can be worn alone if you're having one of those 'bare skin days'.  In my opinion, a primer's main purpose should be to keep your foundation in place for longer during the day, and this has been fabulous at doing just that - if you're struggling to get your base to stay put - I'd really recommend trying this! Would I purchase this once it runs out? Yes indeedly - I would. A little goes a very long way so your investment in the product is fully justified - you only need a tiny blob to cover your entire t-zone. It does what it says on the tin and keeps my makeup looking flawless for longer, and for that, it gets a massive thumbs up from me. 


Overall, I have to say that Benefit have really impressed me with their Porefessional products - despite my little gripes with the powder.  They have certainly solved the problem of an 'on the go' powder application and for those of you with oily skin - it might work a treat.  It goes without saying that the winner for me in this instance has to be the primer - it's had bloggers singing its praises from rooftops for ages now (in fact, I'm off to go and join them...) and it's easy to see why it's the UK's best seller.  If you're going to part with the cash for either one - the old favourite - Porefessional Primer - wins every time.  

Have you tried any of these Benefit products? What were your thoughts?

27 comments:

  1. Eep I've read such mixed reviews on this but I agree I'm not sure the price point is pretty high, think il stick to my original porfessional and a fab of rimmel stay matte. Great detailed review as always hun.
    Liza | Beauty & Fashion Blog Glambeautys | YouTube | Family & Lifestyle Blog Glambambini

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    1. i have too! The powder is a bit of a miss for me but got to hand it to the primer. I'd actually liken the finish of the powder to Stay Matte! :) thanks petal xx

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  2. I love the primer, but I have dry skin so the powder would not look right on me!

    Beth | BeautyBubbles♡

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  3. I'm hoping I'll be Getting this for my birthday hehe xx

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  4. i need to try this! great post and love the pictures xx

    I also have a big beauty pamper pack giveaway on my blog! check it out if youd like xx

    http://gypsywardrobe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/600-follower-giveaway-pamper-pack.html

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  5. I was so excited when I heard about the new Benefit Porefessional Powder, but like you say, I don't really have oily skin and after reading reviews I really don't think I would benefit (no pun intended hahaha) from it! Gorgeous packaging though! My skin is especially dry in the winter so I'll see how it is in the summer! Beautiful photos and a lovely review xxx

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  6. I'm all for the primer, I think it's one of the best out there, but I haven't been wowed by the powder like I thought I would be. Particularly as the price point is quite high.
    Great review as always :)

    Lottie x

    http://lottiekerr.blogspot.co.uk - UK beauty blog

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  7. great review! but i have never been able to find this in a shade that would suit me. it's quite disheartening. but i've always loved the idea and bet its awesome. the price is a little steep and there are competitors that are just as good for a slightly cheaper product ( and not to mention more shades)

    great honest review from Brigitte at // BreezeyBee Blog | BlogLovin'

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  8. I have been meaning to try Benefit's face primer. The ones I used before, by other brands, always break me out so I'm curious if this one will do the trick without any nasty surprises. The powder seems great as well and perfect for traveling. I'm currently using a Mary Kay mineral powder foundation to set my make-up but it all gets a bit messy sometimes.

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  9. I've heard so many mixed reviews and I don't know what to think!
    I love the Porefessional primer but don't know if the powder would be as impressive.
    Thanks for the review :)


    Please check out my beauty blog nailsandteapots.blogspot.co.uk xx

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  10. I think it's safe to say the powder hasn't been too much of a hint. I've got a lot of love for the primer though!

    Georgina at itotallypaused.com

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  11. I don't know whether to bother with the powder because I've read so many mixed reviews, the packaging is so clever though I think especially if you are a clutz with loose powders like me hehe :p

    EmmiHearts

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  12. I really like the look of both but because there are so many great drugstore powders I don't think I'll be picking it up. The primer though seems really good and I haven't come across a drugstore primer that people like as much as this, so I think I'll have to pick that up xxx

    Verity | Life of Verity

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  13. I haven't tried Benefit face products before, just eye makeup. These products sound quite good!
    xx
    Celina | The Celution | Bloglovin’

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  14. I haven't tried either of these and really need to jump on that bandwagon
    Casualllyawkward

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  15. I'm such a fan of this primer :)

    Sophie
    http://what-sophie-said.blogspot.co.uk/
    xxx

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  16. These both look quite nice, but I agree with you that the price is way too high! x

    Maddy from UNSTITCHEDD

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  17. I love the sound of these products and I know I will end up giving in at some point and trying the Porefessional Primer as it's received great reviews like this one. The powder interests & intrigues me but I don't know if I could spend that much on such a small bottle - alot of others agree too x

    Candy Cosmetics | UK Beauty Blog

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  18. Absolutely loved your review! I'm probably the only beauty blogger not intrigued by the Porefessional powder, I do however agree with you on the primer, it's the most amazing primer I've ever tried! xx

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  19. The primer is on my birthday wishlist I've been after it for ages! I've read really mixed reviews about the powder - I do want to try it but don't want to spend that kind of money on it if I don't like it!

    lifeofatraineejournalist.com

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  20. Love your review lovely, so detailed! I really want to try the porefessional, it's been on my wishlist for a while now.

    Lauren x
    www.beautyxdivision.blogspot.co.uk

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  21. I also received these and love them both, I don't have oily skin so don't need the powder too much but when used sparingly I think it's great :)

    Rosie
    x
    therunwayrose.blogspot.com

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  22. I really wanted to the powder, but I think after reading this I would find it too heavy for my skin. Lovely review though!

    Belle x
    Mascara & Maltesers

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  23. I have really oily skin so definitely need to give these a try:) x

    www.thebeautymist.com

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  24. hey Beth!
    nice review for those products. just wondering.. wanted to buy those products in december, but forgot about them when seen that the powder contains bismuth and I learned about it that makes the skin itching. did you noticed that feeling? thank you for answering

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I always read all of my lovely comments. Make sure you check back as i often reply but if you do have a specific question and want a quicker response then please do email me over at birds.words@yahoo.co.uk or tweet me (@Beth_BirdsWords). Thank you for all your support! x