Benefit 'Big Easy' BB Cream

Benefit | Big Easy 'Multi Balancing Complexion Perfector' | £27.50*

During the summer months, I always like to switch up my foundation for a lighter base. I'm never really brave enough to go without unless I have a tan, but I do think that a lighter, sheerer coverage always looks much more flattering as opposed to a fuller coverage foundation when it's brighter outside. I like to let my natural skin show through but I also like a little bit of something to blur imperfections and generally spruce up my complexion. I've been trying out Benefit's new release the past few weeks and thought it was about time I threw my two pennies worth in.  I resisted judgement for a while with this one - mainly because my skin has been changing due to the time of year and I found the results differed over time. The product has definitely received a lot of hype since its release.  The 'Big Easy' balances moisture (perfect for those with combination skin like me) and controls oil whilst evening the skin tone with its light liquid to powder finish. Not only that, the oil-free formula contains ingredients that are said to help soothe and comfort the skin, and the added SPF35 is perfect for sunnier weather.

At first, I was somewhat iffy about the liquid to powder finish.  When it comes to bases, I much prefer a dewy, radiant finish as opposed to looking completely matte. I have normal/combination skin (depending on the time of year) and often have slightly drier patches around my cheeks which powder finish products seem to highlight. If you have dry skin, I'd advise you to do your research and see how people with a similar skin-type found this product as the first few times I tried this, it did seem to pick up my dry areas and I ended up taking it straight off.  However, my skin hasn't been as dry recently and I've been using it on the warmer days we have been having - i'm glad I persevered with it as it's actually a lovely BB Cream.  The powder finish doesn't appear too matte and it helps to combat any oilyness and shine - just what you want from a summer base product. I don't have overly oily skin but I did notice that I had considerably less need to powder when using this. Although the coverage does wear off a little around my nose and forehead, it seemed to stick around a little longer than other BB Creams I've tried in the past which I can imagine is due to the slightly more matte finish it provides.  I can imagine that it is going to be an absolute god-send in the height of the warmer weather, it will certainly be coming away with me in my suitcase should I actually manage to jet away to sunnier climes this year as I'd love to give it a whirl in a hotter climate.

Although the coverage is sheer, it does blur imperfections really well but bare in mind - If you have any blemishes, you will need to use a concealer.. If you prefer a good bit of coverage, you might be disappointed with this as it doesn't offer a great deal, but on good skin days - it works a charm.  Shade wise, there are 6 in total - not the biggest range ever however, one of the Big Easy's selling points is that it adjusts to your skin tone to give a seamless, natural finish.  Personally, I seem to be leaning smack-bang in between 'Light Medium' and 'Medium' at the moment (I can tell that 'Beige' will be perfect for me once I have a tan) and both of them look more or less undetectable when blended into the skin due to how sheer and light they are.  The consistency is so easy to blend - it's actually pretty creamy in texture and has quite a dewy appearance until it is sheered out on the skin. This works in the product's favour because it's easy to work with even though it does give a slightly more matte finish. 

Overall, a fabulous release just in time for summer from Benefit.  I'm not sure it's my all time favourite base but I have an inkling that it will become a summery staple for me - especially on holiday! Like I said, if you have dry skin, I'd strongly recommend you try before you buy. My skin has been pretty normal just recently due to the time of year, but before the dry patches evened out, the product seemed to highlight these areas and I found I had to moisturise considerably beforehand to counteract this.  If you have slightly oilier skin or are jetting away somewhere hot and scorchio this summer, it's well worth looking in to making this one of your pre-holiday treats (or one of your duty free buys ;)). The light, sheer coverage is just the ticket for everyday wear and it evens out your skin without feeling heavy or clogging up the pores.

Have you tried the Big Easy? What did you reckon to it?