Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow!

 RRP: £24.50/30ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Hello…it’s flawless time! Our new oil-free brightening liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural complexion you can believe in. It’s you…just more luminous & healthy looking.

• broad-spectrum SPF 25 PA+++ protection**
• oil-free formula
• natural finish
• hydrating benefits
• light-diffusing properties
• available in 9 shades

**What does PA+++ mean? SPF stands for the protection grade of the UVB filter. PA stands for the protection grade of the UVA filter. The highest standard of sun protection rating is the three-star PA rating. Our foundation has three stars, which translates to the highest protection."

--Packaging--

Perhaps in a slight departure from Benefit's vintage theme, the font used on this bottle suggests something even more glamorous. The writing on the pump-action plastic bottle is easy to read and gives you all the information you need as well. The opaque plastic adds mystique but still enables you to see how much you have left; the white background also makes it seem clean and simple while the bright pink font pops off the bottle.

--Application--

Benefit recommends starting with their Porefessional primer all over your face for an even application, but any primer will do (I've been using their brightening That Gal of late, alternating with Witch's primer). I also apply eyelid primer before going on with the foundation. A pea-sized blob will do your whole face, and application is easy: just smear it on for effortless blending before finishing off with concealer and powder if needed.

--Appearance and coverage--

I'm using their palest shade, Ivory (what a surprise) and for me it's a perfect fit. I wouldn't say that I could go out with *only* this on, but then again I've had acne problems for years (although it seems that it is starting to clear up now - yay!). Even then, only a light touch with concealer and powder is needed for that sought-after flawless appearance. For others, it's a medium to light coverage and should be sufficient alone if you don't have any major skin problems. Gives a dewy finish that can be desirable, but is probably not too good for those with very oily skin who are seeking a more mattifying look (again, powder helps with this).

--Scent--

Nothing discernible, in truth: if you don't like those chalky or otherwise chemical smells that can be present in foundation you'll be fine here.

 

--Texture and consistency--

Surprisingly runny for something containing an SPF, perhaps even overly so - although this is certainly better than it being too sticky or difficult to blend.

--Longevity--

Lasts quite well on the skin, although powder touch-ups can be needed every now and again.

--Value for money--

I always baulk at Benefit's prices as it can seem rather a lot for an initial outlay. HOWEVER - the products always last a long time as a little goes such a long way. On the whole, with a few exceptions, they are of high quality. Having a high SPF in a product is always a good thing (even if it's not exactly the same as using regular sunscreen). It's a good colour match in this case, lasts well, and offers a youthful finish, as well as being hydrating and oil-free so as to not aggravate the skin. Even though I bought mine in the US on this occasion (where it retails at £21, rather than £24.50), I would consider paying full price for this one.

perfect partners

Porefessional primer, £23.50

Speed Brow brow gel, £12

Hervana face powder, £23.50

They're Real! mascara, £18.50

Total Moisture facial cream, £26.50