Benefit How To Look The Best At Everything Flawless Complexion Makeup Kit

RRP: £25.50
available shades: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"We wrote the book on complexion perfection! Our custom perfectors give you a luminous complexion by blending away imperfections & minimising the appearance of pores. Mix & match our complexion perfectors to customize your coverage. You’ll be the first to finish flawless."

--Packaging--
As always with Benefit products, the packaging is beautiful: the vintage-style book design is lovely (and the removable tray - meaning that you can keep this when you've finished the makeup - is a terrific bonus) and the inside is generally very practical, with virtually all products removable from the tray (very few pans) with the exception of the Hello Flawless face powder (in Ivory). The PoreFessional Pro Balm is a conveniently-sized screwtop tube and the Hello Flawless foundation is a tiny pump-action canister. You also get two shades of Boi-ing concealer in a removable plastic pan - so virtually all of these products can be easily removed and put into your handbag or purse if you just want one or two of them at a given moment. The enclosed 'tips and tricks' pamphlet is equally useful (unfold it for a handy mirror!).

--Application--
Rub the PoreFessional primer all over a clean, dry face before doing the same with 1-2 pumps of the foundation. Dab the concealer over any blemishes or dark spots before finishing with the powder. You could then go on to use another Benefit travel kit for the rest of your face, such as the sadly now defunct Celebutante, or the currently available Life of the Party. (Failing that, there's always the classic Benetint or one of its newer variants.)

--Appearance--
The combination of these products gives a matte appearance with flawless coverage. The fact that this kit is available in 3 shades is a major plus - the products are bound to suit you.

--Scent--
None particularly in any case.

--Texture and consistency--
Just as you would want from any of these products: the primer blends beautifully across the face even if it is a little bit waxy, the foundation is fluid without being runny, the concealer provides maximum coverage without drying the skin, and the powder is light, meaning your skin is fully prepped without being clogged. Perfetto!

--Value for money--
Despite what seems like a steep initial outlay, the products last a long time and the beautiful box makes an excellent keepsake once you have removed the tray. Furthermore, it's so rare to find a box set that will do your whole face like this, too. Brilliant for travel!

perfect partners
They're Real! Lengthening Mascara, £19.50
They're Real! Push-Up Eyeliner, £18.50
BB Cream Eyelid Primer, £21.50
Lemon Aid, £16.50
Benetint, £24.50
Life of the Party, now £19.66 (was £29.50)

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer

RRP: £19.50
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"This dual-action power primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant & true. Sodium hyaluronate hydrates while Vitamins C & E help fight signs of aging."

--Packaging--
The neutral and black colour scheme reflects the product purpose while remaining edgy. Product info is minimal while the image of the closed eye triumphs. The light/medium shade is a pump-action bottle while, interestingly, the medium/deep shade has a wand applicator.

--Application--
If you have the light/medium shade, pump out a very small amount (about the size of a pinhead. Be careful not to waste any - you do not need to push all the way down!) and dab this on your eyelids and under your eyes. If you have the medium/deep shade you can get straight to the dabbing before rubbing in. Probably easier with the wand than with the pump action if you want to reduce wastage.

--Appearance--
A skin-coloured, slightly lumpy (but not gritty) cream. For me, the light/medium shade works well, but with only 2 shades available, I suspect that many people would not find a shade to suit them.

--Texture and consistency--
Quite thick, but blends well onto the skin with whatever concealer, foundation and/or powder you're using. No irritation was experienced while using this product.

--Longevity--
Stays put as promised, ensuring that eyeshadows etc do too. No creasing, no caking, no fuss. BRAVA.

--Value for money--
At £19.50, it seems a little steep, but is a high-quality product that delivers on what it promises. My only complaint would be that for this money, they NEED to offer more than two shades. Definitely pop into a shop first and see if either of the shades are right for you before splashing out (whether in store or online).

perfect partners
It's Potent! Eye Cream, £23.50
Big Beautiful Eyes, £24.50
Erase Paste, £19.50
BADGal Waterproof Liner, £14  

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic

RRP: £28.50

--What does the promo say?--

"Embrace your inner concealaholic! Why deny it when you can hide it, conceal it, camouflage & cover it? This concealing & brightening kit has EVERYTHING you need to satisfy all your concealing cravings!

Kit contains: “that gal” brightening face primer, boi-ing industrial strength concealer in 2 shades (01, 02) for custom concealing, erase paste (02 medium) brightening camouflage for eyes and face, lemon aid colour correcting eyelid primer, eye bright instant eye brightener, concealer brushes and a step-by-step lesson."

--Packaging--

Very cutesy, in Benefit's usual vintage style. Everything inside the kit is nicely laid out, and brushes, while perhaps not strictly necessary for this particular kit (I just get in there with my fingers), are provided. The mirror is ample and the amounts of Lemon Aid, Eye Bright, Erase Paste and Boi-ing are generous (That Gal is a bit more piddly). Some magnetic closures or attachments would be nice: a number of times the That Gal tube has tried to make a quick getaway while I've been on the move and scraped the Boi-ing pans on its way through.

--Application--

Full instructions are included inside the compact, but essentially it goes as follows: apply Lemon Aid to your eyelids and Erase Paste underneath your eyes. That Gal goes all over your face. Mix the shades of Boi-ing to create your own custom shade of concealer (or just use one, as I do), and finally use the Eye Bright around the edges of your eyes to make them look more awake. There's nothing tricky about anything here and the enclosed instructions are detailed yet concise to ensure you can't go wrong.

--Scents--

Slightly chalky in places, but nothing offensive overall. The only one I didn't like much was That Gal, which seems to have a touch of that artificial strawberry type scent about it.

--Appearance--

I was already familiar with Lemon Aid and Boi-ing and continue to be happy with these for the way in which they even out skin tone and blend easily to create a long-lasting base. Eye Bright I was already familiar with but don't use much, as I find it doesn't do much for me. I found the same with That Gal and Erase Paste - I don't have that many dark circles to speak of, and it seems a faff to use one product under the eyes and another on the eye lids when Lemon Aid smooths out both just as well. That Gal just seemed to make my skin look pinker unfortunately (not brightened) - which is not really the effect you're after when you're already sporting the English rose look to begin with, and suffering with acne on top. Overall, the effect provided is that of a good base: you'd look a bit plain without something else to pimp your look (e.g. lip gloss) - so ultimately you do need other products in addition.

--Textures and consistency--

No problems here: Boi-ing, Lemon Aid and Eye Bright are heavy-duty but still blend well and don't weigh your skin down or clog pores. That Gal could be a little creamier perhaps but is ultimately not too runny and still goes on easily. Erase Paste is perhaps a little greasy on the fingertip but again gives a good result in the end without causing any discomfort when worn.

--Longevity--

Erase Paste is very impressive in that it doesn't settle into creases at all, so top marks there. Lemon Aid lasts quite well but begins to waver in this respect. Did not notice much degradation with any of the products, truth be told; this is something that Benefit does well.

--Value for money--

While the price may initially make a potential buyer wince, it's still the best way of trying out several Benefit products in one go without breaking the bank. It really helps to confirm which products suit you and which ones don't - and personally, I'll know to stick to the products from this kit that I already know and love (Boi-ing and Lemon Aid), with the rest just not being that suitable for my purposes. The Benefit kits are always handy, good value, and great fun to have and would make an excellent gift for others (or indeed for yourself...!).

perfect partners

Posie Tint, £24.50

Bad Gal Lash Mascara, £16.50

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

Benefit Celebutante

RRP: £21.50 at www.trinitydivinity.co.uk
contains: High Beam (2.5ml), Benetint (2.5ml), Dallas (3 grams), I'm With The Band (2.5ml), Lady's Choice (1.2 grams), No Competition (1.2 grams), Leggy (1.2 grams), Dandy Brandy (1.2 grams), 1 fluff shadow/talent brush, 1 powder brush

--What does the promo say?--
"Benefit Celebutante kit is packed with everything you need to look like a Hollywood celebutante. This stylish Benefit Celebutante set is a must-have gift for every lady. With all your faves in a glam clutch-style case and a step-by-step make-up lesson...it's the perfect accessory! Get one for all the celebutantes in your life...like YOU!"

--Packaging--
Pretty, pink, and finished off with plenty of chain drawings and gold lettering...a bit chavvy? Maybe, but inside it redeems itself, being all very compact and complete with two decent brushes for travelling and a mirror of goodly size. Can't complain :)

--Application--
A full step-by-step makeup lesson booklet is included in the pack to help you along, and it successfully takes you through everything from how to apply the highlighter through to which lip colour to choose (there are three).

--Scents--
Nothing has any scent really to speak of, which is good for those of you who are funny about that sort of thing.

--Appearance--
The contents of this palette assume by default that you have perfect skin, with not even so much as a concealer being included. This means that you do need to pack your own when travelling if you require it. Once you've applied any prerequisite base, however, the looks that this palette provides range from subtle and downplayed to more dramatic. Leave out the eyeliner, and choose Lady's Choice lipstick or I'm With The Band gloss for more of a daytime look, but add in the eyeliner and choose No Competition lipstick for something more vampish. You could also up the Benetint at this point if you wanted to. The selection of products works well for anyone, especially those with pale skin.

--Textures and consistencies--
The eyeshadows and Dallas can be a bit too powdery at times, but not much (if any) is wasted as it's still very easily controllable thanks to the dexterity of the brushes provided. No problems with any of the other products - Benetint and High Beam blend well, the two lipsticks are not drying, and the lip gloss is hard-wearing without being sticky.

--Longevity--
Benefit probably does best out of this, although everything else is exceptional in how long it lasts. Lipstick only needs to be reapplied once or twice a day at most; lip gloss does its best and holds its own in its price bracket.

--Value for money--
Excellent, as the Benefit palettes always are. It would be nice if there was a concealer and a mascara included, even though I know that the former is fraught with risk; however, they probably wouldn't be able to do this without making the palette quite a bit bigger. You can also get this for a lower price if you search around, particularly on ebay - you won't find this in the shops now, in any case, as it was their Christmas special edition for 2009 and it's now gone from the high street for good. It's worth looking around to see if you can get hold of one, though - the Celebutante is great for travel and provides near enough everything that you need to make it through your holidays.

Benefit Her Glossiness

RRP: £13/$18 for 3g net weight
# of shades available: 8

--What does the promo say?--
"Gloss your way to the top? This impossibly shiny gloss glides on smooth for A-list lips that will give 'em something to gossip about. The luxurious formula with jojoba oil makes your lips feel five-star pampered - as if they'd expect anything less!"

--Packaging--
In Benefit's usual style: a little bit diva-ish, a little bit cheeky, and a little bit vintage, making it above all easily recognisable as part of the brand. The tube is made of clear plastic, with the product name and brand logo laid over it in black. The screw-top lid with sponge applicator is also black.

--Application--
Just slick it on using the applicator provided and you're ready to go in seconds.

--Scent--
Absolutely gorgeous in all cases: plump, fruity, natural and delicious.

--Texture/consistency--
Feels a little sticky at times, but usually fine, smooth and pucker-up-able.

--Appearance--
Adds a little colour and sparkle while still looking natural and even giving your lips a little bit of a boost with a trick of the eye.

--Longevity--
Stays on for hours, as long as you don't eat, drink, or kiss anything...as with almost any lip gloss, then.

--Value for money--
Mixed feelings: looking at the price makes me think 'hey, that ain't bad'...but then you realise that Estée Lauder's lip glosses are the SAME price and that Guerlain's are only £3 more. So it's as with all things Benefit, then: not bad quality, but heavily reliant on the kitschy packaging, and definitely worth purchasing only in sale time.

Benefit Primpcess

RRP: £24.50/$34/$34.50
Contains:
- 0.04 oz Boi-ing concealer in 02 Medium
- 0.04 Eye Bright
- 0.11 oz Creaseless Cream Shadow Liner in R.S.V.P. (sparkling champagne)
- 3 Powder Shadows (for contouring, accenting, and lining)
- 0.14 oz BADgal Lash Mascara mini mascara
- Dual ended Fluff Shadow & Talent Brush
- Concealer Brush

--What does the promo say?--
"Benefit Primpcess gives you the tools and skills to conceal, contour, accent, line, shadow, and brighten your eyes. Take the guesswork out of loathe-worthy eyes with a step-by-step primping lesson. With your lesson plan in hand, and the perfect products at your fingertips, you'll have a sexy stare in no time!"

Available at: www.asos.com, Sephora, Debenhams

--Packaging--
This packaging combines country girl and showgirl with bold colours and fringe styling, all packed into one box. Benefit manage to fit an impressive amount of products into this box, though it's a pretty big box for something that only covers the eyes (though if you want something to include products for other parts of your face too, I guess you'd go for Benefit's Justine Case, or, from another brand, any of Lancôme's travel cases). It also has a mirror, and a magnetic mechanism, which allows the box to be opened easily when you need it, but stay securely shut when you don't. It's lightweight enough to carry around with you, and despite my previous comment on the size, it will still fit into most handbags and is also slender enough for briefcases and carry-cases for the city slickers among you.

--Application--
Included in the box is a small leaflet providing step-by-step instructions for each product, from the commonplace eyeshadows to the more obscure Eye Bright. Brushes are also provided, and you're told in the leaflet how and when to use them. An excellent touch and very helpful when on the move. The Boi-ing concealer can also double up as a general face concealer if you have nothing else with you.

--Appearance--
The eyeshadows are generic shades of brown and cream, allowing them to be suited to any complexion. The mascara is black and the shade of concealer provided is a far more inspired choice than the shade of Boi-ing provided in the Realness of Concealness kit. The Eye Bright is a surprising shade of pale pink, which seems at odds with the yellowy concealer and brown eyeshadows/liners, but works well on the skin to provide brightening and highlighting effects. On the face, the overall look is natural, though as pointed out in my previous reviews, there are still some blending problems with Boi-ing, so make sure you are thorough in your application to avoid any patchiness. Bad Gal separates and lengthens lashes well, though doesn't provide the wow-factor that the extollers of Benefit's virtues all seem to swear it to possess.

--Texture/consistency--
Boi-ing, as previously mentioned, has some blending problems, but is easily helped along with water. It's of a slightly stiff, slightly slidy consistency that is normal with most compact products of this type. The eyeshadows are slightly too powdery, with some being left loose in the box even with most careful manipulation of the brush, although the shadow liner is better. They are all versatile and easily manipulated. Eye Bright is of a similar consistency to Boi-ing, but far exceeds it in quality when it comes to blending.

--Longevity--
I was disappointed that Boi-ing's effects on my blemishes seemed to degenerate throughout the day, despite its heavy-duty reputation, but apart from this, all of the products last very well.

--Coverage--
Only Boi-ing is designed for coverage, and it fares averagely, both under the eyes and on facial blemishes.

--Value for money--
Shopping in the UK is becoming more and more interesting with its near-parity with the Euro. However, our American friends marginally have an even better deal, with $34.50 being equal to £23.64, although shopping in the US is not currently as profitable as it once was for Brits. You get many products for the money paid, although its overall 'value' is perhaps diminished by the fact that it's for the eyes only, not for the whole face. Saying this, this is perhaps offset by the fact that this set is limited edition only, so may well shoot up in monetary value and yield profitable resale prices on auction sites when it is no longer available in the commercial mainstream.

--Which products would I buy?--
I was distinctly underwhelmed by Boi-ing and by Bad Gal, even though the latter in particular is something that Benefit fans rave about. The eyeshadows are of solid quality, but you can get better ones for the same price or less from MAC or Prescriptives. The one at the top of my list from this set, however, would be Eye Bright: it's innovative, easy to use, and adds a new dimension to making up your eyes.

perfect partners
Benetint Lip Balm, $20/£14.50
Get Even Compact Powder, $30/€30.50/£21.25
Posie Tint, $28/€31.50/£22.25

Benefit Posie Tint

RRP: $28/£22.50 for 12.5ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The cheekiest flush you can get from a bottle. Our petal-pink stain plants a kiss of see-through tint on cheeks & lips. With hours of smudge-proof, just-picked perfection, you'll be the prettiest bloom in the bunch!"

--Packaging--
As with everything Benefit, very sleek, fun, and in keeping with their classic, slightly cheeky, 1950s image. The bottle is a shiny pink deal in an equally pink box, with white decoration, though I'd say the box is too big for the bottle and therefore a bit of a case of much ado about nothing. The applicator is much like that seen on nail varnish bottles, and it seems weird to be using this kind of brush to apply something to your face rather than to your nails.

--Application--
The Benefit website provides what it calls 'tips and tricks' for using Posie Tint. "Brush three strokes on the apple of your cheek," it says, "and blend quickly with fingertips. Do the same on your other cheek. Dot on lips & blend with fingertip. For a deeper "pop" of colour, repeat."

--Appearance--
A lurid, bright, almost neon pink liquid is what you first see on drawing the brush from the bottle, which is a little concerning. However, on the face it endows you with a very natural-looking flush on both lips and cheeks, though it is very subtle, and most people (apart from the very palest redheads) will probably need to apply the stuff twice to achieve the desired effect (during my first test, a one-layer application to the lips only, I wasn't even sure if it had worked properly as I could barely see the results).

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Texture/consistency--
Liquidy without being too runny, lumpy or sticky. It doesn't cause any irritation to the face, and in fact feels very moisturising on the lips. It also dries in perfect time: not so slowly that you can't continue with the rest of your routine, but not so quickly that you can't finish fast enough.

--Longevity--
The results on the cheeks are excellent: Posie Tint provides a natural blush that lasts all day. However, on the lips, results are poor, with the colour being barely visible to begin with, even with multiple applications, and fading quickly.

--Value for money--
Posie Tint certainly provides the best blusher I've ever used, giving a natural look that lasts all day. However, performance on the lips is disappointing: it's all very well to have a multi-use product, but only when all of the multiple uses work well concurrently (though I realise that this is difficult to achieve). As with the majority of Benefit products, it's also quite expensive for what it is, with the company relying on its pretty packaging to draw the suckers in (luckily for my wallet, mine was a Christmas present). My advice would be to try to procure this on ebay or via other online retailers for less money than the RRP if possible, rather than going directly to the Benefit website or franchises. Once you have done so, you'll have permanently charming winter-flushed cheeks, and a happier bank balance.

perfect partners
BadGal Lash Mascara, $19/£14.50
That Gal Brightening Face Primer, $28/£19.50
Lust Duster Loose Powder, $18/£13.50

Benefit Dandelion

RRP: £22.50 for 10g

--What is it?--
Contrary to popular belief, Dandelion is not a blusher. To the contrary, it's intended to be used as an all-over face powder to 'set' your makeup or just to give you an English-rose glow on the days when you don't want to wear makeup. Benefit describes it as "soft, pink, perk-me-up powder for instant radiance and a youthful appearance".

--Packaging--
As per Benefit's usual trend, it's gorgeous. The pale olive green box is c. 5cm square and 2-3cm deep, and it has a simple 50s-style line drawing of a dandelion, tinted pink, on the lid, with the word 'dandelion' written in white and the Benefit logo written in black. They also give you a free brush to apply the powder with, that sits neatly on a plastic tray inside the box on top of the powder. The brush has a black handle and the bristles on the brush are pretty soft for a freebie. However, the box is made from cardboard, and I've heard from others who have had their Dandelion for longer that the box soon falls apart.

--Application--
Simply use the brush provided (or your own brush, whichever) and sweep the powder all over your face, starting with the apples of your cheeks.

--Appearance--
In the box the powder looks very pink, which is possibly why people have mistaken it for a blusher in the past. However, on your face it's very subtle with tiny particles of glitter. As a blusher it would have very little effect as it's so pale. On my pale skin this powder works well, but if you have darker skin you may prefer Georgia or Hoola from the Benefit powder range.

--Texture--
Soft, silky and with very fine particles. On the face it also feels very smooth.

--Longevity--
Not bad, but you'd benefit (ha, ha, see what I did there?) from another application around lunchtime, just to keep your glow looking even.

--Value for money--
Excellent. There is more powder in the box than there first appears and I've heard of people who have had theirs for 1-2 years. However, I'm sure there are other products on the market that do the exact same thing, and I'm very cynical about this brand generally: I've found cheaper alternatives that are just as good in almost all cases, and I'm sure you're just paying for the funky packaging most of the time.

--Does it do what it says on the box?--
I'd say so, yes. I feel and look fresher when I'm wearing it and it definitely helps to keep any other makeup that you're wearing in place.

Benefit Realness of Concealness

RRP: £22.50 for 1.2g of Bo-ing, 2.5g of High Beam, 1g of Lemon Aid, 2.5g of Lip Plump and 2.5g of Ooh La Lift + mirror

--Packaging--
The packaging is very cutesy and compact, true to Benefit's usual form. It's a small purple-brown coloured box measuring approx 6cm x 8cm x 2cm, with a lovely dotty design on the lid. Inside everything is very neatly packaged, with the Lip Plump, High Beam and Ooh La Lift coming in small tubes and the other two products being embedded in the box. The box seems to shut magnetically so that it doesn't fall open in your bag.

--What does the promo say?--
"Sometimes a little concealing and perking up is all you need. It doesn't take a makeover, just this crafty little kit containing our famous concealers and enhancers. Kit contains: lemon-aid to correct discoloration on eyelids; boi-ing to hide even the darkest under eye circles; ooh la lift to brighten, lighten and tighten the eye area; lip plump to prime, smooth, and plump lips; and high beam to give your skin an ethereal glow. "

--Application--
For the tubes, just twist and apply directly to the relevant area of the face using the wand; apply the Lemon Aid and Bo-ing using your fingers or using a brush or sponge (n.b. no brushes or sponges are included). Pretty simple.

--Scent--
Didn't notice any for any of the products.

--Appearance--
Bo-ing: a brownish compact sample of the concealer.
Lemon Aid: a yellow compact sample of the eyelid primer.
High Beam, Ooh La Lift and Lip Plump: All are lotion type products in small tubes, with the former two being shimmery shades of pale pink and the latter being brownish. High Beam is an all-over face highlighter, Ooh La Lift is an under-eye 'de-puffer' and Lip Plump is a lip primer, to be applied before applying lipstick.

--Texture--
The three tube products are lotions, but aren't too runny or hard. The two compact samples are harder and are more like a lip-gloss consistency without the slidiness.

--How well do they blend into the skin?--
Lemon Aid, High Beam and Ooh La Lift are fantastic and very easy to blend in. Bo-ing is easily helped along with some water but doesn't fare too well on its own, and Lip Plump isn't intended to be blended in.

--Longevity--
All come across as fairly heavy-duty products - they don't seem to come off in any great hurry.

--Appearance on the skin--
The Lip Plump looks pretty scary when you've just applied it - it basically looks like you've applied concealer to your lips. However, when you've applied lipstick over the top like you're meant to, it's fine. The Bo-ing also has a tendency to make your skin look like there's just random orange patches on your face, mainly due to the difficulty in blending it in but also due to the colour of it - it looks browner in the box than on the face (though I have quite pale skin, so people with darker skins may fare better). However, all of the other products blend in wonderfully, with High Beam giving the wearer a lovely dewy glow.

--Coverage--
Only Bo-ing, Ooh La Lift and Lemon Aid are designed for coverage. The latter two work well, but I wouldn't buy the former, as I've used concealers that cover up better in the past.

--Ease of removal--
Absolutely fine - you can even remove them just using a normal cleanser, without having to use a makeup removal product.

--Value for money--
Quite good considering the prestige of the brand and the fact that you're getting five sample size products, which will save you money in the long run once you've worked out which ones you like. Plus, the box itself is an excellent size for travelling.

--Which ones would I buy?--
I would happily buy Lemon Aid (eyelid primer) and High Beam (luminescent complexion enhancer). Lemon Aid seemed to work really well as an eyelid primer and evens out the difference that you can see when people put powder/foundation on their faces and understandably don't want to put these products on their eyes due to them being too heavy. High Beam is just lovely to look at when it's on and a really light product for those days when you don't want to wear makeup but don't want to look like a total tramp :p
I wouldn't buy Ooh La Lift because I saw no visible difference when using it, and I wouldn't buy Lip Plump simply because I don't use enough lipstick - maybe if you had particularly bad dark circles or wore lipstick a lot you would buy these products and get enough use from them to make it worthwhile.
By far the worst of the products in the box was Bo-ing, on every level. I have used other concealers that covered up better, aren't as expensive as the full-size Bo-ing (which retails at £15.50 for 3g), are easier to blend in and don't make me look like I've been Tangoed. (Though having said that, the Benefit website says there are 3 shades, so it may well be that the one in the box was an unfortunate choice for me.)
However, I feel the box was a worthy investment and I will definitely be using it for travel.