TOPBOX: September 2012

I'm not going to post about last month's Topbox even though I received one. August was preparing for our roadtrip, going on roadtrip, then recovering from roadtrip so I decided to take a break from the blogosphere. Plus, there's a number of great reviews out there already!

September's Topbox came last week and consisted of 4-5 items, depending on how you count it.

 

The items were:

1) 30ml bottle of Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser
2) 4ml tube of L'Essense by Balenciaga
3) 5ml pot of M.Asam Perfect Skin Primer 
4) 3g tube of Benefit They're Real Mascara

As with May 2012's Topbox, this box also included a voucher to redeem at Holt Renfrew for a complimentary make up bag. I guess you could call it a fifth item but....I wouldn't.

I didn't redeem last time even though I work down the street from one of Holt's locations. To be honest, I find these vouchers bit of a cop out. Why not just include the makeup bag in the box? Even if it doesn't fit, the same excuse can't be said for May's offer of a nail file. Also, it seems really unfair. I am sure that there are MANY subscribers who don't redeem them because they either don't have time and/or live too far away. Topbox is country-wide yet there are only 10 Holt's locations - 3 of which are in Toronto. Plus, it's while supplies last.

The actual products that came in the box seemed anemic upon reveal. Usually the box is a little more stuffed. But as we all know with cosmetics, size and price don't always add up!

So what's the math?

 The full size Philosophy cleanser is $26 for 240ml (also comes in 90ml for $13), the full sized Balenciaga is $150 for 75ml (also comes in 50ml for $110), the full size M.Asam primer is $42 for 50ml, the full sized Benefit mascara is $29 for 8.5g.

Based on a unit price calculation, the cleanser is worth $3.25, the perfume is worth $8, the primer is worth $4.20, the mascara is worth is worth $10.24. $3.25 + $8 + $4.20 + $10.24 = $25.69

1) 30ml bottle of Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser
I've heard so much about this cleanser and have heard raves from close friends and bloggers alike but for some reason, I've never even though to ask for a sample at Sephora. So I was really glad to receive this. Plus, travel sized skincare is always useful for trips, especially brief ones with only a tote in tow.

This cleanser has only a slight scent. It's thicker consistency than a gel but thinner than a foam/cream style. Also, there's no grit in this. All in all, a very gentle cleanser although I would still recommend something from La Roche Posay or Cetaphil if you're prone to windburn and eczema breakouts in the cooler weather.

Purity did a pretty good job of removing all face makeup and most of my waterproof mascara. It didn't take it all off but then again, I've yet to come across one that does (I'm not even sure you'd want something that can take off waterproof mascara, though. Think what that's doing to your skin!).

That being said, I wouldn't buy this cleanser again. The price is not bad as some drugstore cleansers are in the teens for 100-150ml and this one is $13 for 120ml (when you buy the larger size). But for me, this one didn't particularly stand out from all the rest. And with so much product in my existing stash, something either has to be absolutely standout, a great deal, or both for me to purchase it.

2) 4ml tube of L'Essense by Balenciaga
 When I first put this on, I thought I was wearing Hermès Kelly Calèche. Which although I have to be in the right mood for, I do actually love. Although L'Essence is a more intense offshoot of Balenciaga's Balenciaga Paris, it has less of a "leather" note than the Hermès. Still, it is a bold fragrance and for those who are more used to say, Marc Jacobs Daisy, this may be just too much. It does smell very French if that's possible. Like something a woman in her 30's-40's who wears crisp white shirts, tailored pants, but beautiful lace lingerie would wear. There's definitely that juxtaposition of feminine and sexy versus strong and masculine. To give you an idea, here are the notes in this scent: vetiver, patchouli, violet, violet leaf, green notes, sandalwood and cedar.

I think this is a very generous tube (about 1/2 the size of most rollerballs tubes) and will last me quite a while. I just wish samples came in spray bottles or mini rollerballs instead of tubes with a stopper though but that's not specific to Topbox or Balenciaga.

3) 5ml pot of M.Asam Perfect Skin Primer 
I've never heard of this brand before but upon some research, it seems to be a TV shopping brand that originates from Germany. It's currently offered on HSN.com (Home Shopping Network) for $30US.

The primer is silky and a translucent white color although it goes on clear. I would say the consistency is very much like Clarin's Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer. The finish is matte and it does minimize pores but I don't think it's worth the price because it's nothing special. I would rather spend less than half the $42CDN price tag on something from the drugstore that works just as well.

4) 3g tube of Benefit They're Real Mascara
Benefit made big hoopla over this mascara when it first came out with Sephora appearances, email blasts, etc. But when I realized it was not waterproof (the only kind that holds a curl for me) nor had fibres (because I'm addicted to this innovation!), I was less excited. I was glad to see this in the box though as I am curious to try it. As expected, this didn't hold a curl for me.

No photos of the brush but it's similar to CoverGirl's Last Blast, which seems to be a holy grail for many. The sample brush seems quite big for the tube; I suspect it might be the same size as the full tube. I hate sample mascaras with teeny tiny brushes that tell you nothing about how the real deal would perform so this was a pleasant surprise. The brush really coats each lash with carbon black mascara, thickening and lengthening dramatically. I like the formul as wel - it's wet but not runny, almost like a gel. I wouldn't be buying a full size since it doesn't hold a curl for me but I will use this tube to apply a second coat over my usual.

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised with this month's Topbox. While the dollars & cents aren't high in this box and the box itself wasn't stuffed full of goodies, what was actually included were all items I would put to use. I hate months when half the samples just go into the junk pile.

Looking forward to next month!

TOPBOX: June 2012

June' s box came with the following items:

1) Full sized Bread & Butter Daily Face Cleanser
2) 2x 4.7ml samples of All Soft Argan-6 Multi-care Oil for Dry/Brittle Hair
3) 3.5ml tube of Stila Forever Your Curl Curl Memory Mascara
4) Sample tube of Pari Beauty Precious Glow Eyeshadow Primer / Intensifier
5) 3x 1.5ml packets of Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light
6) 56ml Simple Eye Makeup Remover

A little card was added to the box indicating that in addition to the 4 deluxe samples, we'd also be getting some drugstore samples. The drugstore samples are the Simple makeup remover and Garnier BB cream - there is no further information regarding them on the product card that comes with each month's package.

There is no retail price listed for the cleanser but to give you an idea, it comes in a kit of 3 products for $35 and as an addition to the kit for $7. The Garnier packets are the type you can remove from magazine pages so I wouldn't really put a price on that. The makeup remover retails $7.97 online at Wal-Mart for 125ml.

Based on a unit price calculation, the hair oil is worth $4.04, the mascara is worth $14.93, the makeup remover $3.57.

I won't do an addition this month as there's not enough information on half the products. However, very approximate unit values put it at around $35 worth.

I'd say you get your money's worth but obviously not as much as last month's box.

**On a sidenote, I've checked out other blogger's June box and there are some similarities but some differences. One thing I noticed in particular was that most of the "different" products other bloggers received were things I received in previous months. I'm not sure how I feel about that - it seems it's less customization and trying out "new" products and instead just....fill the boxes with what we have in our storage and a particular subscriber hasn't received yet. What do you think?





FULL SIZE Bread & Butter Daily Face Cleanser - Full size 90ml in a kit of 3 products for $35 or as an add-on for $7
This was originally marketed as an item for the man in our life. The option was shave gel or cleanser. Since I'm greedy, I decided to get this for myself. This is a very light cleanser with what appears to be rice particles about the size of fine sand grains.

I've never heard of this brand before but a quick search shows that it's Toronto based and has been in a number of pubications like Nylon, Toronto Life, Fashion, Globe & Mail, etc. It's a unique business model. There are 6 products ranging from cleanser to moisturizer to lip balm. You can select a kit of 3 products for $35 or 5 products for $49. You then select the product combination (they give you recommendations depending on your needs) and they send you the items.

The products are marketed as non animal tested, bare bones, back to basics skincare. This cleanser has biodegradable exfolliants (I'm guessing the rice) and is free of fragrance, sodium laureth, parabens, and colors.

I have to admit, I didn't find anything interesting with the product itself. It still had a light rice-y scent but I believe that's natural but it just wasn't "fun". I like there to be some fragrance and/or color in my product although it's probably not good to admit such a thing these days.

I have this in my shower right now and will use it but I wouldn't purchase another one. I can see why people would like this though - natural or near-natural products are increasingly popular these days.

3.5ml Stila Forever Your Curl Curl Memory Mascara - Full size 6.8ml for $29
How is this high-end? This is about as good as the dollar mascaras from ELF and NYC. Which is to say....it's nothing but black paint on the lashes. It doesn't hold a curl, it doesn't volumize, it doesn't lengthen. Back to Maybelline and L'Oreal for me!

Pari Beauty Eyeshadow Primer / Intensifier in Precious Glow - Full size 10ml for $15
There is no size listed for this product but it's the exact same size as the Stila tube which is 3.5ml. I imagine there's a little more in a primer tube than mascara so let's say approx. 4ml in this tube.

This is an interesting product because it's marketed as both an eyeshadow primer and a highlighter. I see the two as completely different things - primer is meant for layering, highlighter goes on top. But I tried it out and it is very sheer so I can understand why it works as a "duo" product.

I didn't like it under eyeshadow but that's not product-specific. I like my primer clear so there's no color/shimmer affecting my eyeshadow. I do like how thing it is. It goes on liquid (slightly oily) but quickly dries and is non-stickly/oily on the lids.

I won't buy this again but I do appreciate getting this tube because it'll be great for traveling!



2x 4.7ml Redken All Soft Argan-6 Multi-care Oil for Dry/Brittle Hair - Full size $34.99 for 90ml
WOOHOO! This is one of my favourite lines. I love the smell of All Soft. I haven't used it for years as there's just been too many other products to try but I do love everything about All Soft so really glad to have received this. There's about 2-3 applications in each tube so I wish it was a resealable bottle (perhaps a small 10ml bottle with a twist or snap-top) that I could travel with. But regardless, it's a great product that I probably won't buy at the price so I'm glad to have some samples to play with.

56ml Simple Eye Makeup Remover - Full size 125ml for $7.97
The simple line is supposed to be gentle but this was a little too gentle - it took off my eyeshadow/eyeliner but barely removed my mascara. Although it looked oil-free in the bottle (no oil/water separation) and I wasn't expecting it to work well. I would say this is a great size for travelling but on trips I tend to use waterproof makeup. I think I'll keep this in my makeup drawer at work *yes, I have one!) as backup.

3 x 1.5ml Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-in-one BB Cream in Light - Full size $19.99 for 75ml
I've tried this before and neither Light nor Medium really works for me - it's too pink. But light? I'm NC35-37 and Medium barely works for me. This doesn't seem customized at all. I haven't done swaps in a long time but am starting to build up a collection of samples that won't work for me so perhaps I'll get into that again.

So overall, what do I think of June's box?

This wasn't a very "deluxe" month. As in some previous months, the majority of products here are the type you can get for free very easily from a cosmetics counter. When I think deluxe, I think of products that are essentially travel sized. Big enough to use for a week or two but not enough to be a permanent roster in your makeup drawer - thus the need to purchase the full-sized version.

However, I actually really enjoy this month's box. Every single product was something I am actually interested in and will use.

Can't wait to see what next month's box brings!

TOPBOX: April 2012

Sorry, this one is way overdue as I was out of the country for a couple weeks in April and when I got home, I was distracted by ohhh.....life?

But here it is anyway:




April's box came with the following items:

1) Full sized Misa nail polish in Satin Slippers
2) 30ml Bella Pella lotion in Tropical Flowers
3) 2ml Lise Watier HydraSmart 3D Hydration Tinted Veil
4) 7.5ml Benefit The POREfessional PRO Balm
5) Dab card sample of Cargo blu_ray Pressed Powder

The full sized nail polish is $8.99. Based on a unit price calculation, the lotion is $2.70, tinted veil $1.76, balm is $11.63.

$8.99+$2.70+$1.76+$11.63=$25.08. I left out the pressed powder because I can't imagine that has enough product to even be calculated!

This month's worth dollar-wise is quite poor but let's move on to the review to see if it's worth anything product-wise...




FULL SIZE Misa Nail Lacquer in Satin Slippers - Full size 15ml for $8.99M
So boring. This color/finish reminds me of 80's and 90's. It's pretty sheer and streaky on the fingers, too. I love that this is "personalized". What??? What did I say to give away penchant for frosty streaky nails?? Maybe someone with a paler skin tone would enjoy this but my tanned yellow-toned skin is just not the canvas for this color.

30ml Bella Pella Body Lotion in Tropical Flowers - Full size 175ml for $15.95
I can't stop smelling this. The scent is quite strong so this is definitely love it or hate it. It reminds me of Hawaii! It goes on as a lotion but some might find it a little greasy. Consistency is the same as Bath & Body Works lotions but lasts slighty longer. I'm really tempted to buy the full size once I run out of this and the other scents on their website sound great. Also thumbs up for beijing a Canadian-based animal-friendly company.


2ml Lise Watier HydraSmart 3D Hydration Tinted Veil - Full size 40ml for $35
I'm loving this! There doesn't seem to be a color listed so maybe it's one-color-suits-most? Either way, the color is actually perfect for my NC35-37 skin. This seems to be marketed to those interested in tinted moisturizers and BB creams. I really like that it feels like a non-greasy moisturizer but has enough coverage to be a light foundation. The price isn't too bad either at 40ml instead of the usual 30ml for most foundation products. I'd consider buying this again.

7.5ml Benefit The POREfessional PRO Balm - Full size 22ml for $34
I already have the fullsized version of this product - read my review here.. Glad I received this as a sample because it will be perfect for travel!

Dab card sample of Cargo blu_ray Pressed Powder
I think these dab card samples really useless. Especially when they come cracked. There's also no further info on the product - it's just listed as the "sponsor" for this month's box. What does that even mean? This achieves nothing...there's no info for this product (what shade was provided, volume/cost of full sized product, etc.)

So overall, what do I think of April's box?

I'd say this was a fairly good box as it gave me the opportunity to try two products I'm interested in repurchasing at full size/price (the whole point of these, right?) and a travel-sized version of something I already own and like.

I just wish when they try to "personalize", they actually get it right. So far, they haven't. If the monthly survey questions could ask more explicit questions like, "do you prefer dark or light nail polish colors?", "is your skin too dry or too oily?", "which foundation products are in your daily routine: concealer, liquid foundation, powder, all, none?" that would help.

May's review is in the works! I should have it up later today

REVIEW: Sephora Beauty Insider Tarte Amazonian Try It Kit

Per my post last Saturday (read it here), I picked up the latest Sephora 500-point perk recently. The offer was for a 5-piece Tarte Amazonian Clay "Try It" kit. This post is a review of each product within the kit.





Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess - 0.11oz
(Full size is 0.32oz for $29US/$38CDN)

This bronzer is oil, talc, and fragrance free. Park Avenue Princess is a pearly golden tan and absolutely gorgeous. The same color also comes in a waterproof matte version and there is a third color called Hotel Heiress, which is a dark shimmery bronze.

This is such a beautiful bronzer! The color is perfect for that sunkissed look - it is more golden than orange. The powder goes on as a pearly shimmer without any glittery or chalky fall out (which I've certainly experienced with other mineral-based bronzers before). Because the powder is finely milled, it's quite buildable. Several light layers creates a very natural but luminous look.

I'm liking this over NARS Laguna bronzers because it's slightly more subtle. The less velvety texture of this bronzer allows you to pick up just enough product whereas I find it's easy to pick up too much with the NARS if you're not careful.

This is a powder I would definitely consider repurchasing...although I think the generous sample size will last me quite a long time.

On another note, isn't the bronze croc embossed packaging just gorgeous?!





LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lively - 0.1oz
(Full size is 0.1 oz for $24US/31CDN)

I absolutely love the LipSurgence line. There are 3 types - Natural for creamy color, Luster for shimmery color, and Matte for a flat finish. All provide excellent payoff and the colors ranging from subtle to extremely bold are all absolutely gorgeous and on trend.

As the name implies, the LipSurgence line focuses on providing a generous dose of moisture along with color. This Matte one in Lively is no exception.

The color is stunning. It is a very intense hot pink. Seriously, a jump off my lips kind of pink! I don't think I'm brave enough to wear it out but I thoroughly enjoyed prancing around the house with it on because it is H-O-T!!

It is definitely dryer than the regular lip tints, but like my favourite Revlon Matte line, it is still way more moisturizing than some of the other ones on the market. I recommend using a waxy lipbalm as your base, like classic Burt's Bees, if you want to keep the shine down but add more hydration to the lips.

I also find the chubby pencil style applicator really easy to use. Just twist to get more product. You won't get the wobbly lipstick (you know, where it gets all over the sides of the tube? Ick!) nor smooshed cap (another ick!) problem here.

I am definitely repurchasing more LipSurgences after the positive experience with this one. Perhaps I'll try one of the Lusters and Natural ones next.





EmphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eye Liner in Black - 0.001oz
(Full size HD eyeliner is 0.001 oz for $18US/$23CDN)

This pencil is tiny! I doubled check the size on Sephora to confirm that it's full sized but they do not sell this specific product. There's the regular HD eyeliner which is the same size and price. However, Tarte's own website does have this product but as Devildeb89 commented on my previous post, that one is 0.002 in size. However, that one pictured had a black "cap" on the end of the eyeliner which I suspect makes up for the larger size. We both suspect this may be an older version of the product.

It is meant for lining the inner rims of the eye so I guess the very thin core is appropriate.

The product comes up via a click and twist method but a word of warning. It does not allow you to retract. Unfortunately, I had twisted up a little too much and had to break it off.

It contains silicone and is supposed to be "super creamy, long wearing designed specifically for the sensitive inner rim". Unfortunately, I did not find this to be the case.

The pencil is dry, similar to some cheaper drugstore lines. I found a light application barely put any color on my inner rims but a heavier application hurt the sensitive skin in that area. Dry and difficult application, miniscule amount of product, and bad packaging? I would definitely not buy this again.



ReCreate Silicone-Free Primer - 0.3fl oz
(Full Size is 29.5ml/1oz for $32US (couldn't find price in $CDN))
This primer is the counterpart to the ReCreate foundation which has the same Wrinkle Rewind technology. It claims to smooth skin, minimize pores, and of course, tackle wrinkles. It's appropriate for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.

I always take in anti-aging claims with a large dose (or more accurately, a bucket) of salt. But as a primer? This one is pretty awesome.

I really like that it goes on like a light moisturizer instead of that slippery cloaking feel silicone-based primers give. On that note, it's quite moisturizing so I recommend letting it settle for 10-15 minutes before applying foundation, particularly if you use powder.

Despite it's moisturizing qualities, it isn't oily so while I don't find it particularly mattifying, it certainly does not create shine.

Would I purchase this again? No but really it's just because I have so many primers already, both sample and full sized.

I would recommend this if you have dry skin but at the same time, are prone to shine during the day.


Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder - 0.07oz
(Full Size is 0.32oz for $28US/$36US)

This is a translucent powder meant for application post foundation to mattify and minimize pores. It can also be applied over concealer to prevent it from "migrating into fine lines, wrinkles, and dried, damaged skin."

My first reaction to this powder was surprise at just how finely milled it is. It's incredibly silky and weightless.

I never use finishing powder over my foundation. Heck, I rarely even use powder but I tried this today and it held up wonderfully. It kept my t-zone matte for a few hours (Which is quite good, IMO!) and did not emphasize the dry areas on my face. I took a photo of myself with flash and did not get the dreaded powder face a la Nicole Kidman (Hust google it. Will give you a giggle!). It's a very easy to blend powder.

Because it's so finely milled, the full size should last you forever. I won't repurchase just because it's not a product I use but if you do? This powder not only does the job but is also great bang for your buck.

And to finish off this post, here are swatches of each product. I didn't blend in the primer or finishing powder so that you can see the product. Once blended, it is clear.

Sephora Beauty Insider 500 Points Perk: Tarte Amazonian Kit

If you're a Sephora Beauty Insider member and have 500 points in your account right now? Walk RUN to your nearest Sephora right now.

I received an email yesterday morning promoting a new 500 point perk. These usually don't interest me because Sephora's 500 points perks are usually just a few sample sized items, half of which I won't even use. However, the Tarte Amazonian Clay Kit made me do a double take. It promised not one, but two full sized items!

I called ahead and went on my lunch hour to pick it up. I'm glad I did because the displayed 500-point perk was yet another one of those uninteresting ones (two mini Sephora by OPI nailpolishes, sample sized polish remover, etc.) and I wouldn't have known this was also available.



The kit includes the following items:

-LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lively (FULL SIZE)
-EmphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eyeliner in Black (FULL SIZE)
-Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
-ReCreate Silicone-Free Primer
-Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder







If all 5 products were full sized, the retail price would be $131US

But even with two full sized products in the Try It kit? Their combined value is already at $42US, not taking into account the value of the other 3 generously sized samples. Not bad at all for a freebie!

Were you able to obtain one of these kits? What did you think?

My review of each product to come shortly!

REVIEW: CoverFX Skin Tint FX Moisturizing Treatment & Tint with SPF 30

It's getting a lot harder to take photos in natural daylight these days. I take my photos before or after work but the sky is getting darker and darker during those times. Soon my product photo taking will be relegated to the weekends.

Alas, we'll continue on with today's review. Just make sure to turn up your screen's brightness....

This is my first time trying out a CoverFX product. I'm not sure if it's the clinical packaging or the unromantic product descriptions, but I feel like if there's one line that should actually deliver on its promises, it's this one. But like a nude strapless bra or a pair of black dress pants, it's never the fun thing to buy. I guess that's why I've always ended up picking up something in a pretty or funky package from Benefit or Urban Decay instead of CoverFX.

However, I decided to bite the bullet and buy this not so pretty tube of product at the local drugstore recently.

A little background on CoverFX. It's a Canadian-based company and the brain child of "corrective makeup specialist" Lee Graff who worked at Sunnybrook Hospital and Women's Health Scient Centre, chemical engineer Jenny Frankel, and dermatologist Dr. Neil Shear. All of its products are cruelty-free and they have been changing their packaging to become more environmentally friendly by the use of reduced/biodegradable packaging sourced from sustainable foresting. As well, they make both international and local charitable donations.

According to CoverFX's website, the "Moisturizing Treatment & Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30" is a "rejuventing liquid mineral treatment" that provides tinted sun kissed looking skin. It is appropriate for all skin times including problem skin that is "dry, sallow, sun damaged". It is oil-free, fragrance free, and paraben free.

I reviewed the Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer previously, which comes in a similar packaging (read review here.) although the BB one is 50ml vs 30ml for the Skin TintFX. The Bobbi Brown is more liquid and pigmented - what I consider a true tinted moisturizer. The CoverFX Skin Tint FX is more like a 2-in-1 tinted primer and sun screen, in my opinion.







This product goes on like a light lotion but has a powdery finish - similar to the Benefit POREfessional primer (read review here) but a little thicker.

I have to say, I really like this product. It's the lazy-woman's way to cover her bases (oh so pun-ny!). It's a primer, color corrector, and sunscreen all in one. You can wear this alone on a hot summer day or in the winter, use as a base under a light layer of foundation.

I wouldn't use it in lieu of a moisturizer, however. Unless you have really oily skin. Personally, I still apply a light layer of gel moisturizer first (I use Clinique Derma White Brightening Moisture Gel Cream), let it seep into my skin, then apply this.

One thing to be careful of is the beading effect. Like a lot of cream-to-powder formulas, this one will bead if you rub too hard back and forth. Not sure why you would....but just in case.



I am NC35-37 in MAC, Golden Beige in Revlon, and Natural Beige in L'Oreal. E Light might sound too light for me but it's actually perfect as there's only the option of Light or Dark and my summer tan is starting to fade. The M Light probably would have worked, too but I don't have a swatch of that.





The CoverFX SkinTint FX Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is available at The Bay, Shoppers's Drug Mart, and Sephora. The 30ml/1oz tube retails for $39CDN/$42US

**This is one of the only times I've seen a product cheaper in Canada, even for Canadian-based brands!**

REVIEW: Benefit POREfessional Pro Balm

Primers have become all the rage these days, it seems. 10 years ago, I don't recall seeing these many options. Now every brand has their own version and some have a variety to choose from - everything from redness reduction to acne treating to pore minimizing.

I have combination skin that veers towards oily in the summer months so sometimes I forgo moisturizer and use just primer to prevent that heavy caked on feel. Face sweat = yuck. I also have pores that are slightly larger than I'd like, especially on the nose and inner cheeks. So when shopping for a primer, I look for those with a mattifying and/or pore minimizing properties.

Benefit's POREfessional: PRO Balm doesn't promise to solve all your problems - just pore minimizing. But I was interested to see if it would do a good job at that. If so, I can always combat oily skin with a matte foundation and/or powder afterwards.











I really like the packaging and size of this product. Pots are a hassle to use (here's looking at you L'Oreal Magic Smooth and Clarins Insant Smooth bases!) and my other primers are too large to carry around (*cough* Lise Watier 3-in-1 Miracle Primer *cough*). But this could be because the POREfessional is meant to be carried around as a touch up during the day. It's about the size of a lipgloss as you can see from the comparison below.





The POREfessional has a light silky, powdery texture. It's as silky as the Smashbox primers but more powdery which (at least mentally) feels like it would mattify better. It is a light skin tone but goes on translucent. I imagine if you are very light or dark, it would be more noticeable upon application. But not to worry, after blending, it will no longer show. Since this is meant to be applied in a very light base layer and used sparringly as a spot treatment during the day so if the product is still visible, you're using too much.







The POREfessional primer comes in a cardboard box with a how-to pamphlet which shows you how to use it as a primer and then again as a touch up during the day.



I really love the texture of this product and the light citrus-floral scent is a nice little touch.

It feels weightless on my skin which is really nice but does mean that a moisturizer is needed before hand. It works decently as a mattifier - not strong enough to completely rid the shine on my nose but works well in the areas beside my nose.

As for the pore minimizing performance? To be honest, I don't really notice a difference. Unlike my beloved Clinique Pore Minimizer Refining Lotion, I don't get that tight feeling on my skin and the resulting shrinkage of pores. I would say, a name like "Weightless Smoothing Base" is more appropriate because it does make my skin feel silky and baby-soft.

I would buy this product again but not for what it claims to do. I like the packaging, scent, and texture and would buy it as a light base for my makeup. But for pore-minimizing, I would use something else.

Benefit POREfessional comes in a 0.75oz/22.5ml tube and retails for $29US/$34CDN. You can find it at The Bay, Shopper's Drug Mart and Sephora, in Canada.