Benefit Cosmetics has finally taken the plunge into the world of liquid makeup- first the tested the waters with their Playsticks, and even had a good long run with Some Kind-A Gorgeous… but the truth is, we wanted more… more coverage, more versatility… more WOW!

Their latest wonder, the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup ($34 USD / $42 CAD), has been available in the USA for quite some time now- however it will finally be available in Canada starting August 2012.  The oil-free formula brightens skin and boosts cellular respiration for a ‘plumped’ effect.  It also contains SPF25, however the Canadian packaging won’t say so until it has been declared so by Canadian regulations.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup in Hazelnut (left) and Champagne (right)

The formula itself is quite liquidy, and the pump-top dispenser gives the perfect amount of product for a full-face application. It’s sheer-to-medium coverage, but it is also buildable for more problem areas.  The range has nine shades, but the two I have are Cheers to Me Champagne and I’m Hopelessly Hot Hazelnut.  The shades vary in undertone- I found Champagne to be very yellow and Hazelnut to be very warm… so I would recommend getting to a store or looking up swatches of all the shades before choosing.  If you’re not sure, go for something yellow-based; I find it matches most people and helps reduce any redness in the skin!

Especially for summer, I love foundations that are on the sheer side.  This definitely has more pigmentation than a tinted moisturizer, but it still feels light as air on the skin.  Even with my normal skin though, I find I need to set it with powder because it has a dewy feeling to it.  I also feel like it doesn’t last as long without primer underneath either.

Not the most flaw-erasing foundation out there, but great for everyday or weekends for those who want to lighten up a bit.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup

Pump-top dispensers!

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup Swatched (Champagne on left, Hazelnut on right)

Before (left) and After (right), Wearing Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup in Champagne

Summary

• Price: $34 USD / $42 CAD for 30mL / 1oz
• Availability: Sephora
• Overall: A light foundation that’s great for everyday or lightening up on weekends; does a nice job of providing sheer-to-medium (yet buildable coverage) but I feel like it lacks in staying power throughout the day if I don’t use a primer.
• Rating: A-