I frequently get asked about Benefit Boxed Powders….probably for a few good reasons; a) I’m freaking obsessed with them, b) I use them all the time and c) they are disgustingly expensive so people want to make sure they are gonna like them before they buy (totally understandable).  While I swear by some of these boxes of glory- some of them are definitely worth passing on- so here’s my take on the Benefit Box-O-Powders…

Must Haves

• Dallas – Bronzer meets blush.  This powder is my absolute favorite because of its unique shade….it is a rosy bronze powder that can be used as both a blush and bronzer…I think of it more as a “complexion enhancer” as it just makes  your whole face glow and adds life to your skin.  Very subtle shimmer (hardly visible on the skin) but just enough to add a hint of glow- I apply it like a bronzer, but I concentrate it on the cheeks too.  This powder is a bit on the dark side, but with a light fan brush or fluffy powder brush anyone can pull it off. My HG!
• Coralista – My second bff from Benefit, I’ve been in love with this blush since I first laid eyes on it.  The perfect mix of pink and peach to create a fabulous coral color that brightens up my complexion.  Blends easily, perfect pigmentation (and smells delicious?)…definitely my favorite blush by far.
• Hoola – I’ve tried many bronzers and I always come back to Hoola… with ZERO orange, this bronzer takes you from casper to cali-tanned in 30 seconds. It’s also fabulous for contouring because of its neutral undertones and no shimmer at all. Must have for that reason alone!

Nice To Haves

• Bella Bamba - I was hoping this powder was going to change my life, but alas, it didn’t.  Its a gorgeous watermelon-pink, HIGHLY pigmented (I think thats  partially why I’m not such a fan…its hard to go easy on this shade) and copious amounts of shimmer make this powder inferior to the former-mentioned Coralista.  This bold pop of color is great if you love bright pink cheeks, but pass if you’re going for a natural flush.
• Sugarbomb – This powder is a nice mixture of shades, but the shimmer factor is just too much… medium to dark skintones could use this easily as a highlight shade…but as a blush itself I just think there are better options!
• 10 – This is a fantastic concept that I think was carried out with a couple mistakes…. Love the hightlight-and-contour-in-one-sweep idea, but I just can’t fathom why they would make the contour shade so shimmery….  The highlight is passable, but if you’re going for a naturally-sculpted cheekbone effect…stay away from the shimmer.  Other than that this would be a must have.

Pass On By

• Georgia – Gorgeous in the box but next-to-none pigmentation leaves this powder in the dust…. apparently its supposed to be used as an ‘all-over’ powder, similar to MAC Beauty Powders….which I’m really just not a fan of.  Pass in my opinion.
• Dandelion – Again, gorgeous in the box but such soft pigmentation, it’s really off balance.  Theres a small area of perfect pigmentation for blushes that this one just does not meet.  If you’re extremely fair, then this one might be good for you!
• Thrrrob – Too much shimmer, not enough pigment.  These shades are some of the oldest Box Powders, so we can definitely see a trend where Benefit is improving the pigmentation and shade issues.  This one goes on like pale pink chalk- not cool!