I got a deluxe sample of Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup (boy that's a mouthful) in my Birchbox a few months back.
Disclosure: Birchbox is a paid subscription. You pay each month and receive deluxe samples via mail. I did not receive this item free, nor was I compensated for this review. My opinions are my own, as always ;) If you are interested in joining Birchbox and would like me to get credit for referring you, there is an affiliate link on the top right side bar of this blog. Click away!
I really like most of Benefit's stuff, so I had high hopes for this foundation. I just hoped it happened to be the right shade for my skin. And it WAS. Yay!
So, over the last month or so, I've thrown in using it repeatedly among my other foundations. I wanted to give it time to see how it performed.
See my freckled forehead?
And now here's my forehead with Wow on:
Pretty good coverage, and without looking or feeling heavy. BTW, I applied using a stippling brush, as demonstrated on THIS POST. I like good coverage because of all my freckles and sunspots (hello 40 years of sun damage). But I don't like to look like I have a layer on, either. This performed well from that aspect.
I had no issue with breakouts or sensitivity. But then, I typically don't have sensitivity to makeup, so that's expected.
Oxygen Wow seemed to last about the standard length (8-10 hours). It isn't a super-long-last makeup, but it's no lightweight, either.
It is oil-free (a definite must for my oil-slick face), and it also has SPF of 25, which would help with that whole freckle/sunspot issue.
The description for this product claims:"This natural-finish foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural complexion and features light-diffusing properties and hydrating benefits."
As I look at the pictures, I suppose it did seem to offer some brightening via light-diffusing properties. I think my skin looks pretty good with it on.
My verdict:
I do like this, and I would definitely consider purchasing this when I run out of my other foundations.
It is more expensive than drugstore brands and I am a broke girl, so I might have to wait on a sale or something.
One thing to keep in mind: I usually spend too much money trying to match my skin properly, and can see the merit in paying some extra $$ in order to get properly, perfectly matched-up, high quality foundation down at my local Ulta ($36 HERE) or Sephora ($36 HERE).
Heck, I love going to either of those stores anyway. It's my "zone".
Of course, if I can get a great foundation that truly matches without the color-matching guesswork, and if I happen to spend a third of the cost of Wow, I'm ALL for that!
