Benefit Stay Flawless Primer Review
I hope you're all well. Last week I was lucky enough to attend the Benefit Stay Flawless event in London which was for the launch of a brand new primer. Today's post will be a review of that primer but if you want to also check out the event, my post on it ishere.
The packaging of the Stay Flawless primer is adorable. I like the simple use of colour and although it is very different from the packaging of other Benefit products it still fits in with the brand really well. The cute polka dot design isn't too over the top and reminds me of the current Topshop packaging, so it seems to be a common theme at the moment. This simple, sleek, professional design really appeals to me.
Moving on to the application, this is completely innovative for a primer. I don't think I have ever seen a primer that you apply directly onto your skin from a stick and for me it has both pros and cons. I love the concept as it makes application quick, easy and mess free but it is a little un-hygienic. For me personally it isn't a huge problem as *touch wood* I am pretty lucky when it comes to spots and blemishes (watch me have a massive break out now I've said that) but for people with acne prone skin especially, I would definitely suggest maybe using a sponge or brush to apply this primer as you don't want to cause spots to spread and application may also be a little more gentle. That being said, I haven't tried this form of application before so I don't know how the product will react to it.
The Stay Flawless Primer is a large pale, beige stick which is transparent on application so is suitable for all skin types. You apply it by simply twisting up the bottom of the tube and gliding it directly onto cleansed but dry skin. The formulation feels cool on application, is pretty much scent free and has a smooth texture which isn't greasy or sticky. We were advised at the event to apply your foundation immediately after the primer so this product is very convenient for people who don't want to hang around waiting for products to be absorbed/dry/set etc.
The idea behind the Stay Flawless primer is that it acts like a magnet (a makeup magnet) to lock your foundation to your skin for up to 15 fresh and flawless hours. It aims to give your skin a natural looking finish as well as making your makeup last longer. I have tried this primer with three different foundations and I have found it works best with the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening foundation and least well with Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. With the latter it made my skin quite oily and I found I had to use blotting paper to absorb it on and off throughout the day. I have combination skin so I sometimes suffer from an oily nose but this was my whole face so not a good look. Therefore I would definitely avoid this primer if you have oily skin. Using the Stay Flawless Primer with the Hello Flawless Oxygen foundation, however, was better. My makeup stayed on for a reasonable amount of time, maybe 7-8 hours and my foundation applied nicely over the top. This primer is definitely one which is most suited to those with dry skin.
Unfortunately, my makeup didn't stay on for the full 15 hours but it is good to use on days when that isn't required and it does feel nice to apply a very thin layer of product rather than your typical gel like formulation as it is very light. Despite this, I'm afraid it won't take the place of my Porefessional Primer which definitely still has the number 1 spot for me!
You can buy the Stay Flawless primer from Benefit for £24.50. It is due to be launched on the 29th June in the UK but is already available online by the looks of things.
What do you think of this primer? Are you going to try it?
