5 People Tried the New Blush That Comes in 12 Shades & Here’s What They Thought
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
Beauty brand Benefit is known for their best-selling brow products, but you might've heard about the cult Benefit Hoola products, too.
I've personally never owned a Benefit Hoola bronzer or blush.
I know, I know. I can see your jaws collectively dropping.
When I see Hoola on other people - like the popular light pink Benefit Dandelion blush or this glowy one on Amelia Singson - I think it looks gorgeous!
But despite the cult status, the Benefit bronzers and blushes made my skin tone look chalky (or didn't show up at all) when I tried them years ago, so I never picked one up again.
Hoola bronzers now come in four shades for different skin tones, but that's not why we're here today.
We're here because we need to talk about some *stunning* blushes.
It's been 21 years since the original Benefit blush boxes were launched.
Now, you can get these already-wildly popular Benefit powder blushes in a whopping 12 inclusive shades.
Finding the best blush for your skin tone has never been easier.
At first glance, these pigmented powder blushes are truly stunning, but the choice is kinda overwhelming.
Naturally, I roped my colleagues into trying some of the new Benefit blushes too so you can really get a feel for what these shades look like on different complexions.
Keep reading to see our Benefit blush reviews, plus a few handy blush tips!
How to Apply Blush.
It’s so exciting that we’re playing with makeup again, but it’s been a hot minute since I applied blush.
I’ve forgotten all the rules!
How do you apply blush? Where does it go?
Should we still do the smiling-then-applying-on-the apples-of-the-cheeks trick?
Read more here about how to apply blush, or watch AB's resident makeup artist Megan share her blush advice in this YouTube video below.
I also needed a blush-wearing refresher, so I gathered these helpful blush hacks from some of our BIQ articles:
- “Apply in an upwards motion along the cheekbone for a fresh, lifted finish.” - Amy, Senior Editor.
- When it comes to applying blush for mature skin, makeup artist Amanda Ramsay says, “If you’re wedded to a powder blush, choose a formula that isn’t too shimmery."
- "For extra 'oomph' and staying power, layer a powder over your cream blush.” - Amanda.
- "Cream and liquid blushes help keep dry skin looking plump and dewy, while powder blush is great if you want your blush to last all day for an event." - Megan, Social & Content Coordinator.
Our Benefit Blush Reviews.
Here are the main things you need to know about the new Benefit blushes:
- They come in 12 shades, three finishes, and are housed in recycled paperboard.
- Looking for a Benefit mini blush? A lot of them come in mini sizes too!
- They have an all new, high-performing formula made with a translucent base for richer colour pay off.
- Benefit powder blushes are smudge-proof, humidity-proof, sweat-proof, and non-comedogenic.
- They have a light, fruity scent, feel soft to apply, and are super blendable.
Now, for your real life Benefit blush swatches thanks to five AB staff volunteers, starting with me…
Benefit Blush Reviews.
1. Sadaf, Content Producer.
Sadaf's Benefit blush shades:
- Benefit Terra -Terracotta- A golden brick red with a soft shimmer finish.
- Benefit Moone -Deep Berry - A rich berry shade with a satin blush finish.
My Benefit blush reviews:
I love anything ‘terracotta’, so I picked it thinking it would match all the earthy tones in my closet.
It didn't disappoint on this front as it imparted a lovely red-ish brown hue.
Benefit Terra -Terracotta looked a little lighter in the sun, and gave my complexion a warmth I wasn't expecting (but very much loved).
It also gave a gorgeous soft-shimmer effect to the skin that didn't look flat or dull.
This was initially meant to go in my ‘winter makeup’ pile, but I think I’ll actually wear this shade year round!
I’ve been trying a lot of berry-hued products lately, but the berry-like ‘Moone’ is a shade I wouldn't usually reach for.
But I was up for the challenge.
When I asked another AB makeup artist Dalal for the best place to apply a blush shade like this so it doesn't make me look dull or gaunt, she told me about the ‘low blush' or 'flush inspo’ trend.
It’s a lower placement, closer to the mouth and almost under the cheekbone... like you’ve gone for a run in the cold!
Benefit Moone -Deep Berry colour pay-off is great, and oh em gee, the satin finish is stunning.
The shade suited my complexion and gave me some dimension, without making me look skeletal like other dark blush shades I’ve tried.
I feel like you could also use this shade as a subtle contour.
2. Amy, Senior Editor.
Amy's Benefit blush shades:
- Benefit Crystah -Strawberry Pink - Strawberry pink with a soft shimmer finish.
- Benefit Butterfly -Orange - A golden orange with a soft shimmer finish.
Amy's Benefit blush reviews:
My general thoughts are that these blush shades aren't as scary or 'out there' as they look in the box.
I'm obsessed with wearing blush, so I chose the two brightest shades on offer to see if I could make them work for every day.
Here's what the Butterfly shade looks like on.
Benefit Butterfly -Orange has a lovely warm tone that enhances my red hair and freckles!
I would wear this as a staple everyday blush because it makes my complexion look vibrant.
Apply it as your eyeshadow too for an autumnal tonal look paired with a peachy lip colour.
As for the strawberry 'Crystah' shade, it's exactly as described - a strawberry pink blush with a soft shimmer finish.
Benefit Crystah -Strawberry Pink might look intimidating in the box, but I found the colour payoff could've been stronger.
Bear in mind, I like a punchy pop of colour over a subtle wash. Thankfully, this powder is easy to blend and build up.
I get the best result from layering the powder blush over the top of a pink cream or liquid blush.
This pink blush is also excellent as an eyeshadow!
3. Gin, Recruitment Lead.
Gin's Benefit blush shade:
- Benefit Shellie -Medium Pink - A warm seashell-pink with a soft shimmer finish.
Gin's Benefit blush review:
Benefit is one of my fave brands we stock at Adore.
They are my go-to for anything eyebrow, bronzer and blush, and this product did not disappoint.
Benefit Shellie -Medium Pink gave me that glowing peach look I am going for at the moment.
Plus, you know a product is working for you when you get comments from work buddies on how good your makeup looks!
4. Nikkita, Social & Content Coordinator.
Nikkita's Benefit blush shade:
- Benefit Sunny -Coral - A natural-matte finish blush in a warm coral hue.
Nikkita's Benefit blush review:
I’m a creature of habit in almost every aspect of my life (including my beauty routine), so just about all of my blushes seem to be the same hue of pink.
So understandably, I was quite skeptical about how this coral-orange blush would look on my complexion!
The first thing I noticed upon opening the product was the strong scent – I’m not personally a huge fan of scented makeup as my skin can be quite reactive.
I initially went in with a light hand when applying this powder blush to the apples of my cheeks, and after deciding I wanted a bit more coverage, I found it was super easy to build!
Benefit Sunny -Coral added a really warm and radiant glow to my face, and complimented my complexion in a way I didn’t think was possible!
I decided to pop a bit on my eyelids and swept some product along the tip of my nose too to create a more cohesive look.
Pro tip: The formula is fairly powdery (as it is a powder blush), so apply to your eyes before your foundation to clean up any fallout.
All in all, I want to dust this all over my face and practically bathe in it.
5. Dalal, Customer Experience Advisor & Makeup Artist.
Dalal's Benefit blush shade:
- Benefit Willa -Nude - A soft neutral rose with a satin finish.
Dalal's Benefit blush review:
Benefit Willa -Nude is not my usual ‘go to’ blush tone, but I wanted to try something different.
I'm very happy I did, too!
The cardboard packaging is nonbreakable (yay) and has a secure magnetic close when you flip the lid down.
The inside mirror is a little too small for my liking, but handy nonetheless.
For this particular application I added the blush high on my cheeks and a little across the bridge of my nose for a more sun-kissed look.
I found the formula to be really silky and easy to apply.
A little goes a long way, so I would suggest building up slowly with this one as the immediate colour payoff is nice and strong.
I love how it glides onto the skin, leaving a very subtle satin sheen which also smooths the appearance of the skin.
Final Verdict…
If you'd told me a few years ago I would try and love a Benefit powder blush, I’d be like, no way.
Now, I'm converted.
And I want to try a Benefit liquid blush like the Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint and a Benefit cream blush.
Wait, is there a Benefit cream blush?! If not, imma write them a letter.
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this Benefit blush review as much as I did!
Which one did you think was the best Benefit blush?
If you're keen for some more great Benefit product reviews, check out these articles below:
