{ Review } New to Benefit POREfessional

Never a brand to do things by halves, Benefit launches not one, but two weapons in the fight against problem pores.

Benefit POREfessional Invisible-Finish Mattifying Gel, R395

What they say: Matte rescue instantly minimizes pore appearance. The lightweight, water-based gel overpowers shine and absorbs excess surface oil, leaving a natural-looking matte finish. Skin feels smooth and refreshed. Contains diamond powder known for its soft-focus pore-blurring effect.

What I say: Ok, so I can’t really attest to its mattifying properties, as I don’t really have anything to mattify.

BUT, what I can tell you is that the instant-blurring and perfecting properties are everything they say they are and more. It evens out the complexion, leaving you with a face that looks like it’s been filtered!

It’s recommended that you apply this under a primer, but that is definitely only for girls with super oily skin, as I found this worked well as a primer. Also, who on earth has time to faff with two layers of product before you even get to foundation? Definitely not me!

Benefit POREfessional Instant Wipe Out Masks, R395 for 8 masks.

What they say: This superhero-strength, dual-sided face mask cleans out AND smooths out the look of pores around your nose, forehead and chin. 3…2…1…WIPEOUT! The specially textured fabric woven from cottony fibers helps exfoliate & remove pore impurities. Contains mushroom extract known to clarify pores.

What I say: Well, the packaging will definitely catch your eye. The box they come in looks like a spy’s suitcase, and the masks are individually wrapped in futuristic pouches that require you to pop a plastic bubble before you open to release the active ingredients.

The formula contains a mushroom extract that sloughs dirt and grime out of your pores, making them look instantly smaller and less visible.

Now even though I have dry skin, I do suffer with blackhead and large pores on my nose, so this was where I tested the masks (although you can use them wherever you need them). It did make a difference, but because my skin is on the drier side, I did find the skin around my nose getting quite dry a few days afterwards. This probably has something to do with the menthol in the formula.

So while I’m impressed with the results, I would probably not repurchase them, and rather stick to regular nose strips. But those of you with oily skin will, ahem, benefit greatly from them.