The POREfessional Pro Balm by Benefit

If you read my blog often you know how I have complained about my oily skin... with this often comes enlarged pores which I have started to notice over time! I have tried several primers and pore minimizers and some have worked a little but I had never found my holy grail so to speak! When I was asked if I would like to try Benefit's new pore minimizing product the POREfessional I jumped at the chance both because I am always looking for a great pore minimizer and because I love Benefit products so much!

When I opened the box this little tube called to me, it's kitschy and cute and something I wanted to display. I know packaging isn't everything, but I really liked it non the less! On to the important things now I guess... does it work?!

I am so pleased to say that I found great results with this product. I was sure to apply it by smoothing it gently over my enlarged pores and not rubbing in the product too much. You want it to cover the pores leaving a seamless look. This product also doubles as a primer as it is very efficient, especially for traveling! There is a fragrance to this product which is very lovely, I did find it a little strong at first seeing as many of my enlarged pores are around my nose, but I have grown accustomed to it and actually really enjoy the fresh scent it provides!

Facts:

• lightweight
• oil free
• trancelucent coverage
• contains silicone for a silky application
• can be worn both under and over makeup!

If you need help with enlarged pores, or are just curious on what a difference this product will make to your skin be sure to check out your Benefit section this month to get a POREfessional for yourself!

Avon MagiX Face Perfector

My local Avon representative was kind enough to provide me with a sample of MagiX Face Perfector with a recent order. With the cost of primers often so high I was hoping to be finding a great cost efficient replacement for some of the other brands available.

Upon opening the jar the first thing I noticed was the scent. I found it overwhelming and it was a chemical fragrance which I knew would bother some of my clients, as well as myself! The texture was quite thick, which isn't completely bad as it was help to matte out my oily skin. Great for those of us with combination to oily skin who wants their makeup to stay fresh longer. I loved the way my foundation went on over the top and left me with a velvety finish that lasted for hours.

The SPF is another bonus for a primer. Any product with an SPF is a great option although if you are using for a special occasion such as a wedding you may want to skip products with SPF. They will create a white cast to your skin when used with flash photography!

What I didn't like is how I began to find I was breaking out from the primer. I tried this product on different occasions, just to make sure it wasn't a coincidence and each time I used the product it brought on a breakout on my sensitive skin along my t-zone.

I really wanted to love this product, as I have head some great reviews from many trusted sites. If you do NOT have sensitive skin you may really want to give it a try. For me though it was a fail and I would never risk using something on my clients that I cannot use myself!