I love shimmer and sparkle but there’s a lot to be said for non-shimmer, matte/satin blushes.
When I tested my preview sample of Benefit Hervana, I was not only taken with the ‘orchid blossom’ hues, I was also drawn to its understated nature and soft glow.
A pretty pinwheel pan with a mauvy pink (Berry Delight), a peach pink (Divine Peach), a salmon that pulls rose (Heavenly Rose) and a clean beige (Lucky Shell), it’s a departure from the previous Benefit boxed blushes with their more straightforward colour pans. Though the entire pan has silver shimmer, the fine sparkles are barely discernible on the skin; translating instead into a pleasant glow and at the very most, subtle glimmer. As such, this blush will please those of you who love a natural blush flush without obvious shine and shimmer.
The shades are hard to pick up singly and seem somewhat sheer upon swatching.
However, a blush brush or the included one (an angled brush with the typical wooden Benefit blush handle) easily picks up an even swirl of colour that does show up on the skin (whew!).
The sum of the different hues? A soft pink much like that of the Benefit paper bag! ;). It can pull cooler or warmer, depending on where you concentrate your swirling but as a whole, it is a flattering shade of pink that’ll probably suit many skin tones. It is fairly light, so it might not show up as well on people with deeper skin tones.
I don’t use each shade on its own but I suppose you could subtly sculpt the cheeks with the beige or do a little under-eye shadow concealing with the salmon and the beige (I’m not sure if the formulation is eye safe but in my experience, Benefit products tend to be suitable for most facial areas). Unfortunately, despite its pretty shade, this blush can fade. As such, it’s best to use it with a cream blush underneath or touch up on the go. It doesn’t cake with extra layers, though, so that’s a plus. (ETA: I used it today and it lasted surprisingly well on my bare skin for more than 6 hours! I’m not sure why but the day was less humid than usual, so this could be a factor.)
Already available at the Benefit counters here, it is happily priced at S$46, a markdown from the previous S$55 price tag of the Benefit boxed blushes. According to Benefit Singapore (now in partnership with Luxasia), their prices have been lowered across the board for all products.
Wonderful news, indeed – how often do we see makeup prices going south, right? More often than not, brands insidiously raise them! It’s heartening to see that Benefit Singapore has adjusted their prices – it makes economic sense and will bring in more customers who otherwise might look overseas for their Benefit purchases.
Image source: Benefit Cosmetics
I got this in December, and it’s quickly become my favorite blush. I have medium-toned skin, and it looks completely natural. Love it.
Hi Joy,
I know how you feel; I love its natural glow-from-within appearance! :)
Yeah for the price reduction~ Colour too sheer but looks like it build up on you well~
Hi Angie,
Double yay! So glad the prices have been lowered. It does build up well; the colour on the brush is a good indication of its pigment potential. ;)
this looks quite beautiful! I love blushes with different bands of color. looks like sugarbomb without the glitter :)
Hi Jan,
It’s definitely worth a go!
Wow; it looks so pretty! :)
Hi Amy,
Give it a try; it imparts a lovely natural flush of colour.
Hello there.
This is the first time I saw you post of your pic. :) Thank you. :) You know it just reminded me that pics of bloggers make the post a little bit more personal. ;)
As for this wondrous benefit product, I can’t wait to get my hands off it. <3
Jen
Hi Jenny,
I’ve posted my photos a few times before but as you can tell from my blog, the products are the focus. ;)
Do take a look at this blush; it’s really easy to wear. :)
This is very pretty! I think it’s my favourite Benefit Blush!
Hi Jamilla,
I’m hoping to compare it with Thrrrob but I reckon the latter’s cooler and slightly sheerer.
Holy Cow! I didn’t know this blush has landed on Singapore’s shore..I checked at Sephora only the other day and can’t find them..thanks for sharing this post! I’m definitely running there for another check!
Hi Patricia,
I’ve already seen it at the Benefit counter at Tangs Orchard. :) Have fun!
Very helpful swatches. I want this now.
Farah: BUY! :D
Lovely post! I was just wondering if you know the price of benefit’s hoola bronzer? I’m going to singapore next month and making my (extensive) wish list but i can’t seem to find the price of it anywhere!
Thank you, Ella! I believe they’re the same price but I can’t be sure, sorry.