As my skin has become a lot less oily recently, thanks to my current skincare routine, I've been trying to wean myself off powders. I've relied on them for years to tone down shine and secure my makeup in place, but I'd find myself applying more powder whenever an opportunity arose as a bit of a comfort blanket, which left my skin looking a little too dry by the end of the day. To try and kick this terrible habit, I've been instead opting for powder alternatives, such as setting sprays. Then I came across Benefit's Dr. Feelgood Complexion Balm, a multi-use primer, mattifying balm and pore smoother. So, if you've been as intrigued by this product as I was, keep reading for my thoughts on how well it works.
Benefit's silky complexion balm can be used in a multitude of ways, either on its own, underneath makeup or over the top. Used on bare skin, it instantly mattifies, smooths and creates a more uniformed appearance. Totally invisible, it's virtually undetectable on the skin, but the blurring effect makes you look that little bit more polished when going makeup free. Containing Vitamins A, C and E, the balm actively works to brighten and nourish, so it doesn't suffocate the skin unnecessarily when you aren't wearing makeup. Whenever I use the balm alone, I simply warm a small amount between my fingertips to a creamy consistency and glide it across my face, concentrating on my T-zone. Blemishes aren't at all covered up, but they don't look as angry. Visible pores are levelled. Fine lines are somewhat softened.
More often than not, I've been using the Benefit Dr. Feelgood Complexion Balm over makeup, whether I've gone for a lightweight tinted moisturiser or heavier foundation. To apply Dr. Feelgood on top of makeup, I use a sponge applicator to gently press it over the skin so as not to disturb my base. You do receive a sponge with the product itself, which is ideal as it's so soft, but make sure to wash it regularly to ensure it doesn't start to harbour bacteria. Over makeup, it has that same filtered effect. Shine is reduced, but you're still left with a gentle, natural-looking glow. I'm not the biggest fan of face primers, so I haven't tried this product under makeup, but I'm sure it would work really well if you like a smoothing, pore-perfecting formula.
The trick with this product is light layers. Similarly to using powder, it can start to look a bit dry and caked if you're heavy-handed when initially applying and then topping up throughout the day. Just a few soft dabs with a sponge is enough for touch-ups.
In terms of keeping makeup in place, it does do a good job, but I think more traditional setting powders prevent makeup fade a tad better if you're severely oily. It certainly lets your skin look a lot more natural though, if used in the right way, whilst still giving a satin-matte finish. As someone with combination skin, the Benefit Dr. Feelgood Complexion Balm hits the perfect balance. For anyone with a drier, more mature skin-type who doesn't need to worry about their makeup sliding off their face within one hour of wear, it'll be a complete winner. With that in mind, I'd say it's a great product for those who want a more perfected result without the dry finish of a powder, rather than those looking for something to set their makeup for a super long-lasting, will-not-budge-come-rain-or-shine effect.
The only downside of this product is its scent. Dr. Feelgood has quite a strong zesty smell, which isn't my favourite and does linger on the face, but you soon get used to it. Strong fragrance in face products can be a worry for those with particularly sensitive skin, but it hasn't resulted any irritation or break-outs for me personally.
The cute tin packaging is unique and the design of the label keeps things fun, like all Benefit products. As you have to dip a sponge/your fingers into the product before applying, the packaging isn't the most hygienic, but all should be fine as long as your sponges and fingers are clean. Just make sure to close the lid tightly when you're finished to prevent the balm from drying out and becoming too solid to use. The Dr. Feelgood Complexion Balm costs £21.50, which sits somewhere around Benefit's usual price point. I'd say that this is a fair price to pay as you get a lot for your money and the product is pretty innovative. Just use it sparingly to really get your money's worth!
This product has unfortunately been discontinued, but the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder makes a great alternative!
AGB X
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