Monday, September 26, 2011

Benefit's "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer Review




"That Gal" Brightening Face Primer sample by Benefit is part of the Benefit To Go Beauty Bestseller.  It has been lying around my "makeup storage" box as I was enjoying the "spot" highlighting I've been doing for months or a year.  Thanks to wonderful readers who always remind me to review this product.  As of this moment, it has been a month that I've used "that gal".  Even if I'm at home and not going out, crazy!  I know!  But that's how much I love you guys!

Smile and read on for further information --- that sounds like an instruction from a box! *lol*

**photo taken from Benefit site

Benefit "that gal" Brightening Face Primer says ---

Brightening complexion primer from benefit will turn dull to dazzle.... Can be used on its own or under make-up. Either way your complexion will have never looked as glowing.

Contains soothing raspberry & chamomile, combined with sweet almond & algae extracts to help skin retain natural moisture, for a soft & silky finish.

Light-reflecting pigments brighten the complexion.

Size: 11 ml 0.37 US fl. oz.
Ingredients: 
WATER (AQUA), OCTYLDODECANOL, GLYCERIN, CETYL DIMETHICONE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, TAPIOCA STARCH, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), PHENOXYETHANOL, SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL, TRIBEHENIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, MICA, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, POLYACRYLATE-13, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) SEED EXTRACT, CARBOMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, POLYISOBUTENE, BENZOPHENONE-4, SORBIC ACID, LENTINUS EDODES EXTRACT, BHT, DISODIUM EDTA, IRON OXIDES (CI77492), FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), ANTHEMIS NOBILIS FLOWER EXTRACT, RUBUS IDAEUS (RASPBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, POLYSORBATE 20, SODIUM METHYLPARABEN, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN), SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, TIN OXIDE, SODIUM PROPYLPARABEN, SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN, ALUMINA, METHYLPARABEN, LINALOOL, SILICA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, CHLORPHENESIN, RED 33 (CI17200), POLYQUATERNIUM-7, CITRIC ACID, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE. N° 091307-4


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Even with the tiny squeeze-tube type tester, both the original packaging and sample packaging is very convenient to use.  
  • Scent is okay, a bit fruity but not too overpowering.
  • Product is easy to apply and gets absorbed into the skin quickly.
  • Does not feel heavy on skin.
  • Moisturizes my skin a bit.
  • Does give a tiny bit of brightened look ONCE you look closely.
  • Works great as highlighter.
Cons
  • Not available locally.
  • I don't know if its just me but I prefer the "sample" packaging better, I like the "toothpaste" tip rather then the full sized version (as shown on photo below).  

**photo taken from Benefit site
  • The brightening effect is not as obvious when used as primer.
  • Oily-skinned individuals will not appreciate this as much as it does not have oil-controlling properties.
  • No additional properties like anti-aging or SPF which makes the product a bit pricey.
Overall
Don't shoot me when I say this, if you own Estee Lauder's Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, the texture and effect is a tiny bit similar!  I do not have the Estee Lauder product but I was able to swatch it on hand when I was at Jheng's place.  I was amazed when I saw the similarity (note: Only on texture not on function).
The product is best added to your makeup regimen as it does give a very subtle, healthy look. Keep in mind that it does not give a drastic effect so do not set your standards too hgih.

As a face primer, I find this just ok, doesn't make a world of difference.  Used as highlighter, it actually works!


Tips
from Benefit

  • Twist the base until the primer is distributed on the top. 
  • Apply with fingertips onto the face. 
  • Blend this silky pink primer in an even, upward motion. 
  • Wear alone, or under makeup for smoother makeup application. 
  • Gently pat on during the day to re-brighten your complexion. To help re-brighten your complexion throughout the day, gently pat on.
from AMW
  • If you like the effect to be really subtle, use this prior to foundation application or mix this with your favorite foundation.
  • If you want a bit more "oomph", use the same product and highlight areas like your cheekbones, the nose bridge and sides of the mouth with the use of a blending brush.
  • Try not to use your fingers once you plan to apply this "after" makeup as you may end up rubbing off your face makeup.  (Note: Finger application for pre-makeup application, brush application for post-makeup application.)
  • Though the product is moisturizing, dry skinned individuals will need to moisturize well prior to primer application as this is not enough.
  • Oily skinned readers may still need to use oil control primer then mix this with your favorite foundation to achieve the bright look they want.
  • Test how much product you need to put to get the "achieved glow" you want.  Practice makes perfect. 
  • Once irritations occur, STOP product usage.
Will I repurchase?
Not for myself but for clients.  I'll probably mix this with foundation.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal or dry skinned readers.
Darker skinned individuals may find the effect more obvious as opposed to fairer skin!

Where to purchase and how much?

Can be purchased at Benefit online site for $29.00 (approx $1,247.00).

That Gal Brightening Face Primer by Benefit
on hand 
Texture is creamy, color has a slight pink tint.

Pinkish tint will slowly disappear and 
pearly pigment is starting to show

Once the pink tint disappears, a super light sheen can be seen
if you take a look at it or zoom it just as shown on photo below

A before and after shot of me 
(L) bare faced and (R) with "that gal" primer
The effect isn't as obvious but I would like to point out that the dryness near the sides of my lips was significantly reduced!  The "brightened" skin may disappear once you apply foundation on top.  So I suggest mixing the product with your favorite foundation instead.  Just my 2 cents :)


Have you tried a brightening face primer yourself?
Which brand and does it work for you?
I'd love to hear from you! 


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Enjoy your Monday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


24 comments :

  1. i had one before! i love the glow, but it was too oily for me =/

    p/s: i totally enjoyed the sight of the products oozing out from the tiny holes :D

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  2. i love benefit but i skip this one cause its pricey and since ive been using bb cream, parang i dont need primers like that na :D

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  3. The brightening effect looks really subtle. I think I'll pass, thanks for the review.

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  4. Great review but I will have to pass. I have oily skin kasi ^_^

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  5. OK, I'll stick with Estee Lauder! Thanks for the review!

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  6. I have the full size. It's not messy at all! One twist will give you very minimal amount. Very economical. :)

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  7. Fabulous review, darling! Can you believe I've never worn a face primer? Total beauty faux passe, I know.

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  8. I think I feel kinda the same way you do with this one. I like the smell and the slight cooling effect on my skin it gives but as a primer, I don't think it does much. I do reach for this when I know I'll be using a slightly darker foundation.

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  9. this didn't work out for me because i have very oily skin but i love the scent of this product too! :)

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  10. this is a nice consideration sis, although for me when i want brightening i still prefer BB cream. which reminds me must get L'Egere again! i ran out of it lol.

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  11. @xin LOL! i can totally imagine your face when the product oozes out! LOL

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  12. @Kumiko Mae Well, I guess you're right, I love my bb creams too!

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  13. @Photoescape OO! Thanks to Xin who has oily skin for giving us the feedback (above) at least we know how it worked on oily skinned!

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  14. @Anna Thanks for sharing your experience, I guess i just want the product to ooze out in ONE whole lol! But you're right, its not that bad!

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  15. @B Well girl! with gorgeous face and skin like yours! Why do you need a primer? :D

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  16. @Connie De Alwis Ahhh nice one! thanks for the tip! Will try this on my darker foundation!

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  17. I haven't tried any makeup primer for my face but I think I really need one since my face is always oily most especially the U-zone area parang nawawala lang makeup ko. Ms. Nikki what kind of makeup primer would you recommend for my combi oily and sensitive skin?

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    Replies
    1. I have always loved Smashbox PhotoFinish primer in LIGHT. But since you have sensitive skin, I suggest you try on testers or purchase the smallest tester bottle! :)

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  18. Oh.too bad...Glad I did not go impulsive on this one the other day!...I find that my neutrogena hydroboost water gel has the same effect.. I dont know..just feel like it...

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    Replies
    1. Hmm..Apple, the Neutrogena Hydroboost water gel is a moisturizer right? This one from Benefit is a primer..not moisturizer so its 2 different products :)

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I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!