The Essential Benefit Blush Bar Palette: A Comprehensive Review

Today, we delve into the world of Benefit Cosmetics, specifically focusing on their Blush Bar palette, which features a selection of iconic blushes along with a new exclusive shade.

Every year, Benefit releases a limited edition palette that showcases several beloved blushes and introduces a fresh hue. In 2018, I purchased the stunning "Blush Bar" palette, which includes five full-size blushes for an attractive price of €59. Due to their limited availability and great value, these palettes tend to sell out quickly.

According to Benefit:

"Our blush and bronzer palette will make your cheeks dance! This limited edition palette includes the NEW warm golden nectar blush Gold Rush, our iconic matte bronzer Hoola, our best-selling pale pink powder Dandelion, and MORE. With five shades for all skin tones, this large palette comes with a soft powder brush and our tips and tricks!"

Packaging

The packaging of the Blush Bar palette is visually striking, featuring shades of pink and gold. I particularly enjoy how the powders are personified, with classical dancers depicted on each product’s packaging. The central dancer is highlighted, representing the new shade.

On the back of the secondary packaging, you can find images of each powder included inside, all presented with an intriguing "destroy" effect.

In addition to the palette, there is a booklet offering various tips for applying the blushes. Of course, you are free to use the shades as you wish!

Now, let’s talk about the palette itself, which features the same design as the secondary packaging, except for a more subdued back. I particularly appreciate the golden swirls that embellish the entire palette.

The palette is equipped with a magnetic closure and has a sturdy build, indicating that Benefit has thoughtfully incorporated each separately sold powder into one cohesive palette. This is evident in the raised edges of some shades.

It also boasts a large mirror, which is always a bonus, featuring a lovely cut that follows the lines of the swirls.

Lastly, the palette includes a soft natural bristle brush, similar to what you would receive with any individual powder. While I find it challenging to use for blush application, it could be quite handy for bronzer application (though a different brush may be needed for blending).

Swatches

Beyond the packaging, I appreciate the harmonious selection of full-size shades in this palette. These tones are versatile for everyday wear and suitable for various occasions. All the blushes offer a luminous finish, which is a delightful feature! However, a minor drawback is that the shades Galifornia and Gold Rush have a golden overlay that fades after the first use, diminishing their initial shimmer.

• Galifornia: A stunning golden coral, aptly named and visually reminiscent of the sun.
• Gold Rush: A honeyed golden blush, designed to evoke a golden nugget effect with its textured surface.
• Dandelion: A delicate pink highlighter with subtle golden flecks.
• Hoola: The cult-favorite bronzer in a warm brown shade.
• Rockateur: A rose-gold blush with a brownish finish and a highly recognizable design.

Application

In terms of application, the blushes are easily buildable and blend well. The only shade that posed a bit of a challenge for me was the bronzer Hoola, which requires careful application. Personally, I prefer to use it as a blush since it appears too warm for my skin tone when used as a bronzer.

My Opinion

This palette has become an essential part of my makeup collection, as it contains only the shades I wear daily. If I could only take one blush palette on a trip, this would undoubtedly be the one. I have no regrets about this purchase, especially considering that each individual product retails for €38!

What about you? What is your favorite Benefit blush?