Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous

Way back in January we popped into our local Benefit boutique to pick up a fantastic gift set marked down with a hefty 70% discount. Amongst the blusher, mascara and eye pencils, we also received this: the worldwide best selling base from the kitsch Californian cosmetics company...

Advertised as the perfect match "foundation faker", Benefit's Some Kind-a Gorgeous is a sheer cream to powder base which - thanks to it's adaptable translucent shade - is designed to suit the vast majority of international skin tones. Presented in a light plastic compact complete with large mirror for application on the go, this creamy base can be easily applied with either with your fingers, a brush, or the ample circular sponge provided.

Some Kind-a Gorgeous swirled in pan

As the picture below shows, when swatched on our skin the colour lies far too warm on our cool complexion. Admittedly we're rather pale - in fact, we're not even on the MAC shade range - yet for a base that claims to adapt to the wearers' natural make up, it seems like Some Kind-a Gorgeous doesn't even want to have a go with ours.

Some Kind-a Gorgeous swatched/blended

Thankfully, due to the decent sunshine we've experienced this year, the product is just about workable on our semi-tanned face. Although we did experience some streaking, the texture is a pleasure to work with and can be quickly blended into every nook and cranny for an all over polished appearance. Because the coverage is quite light, those of you who prefer any flaws on the skin to be camouflaged by foundation may want to skip this.

Some Kind-a Gorgeous applied to bare skin (no other make up applied except mascara)

There are many things we both like and dislike about this product. We love the silky finish it gives, we love the natural coverage it gives, we love the longevity it gives. However, we really dislike the smell it has and we're frankly frustrated by the one-shade-fits-all approach. We really wish this was a base we could wear all year round, but we just know come autumn we'll be too darn pale for it.

Extreme close up of product on face

All in all this is a good, lightweight foundation - particularly ideal for those of you with young or clear skin. It's just a real shame that Benefit have limited it's appeal by producing such a yellow based mix. If you have a medium skin tone then this could work well on you, but for those of you leaning more towards the pale side of things, it's VITAL you swatch in store.

If you're interested in this formula and have darker skin, then check of Some Kind-a Gorgeous Deep - exactly the same theory, but designed specifically for those of you with more depth to your complexion. Again - we highly recommend you swatch in store!

Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous is available worldwide and at benefitcosmetics for £21.50 (9.50g)

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*