Get ready for summer with a happy pink glow (Benefit CORALista)

Member Name: KLockwood75

Product:	Benefit CORALista
Date:	09/04/09 (217 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Flattering, easy to apply, makes me happy!

Disadvantages: Expensive

Benefit CORALista is the newest addition to Benefit's range of cheek powders, and is marketed as the 'cheerful cheek powder'.

While browsing the Benefit counter in Debenhams, Westfield in search of a birthday present for a friend, the girl behind the counter recommended that I try CORALista. It doesn't take much to persuade me to try out a new beauty product, so within a couple of minutes I was perched on a stool at the counter having this product brushed over my cheeks. On this particular day I wasn't looking my best, having suffered an interrupted night's sleep with a teething two year old and rushed out of the house without applying any make-up, but this product immediately made me look and feel better. It gave me a healthy glow and, when I got home after several hours more shopping, even my husband commented on it - and, believe me, he doesn't always notice these things!

So, Benefit CORALista went straight on to my extensive beauty wish-list, I dropped numerous hints to my other half about how much I wanted it and, sure enough, on Mother's Day I opened a little gift bag to find the box inside. Since then, I have been wearing it virtually every day and the rest of my collection of Benefit cheek powders have been sadly neglected.

** The Box **
Like all Benefit products, the packaging of CORALista is distinctive and instantly recognisable as being from Benefit. It comes in the same type of box as the other cheek powders such as Georgia, Hoola and 10. The box is shimmery with a pink-leopardskin design and tropical style prints. It just looks like a product that will make you happy and that you can have fun with.

** The Product **
As it's name suggests, CORALista is a coral-coloured powder designed to be swept across the cheekbones to give your face that holiday-style glow. It comes with it's own little brush - this is a nicer looking brush than in my other Benefit cheek powders as it has a wooden handle which makes it look a bit more classy, although I actually prefer to use a big MAC blusher brush to apply it as I just feel the shape of that is better than the slightly flat looking brush that is included in the box. However, the quality of the Benefit brush is great - it is a really soft texture which feels lovely on your cheeks.

** Application **
Simply sweep the powder across your cheeks using the brush, concentrating on the areas where the sun would naturally cause your cheeks to glow. It is really easy to apply and looks great with minimal effort. The coral tones of this product are instantly flattering and would work well if you are going for one of those 'natural' looks which actually takes ages to put together. The powder has a really light consistency and blends well into your skin, so that it doesn't even feel like you are wearing it.

** Price and Availability **
CORALista is priced at £22.50 and is available from Benefit counters nationwide. There are Benefit concessions in larger branches of Boots and many department stores, as well as some standalone Benefit stores. You can also order online from www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk. It is expensive for a cheek powder, but if my boxes of Georgia and 10 are anything to compare to, then it will last ages and I think it is worth the money.

** Conclusion **
I really love this product, mainly because it makes me think of summer holidays, enjoying the sunshine and just being happy. There's something about the pinkness of it that really appeals to my girly nature, plus it looks fantastic on. Even on days where I really can't be bothered to apply a full face of make-up I tend to brush some of this on to my cheeks because I think I'm becoming addicted to the glow it gives me. It's a flattering, easy to wear shade which is perfect for summer and I would definitely recommend it.

Summary: A little bit of summer sun for your make-up bag