I have a bit of an addiction to Benefit products. Initially I was attracted by the fun. retro-style packaging and that fact that Benefit was the only decent make-up shop near where we lived, but increasingly, it has been because I have been impressed with the way the products perform. I bought the Hello Flawless foundation a couple of months ago when I ran out of foundation and, yet again, found myself back in the Benefit shop near work in my lunch break.

* Reasons for Purchase *
There were a few reasons behind my desire to purchase this particular product. The first was the name - my skin has a tendency to look a bit rubbish, I can make it look 'ok' with the application of various potions and lotions, but it doesn't look as good as I'd like it to. Probably the result of not drinking enough water, a few glasses of wine too many at the weekends and children who don't understand the concept of a lie-in! So, the name 'Hello Flawless' conjured up images of perfect skin with that elusive glow that I'd love to have. Secondly, I was attracted by the fact that it is an SPF25 product. My day-to-day moisturiser is SPF 15, but I feel that it is always important to protect the skin on my face as much as possible. Finally, I was attracted by the suggestion that it would allow oxygen to get through to my skin and allow it to breathe, as I hate it when foundation feels heavy on my skin.

* Packaging *
Unlike many of the Benefit products I own, the packaging of this foundation is very simple. It came in a plain white box with the name of the product written in a simple black font, and a colour swatch at the top to show which skin tone it should suit. Inside the box, the foundation is in a plain white 30ml plastic bottle with a lid and a pump action dispenser. All very clean and simple and unlike the normal Benefit look.

* Application *
You can apply 'Hello Flawless' either with a foundation brush, a make-up sponge or simply by using your fingers. I tend to use the foundation brush when I am preparing for a night out and my fingers when I am rushing around getting ready for work as I find that quicker and easier. I use another Benefit product (the Porefessional) as a primer / base coat which I find makes my skin feels smoother and gives me a better canvas to apply the foundation. The texture of 'Hello Flawless' is smooth and silky, it spreads easily across your face and gives a matt finish. There is no oily, greasy feeling to my skin after applying this and my skin looks much fresher. Once the foundation has dried, it has a matt, almost powdery consistently and feels very light, to the extent that I don't really feel like I am wearing a product on my face.

* Performance *
As I am not a fan of heavy foundations, I find that the coverage that this gives me is perfect for me. However, if you prefer a more intense coverage, then this product may be slightly too light. It makes my skin look like a better version of itself - not entirely flawless (especially with those dark circles under my eyes - I still need the Lemon Aid to sort those out), but a lovely, natural look that I can enhance with the application of yet more products. It lasts well during the day and, unlike some foundations I've tried, doesn't tend to transfer itself to my phone every time I make a call. I do usually find that I need to do a few touch ups if I'm heading out in the evening to get a more finished look, but it is definitely long-lasting enough to survive a normal working day. i am also really impressed by the breathability of this product - even on hot summer evenings on holiday in Menorca I felt like my skin was able to breathe wearing this. My skin hasn't really had enough sun exposure while wearing this to comment on how well the SPF performs. It is also claimed that this is a 'brightening make-up' - to be honest, although my skin looks much better when I use this, I still need to use a blusher to really brighten it up. This product is also very easy to remove, I use facial cleansing wipes to take it off at night and my skin feels clean very quickly.

* Cost and Colour Options *
"Hello Flawless" costs £24.50 and is available in Benefit stores and at beauty counters nationwide. You don't need to use a huge amount to get good coverage so I am expecting my tube to last for a couple more months. It is available in nine shades, ranging from Ivory to Nutmeg - mine is Honey which is perfect at the moment while I've still got the vestiges of my summer tan, but I am contemplating getting the colour matching done again once my tan has faded. Updated (March 2013) to say that having worn this foundation at least 3 times a week since I bought it in September, the tube is almost finished - I feel that six months use from a product of this type represents very good value for money.

* Would I recommend it? *
Yes, I would definitely recommend this product as long as the look you are going for is relatively natural. It is light, comfortable to wear and gives effective coverage without looking or feeling caked on. I am a big fan of foundations which leave a matt finish on your skin, as my skin has a tendency to be a bit greasy, and this is definitely one of those. However, If your look tends more towards a fuller coverage, then this might not be the best product for you. Overall though, I think this is an excellent foundation and one that I will definitely be purchasing again in the future.