In October 2022, I was whisked to France by Benefit for a highly confidential launch. The brand wouldn’t reveal the exact details and we were sworn to secrecy. This isn’t unusual and throughout my career as a beauty editor I have been taken to various laboratories and factories to see the research and development behind a new range, but this was on a totally different scale. Fast forward 18 months and we now know this was to launch its Porefessional skincare range, which started with six key products and has now added a further two products, as well as an in-store Good Pore Day Facial service (£35) in all its Benefit Boutique stores. But the real question is are the products any good?
Benefit is owned by French company LVMH, who also own Dior, Fenty, Fresh, Ole Henriksen and Sephora to name a few. As one of the powerhouses in the beauty world, being able to see the journey a product takes from concept to shelf is quite something and as a lifelong Benefit fan it was even more exciting.
The Story Behind Benefit’s Porefessional Skincare Range
My relationship started with Benefit when I was 16 years old, long before I even knew what a beauty editor did or had any idea that this would end up as my career. I adored the quirky packaging, simplistic products and found the story of two sisters starting the brand after their stripper friend needed something to enhance the appearance of their nipples highly entertaining. It was the right amount of cheeky to make my teenage self engage and nearly 25 years later the story still makes me chuckle. I had saved all my Saturday job money to buy the much coveted Benetint, Erase Paste Concealer and Dr Feelgood (may it rest in beauty heaven) and treasured those products as if they were designer shoes.
Rewind 18 months again, and you can now picture my excitement as we walked through the double doors of the expansive LVMH laboratory to find out what the next big launch would be. As we excitedly took our seats in a room filled with bubbles it became clear – it was skincare. I have to admit this is not necessarily the sector that springs to mind when I think of Benefit, which I immediately identify with mascara or brow products, however I was ready to find out more.
We were given access to the research labs, the scientists and the clinical testing facilities. Benefit was adamant it could prove that it could leap back into skincare, was ready and it had the receipts. I watched case study after case study demonstrating the effects of the range, aimed solely on pores (not ingredient-led which is an interesting concept in the skincare world right now). Rather than focusing on ageing, dryness, oily or blemish prone skin, it had one job and one job only – to get rid of pores.
Image Source: POPSUGAR UK Photography/Lauren Ezekiel
“A lot of people think the only way to get rid of blocked pore is by torturing them,” Jared Bailey, an Aesthetician and Benefit’s Global Brow Expert tells PS UK. “Or use strips, but this is a terrible method and can cause a lot of damage. It takes a lot of training to do an extraction manually. We wanted to create products to clean out congestion without the punishment.”
As someone who hasn’t ever focused on their pores, always thinking about hydration and dullness, I found this quite interesting and wondered how this range could therefore replace some of my go-to products. “We aren’t looking to replace any of your favourites, or current skincare products, ” explains Maggie Ford, Chief Beauty Ambassador and daughter and niece of twin Jean and Jane Ford who founded Benefit in 1976 (side note: obsessed with the family ties). “You can incorporate the range with what you are using – this is all about slotting in to achieve your most beautiful skin,” she concludes.
So let me get this straight – this range can be used altogether or as a single product? “It’s not necessary to use all six to get best results,” says Bailey. “It’s about using the correct targeted products that will work for your concerns.” It doesn’t need 10 steps to achieve results and it’s only focussed on pores? Yes apparently so. If this is the case, it’s only right that I try every product in the Porefessional Range and let you know which ones you should be buying.
Related:
My Review of the Benefit Porefessional Range
Image Source: Benefit Uk
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The Clay Mask: Benefit The Porefessional Deep Retreat Mask (£35)
Benefit The Porefessional Deep Retreat Mask (£35)
If you like clay masks that dry as they set on your skin then this is for you. I don’t tend to opt for this type of product when I’m settling down for a self-care session, however I have to say this doesn’t feel too drying and uncomfortable as it hardens. As you rinse you can feel a slight tightness but nothing too alarming and I’ve noticed the next day my skin looks really fresh and smooth. I tend to use this if I have a week when my skin is feeling particularly oily or if I’ve spent a lot of time in the city using public transport, as it feels like it deeply cleans the grime from your skin and pores.
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The Oil Cleanser: Benefit The Porefessional Get Unblocked
Benefit The Porefessional Get Unblocked (£32)
I’m a big fan of oil-based cleansers and this is as good as any I have tried. Gentle enough to use on the eyes, yet it removes all makeup in one rinse. If you are a fan of the double cleanse then this is a brilliant first cleanse product for breaking down makeup, dirt and grime. It also lasted for ages, I used this daily for at least five months before needing to replace it, making it very cost effective.
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The Moisturiser: Benefit The Porefessional Smooth Sip Moisturiser
Benefit The Porefessional Smooth Sip Moisturiser (£35)
This lightweight moisturiser is ideal if you have oily skin and tend to shy away from heavier, rich moisturisers. As I tend to suffer from dry skin I have to say I prefer a thicker formula so this is probably one that I wouldn’t recommend from the range. But for those that tend to avoid thick cream formulas then it may be worth giving this a go.
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The Gel Cleanser: Benefit The Porefessional Good Clean Up (£26)
Benefit The Porefessional Good Clean Up (£26)
This gel-based cleanser can feel a bit sticky as you apply it to the skin. It is best used as a second cleanse or for those with combination skin who prefer to skip oil-based formulas. I would have to say this is another skip for me, but then I am not a heavy makeup wearer and don’t feel like my skin needs two intense cleansers, so I would always stick to its oil-based cousin.
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The Toner: Benefit The Porefessional Tight ‘n’ Toned (£32)
Benefit The Porefessional Tight ‘n’ Toned (£32)
I have to say this is one of my favourite products for its innovative application. I truly believe toning is the most underestimated skincare step, apart from a good cleanse, and the one that can transform your skin after regular use. This uses a combination of exfoliating AHA’s and BHA’s which help get rid of any dead skin cells blocking the pores. After one use your skin will feel so fresh and clean it almost sparkles. Also the fact you can apply directly to the face without a cotton pad or reusable cloth is a massive bonus to me.
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The Face Mask: Benefit The Porefessional Speedy Smooth
Benefit The Porefessional Speedy Smooth (£35)
I love me a speedy mask and this is up there with the best of them. I tend to apply in the shower and let it settle into my skin for five minutes before rinsing it away. It is great if you’ve been out the night before and may have lazily reached for a makeup wipe or micellar water to get rid of your makeup. It instantly brightens the skin and makes it appear clearer and smoother.
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The Overnight Treatment: Benefit The Porefessional Shrink Wrap
Benefit The Porefessional Shrink Wrap (£41.50)
Much like a toner, I love an overnight exfoliating treatment. This is basically a souped up version of the toner that gets to work cleaning out your pores and ensuring all the dead skin cells, grime, excess oil and dirt comes out of your skin. I love using products like this as I find I wake up and my skin looks fresh and illuminated, meaning I don’t need to layer on foundation. It is also ideal if you have a big event the next few days, as it smooths the skin ahead of makeup application.
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The Exfoliator: Benefit The Porefessional Wow Polish
Benefit The Porefessional Wow Polish (£44)
If you like a physical exfoliator then this is for you. You pour the granules into the palm of your hand before adding a touch of water and massaging into the face. This is a really fun skincare product that has a highly satisfying application process. I found it improves skin texture and its great for really targeting a congested T-Zone as it allows you to be in control of how you apply. It also isn’t needed all over like a moisturiser or cleanser so if you have isolated areas of pore concern then this is for you.
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Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.
