Product Review: Benefit Boi-ing

Benefit's 'industrial-strength' concealer, Boi-ing, is a bit of a cult favourite; when I used to work as a consultant for them it was probably the best-selling product on counter, except possibly Bad Gal Mascara. Although Boi-ing is available in three shades, no. 3 is such an unnatural shade of orange I never saw anyone ever buy one. Even the girls who look like they've been pickled in Lucozade steered clear and went for the much more flesh-toned no. 2. Benefit is notoriously bad for anyone with darker skin tones, which is a real shame. One of my old workmates is black and had to be excused not wearing 100% Benefit make-up when she was at work because none of the concealers, foundations or blushers suited her skin tone.

Packaging
The packing of Boi-ing was actually changed fairly recently (okay, like two years ago, but I'm still pissed) from a little compact with a mirror to a little screw pot with a clear lid. Why? Why would they do that? A mirror on a product is ALWAYS a good idea, especially if a monster zit rises from the depths and you can't easily peg it to the nearest powder room.

Benefit Boi-ing, £16.50 from House of Fraser

Application

Boi-ing is a creamy consistency that works best when slightly warmed, so it's recommended you use your fingers. It blends easily into the skin, but frequently people find that the shades don't match their skin tone too well. This isn't a huge issue if you're wearing a foundation over the top, but if it doubt, always choose the lighter shade.

Performance

Boi-ing is Benefit's solution for zits and blotchiness and claims to be the only concealer with an anti-bacterial agent. Now, I was made to say this to customers because it was one of the product's sales points, but unfortunately for me I've always found that applied on top of break-outs it exacerbates the situation, even though it does a great job of covering it. I had a few customers with similar skin types who had experienced the same problem, so this is only an issue if your skin is super-sensitive or you know for a fact you're allergic to any of the ingredients. Generally though, most people adored this product, and with a good primer it will stay on your mug all day. 

The Bottom Line

If you fall in Benefit's target demographic, which judging by its marketing is white girls with money to burn and a penchant for pretty packaging, many of their products are great buys. The packaging is always charming and whimsical and the products generally do what they claim to. Boi-ing is touted as a great product for teenage skin with its creamy formula, good coverage and so-called anti-bacterial properties. Be warned, however, that the formula does not sit well with dry skin and causes it to flake all over the shop if you're not well-moisturised. 

Recommend for fairer-skinned folks with oily to normal skin looking for a high-quality concealer with good coverage. 

Rating: 7.0/10