If you’ve been on the beauty scene since 2010, you’ll be well-versed in Benefit’s porefessional range. But, what you might not know is that the brand has launched an all-new porefessional setting powder (£34.50, Lookfantastic.com).

As an oily-skinned woman, the original primer (£32, Lookfantastic.com) and setting spray (£31.50, Lookfantastic.com) are mainstays in my beauty bag. But, this new launch – which promises to control shine all day – excited me.

With oily skin, you become blase about patchy foundation and a shiny T-zone, given that both are pretty much part and parcel of the skin type. Yes, there are some products with help with these woes: Urban Decay all nighter setting spray (£22.40, Lookfantastic.com) and Supergoop! mattescreen sunscreen (£35, Lookfantastic.com), to name a few.

However, finding a product that keeps the shine at bay all day is no easy feat. Keep reading to see how I got on with Benefit’s latest launch.

How I tested

The texture of the powder going on (left) and once applied (right) (Lucy Smith)

I applied Benefit’s porefessional power matte ‘n blur loose powder over my face as I normally would: after my base foundation and concealer, but before my powder blush and bronzer. I paid attention to how the product affected my other make-up (any patchiness or clarting, for example) and how quickly shine, if any, started to show through on my face.

I kept the powder on until I returned home that evening, leaving it on for a full 12-hour period. This meant that the powder had to withstand my sweaty commuter train, the London underground and a lunch break underneath a 30-degree sun. Here’s how it fared.

Benefit the porefessional power matte ‘n blur loose setting powder

Benefit porefessional matte ‘n blur loose powder review Indybest

Size: 8g

Key ingredients: Smoothing silica, anti-oxidant capric triglyceride and absorbent magnesium carbonate

Fragranced?: Yes

Cruelty-free: No

Suitable for: Oily skin

Why we love it

Stays matte for longer than other longwear products I’ve tried

Weightless on the skin

Take note

Slightly drying around fine lines and wrinkles

Messy to apply – the same as all loose powders

Despite having oily skin, I do have a handful of dry patches as a result of irritation and I found that the loose powder clung to these areas. But, this isn’t something I normally contend with, nor is it a skin qualm I’d usually denote to oily skin types.

The powder stayed matte for longer than my usual go-to blurring powder and it didn’t cling to my skin. That said, I did feel the need to reapply around lunchtime as I could see my bronzer showing some signs of patchiness. Once touched up with another dusting of powder, my make-up looked as fresh as when I first applied and bronzer patch-free.

The staying power is one of the best I’ve tried, with the second dusting of the product lasting until I got home, with my complexion entirely shine-free.

I do think this is a product exclusively for those with oily skin and minimal dryness as it did cling to the dry areas around my face.

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The verdict: Benefit the porefessional power matte ‘n blur loose setting powder

As someone with oily skin, the powder was a four out of five stars. I appreciate that this product knows its audience, but it’s certainly just that – a product for those with oily skin. The shine absorbency and staying power are really quite impressive, while the feel of the product is comfortable, if not undetectable. I think upon my next use I’ll slather up my face with a more deeply hydrating moisturiser to avoid it feeling claggy on the skin, but for those that struggle to stay dry all day, Benefit’s new porefessional powder is certainly worth a go.

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How I tested

Benefit the porefessional power matte ‘n blur loose setting powder

The verdict: Benefit the porefessional power matte ‘n blur loose setting powder

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