BeneFit Cosmetics • Bella Bamba • Blush

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BeautyFiend1976 on 2/1/2011 11:27:00 PM more reviews by BeautyFiend1976

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I worked for Benefit for many years and know the "box" products pretty well. The quality of the boxed products has always been very good... up until I tried Coralista and Bella Bamba. There is something about the texture that is not the classic Benefit chemistry. If you take a look at Dallas and how finely milled it is and how the finish blends in flawlessly, and compare it to the aforementioned blush products, you will notice a difference in quality. I am not sure if it has to do with the metallic finish, but both Coralista and Bella Bamba both have this cheap feel to them. It is unfortunate that with the beautiful coloring of these blushes that they had to use a low quality consistency. I will continue to use MAC and NARS blushes for the quality, and Benefit for products I've used for years like Ooh La Lift and High Brow.

I did give the Bella Bamba three stars because the box is more durable than previous Benefit boxes (new waterproof plastic coating around the box, the lid is now attached to the product) and a nice mirror in the inside. The color is great, but the quality is lacking.

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staceisace on 2/1/2011 5:48:00 AM more reviews by staceisace

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this a few days am I'm in love! I've got medium-olive skin and normally stay away from pink blushes but this really suits me! I apply it with my E.L.F. Studio fan brush for a nice flush. I don't find it too shimmery and LOVE the smell! The only other BeneFit boxed powder I have is 10 (which I rarely use now but still like). I prefer the old packaging so Bella Bamba loses points for that and the fact you get significantly less product (not that I'd need more, I'd just have preferred it to be a bit cheaper).

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*TOP REVIEWER* TacoFlavoredKisses on 1/31/2011 4:12:00 AM more reviews by TacoFlavoredKisses

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I'm surprised at the negative reviews on this one!! I love this blush! Usually I go for the girly pinks, and this one caught my eye, and I was glad I grabbed it. It REALLY warms up my face but not in an orange-y or bronzed out way... Just in a very bright and perked up way. The shimmer is gold, and it's not too over-the-top, IMO. I thought it was a perfect watermelon shade with gold shimmer, and I'm so glad I now have something other than the typical girly pinks.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Bindi7 on 1/30/2011 3:42:00 PM more reviews by Bindi7

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

As i have most of the other Benefit blushes i thought i'd try bella bamba out as i had heard that this was aimed at tanned and darker skin tones.

I love this! I have to say that the effect is better on my skin tone (NC35 at the moment) than all the other benefit powders i have .... Dandelion, Coralista, Georgia, Sugar Bomb, Dallas....

The powder is very fine and so it is easy to apply - this is one of the things i love most about the benefit blushes. I apply with a lighter hand as you can easily look too overdone if you apply with a heavy hand.

This is definitely a shade to try for tanned and darker skin if you like pink blush. There is shimmer, but i always go for shimmery blushes so i don't mind this.

I have applied on its own with a light hand for a fresh pop of colour and also on top of bronzer (NARS Laguna) which gines a lovely bronze/pink glow.

Best Benefit blush for tanned/olive/darker skin tones :-)

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*TOP REVIEWER* NancyM on 1/30/2011 10:08:00 AM more reviews by NancyM

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Other    

This is on the verge of being clown makeup. It's way too bright pink and too shiny. I wanted to try a Benefit box o' powder but this is absolutely the wrong one. It's garish.

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CocoMango on 1/27/2011 11:52:00 AM more reviews by CocoMango

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

The color is gorgeous (fun warm pink) but its a GLITTER BOMB! Its so much shimmer....like way more than orgasm...also a little more pigmented. Do not want.

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Lotionaddict69 on 1/27/2011 10:36:00 AM more reviews by Lotionaddict69

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Relaxed   Eyes: Green    

I went into Ulta origionally wanting to buy Benefit's Dandelion but found out that they didn't carry that product. So I was thinking about buying Sugarbomb instead, but that was really close to a blush I already owned. I was about to check out when I saw Bella Bamba and I thought it looked really pretty and was worth a try. When I got home I tried it on. I love it! The only gripe I have is that if you apply it too heavily then you can end up looking like a clown. Personally I don't see any shimmers when I apply it. But that's just me. I think that it would compliment lot's of people's skin tone. You just have to be REALLY REALLY CAREFUL not to apply to much.

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TrippyPixie on 1/26/2011 11:52:00 PM more reviews by TrippyPixie

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I find this to be okay. This is coming from the girl who didn't really like NARS Orgasm blush, and pretty much hates any shimmery blush in general. Because I'm very cool-toned, I felt that Orgasm was way too warm for me since it had a lot of gold shimmer, and ended up turning my cheeks a weird orangey-rust sort of color. I usually use Benefit's Thrrrob as my regular blush, which is a light pink and not very shimmery, as well as the fact that I prefer pink blushes on me. However, I saw this and couldn't resist.


I knew full well ahead of time that this would be chock-full of shimmer. I looked at a bunch of reviews and photos, but still decided to get it anyways. It's quite a nice color; very vibrant. It has shimmer to it like NARS Orgasm does, and not glitter like NARS Angelika does (though Angelika's glitter does shed).


When wearing this, I have to blend it out quite a bit, though, since in the daytime, the shimmer can go into overdose-zone. This much cooler than Orgasm, which I think has to do with the fact that Orgasm is a peach (which tends to be warmer) blush with gold shimmer, while this blush is a watermelon (which tends to be cooler) blush with gold shimmer. However, if I apply too much of this, the gold shimmer takes over, making my cheeks look muddy.


This is quite the statement blush (on my skin tone, at least), so don't let your eyes or lips compete too much with it. What makes me happy is that this doesn't make my cheeks look as warm/weird as Orgasm does. That's hard to do, since most golds tend to make my cool-toned skin look muddy or sickly.


When wearing this, I have to be careful, though, since I have medium-sized pores on my cheeks, as well as red acne scars. They get accentuated a bit by the shimmer. I think that older women should stay away from this blush. The shimmer would make them look childish and ridiculous, as well as draw attention to their signs of aging. Since I'm in my teens, though, I believe that I can get away with the shimmer in this blush more easily.


This doesn't do any sort of 3D/sculpting business, but I'm fine without it. I expected that claim to be a bunch of malarkey anyways.



While I see darker skin tones receiving some decent color-payoff from this blush, however, I see fair and fair-medium skin tones having the best payoff from it. This is way more pigmented than most of their other boxed blushes, though (like Dandelion, Georgia Peach, and Thrrrob).


I knew that the package was going to be smaller, but I'm surprised by how much. At least knock down the price by $4 or $5! (In U.S. dollars, that is, which is my currency.) The magnetic lid I'm not that crazy about, since I'm so used to the pull-off type from my Thrrrob box. However, this would be decent for travel. The mirror's okay, but I've never found myself using it. The blush does smell a bit fruity, but the scent isn't really potent. Unless you put your nose right on top of the blush and sniff it, you can't smell it. On the cheeks, I would imagine that the scent fades quite quickly.



The brush is very nice and soft, and hasn't shed yet. Nowhere near as scratchy as my Thrrrob brush. It also picks up color well. (A bit too well, so blow it off a bit before applying, otherwise your cheeks will be shimmer-city.) However, I dislike that the brush is pure white in color, because the blush ends up staining it easily.



If you're a fan of NARS Orgasm, I would recommend trying before buying, because I think Benefit's Coralista would suit you better. If you found Orgasm to be too warm (or if you like really shimmery blushes), then this might just work for you.



I don't love this. It's a stage of "like" at this point, because I don't like shimmer in my blushes (though I knew beforehand that this would have shimmer in it), and it can be too dramatic for daytime, so I don't see myself ever hitting pan on this (like I have with Thrrrob, which is much more sheer and less shimmery). It's not a "love-hate" relationship, or even a "hate" relationship. It's just a "meh" relationship.


Before, I wrote that I might buy this again if I had a coupon. However, this seems very unlikely, seeing as how I don't reach for this blush that often. I don't completely regret my purchase of this, but I wouldn't buy it again. It's a nice product, don't get me wrong, but it's just not for me.

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Kavitacaviezel on 1/19/2011 9:24:00 PM more reviews by Kavitacaviezel

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Gorgeous Watermelon shade. I would only use a skunk/dual fiber brush. MAC 131 would be perfect. It gives a mirror-like finish to my skin. The same finish as MAC's Veluxe Pearl line, but in a blush. I feel the mirror-like shimmer is too much for my over 40 skin. I pass on this, however, the color is really beautiful. Use a light hand to avoid adding too much shimmer.

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westcoastgrl04 on 1/14/2011 11:37:00 AM more reviews by westcoastgrl04

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I kept getting numerous emails about this new blush and read all the good reviews so i had to try it. once i sampled it at sephora i was sold! i absolutely love the perfect pink rosy tint it leaves on my cheeks. it makes my face look fresh and not overdone. i love how it can be used on any skin tone considering i already have a slight pinkish tint to my cheeks as it is but this blush takes it to a whole 'nother level. it might be a tad smaller than benefits others blushes but its not a big deal considering their blushes last forever. i have found my soulmate in blush!

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miamisparkle on 1/14/2011 1:27:00 AM more reviews by miamisparkle

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

This is a very pretty blush and lucky for me I got it as a gift. The packaging is kinda annoying because the handle of the brush included inside left a dent not a big deal but wasted product irks me. I wouldn't buy this for myself if I ran out because you dont get much product at all! Its gorgeous though and I will enjoy it till its gone.

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whoiskelley on 1/11/2011 1:06:00 PM more reviews by whoiskelley

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I've been a huge fan of Benefit products for years now, and Bella Bamba is another great product to add to my collection.
The good news? I truly haven't found a color like this before. Just like their boxed powders of the past, Benefit has managed to come up wtih a color that's flattering to all skin tones and yet is completely unique. It's extremely pigmented - a little bit will go a long way, and I do think that this will make up for the fact that it weighs in as the Box 'O' Powder with the least amount of product (Bella Bamba is 0.28oz, the powders vary but go up to 0.42oz, I believe - not terribly significant but when they're all equally priced at $28USD...). I get the 3D thing that it's trying to promote... lightly dusting a bit right at the hairline really does warm up and contour the face, but keep in mind that any blush, bronzer, etc. will do the exact same thing. The glitter thing that everyone is complaining about is strange to me, because I really would consider it shimmery, not glittery. The comparison to Nars Orgasm is definitely valid - keep in mind that Orgasm has won every award out there for blush... if you're turning into a glittery fairy with Bella Bamba, there's probably user error going on.
Now for the qualms I have with it. Number one, the packaging. I don't care about the product amount difference, but one of the things that I thought was so genius about the boxed powders in the first place was the packaging that Benefit placed them in. Strong, sturdy boxes - no plastic to break - that also allows you to tap off excess in the cap and save it for next time. I have every boxed powder that Benefit has come out with for this very reason. The new hinged and mirrored packaging simply annoys me. There's nowhere to remove the excess product easily - an important thing considering the pigment of Bella Bamba - and it's a bit difficult to open the blush when it's new, then a bit difficult to close the blush when you've had it for a while. It's like the hinge shifts or something. I know that Benefit is changing all of its boxed powders into this packaging, but I feel that it's a mistake! If it weren't for the packaging, I would give this product a 5 - it's worth a try for just about anyone.

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sweeterindawn on 1/9/2011 2:04:00 PM more reviews by sweeterindawn

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I think it's okay. I'm very pale and the fine glitter in this really sits on top of my face and makes me look like I blasted my face with glitter. I like the color but the glitter factor on me is too much.

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*TOP REVIEWER* audmac on 1/8/2011 5:47:00 PM more reviews by audmac

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight   Eyes: Hazel    

Im very happy with this blush- love the pink flush like a watermelon color as described. I dont notice any sort of 3D effect and I dont notice the glitter on me at all and I really pay attention to stuff like that so maybe its coming off with the brush I use- MAC 187. I would not wear it if it made my face look glittery! I love the new packaging, not too happy that the size is smaller but i can deal with it cuz its a pretty color. I love coralista even though it is sheer and I apply it with a different brush. This is not as sheer, better color payoff so Im ok using the 187 since I tend to have a heavy hand and dont want to look like a clown with too much blush on. So for me this is a keeper and Id probably repurchase.

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Brachanam on 1/7/2011 5:41:00 PM more reviews by Brachanam

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I wanted to love this, I really did. However, for me it was just too glittery. Perhaps if you are under 30 years old, it's "shimmer", but over 40 and it looks ridiculous, even though I have great skin. For night time, it may be nice, but in the sunlight? NO WAY. Gold sparkles everywhere. Not worth it if I'm just going to use it when going out in the evening. I'll either take it back or give it to my teenage daughter. Gorgeous on young women, but a bit much for anyone over 40. I use the NARS Orgasm Face Illuminator and that is much less sparkly. That just adds a beautiful, dewy highlight and sheen. I'll stick to that.

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IvanaHaute on 1/4/2011 8:06:00 PM more reviews by IvanaHaute

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I really love this color on my skin. I was hesitant at first bc when swatched on my hand, I saw some serious glittery chunks. But when I apply it to my face there is no noticeable glitter, just a beautiful color that lights up my face! The downside is the price, especially since you're getting less product than with previous powders. The price sucks but the color is gorgeous, so I think I would repurchase.

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sarah1nicole on 1/1/2011 12:29:00 PM more reviews by sarah1nicole

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

First of all, big thumbs up to Benefit for changing the packaging on their powder boxes. Sure the old packing is so darn cute, but so annoying, especially for someone like me who's always on the run. I took off a lippie because there's wayyy less product in here than the other boxed powders I have from Benefit, and it was still the same price!

As far as the actual product goes, I LOVE IT. Bella Bamba is a unique watermelon shade accented with a sparkly finish. I don't usually wear blushes because I feel like it accentuates my extremely sensitive skin which can get red / pink very easily. So the few blushes I do own are very unique, and I'm glad I was able to add Bella Bamba to my collection. I have light olive toned skin, which gets extremely dark in the summer. Being winter right now, I feel that it gives me a nice fresh glow almost like I was just out in the cold for a bit. The glimmery effect it gives off definitely works with my skin as well. I would think anyone who is in an older age bracket might not like this as it would probably accentuate their wrinkles, but I think it gives me a youthful glow. The sparkles just look like your skin is luminous from far away, and close up it is glittery, but there is some fall out so not to worry.

All in all I think Benefit hit another one out of the park with Bella Bamba. Their best products are definitely the box o'powders and this product is no different.

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*TOP REVIEWER* eternallycrstn on 12/29/2010 9:37:00 PM more reviews by eternallycrstn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I'm torn about bella bamba. It's such a gorgeous medium watermelon pink but has a lot of gold glitter. I do like shimmery blushes, but not glittery. The glitter is very similar in size to nars orgasm (which I had and swapped mostly due to the glitter) Once applied the shimmer/glitter is more subtle, but is still visible on the skin.



Packaging wise, the lid is now attached and it has a mirror (which I like). I do worry about the lids coming off in my purse. However, they reduced the size of product you get and are charging the same price which is disappointing. Benefit has confirmed they are going to this new packaging with lid attached/mirror instead on all the boxed powders in the coming year.



I know a lot of people dislike how sheer some of these boxed powders are, a lot of the shades only will show up on pale complexions. Bella Bamba however is very bright and super pigmented, so if you normally have a hard time getting Benefit's boxed powders to show up on you this one will definitely show up. I find this one to be even more pigmented than coralista and I have to be careful to use just barely a touch of this to avoid over-doing it (nw10 for reference).

I have decided to keep this as I do like the color a lot, and I do find it unique, in fact I really don't have anything at all in my collection that is similar to bella bamba and I have a large blush collection. However, I probably won't repurchase it.

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heavenscent1 on 12/28/2010 9:01:00 PM more reviews by heavenscent1

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

I really like this - it's a watermelon pink with fine gold shimmer. I don't think it's glittery at all. It's very pigmented so I only need to use a small amount. It smells nice too! The only thing I don't like is that it's less product than the previous boxed powders but it costs the same.

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lanih2003 on 12/28/2010 6:25:00 PM more reviews by lanih2003

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight   Eyes: Blue    

I really like this color. In my opinion, it's not glittery, but it does have shimmer. It isn't really overwhelming, and it's pretty- a light gold. I would like it better w/o. I do think that it would be suitable for most skin tones.
The color it self it nice, a watermelon like described. Very pigmented, more than I expected. I hate the new box only because when I closed it the first time the left side got caught and put a huge dent in the corner of the blush, so be careful!
Recommended... but the box is what really got me. But hey, the brush it comes with is better!

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