Spotlight : Benefit Coralista

This is my first attempt at reviewing any makeup item. Therefore, my descriptions and POVs may leave so much to be desired. But hey, there is always this learning curve to consider ( when everything seems so difficult during the first few tries but becomes a breeze when we get the hang of what we do). Any suggestions would be very welcome though J I would also like to apologize if you may find the photos lacking in quality. I’m digicam-less as of this time so I had to utilize my decrepit camera phone. Among my makeup hauls for this month is Benefit’s Coralista. I first learned of this particular blush from ShadesofU. After reading her review, I was hooked. I swore I will do anything to get one for myself. So, I asked my US-based friend to buy this for me. You could only imagine my excitement when I got this after what seemed like 48-years lol. When I unwrapped this from its shipping wrapper, I was initially disappointed. I expected it to be bigger than its actual size based on the photos I saw in several blog reviews. 

Benefit Coralista

Benefit Coralista ( when opened )

Item Blurb ( from Benefit’s official website):

Why we love it: Our warm coral-pink cheek powder is your "coral blush for a tropical flush"! This shade cheers up every skin tone in seconds. What else you need to know: Complete with soft, natural-bristle blush brush.

Product details: 

12.0g Net wt. 0.42 oz.

Swatches of Benefit Coralista:

I tried to take decent photos of the swatches I made of Coralista. I’m not sure though if you can see it clearly. The color was actually evident when I swatched it, proof of this blush’s superb pigmentation. These photos did not really do justice to the beauty which is Coralista. It might have had something to do with my phone’s inferior camera settings and the poor lighting. I took these photos while aboard a fastcraft to an undisclosed destination.

Benefit Coralista on my right cheek. Don’t mind the lines under my eye and the unwaxed upper lip lol.

Notice the incredulous look of the passenger seated behind me when he saw me camwhoring lol. My face seemed shiny in this pic. Must be the lighting. I was seated in the front part of the vessel.

Close-up of yours truly sporting Benefit’s Coralista.

Thumbs UP:

• Staying power is superb as compared to many blushes that I’ve tried. Based on experience, this stayed put for as long as 6 hours.
• Cost-effective in the long-run because of its staying power and pigmentation.
• The shade flatters my skin tone. ( I’m quite fair with predominantly yellow undertone.) IMO, I find this shade rather unique and distinct from the other blush shades that I have. The perfect combination of pink and peach.
• Larger in size compared to its equally expensive counterpart, Nars.
• As is characteristic of Benefit items, this comes in a very cute and refreshing packaging.
• It has a scent that is rather distinct yet unoffensive.
• While it lends a subtle shimmer to the face, it is so unlike OTT shimmer blushes that will make you look like you've been decorating the gym for a party with gold and silver 
  dusts on your face.   

Thumbs DOWN:

• The accompanying brush is TOTALLY USELESS. Sometimes, I don’t bring the brush and its plastic compartment anymore as I don’t like using the former.
• It’s packaging (box) is rather bulky therefore, inconvenient to bring along.
• Not locally available.
• Expensivo in terms of initial cash-out. Typically costs $25 to $28 ( around Php 1,200 – Php 1,600) exclusive of shipping.

Verdict:
I don’t see myself buying another Benefit Coralista in the near future despite the fact that I love it. Why? Because I’m sure it would take forever before I hit pan on this. By then, I'm sure Benefit would already come out with better blush offerings. As cited earlier, this is unavailable locally and I’m quite unwilling to shell out more moolah for another one. But then again, I’ll gladly accept if somebody decides to give me one pro bono lol.
Ciao! Thank you and I hope you'd find this review helpful.