Bus riding babes and y’all on-the-go lovelies, feast your eyes on this: the new Benefit Bella Bamba Face Powder ($28) promises to change the face of quick touchups this spring.
You know how Benefit’s boxed blushes have that unattached lid (see: Sugarbomb and Coralista)? Well, as much as I love the colors, I’m always afraid they’ll open in my bag. Once, while I was applying blush on the train to work, one of the lids got away from me and shot straight up in the air, OOPS! Luckily it landed in a cute boy’s lap, but I digress…
Bella Bamba comes with new improved flip-top cap that uses a magnet to stay shut. And that’s not all. It even has a mirror inside, so you can stare at your sassy self while you’re sweeping on this shimmery golden pink.
Benefit’s old-school lids are going, going gone. They’re phasing them out, so the seven other shades in the Face Powder line will also be wearing the new flip-top packaging soon.
Benefit calls Bella Bamba a 3D, multi-dimensional pink face powder (what is this, Tron? LOL!), and it’s designed to brighten, sculpt and define.
I don’t know much about 3D, but I do like using this as a blush. 🙂
In 3D!!
It applies as a neutral watermelon pink (even smells like watermelon, too!) with a generous amount of golden pearl. Sparkle-shy gals might want to go easy on the application here, because it is very, VERY shimmery.
Despite an almost excess of disco glitter, it’s also packed with pigment. Bella Bamba’s rich color should wear well on lots of different skin tones, from paler princesses to darker divas.
Blush Tip: For the lightest flush of blush, dust Bella Bamba on the apples of your cheeks with a fan-shaped brush (to keep it in the family, Benefit makes one called the Fantail ($22), which I think is pretty good). Fanned bristles are perfect for applying powder products with a light touch.
Bella Bamba swatch
Comparison swatches from left: Bella Bamba, Benefit Sugarbomb, Benefit Coralista, NARS Orgasm
Before Bella Bamba (left) and after (right)
A video showing the new packaging and a swatch on the back o’ my hand
Bella Bamba bounces onto Benefit boutiques and counters next month, but if you can’t wait that long, you’ll be able to snag it online from benefitcosmetics.com, starting next week on Monday, December 13.
PRICE: $28
AVAILABILITY: Benefit boutiques and counters in January, and benefitcosmetics.com on Monday, December 13
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Hair for the holidays!
Thank you for the great hair ideas. As you can see from the pics up top, I didn’t end up going with a big change. I ended up asking my stylist to trim my bangs and do the same Vanessa Hudgens haircut I got the last time (I was a big chicken!).
I kinda just let the stylist do whatever she wanted, which were subtle burgundy lowlights and carmel highlights. The color’s still pretty dark, though, and the contrast doesn’t come through in these pictures very well… But it’s there!
Have you done anything new with your ‘do lately?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
WANT!!!
LOL! I take it you like the color? 😉
OMG SAME! I have never tried that other boxes from Benefit, but now with the new packaging, the holographic prettiness, and gorgeous color that could probably work on any skin type… COUNT ME IN! ;D
Do it, do it, do it! 😀
the only thing I don’t like about is that there’s no separate compartment for the blush. I’d hate having to wipe off the product on the little handle after getting it on my fingers! >.<
the color is really pretty though.
Hi Soo,
Yeah, that’s a pain. Who knows, maybe they’ll find a way to modify that issue in the future, too!
I love these nifty videos of yours 😀 You should keep doing them like this ^_^ I’ll pass on the blush, I’ve figured out I really don’t like shimmer on my face after I bought Coralista.
Thanks, Solangel. 🙂 When I have time I try to throw ’em in.
Hey Karen! How does this compare to NARS Super Orgasm?
Hi Erica,
It’s more pink and lacks the peachy tones. Super Orgasm also has big ol’ pieces of glitter, which this doesn’t (the glitter’s more fine).
That’s so pretty!! I love all Benefit products, especially their blushes and lip glosses! Ha! I’m such a girl… 🙂
By the way, has anyone ever told you you sound like Reese Witherspoon? Just a thought. Have a nice day!
Hi IKK,
LOL… actually I get that a lot! I’ve been told that I look like the dark haired tanned version of Reese. I don’t really see it but I’ll certainly take the compliment because I love her!
Oh hot damn! I think I have fallen in love. I can’t wait to pick this little baby up.
Hi Lauren,
Luckily it’s available online next Monday! Mark your calendar. 🙂
Karen – I think your hair looks lovely!
I’ll have to check out this blush; I’ve found that I have a bunch of bronzers but I’m sadly lacking in the blush department.
Hi Terri,
Thanks, hon. 🙂 It really doesn’t look that much different, but eh, maybe next time around I’ll go crazy. 😉
If you need any blush recs let me know. I’m a blush addict!
oh my, that is GORGEOUS!
Hi Dani,
I know! It’s such a pretty color. 🙂
That looks hella gorgeous, and LOVE the new cap! (I’m sad I just ordered the old box Dandelion :[ but it was during the 20% off online deal so its OK) Is the shimmer super super fine (like MAC Shell Pearl?) on this baby, or is it a bit chunky (kind of like Orgasm)? I love me some shimmer but prefer it super fine.
Hi Shelly,
It’s about a medium-sized glitter. It’s not super duper fine, but it’s not as big as something like NARS Super Orgasm. You can definitely see it sitting on the skin when it’s on.
Lemme know if you have any more questions!
I’m still not a fan of their packaging. It just seems so clunky.
Hi Laura,
Yeah, I can see that. I wouldn’t mind a more streamlined box, but I do love how they’ve kept a consistent look to all of the the face powders.
ok, I HAVE to get this. I hope Benefit does a free shipping offer once this comes out!
Love your hair! ugh, mine’s a mess. I think I’m gonna treat myself to highlights after the baby arrives 🙂
Funny, I was actually wonder about pregnancy and hair color the other day! Did the doc tell you can’t dye your hair?
so my first pre-natal appt was with the nurse midwife instead of the dr, so I got most advice from her. she said no hair color, but I think she is really really conservative about these things. she also said NO alcohol – including mouthwash with alcohol (um, what? I don’t swallow the stuff!). my books say dye is fine after the first trimester. but I kinda thought that the smell might gross me out, so I don’t wanna risk it and be miserable. plus I thought it would be a nice treat to myself later!
No alcohol in mouthwash, huh? That’s interesting!
I think you should treat yourself to the whole nine yards — highlights, mani/pedi and a massage! 🙂
mmm I’m liking the flip top packaging a LOT! Especially the little mirror. I love it when my makeup comes with a mirror xD Your hair always looks so good, I can see why you wouldn’t want to change it up too much, although I’m sure you could rock any style you wanted to (well, with the obvious exceptions of course. like a mohawk)
LOL, now that’s something I would probably NEVER try!
That color is gorgeous! I’ve been thinking about getting Benefit Face Powder. I had my eye on Dandelion for a while.
Which ones do you guys like?
my 2 cents – I have pretty fair skin and Dandelion and Georgia don’t show up on me at all 🙁
Sugarbomb and Coralista are my faves! and of course this new one looks great to me!
I have pretty fair skin as well. Coralista was also catching my eye, maybe I’ll try that one.
Thanks Tiffany!
You guys are the best! I also have a pale buddy who loves Benefit Hoola.
Ooh, so pretty! Love the packaging too 🙂 Is this darker than MAC Springsheen?
Hi Appu,
I think so. Plus, it’s more pink.
Pretty!
It sure is!
Love your hair! And your skin look A-MAZING may I add! 🙂
I’m a bit leery of the glitter in this one. But it’s a pretty shade!
Hi Tracy,
It’s pretty glittery. If you buffed it down you could probably take it down a notch, but that’s an extra step…
Anywho, happy Friday! Whatcha got planned for the weekend?
Oh wow….. I think I need this in my life, too. The color looks gorgeous and i think will go well with my coloring if applied lightly (NC20, medium brown hair, green eyes). And you had me at “smells like watermelon!”
LOL… okay, don’t laugh, but the first thing I did when I opened this up was give it a sniff! 🙂
Gah, my comments are always late. I am falling in love with this color! Definitely have to check it out. I love the colorful case it comes in. Your hair looks very nice, loving them curls girly! 🙂 I was thinking of chopping all of my hair off, but I’m quite a baby when it comes to my apperance… ohhh wells. :p
Hi Rawwrhearts,
I say go for it, but you have to consider what time of the year it is. I once chopped off my long hair into a short bob at the start of the winter season, and lemme tell you, I was SO COLD!!! Having your neck exposed changes everything.
ohhh that is a very pretty blush … ive only had coralista … might be time to give her a baby sister!
Hi Nins,
Oh, you don’t want Coralista to get lonely! She needs a friend. 😉
This powder looks awesome on you! Surprisingly natural.
I need to try one of these powders, but I don’t know which. I’ll be sad if I pick one that doesn’t work for me and I hate returning things. I wish I were your neighbor so I could play with your stash — I’d even bring Nutella!
I wish you were my neighbor, too. You’d find me at your doorstep conveniently after you finished making something yummy to eat, haha! 😀
Looks great on you!
Hi Ariel,
Thanks! Do you think you might give this color a go?
Maybe, but Coralista is first on my list of Benefit blushes to try!
love everything about it…the packaging, the color and the subtle sheen. very pretty for spring, it gives you a fresh glow karen 🙂
Thanks, Jac!
Hey Karen!
Thanks for your awesome review!
I always enjoy reading your posts :p
I was wondering, how does this one compare to Coralista, color-wise
ahhaa i guess smell wise too cuz i LOVE the smell of Coralista!!!
Thanks!
Hi Amanda,
It’s slighter darker, more pink and less coral than Coralista. The gold shimmer’s also more pronounced. I’ll take a comparison swatch tomorrow when the light’s better…
That looks beautiful on you! But I don’t know if I can pull it off 🙁
Hi Tiffany,
Oh no? Is it the color or the glitter?
i love how u say ‘yayyyy’ at the end of the video lol loves it!
LOL, thanks Kelley!
this is a really beautiful color! im glad they are phasing out the free tops. it was an accident waiting to happen. the mirror is a great idea too!
Hi Lauren,
I love the mirror inside. It’s so handy. 🙂
BTW, which Benefit blushes are your faves?
Oh, it’s LOVE! I really do adore Benefit blush. Question Karen, does the flip top stay open well? I actually never minded the other packaging.
Hi Stef,
Yes, it does! If I bend it back it stays open without trying to close. 🙂
ahh those are so much more convienent(:
I know, right? Yay for making things easier to haul around in our purses. 🙂
I love how it brightens up your face. I’m not too crazy about the super shimmery part though! Still, I’m tempted enough to consider placing an order 🙂 p/s I do like the non flip tops of the current box o powders 🙂
Hi Paris B,
I know some people don’t mind ’em. I like how these are that much more easier to tote around! 🙂
can you swatch coralista and sugarbomb with it?? PLEASEEE? 0=]
Sure! I’ll do it sometime today. 🙂
Here ya go!
From left: Bella Bamba, Sugarbomb, Coralista and NARS Orgasm.
Such a pretty color on you! Also, just wanted to say that I LOVE your new “application” videos!! They are extremely helpful to see how it applies.
Thanks for the feedback, Nancy! 🙂
neeeeed that!! im surprised that although i loveee collecting blushes because they are gorgeous, i seem to not have any benefit blushes! :O :O maybe its the price thats holding me back haha if you could recommend one benefit blush, which would it be karen? 😀 thanks!
Hi Agnes,
Ooh, that’s a tough question. It depends on what kind of colors you like to wear and your skin tone. Judging from the pics on your site you might like either this shade, Sugarbomb or Coralista. 🙂
That box is so flashing HAWT!!! it hurts my eyes 😉 Unfortunately the prince hurts my wallet..
Your hair looks gorgeous btw!!
It’s so trippy, right? Like if it you stare at it too long you might start hallucinating.
I pass… way too shimmery for me!
How about trying something more matte like the new Urban Decay cream blushes? 🙂
I love this color and you got me at “glitter”. 🙂 That’s a smart move by Benefit to add the attached lid and the magnetic closure. I’m a fan of magnets, too. Odd as that may sound!
Me too! I get a weird sense of satisfaction when they click shut. 🙂
You look super hot mama! Subtle or not, you seem perky and confident. Even more than usual. Ty for the awesome blog & have a great holiday!
You’re welcome, Amanda. You have a great holiday, too! What are your plans?
Super pretty! I cant wait to check this one out in the store!
I hope you like it, Lindsay!
Hi Karen,
Love Benefit products and this is a goodie! Can’t wait to try it out!!
Love your blog by the way am leaning so much from you, great tips! The way I’m going I hope to be bootiful at Christmas!!
Thanks
Wow, that looks so good with your colouring…
I really like the first pic, it´s like something right off “Stuff on my cat”.
I’m SO excited about this blush! Sugarbomb is a a bit light on me, so I usually use it to set my MAC cream blushes, but I think this one will give me more succes… Not to say I don’t like Sugarbomb… 🙂
oh that’s just fabulous! it looks so pretty on the pan and so soft on you!
And your hair is pretty!
That is a pretty shade, it looks like a watermelon pink with gold sparkles.
THANKS FOR THE SWATCHES KAREN!
it looks SOOO NICE ON YOU! :]
you are such a great model i think i have to buy it now :p
Ooh…such a pretty shade and you rock it fabulously! I’m so gonna get this!
Hint, hint….I’m a Benebabe and the counters have it 🙂
I’m definitely going to be trying this. It looks gorgeous! And thank you to Benefit for fixing that flying-lid problem. You weren’t the only one to have a runaway lid– although yours landed in a nicer place than mine… Haha
this looks so nice on you! i already have nars super orgasm so this may be too similar??
Great review! (it’s on the kitty!)
Your review helped me to add this to my Amazon wish list! 🙂 🙂
really want to get this.. but that’s a WHOLE 3/4g less product than usual.. and it’s still the same price… I hope they’re not decreasing the rest of the products and keeping this price too =[[ !! liking the new packaging though, might fork out for this.. will have to see it for myself though hehe, thanks for letting us know =D x
you’re so gorgeous!
thanks for the review.. is this sufficiently different from coralista and sugarbomb? I have those two.. and am considering Dallas for a long time now (that should be more brownish I believe).
I work for Benefit Cosmetics, and we are all super excited that Bella Bomba has arrived!!! Not sure about the East Coast, but the West Coast received the green light to start selling it this past Wednesday. You no longer have to wait until December 27th!!!
TIP: If you use the brush that comes in the box, you will get a softer, less shimmery look. If you use a contour blush brush, the color and shimmer absolutely pops on the face!!
PS… Love your blog!! 😉
How does this compare to Dallas in terms of sparkle?
i know i’m late getting to the party, but….I LOVE THIS BLUSH!! so pretty, and i snagged it at the same time as Nars Little Darling lipstick. super together…
It’s okay to be tardy to the party! At least you found it, right?
Did you know that Benefit now has a really cute Bella Bamba clutch? Check it out: Bella Bamba Sequined Clutch