Tried & Tested
On trial: Benefit’s Good Pore Day Facial
New to Benefit’s beauty counter at John Lewis, the all-in-one facial treats pores for smooth-looking skin in just 30 minutes
Today, facials can make you feel self-indulgent – they are time-consuming, expensive and there are plenty of at-home exfoliants that can make you feel squeaky clean. But Benefit’s new professional facial has arrived to remove guilt (and gunk) with a £35, 30-minute service on counters.
You may be familiar with Benefit’s genius products (They’re Real! Mascara, Hoola Matte Bronzer, Gimme Brow+ Volumising Brow Gel to name a few), but last year the American makeup brand evolved its utterly brilliant POREfessional Primer into a skincare line called POREfessional. And yes, it’s dedicated to declogging and unblocking pores.
Pores (tiny openings in the skin) release oil and sweat, which means they can also become clogged or enlarged and lead to various skin concerns like acne, blackheads and unevenness. My skin type is combination (my forehead is dry, the nose oily) and I started noticing my pores when I turned 30 (I’m now 32). This facial uses the POREfessional range and is suitable for anyone’s skincare routine (men and women), as it's put together without harsh active ingredients. Benefit says you’ll walk out with instant results and an oh-so-clean feeling with no post-facial cool down necessary. Here’s how my skin got on with the pore-pampering.
How does Benefit’s Good Pore Day Facial work?
Using a curated line-up of the brand’s POREfessional products and professional-grade tools, this treatment cleanses, unblocks, exfoliates and visibly smooths your pores in just 30 minutes.
1. A short skincare consultation takes place before a Benefit Brow & Beauty Expert wraps you in a luxurious white towelling headband (which you can keep, lucky).
2. Double cleanse with Benefit’s Pore Care products. First up, Get Unblocked – a pore-clearing makeup-removing cleansing oil with nourishing grape seed, jojoba seed, avocado and plum kernel oils.
3. The second cleanse uses Good Cleanup foam cleanser. Lemon extract helps pores look smaller and Yuzu extract helps skin feel smoother.
4. Gentle pore exfoliating powder (called Wow Polish Triple Pore-Exfoliating Powder) is mixed with water and massaged into the face to provide gentle exfoliation.
5. A pore prepping gel softens and opens pores (this solution is specifically created for the facial and can’t be bought).
6. The Sonic Unblocker (a professional facial tool) gently clears out pores and exfoliates the skin using steam.
The Sonic Unblocker gently clears out pores
7. The foaming Tight 'n Toned Toner absorbs quickly and gently exfoliates the skin. It also applies easily with fingers – no cotton pads needed! Love this.
8. Hydrate the skin with the Smooth Sip Moisturiser. The gel, water-based and lightweight moisturiser is infused with aloe vera for soothing nourishment.
9. Rose quartz facial massagers cool skin, as well as reduce and release muscle tension in the face and jaw area.
Which John Lewis stores is Benefit's Good Pore Day facial in?
That post-facial glow
What are the Good Pore Day facial post-care recommendations?
- Avoid direct sun exposure and use SPF30 or greater
- Avoid excessive or direct steam and heat (saunas or steam rooms) for 24 hours
- Avoid abrasive exfoliation immediately afterward and the day after
- Benefit recommends booking the facial once a month, but you can safely get the service as often as once a week
The verdict: is Benefit’s Good Pore Day facial worth it?
My answer is as instant as my results: yes. I left brighter, hydrated and glowing – after just one use. With zero downtime and no irritation, I was also free to wear makeup afterwards (although for best results it's recommended to leave skin to breathe for 8 hours). Clearing out pores has never been quicker or most cost-effective.
★★★★
