'I was the first in Australia to try Benefit's new skincare range. Here's my honest review.'

Remember that time I went to Paris? And couldn't tell you why I was there? And had to keep a secret for six months?

This was why.

It was a BIG, SECRET launch for Benefit Cosmetics' new skincare range. And I was the first in Australia to try it.

Watch: Here are 5 easy ways to lift your hair game. Post continues below.

Please give a warm welcome to Benefit’s POREfessional skincare range.

Now, Benefit is obviously a big player in the pore space already. The brand released the popular POREfessional Primer, which expanded into all different types of primers (and setting sprays) for various skin types.

But they saw a gap in the beauty market for skincare focusing on pore care.

Benefit has essentially created targeted solutions for different concerns, breaking them up into three categories: skin texture, pore minimising, and unclogging. 

It's not about getting rid of your pores or 'shrinking' them (good luck with that), it's all about caring for them. No apricot scrub. No skin-stripping nose stickers.

Featuring six products all up, there are two solutions to clear pores, two solutions to visibly minimise pores and two solutions to smooth pores.

Wanna find out more? Read on.

What is the POREfessional skincare range?

The products. Let's talk about the products.

There are two cleansers, a toner, two masks, and a moisturiser.

Prices for full-sized products range between $49 to $69, with the mini versions ranging between $25 to $32. 

First up, we have Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Get Unblocked Cleansing Oil ($62) - a lightweight cleansing oil. You can use it alone or as part of your double-cleansing routine.

With ingredients like grape seed, jojoba seed, and avocado oil, it's lovely and gentle and delightfully non-irritating on my sensitive skin. It melts away makeup and also contains ceramides to leave skin feeling moisturised and happy, instead of squeaky and tight.

This one's a winner.

Next, we have Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Good Cleanup Foaming Cleanser ($49) - the second cleanser in the range. 

Cleansing game STRONG.

Now, if I'm completely honest - I'm not really a foaming cleanser kind of gal. I usually opt for something creamy and milky (because I'm dry and sensitive). But this is very nice and gentle, and not the slightest bit irritating. 

It does have lemon/citrusy scent, but it's not offensive. However, if you're sensitive to fragrance, you might wanna give it a miss.

If your skin is oily or acne prone, this will be right up your alley!

The third product (and one of my personal favourites) is the Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Tight ‘N Toned Toning Foam ($59).

Look! A foamy toner!

It's an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and PHA (polyhydroxy acids) foaming toner that works to chemically exfoliate your skin, and slough off dead skin cells. It feels bubbly and fizzy upon application and you can apply it easily with your fingers without messing around with cotton pads and such.

Again, it's nice and gentle on sensitive skin. 

The next product? Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Deep Retreat Clay Mask ($62). The one product I thought I really wouldn't like and then absolutely loved. 

Hello, new friend.

This mask pulls everything to the surface (you can literally see little black marks from where all the gunk is being drawn out). You can use it as a spot treatment, or all over for a deep cleanse. I've been using it once a week, and I'm obsessed.

Do we like my pyjamas?

This is the MVP of the bunch, in my opinion.

For smoothing your pores, there's Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Speedy Smooth Mask ($62) and Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Smooth Sip Moisturiser ($69).

Can confirm: Hydration station.

Speedy Smooth Mask is a five-minute hydrating treatment that gives your skin a lovely wallop of hydration. It's perfect for applying before an event. 

You can use this alone or in combination with the Deep Retreat Mask to target certain areas of your face.

Smooth Sip Moisturiser is a lightweight water-based gel formula. It’s breathable, glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly. It features ingredients like niacinamide and squalane. 

I usually go for something a little thicker (because I have the moisture of a cornflake), but this would be a real goer if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

How did you go with the range?

Now, as someone who has been perpetually blessed with persistent blackheads on my chin and nose, I was personally invested in seeing how this range stacked up. 

All in all, I honestly feel like my pores are in better shape than they were prior to using this range. I don’t have as many blackheads chilling on my nose and chin area, and everything feels a lot smoother and less bumpy. 

Here's my face after using the range.

I've always found it tricky to get these specific concerns under control, because I feel like most products that are made to target blackheads and clogged pores are always super... spicy. Especially on my skin type. 

Meaning? I usually avoid them.

However, I've found this range to be full of lovely and gentle products - while powerful and hardworking, they aren't going to burn your acid mantle off.

The verdict.

In my opinion, the brand has nailed their first foray into skincare.

If you've struggled with breakouts, clogged pores or blackheads, this range has a great selection of products that you can mix and match for clearer, healthier pores.

While the products certainly aren't cheap, I like how most of them are available in mini versions so you can give 'em a whirl and see if your skin likes them first, without breaking the bank. 

All in all, I'm honestly really impressed. While everyone obviously has different skin types and concerns, I found these products to be non-irritating on my sensitive skin, even though they pack a punch on the ingredient front.

A few of these products have shimmied their way into my regular skincare routine - which rarely happens. Because I try a lot of stuff. 

So, there you have it!

You can shop Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional skincare range online and in store at Myer and Sephora.

Beauty should be a democracy, and we want to know what products you slap on your face, slather on your body and comb through your hair, day in and day out.

Click the link below to vote for the products that have made the BIGGEST difference to your face. And hair. And body. You get the drill.

VOTE IN THE YOU BEAUTY AWARDS.

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Feature image: Supplied/Erin Docherty.