Skinny Jeans & Sippy Cups Blog

Since Benefit is one of my favorites companies, I like to try most new products they release (as long as my budgets allows .) I really like their POREfessional primer so when they recently came out with an accompanying powder I had to try it.

Benefit states “the POREfessional: agent zero shine instantly minimizes shine and helps smooth the look of pores. Our invisible shine-control powder joins you in your top secret mission for smoother-than-smooth skin.” After using this for a few weeks, I’d say the claims are not lies. (More details below.)

The packaging of this product is interesting for a powder. Instead of being in a pan, it’s in a cute tube. It’s also pretty deceiving. I thought I wasn’t getting enough product in here for the price tag until I did some research. Urban Decay’s new Naked Loose Powder (which I’m dying to try) is 0.28 oz for $34 and Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder (that I own) is 0.30 oz for $34. Agent Zero Shine is 0.24 oz for $30 so I’d say it’s on par with what other brands charge.

I like the open/close feature which can help prevent accidental spills. There’s nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money on makeup only for it to end up all over your vanity or bathroom sink.

Agent Zero Shine also has a built-in brush that twists out of the base. While tapping this powder into the cap and applying it with the small brush is convenient when traveling, it is not ideal for every day. I have found a trick for distributing it evenly all over my face though. I lightly dip the brush into the powder and dot it around my face. Then, I sweep it all over. You can also tap the powder into an empty pan and use a larger brush to apply it.

At first glance I was worried Agent Zero Shine was too dark for my skin tone, but it has an invisible finish. I like that this is smoothing and mattifying without being a white powder because those tend to make me look washed out. This can be worn over makeup or over clean skin to prevent shine.

Overall Thoughts: Agent Zero Shine is a great powder! I’ve been using it with the POREfessional primer and my pores absolutely look smaller and less noticeable. My skin stays shine free throughout my workday and now that I realized there is a decent amount of product hidden in the packaging, I will consider purchasing it again in the future.