December 22, 2010

Benefit Bella Bamba Review, Swatches, Photos

Benefit Coralista is sheer perfection and my favorite boxed blush from the brand without any doubt. I seriously thought they could not improve on an already awesome product or release anything nearly as good. Last year, Sugarbomb released and I knew it would never compete with Coralista for me and I was right, def did not come even close.

Flash forward and Benefit Bella Bamba crosses my path and after a single glance I knew that this might be a worthy contender for Coralista.

Was it?

Jump!


A new shade of watermelon blush from Benefit!


You need it. Simply put you need it if you’re a big fan of Benefit boxed powders, you need it if you love Coralista, you need it if you love bright pops of gorgeous blush on your cheeks.

Yes, you need it.

It’s amazing. I didn’t think I’d ever say that something could be better than Coralista but truly Bella Bamba competes with and even beats out Coralista for my favorite boxed powder from Benefit of all time.

It’s gorgeous simply put.

At first glance I think myself and many of you were of the mentality it looked ALOT like Coralista. Perhaps a bit pinker but not too big a change. Well, I’ll say this, next to Bella Bamba, Coralista is actually not as loud and as popping as we thought! Coralista is in the realms of a bright coral shade where as Bella Bamba is a shade of peachy, watermelon pink. I think I’d like to call it what many NARS Orgasm fans have always wanted but never really got from the shade. It’s sizzling, popping, and oh so vibrant. It’ll light up even the most dull of complexions and leave behind a pigmented flush of delicious peachy pink that lights your entire face up! You have no need of dramatic eye makeup or lip colors when wearing this, a simple dab of this will create a beautiful glow that you won’t have need of other products to look completely and beautifully made up in a healthy, natural way!

It’s majorly pigmented and will work well for most any skin tones since the shade builds up incredibly well. You can go for a heavy hand and have a super pigmented set of flushed cheeks or just lightly dust into place for a soft glow. It’s very versatile. I even tried a dab on my lids and it works fab as a shadow!

Coralista has a fruity scent to it and maybe I’m nuts but I think Bella Bamba sports the same scent…but don’t quote me, maybe I’m experiencing phantom scents here.

The blush blends well, applies easily, and just lights up my face! Absolutely adore it and think it falls into the YOU NEED THIS realms!


I do not like the flip top box design sadly. I prefer the old box design which has a detachable lid. The lid is now attached and it drives me batty keeping it open when I’m apply as it tends to flip closed. I prefer the old design and hope they bring it back for new boxed powders. I do like that they included a mirror now though, wicked!

  • Anyone who adores Coralista.
  • Anyone who loves a sizzling shade of blush!
  • Darker or olive skin types (anyone can take advantage even those with darker skin since this is major pigmented).
  • Anyone who desires a beautiful glow that will ease dullness and leave behind a healthy, natural flush of peachy pink!
  • NARS Orgasm fans (if you’ve been disappointed in the subtly of Orgasm, Bella Bamba has none of the same issues!)

  • You’re loco if you find anything not to like about this!


Huge rave for Benefit Bella Bamba. This is a gorgeous blush and just incredible all around. I was VERY pleased with it! If you’re a fan of NARS Orgasm you’ll absolutely love this as this feels like a beefed up version of that shade with way more pop, sizzle, and pigment! Although it’s a Spring release, it will work easily into the Summer! One of the best things about it would be the fact you can pretty much do away with eye and lip makeup and just concentrate on buffing a little of this on cheeks for a really fantastic, made up look with minimal effort.

I never thought that Benefit would create anything that could compete with my beloved Coralista but Bella Bamba beats it out in aces.

Absolutely adored this!

Big hearty Muse Approved for purchase!

You need it!

Get it, now, at www.benefitcosmetics.com

Do you own it?

Loves it?

Share it!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • brici

    i want it and i will get it!!!! i love coralista but i dont understand how its 3d…our cheeks are 3d right?

    • the Muse

      lol brici no idea ;-D I think they are referencing the way it contours cheeks and kinda sculpts them and brings them up and out giving a “3D” effect?! ;-D

  • Kendra

    This is gorgeous! I still don’t own any of Benefits boxed powders, or anything by Benefit for that matter, but I definitely think it’s time to try some stuff out. And recommendations for someone with pale cool toned skin, green eyes, and dark hair?

    • the Muse

      Kendra benefit has a cool system for picking and choosing shades and such on their site ;-D they kinda do recs for skin tones and such so that could be helpful ;-D Coralista and this blush is def a must have ;-D!

  • Danielle F

    I ordered this from Sephora yesterday along with Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette and cannot wait to try them out!—hopefully before Christmas! She looks gorg on you, Muse! I hope she also flatters my NC37 skin! 🙂

    • the Muse

      omg danielle she is going to rock your nc37 skin! no doubt ;-D let me know how it works out for you?! jealous of your romantic eye palette haul chica!!!!!!

  • Laci

    Mine is waiting for me when I get home to Texas. 😀 I’d never bought Coralista (I have Sugarbomb though) because I have NARS’ Orgasm, but I may have to check into it.

    As for the box, I’ve heard that Benefit is going to be re-doing all the boxed blushes to have packaging like Bella Bamba.

    • the Muse

      eep laci I hope not 🙁 I don’t like it. I’d rather have a detachable lid ;-D you better come back and tell me whatcha think when you get home girl ;D!

      • Laci

        Oh I will. 😀 I also have the new Too Faced Romantic eye kit on the way. Oh my purples. 😉

        • the Muse

          I’m so TEMPTED by that palette laci ;-D but I’m being good just in case I get a Sephora GC to splurge with ;D! Wink, wink!

          • Laci

            Well I DO need it to go with Smoky, Natural and Naked. LOL And hello — purples are awesome with my hazel green eyes. 😉

      • Katie

        I read the same thing. All their boxes of powders are going to the magnetic flip top next year. No more detachable lid, which is good for me– one less thing to worry about losing. (Yes, I lose lids on products all the time.)

        • the Muse

          ha katie ;-D I’m like that with the tops of bottles and stuff from water…but makeup I’m cool with ;D

          • Courtney

            I wonder if there is going to be a sale on the old packaging to make way for the new boxes? That would be awesome! Wishful holiday thinking?

          • the Muse

            that would be amazing courtney but I am doubtful. I never really see many mega sales at Benefit. sometimes glosses and stuff…but nothing major…ya know?

  • Katie

    If this is not under the Christmas tree for me, Santa did not get my not-so-subtle hints (or any of my emails). Can’t wait to try it!

  • jenna

    this is so gorgeous! love how it looks awesome on you with both light hand and heavy and almost creates two totally different cheek looks!
    might i also ask what you’re wearing on your lips in these shots?

    • the Muse

      oo jenna that’s a secret…the review is upcoming hehe ;-D NYX Mood gloss hehehe! and thank you, you’re too kinda with your comments xoxoxo!

  • Liz

    I bought this last Friday and it has been rocking my world every day since. It makes my poor dull winter skin look alive again!

  • Carrie

    I reallllly need to get this! Like you, I never thought any boxed powder could top Coralista- but if you’re saying that it does then Bella Bamba is mine!!

    • the Muse

      carrie totally had that feeling about coralista, but bella bamba, she beats it out ;-D gorgeous! HURRY get it ;D NOW!

  • tina

    gorgeous! but just wondering does it have glitter chunks in it like nars orgasm?

  • Maria

    Ooooh, I NEEEEED this!

    I was going to get Coralista, then I started seeing people chat about this. Thank you for the review – you’ve just made up my mind!

  • kali

    I REALLY want this (can’t wait to get it after Christmas.) I’ve been mixing Coralista with pink blush (usually MAC’s Oh So Fair Beauty Powder) so I think this would be perfect for me.

  • Brooke

    Ooooh looks perdy! However, I doubt I purchase because Coralista works so well for me and I adore it (and the smell) so much I don’t see myself straying from it 🙂 Great review, though!

  • Yvette

    I ordered this yesterday from Sephora!! Now I’m so happy I did!! It is so gorgeous!

  • Jane

    I love coralista too — it’s my go-to blush. I’m going to try this out though — thanks for the swatch!

  • CucumPear

    Looks like I really do need this. I’m going to have to be extremely light-handed with Bella Bamba, though, or I’ll look like I just got smacked.

  • Mara

    I’m tempted to get this but I’m saving my makeup play money for Rock & Republic’s blushes. I just got Tease and X Rated and I’m addicted. Besides, I just got a Coralista/Bad Gal mascara combo as my VIB 500-point freebie from Sephora…

  • Andrea

    I know I’ve said this a bazillion times already, but I need this! I love the color and the sparkly box, and I’m so glad to hear that it lives up to the hype.

    I do have one question: is the box smaller than the other Benefit box powders? I was looking this up on Sephora’s website and noticed that it’s listed at 0.28 oz instead of 0.4 oz like the others. Just wondering.

    Thanks as always for the review!

    • the Muse

      hm andrea no…seems about the same size to me doll. could be less product inside? as they aren’t measuring size of the box but amount of product in it. But it seems the same all around to me!? ;-D hope this helps!

      • Andrea

        Yes, thanks! I guess it’s just less product inside. That makes this one a bit pricier than the rest, but it sounds like it’ll be worth it.

        Another poster above said that the powders are going to be put in the new boxes eventually, so I’m guessing we might be looking at a jump in price overall… eek! Here’s hoping for GCs this Xmas so I can get this and Hoola (just hit pan on a matte bronzer)!

        • the Muse

          andrea even at a smaller size you’ll still get a ton of use out of it since its so pigmented ;D! I hope not a jump in the price overall sigh but I still think its worth it ;-D

          Hells yes please santa bring da gcs!

  • DivaShop

    This blush looks GORGEOUS! If it wasn’t outta my price range, I’d totally snap it up. So pretty.

  • Cait

    Ooh, girl! I love them Box O’ Powders! I’ll need this one for sure–Coralista’s a fave of mine too 🙂

    • the Muse

      ditto cait!!!!!! ;-D Coralista WAS my fav ;-D Bella Bamba has the spot now chica ;D!

  • jonnie

    I didn’t know this was already available! I thought it was a spring release. Oops… I think it looks a little like the Tarina Tarantino Parasol blush (which I adore). I’m definitely going to get this one!

    • the Muse

      jonnie they did a little early release on it ;-D it’s not quite parasol, bit brighter and pinkier ;D!

      • jonnie

        Ooh, sounds so nice. I love parasol… other than when I happen to wear makeup in uniform it actually took the place of Orgasm for me as my go-to blush. 🙂

  • katrosado5

    I’m off to buy this now. I love this on you and I hope that it looks okay on me too. I range between a NC 37 (winter) and a NC42 (summer). It’s gorgeous and I have always loved the way Nars orgasm looks in the pan but then it just kind of poof disappears on my face :/

    • the Muse

      katros that tone should make this POP! on your skin! I hope you love it as much as I do ;D!

  • Bex

    Wow!! I love Benefit products!! Now I really want this!! I’ve started a blog a while ago and I post reviews on random things, and soon (hopefully on Christmas day) I’ll be posting a review on a lovely Benefit Christmas present I received! And I’ve also posted a review on a Benefit lip gloss I won while the flake promotion was on a while ago.

  • Wendy

    Your loco-jajaja.
    Your so funny! This blush looks great especially for the gray winter pale skin combo.
    OOHHHH BTW-MUFE lab shines are on sephora.com!!!
    Happy Holidays Muse!

  • Pynk Nymphette

    I have Coralista & Nars Orgasm. I think the colors look the same… is it the amount of shimmer? I know Orgasm is supposed to have “peach” in it, does this one? I do smell the fragrance in the Coralista, by the way. You are not hallucinating! :]

    • the Muse

      hi pynk I actually discussed the differences between coralista, orgasm, and bella bamba in the review 🙂 yup I smell it too, I was discussing a possible scent from Bella Bamba, wasn’t sure if I really smelled that or was imaging it 😀

  • Josie

    Thanks for this great post & swatches! I finally swatched it at Sephora last night and i’m going back to get it with a store credit i forgot at home!

  • neutralgirl

    Hey muse, do u know if this is in the Sephora stores yet or is it just online? I forgot to check when i was there yesterday! Silly me. It looks gorgeous. I don’t have Coralista but I do have Dallas and Hoola and love them.

    • the Muse

      some folks reported seeing it at Sephora I haven’t seen it though neutralgirl guess it varies from store to store hun!

  • Marylou Spencer

    I have Coralista & Nars Orgasm. I think the colors look the same… is it the amount of shimmer? I know Orgasm is supposed to have “peach” in it, does this one? I do smell the fragrance in the Coralista, by the way. You are not hallucinating! :]

  • sarah m

    I already have nars super orgasm, but i want both of these!! they look so nice, and i’ve never tried benefit’s boxed powders!

  • Claudia

    looks absolutely gorgeous! even though I still strongly dislike those brushes and have wrecked my Hoola while traveling because of the cardboard packaging, the updated box with the mirror is tempting 😛

  • Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex

    You’ve totally talked me into buying this! The swatches are great, and thanks for comparing it to Coralista. I have NARS Orgasm and am kind of underwhelmed by it, so I think I need to give Bella Bamba a try.

  • savannah

    I just bought it. It looks AMAZING! The box will probably last forever though. I love it way more than Orgasm from Nars.

  • layra

    I think I’m a month too late, but I am debating between this and Nars Orgasm. I have neither, but I’d like to try something new. Considering, I’m a five minute makeup type of girl, which one would you recommend for a newbie? Thanks.

    • the Muse

      hi layra it’s really kinda hard to say considering you have to take texture, formula, and pigmentation into consideration. orgasm and bella bamba are kinda different products imho and it depends on how bold or vibrant you’re wanting to not so much. either can work in five mins that’s for sure!

  • María Teresa

    I loved your review! (well I always do, as I have read many of your reviews and they answer all my possible questions!)
    I checked this at Sephora last week and swatched it on my arm, and thought there was SO much glitter on it… do you think it’s too glittery for everyday use? I LOVE the colour but I don’t want to look overly done for class… do you think that its shimmer is like Coralista? I have that one and I find it ok for everyday use!!! thank you so much.

  • Hannah

    Oh my gosh, I’m so late to this review but reading this has saved me!
    I’ve been on a mad blush hunt for the past few days, trying to find the best brand with the best colors (wanted a pink shade and a peachy/corally shade). Needless to say, Coralista and Bella Bamba are both exactly what I was looking for. Excited to get them! 🙂
    Thank you Muse!
    PS: I love your blog; so helpful and fun

    • the Muse

      aw thanks hannah blush so glad you enjoy musings ;-D coralista and bella bamba are the best!