Hot or Not Beauty

For some reason, this was the foundation that I kept pushing to experiment with, I don’t know why, it was just one of those things, until I finally caved in and decided to get match and take it for a test drive.

My goals when searching for a foundation is sheer-to-medium coverage a natural semi-matte finish and that it really is non-comedogenic and doesn’t oxidize. At first glance, a name like “Luminous” makes you think that it will make someone of an oily complexion look like a grease slick and I was weary, but I got the lemmings and bought it anyway.

And thank goodness that I did, this is my favorite foundation right now and I use it everyday.

First, I cannot rave enough the pump dispenser, it dispenses a decent amount (I need two pumps) and makes sure you don’t waste any product. This is a foundation that you would definitely benefit from applying over a primer, currently I’m using a Shiseido Very High Protection sunscreen as my primer and it glides a lot better than if I don’t use it.

It lasts a good 8 hours on me and does a great job evening out my complexion without making me look caked-up or obviously “Hey, I’m wearing foundation” that I detest.

Also, luminous doesn’t mean “shimmery” or “glittery”, it just imparts a soft glowing feel to your complexion that doesn’t subsidize even when set with loose powder. I do need the midday touch-up, but it’s something that I’m used to and this foundation doesn’t have oil-controlling properties, so you get what you buy, right?

There is one thing I do not rave about and that is the foundation brush, for the price you don’t get what you’re paying for. It streaks like mad and actually can make you consider not purchasing the foundation. I use a MAC #190 brush and get a lot better results, the supposed airbrush finish that the Armani Blender Brush is supposed to give you, so save your bucks and buy something else instead.

Armani offers you a good color selection in their Luminous Silk line, so it’s ethnically friendly unlike other major brands.

YES! It seems that the non-smoky eye wearers will have more than one option for this fall’s collection with Armani Beauty.

Inspired by Armani leather accessories and clothes rich in feel and texture, this collection once again is synonymous with luxury.

Eyeshadows tend to go for pink, violet and ashwood tones for lid, crease and browbone with a beige shimmery highlighter that if applied to the inner corner of your eyes adds a pop that makes you look awake (for lack of a better expression).

Armani also released an eyeliner in calligraphy pen format, resembling YSL’s eyeliner pen, whose brush allows you to dot line your lash area for subtle enhancement or a very dramatic and bolder eyeliner in this water based formula (which ensures a less aggressive makeup removal).

Lips are also bold and dramatically, highly defined with lipliner with strong, darker colors and with a pinch of gloss for the usual sexy pout.

Honestly, I love this look. It’s sexy without resorting to smoky eyes (again) and adds a sense of luxury and almost decadence to the overall look. I also love pink eyeshadow and the hues selected for this eye mania palette and the fact that it has a faux snakeskin finish makes it even more glamorous.

There isn’t a big emphasis on blush and cheek definition whereas a paler softer canvas is preferred to emphasize eyes and lips.

Amongst this Summer’s collections, Giorgio Armani Beauty launched their bronze collection with a new palette and a few new products to turn you into a Mediterranean beauty.

Amongst the products is their new summer foundation to warm up your complexion and give a sun kissed look with a sheer lightweight formula and if you just don’t have the time to hit the beach, you can add a nice all-over glow to your body with the Bronze Mania Gel.

It also features a new bronzing duo with two complimentary shades of cream/powder to contour and illuminate your face. The gold mediterranean palette features four shades in beige, orange, gold and brown plus a bronzer for the perfect compact to take with you on vacation.

The look itself is quite simple, focusing on a bronzed shimmery complexion that is very well defined with simple eye combinations that can be turned easily from daytime look to nighttime.
The lips are kept nude but slightly shimmery for a seemingly bare look.

In all sincerity this isn’t a collection that thrilled me by any means and most likely something I’ll steer away from since the products themselves don’t bring anything new. Unless you are a huge Armani fan and feel that you must have this collection I wouldn’t take my credit card for a walk if I were you.