Thursday, November 18, 2010

Holy Grails

When you read as much as I do about makeup, in print, online and as written by my fellow Bloggers, you  keep bumping into the same products consistently, if they are beloved, award winners and used by celebrity makeup artists on their celebrity clientele.  Such is the case with Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation.  Cult fave,  Holy Grail, period. End of story...almost

I never wear foundation in the summer, but I remembered being downright smitten with another Luminous Foundation, Bobbi Brown's, and a half bottle still lived in my medicine cabinet. I recently stumbled on a  terrific website called The Timeless Beauty, after they stumbled upon DivaDebbi. This great group of ladies chat message board style, about all matter of beauty, sharing tips and obsessions. Naturally, when I queried about GA Luminous Foundation, it was lauded, loudly. Hmmmmm...how long until I caved?

Later that afternoon, I was at the Westchester Mall, (which I tend to avoid since I can never find my way in or out). As fate would have it, as I was exiting Nordstorms, I bumped into their Giorgio Armani beauty cave, located separately, on the lower level. Of course I couldn't pass this up. I told Naidra Beckles, their Business Manager, that I was just chatting about GA Luminous Silk Foundation earlier. She didn't seem a bit surprised, since it's her bestseller and personal favorite. She looked at my cheek and neck and declared me a "7"..."and I am never wrong"--- she wasn't. Naidra was kind enough to give me a generous sample and confidently declared, "you'll be back"!

I went home and did a little online research on Luminous Silk Foundation on the Giorgio Armani Beauty website.  Here is their description:

As seen in the press, capture the glow of perfect skin with this award-winning foundation. Luminous Silk foundation is an oil-free fluid with exclusive Micro-fil technology. So weightless, it redefines foundation. Its hydrating fluid glides on seamlessly with a silky texture and all-day, buildable coverage. For all skin types.

weightless and luminous oil-free fluid
natural finish
all-day sheer to moderate coverage
InStyle Award Winner in 5 categories
$59.00
application techniques:

Apply with the unique blender brush for a radiant, air-brushed finish

Huh???  I want an air brush finish!!!  Something else I didn't know I needed...urrggghh!!!
You be the judge:

Blender Brush:

Made from luxuriously soft sable, this flat brush is slightly rounded at the edges to precisely follow the curves of the face. dispensing the perfect amount of makeup onto the face, the blender brush creates a flawless, second-skin effect when used with any liquid armani foundation. Sensuous application and flawless results.

flat shape with rounded edges for precise results perfectly designed for the face flawlessly airbrushed finish

Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner $48.00

I have been using GASLF for a little over a week now and I have to admit, I get it.  The coverage is as luminous and complete as BB's, but with what feels like half the density.  I absolutely love it.  So Naidra, you were right,  I will be back, but I am going to do my best to  bypass the blender brush.

I can just hear Naidra now, "no problem...you'll be back"---and I probably will.

xox,
DD

6 comments:

  1. Not only is the foundation a holy grail but so is the brush. I resisted it at first but it turned out to be one of my better buys. I like it with all foundations. I don't like a taklon foundation brush so normally I wouldn't use a brush but this changed my mind.

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  2. Debbi, you will be back for the brush too! It's one of my all time favorite brushes.

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  3. Kari,
    I had you at top of mind! I know you LOVE your GA foundation and products. Both you and Marcia love the brush too??? Now I know I'm a gonner. I did notice a travel size SF with the blender brush that was a better price together. If it's not too small, I may go for it. It takes me for-evah to go through a bottle of foundation. As we speak I have bottles of Bobbi, Dior, Smash Box and Laura Geller langoring...

    Thanks for the feedback and the push!

    xox
    Debbi

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  4. I agree with everybody-you need to get the brush!It's a great little brush.

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  5. Thanks Tracy!
    I know I'm not walking out of their without it.
    Kari from Fab Over Forty has also posted gorgeous reviews about their shadows. I'm going to have to sit on my hands!

    xox,
    DD

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  6. I have been using the blender brush for about a year now, it might seem small but oh what a wonderful brush it is. You must get it!

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