Review: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup

I know the beauty world is all a flutter about Giorgio Armani's Maestro Fusion Makeup and I wouldn't be me if I didn't do a review on it.  I enjoy the beauty industry challenging itself with new technology and formulations . This has been seen in recent years by Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua and  Estee Lauder's Invisible Fluid. Both of which are fabulous and make the skin look incredible.  Giorgio Armani has stepped it up with, perhaps, a completely new way of looking at skin.




Maestro Fusion Makeup
Source:http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Let me just preface this review by saying that in the past I have not been impressed with Giorgio Armani foundations. I have owned Face Fabric and Luminous Silk, and those were so full of silicones, I ended up throwing them out.  Drum roll please......Maestro Fusion's first ingredient is Dimethicone

I was able to get my hands on a sample of this "revolutionary complexion perfector", as it is not available in Canada until October 2012 at Holt Renfrew. Why is this so revolutionary?

First of all it does not contain water nor powders. Instead, it is made up of different oils - volatile, semi volatile, non-volatile. These oils evaporate from the skin, leaving a thin layer of skin perfecting pigments.

By now, you normal to oily/oily skinned girls are freaking out with the mere mention of putting oil on your face..... Fear not, certain oils are fantastic for oily skin  and as a combination girl, this did not make me oilier and it actually made my skin feel extremely comfortable. As for the reported weightless feel, the claims are true. The texture is very watery and non-greasy. It blends like a dream and my skin was uniform in colour, but it allowed my freckles to show through.

Using my fingers, as suggested by the SA at Holt Renfrew, I worked the tiniest i.e., three drops, into my skin and patting more of it where I had imperfections. I don't have many issues with my skin, but those that were there, were not covered. Hmmmmm complexion perfector....????

Additionally, I can see those of you with dry skin not enjoying this. As the formulation will probably adhere to any dry patches and through researching other reviews, it did exactly this. However, if you have good skin and want to even it out, this will be a beautiful choice, but at a steep price. 

The down and dirty:

• price: $68 Cdn at Holt Renfrew
• coverage; sheer to medium
• finish: natural with slight sheen
• colours: 12

Cheers,

xo Megs

 

Review: YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat

image source: http://www.yslbeautyus.com

With the huge success of Touche Eclat concealer/highlighter, YSL has launched the new foundation Le Teint Touche Eclat.  As I am a foundation trollop, I had to get my hands on this one.

Image Source: http://www.yslbeautyus.com

YSL describes this foundation as illuminating, dimensional radiance, weightless perfection. It is suppose to target the shadowy areas and highlight the contours, whilst being buildable without the opaque fillers.
The packaging is luxurious and I love the pump. The product itself is lovely. With combination-oily skin, I have to be very careful with the word "radiance" as my face can look like I have been kickboxing within an hour. However, this gave my skin a very slight glow and my face never looked greasy. The coverage was medium but not able to completely cover my lovely red spots. It is definitely buildable without looking or feeling heavy.  Finally, the colour range is great and it's about time. This is where YSL has faltered in the past. This time around, there are choices of cool (BR), neutral(B) and warm tones(BD).
While, I like this foundation, I don't love it and I wanted to love it. Trust me (please see aforementioned use of trollop).  I can't put my finger on it, perhaps it's the price? Or the underwhelming effect on my skin? Either way, I felt meh about it.

The down and dirty:

• price: $60cdn
• coverage: medium buildable
• finish: slightly dewy
• colours: 17 - from the fairest B10 to the darkest B90

A/W 2012 Trend: Bold Eye

Ahhh yes, the bold/graphic/futuristic eye. Whatever you want to call it, it definitely is not for the faint of heart or the average makeup wearing person. Personally, there are trends in fashion and makeup that just do not translate as "wearable".  Stella McCartney's electric blue lashes remind me of the colour loving eighties.  I mean, we did see neon everywhere this summer *shudder*. I could wear this, but then again, do I want to?

Maybe I am being too harsh. Okay, so a little tweaking of Anna Sui's cobalt winged liner is definitely a do in my book - minus the geisha dot. I also like the matchy matchy nail and eyeshadow colour. Hey,we all need a bit of colour in the winter. High five Pat McGrath. However, what I am suppose to do with Miu Miu and Prada?.....um, well...let me see... The lesson here is to take elements of trends and make them work for you. Use colour instead of the obvious black, go for a thick eyeliner, and use pastels for autumn instead of spring. Why not? And sometimes, just sometimes we have to admit to ourselves, that some looks are just meant for the runway.



Backstage Anna Sui A/W '12
Source: glamour.com



Miu Miu A/W '12
Source: allure.com



Backstage at Prada A/W'12
Source: vogue.com.au

Stella McCartney A/W '12
Source: glamour.com

To bring some of these looks to life, I recommend that you buy the trendier mass/drugstore products as this is their niche. Here are some recommended products:

• Annabelle Kohl liner in Lapis Blue
• Gosh mascara in Electric Blue
• Covergirl Liquiline Blast in Blue Bloom
• Bourjois Eyeshadow in 55 Bleu Myosotis
• Make Up Forever Eyeshadow in #150

Again, makeup is suppose to fun and creative. Enjoy yourself and never take it too seriously

Cheers,

xo Megs



A/W 2012 Trend: Fresh and Healthy

You have your graphic liners, cobalt blue lashes and your oxblood red lips, but it is the healthy look  that is the freshest, yet possibly the most difficult to obtain.  As seen as Michael Kors, the wind burnt cheek literally looks like you have been outside playing in the snow.  Hats off to Shiseido's Dick Page for this gorgeous natural look.


Michael Kors
Source: Allure.com



To obtain this type of look, you need to start with a great base and really concentrate on the skin itself. Make sure it is well moisturized and perfected with primer and foundation. It needs to be flawless. At Michael Kors, Dick Page accounts the new Rouge Lacquer (gorgeous) in Drama for those rosy red cheeks. The Rouge Lacquer was placed on the apples of the cheeks, in a chevron pattern, and then blended with a damp sponge. Only top lashes are coated with mascara and then the stained (non glossy) red lip.

Here are some other recommended products:

• Benefit Benetint
• Shiseido Rouge Lacquer in Drama
• Stila Convertible Colour lip and cheek in Gerbera, Rose, Poppy
• MAC blush in Scarlett
• Lancome Blush Subtil in Cedar Rose
• Make Up Forever Aqua Cream in #8

This winter, have fun and get outside, then you can have rosy cheeks for free!
Cheers
xo Megs



Daily Essentials

Being a product/beauty junkie and working in the industry, I am exposed to many products. There is always something new and of course, we (I mean I) want to try it. I know we get caught up with the latest trend, or the newest buzz ingredient. Sometimes we need to take a step back see what really works for us, rather than buying into the newest and greatest "paid for" trend.

L-R Jurlique Balance Face Oil, Active C, Shiseido Face Cottons, MAC Select Moisturecover, Shu Uemura lash curlers, Bioderma Sensibio, MAC Opulash Optimum black, Korres White Tea cleanser

 La Roche Posay-Active C eyes

Love this little tube of Ascorbic Acid goodness. So many Dermatologists recommend this line from France. I have brought this little baby home time and time again.  Not only is Vitamin C good for brightening and a great antioxidant but the Active C's vitamin C is stable and it has a beautiful velvet consistency. I truly believe that using this everyday has really helped make my skin look good. The Face Active C compliments it beautifully.

found at drugstores for $32

Bioderma Sensibio (aka Crealine) Micellaire

Now I know this is hyped up all over YouTube and honestly, I have used this since it came to Canada over 2 years ago. I have tried other Micellaire waters and they end up sticky or not removing all of my makeup. This 250ml of loveliness, is perfect for removing all makeup without residue and it does not sting nor dry my skin out. I can't even count how many bottles I've purchased. My only complaint is not being able to find the larger size bottle.

found at Shoppers Drug Mart- $22cdn for 250ml

Jurlique Balancing Face Oil

I can't remember where I read about this little oil, but I am so glad I came across it. I am combo oily in the summer and this has delighted my skin. I use it in the morning before putting on makeup and it absorbs so quickly into the skin. I love it.

found at Sephora $60 cdn

MAC Opulash Optimum Black mascara

I have already written about this gem and I will shout it to the heavens about how much I love this mascara. Honestly, it is the only mascara that does not smudge at the end of the day. It volumizes, keeps a curl and it is incredibly black. Love, love, love it.

found at MAC stores and counters $19 cdn

Shu Uemura eyelash curler

There are definitely less expensive curlers out there, but for me, this one does the best curl. You might wonder what is the difference  between curlers. Well, the shape is one the main things. Also, the ergonomics of the curler itself. This little curler has a cult following, the only problem is trying to find it. With Shu Uemura found at select Holt Renfrew, it is not all that accessible. I believe Sephora does carry the curlers too. If you do find it, you won't be disappointed in the results.

found at select Holt Renfrew and Sephora $19 cdn

 

Shiseido Cottons

You might think all facial cottons are the same, but you would definitely be wrong. For one, a package of these contains 165 for $9 cdn. I compared the price to luxury drugstore brand to these and Shiseido is less expensive. They also do not shed and you use less product because the cotton does not absorb all of it.

found at Shoppers Drug Mart and Shiseido counters $9 cdn

Korres White Tea cleanser

I tried many products from Korres and this is one of my favourites. Love the idea of a natural product that works incredibly well. This is made for more combo-oily skins and it doesn't strip the skin. It doesn't contain mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol, ethanol amine and harsh detergents.  It leaves my skin soft, moisturized and squeaky clean. Added bonus is that white tea is a great antioxidant.

found at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora $26 cdn

MAC Select Moisturecover concealer

I am new to this concealer and I am glad I tried it. I thought it might be too moisturizing, but I was pleasantly surprised. It doesn't creep into the fine lines under my eyes and the coverage is fabulous. There are tons of colours and it is so easy to blend. It lasts for a good 6-8 hours.

found at MAC stores and counters $22 cdn

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV defense SPF 50

I wrote about this in another blog, but I just need to reiterate how fantastic this is. If you have oily skin and want a physical sunscreen, then this is your ticket. It doesn't leave that grey/white hue that is associated with zinc oxide as it is slightly tinted. Some sunscreens are horrible for makeup, but this allows makeup to be easily blended. Such a great product.

found at select Spas/Salons

Loving Now: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation

Gotta say, this little foundation is worth the hype. I love the coverage - sheer to medium and the finish - semi-matte. It is my skin, only better. I found the perfect colour in Vanilla 52, however others might not be so lucky. It is limited in its shade selection and this is an issue with many mass companies. If you are any higher, then say, NC 35 forget it.  At $27, it is a little pricey for a drugstore foundation, but many mass companies are upping their prices to the point where there isn't much of a price difference between the "high-end" and drugstore brands.

The down and dirty:

• finish: semi-matte
• price $27 cdn found only at Shoppers Drug Mart
• coverage: sheer to medium
• colours: 5 from very fair 51 Vanille Clair to medium 56 Hale Clair

Olivia Palermo Tutorial

A designer's dream, Olivia Palermo has been seen everywhere these days. She is a classic beauty but is edgy with her fashion choices. Complimenting her style, is her simple, yet elegant makeup. Generally, she wears a thick, dark chocolate line along the top lash with lots of lashes, a neutral cheek and complimentary lip. However, she will wear a darker, smokey eye from time to time. This is my interpretation of that look. Enjoy

xo Megs

Olivia Palermo tutorial