Second Skin: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup

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After 8 years of research, Giorgio Armani has produced a new face-makeup category. Touted as a “complexion perfector” or “complexion enhancer,” Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup was created to fulfill the seemingly impossible duality of transparency and coverage.

Armani says that traditional foundations are usually emulsions containing water in oil with fillers; according to cosmetics experts, those fillers can produce a visible masking effect. Maestro Fusion Makeup is created with patented Fusion Technology, consisting of ultra-fine oil-pigments that “fuse” to the skin, blurring imperfections with a no-makeup feel.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup, was created with five distinct principles:

1. A water and powder-free base 

2. Totally non-comodogenic 

3. Five time-released oils evaporating gradually

4. Smart pigment technology

5. An easy, fast, fresh and flawless application

The product is dispensed through a dropper and has a very runny consistency. It feels extremely smooth and weightless on the skin. If you have ever used a dry oil, this is the feeling it resembles. The result is a light, whisper-thin formula that gently moisturizes the skin. The shades blend equisitly into the skin and might be the answer to those suffering with color-matching. The finish is extremely natural with a bit of luminosity that lasts all day.

Available in 12 shades, Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup is a new generation of foundation. A “revolutionary complexion perfector” that looks and feels like second skin.

Summer Must-Have: Murad Perfecting Serum

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Dry-skinned girls, listen up! Banish stubborn dry patches, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and prime face for flawless makeup application with Murad Perfecting Serum.

This serum is the ultimate dry-skin relief. It is designed to be worn over a moisturizer to lock in hydration and revive natural moisture levels. The gel-consistency glides over the skin swimmingly and leaves skin silky-smooth. Enriched with Squalane, an ingredient derived from olives, the Perfecting Serum intensely hydrates and wraps the skin in ultra rich moisture.  Avocado and Evening Primrose Oils seal-in the hydration and Ceramides prevent flaking and itchiness while maximizing suppleness.

This serum can be used alone or under makeup to create the perfect canvas for makeup application. It can also be used all-over the face or just where needed. It erases those stubborn dry patches that foundation loves to cling-to and creates a flawless, long-wearing finish. A summer must-have.

Tried & Tested: Susan Posnick COLORFLO

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Susan Posnick COLORFLO

One of the first mineral foundations ever created is Susan Posnick’s COLORFLO. After she was diagnosed with skin cancer, Susan Posnick (celebrity makeup artist) developed a mineral foundation with natural sun protection. She wanted a foundation that had coverage but felt invisible on the skin.

COLORFLO Mineral Foundation is made with all natural ingredients. It lets skin breath and won’t clog pores or irritate skin. It feels weightless on the skin and creates flawless radiant skin.

This sheer coverage foundation is buildable. By layering the product, one can create a medium coverage foundation or use directly as a concealer. COLORFLO provides powerful and natural sun protection and is extremely gentle on the skin.

Packaging is easy and simplified with a built-in application brush. The self-dispensing brush is perfect for on-the-go touchups and fits nicely in any bag.

True Believer: Mineral Makeup

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No matter how many different products I experiment with, mineral-based powders is what I always revert back to.

Many of us were enthralled by the swirl, tap, buff philosophy of Bare Escentuals bareMinerals, in which, these miracle mineral powders seemed to erase every flaw from the skin and leave the face glowing and radiant. Or similar brands that jumped on the mineral band-wagon and created comparable products all promising the same outcome – flawless skin.

There is no set regulation for what constitutes “mineral” makeup. The main ingredients (minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide), have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades. But, many dermatologists report that because mineral makeup frequently eliminate classic irritants such as fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, talc, and preservatives, it is considered purer and gentler to the skin.

Whether or not, classifying a product as “mineral” makeup, is propagation or even beneficial, the undisputed truth is they work beautifully. These light, finely ground loose minerals are buffed into the skin to achieve a flawless and glowing complexion. The makeup provides long-lasting coverage and looks natural.

I am a true believer in mineral-based powders which is why I seem to reach for them more than any other.

Tip: Before application, spray brush with water or fixing spray. This will provide a glowing, even, airbrushed-like complexion.

Introducing: Boscia B.B. Cream

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Boscia B.B Cream SPF 27 PA++

Last week, one of the first B.B. Cream products was released to the US market. It is manufactured by Boscia, a Japanese botanically-based skincare brand. 

What is B.B. Cream?

B.B. Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream. It was formulated in Germany and initially used on laser surgery patients to protect and soothe their highly sensitive skin. It is sold and obsessed-over mainly in East and Southeast Asia but is gaining momentum worldwide. Known for its skin-regenerating functions, whitening and brightening effects, sun protection and anti-aging benefits, B.B .Creams are a multifunctional product used to create flawless skin.

After trying a handful of Asian-brand B.B. Creams, my main concern was the color shade options. The majority of brands only offer a selection of one or two shades, developed primarily for Asian skintones. 

Available on Boscia’s website and now at Sephora, this B.B. Cream comes in a self-adjusting, universal shade that should complement most skintones. It’s formula is much lighter than other B.B. Creams and not as pigmented. It produces an extremely sheer coverage that has the same feel and texture as a tinted moisturizer.

Though it feels pleasant on the skin and offers many skincare benefits, due to the lack of coverage, I will use this B.B. Cream primarily for it’s sun protection, SPF 27 PA ++, when outdoors this summer. 

Small but Mighty: Beauty Blender

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Beauty Blender

The one item needed in every women’s makeup arsenal!
The Beauty Blender is a small elliptical-shaped sponge that creates an exquisite finish to the skin. The unique shape gets into every contour and crevice of the face that allows you to flawlessly apply your makeup. When damp, the Beauty Blender doubles in size. Use with a gentle patting motion all over the face and down the neck. Perfect with all assortments of foundations and concealers.