Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream - I always have
a hard time saying no to lightweight, sheer bases. Tinted moisturizers, BB
Creams, CC Creams, Sheer foundations, whatever you want to call them, I'm all
in. I stumbled upon the Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream about a month ago
and immediately needed it. This product claims to give skin a "well rested
appearance", make the complexion look more radiant, protect with SPF 35,
color correct, and is infused with "an energizing antioxidant complex
that's enriched with jojoba and macadamia nut oils" (Sephora). I have this
in the shade number 6, which I initially thought would be too dark for me, but
is actually perfect. If you are familiar with Mac foundation shades, I range
between an NC35 and NC40, for reference. However, that is one of my cons for
this product; there are only 6 shades, 6 of course being the darkest. I'm not
dark skinned at all, so for this to be the darkest shade is quite frankly a
shame. A wider range of people should be able to experience how lovely this
product actually is, from the palest to the darkest skins, but I digress. The
texture of this cream is smooth and thin which makes it easy to apply. I apply
this with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to really work this into the skin. Then I use the Real Techniques Stippling Brush to build up more product where I want more coverage. Even
though this is a sheer to light coverage cream, I find that it color corrects
and builds nicely, whilst never getting cakey or heavy on the skin. I have
hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks due to past breakouts (thank you hormones) and
I'm really pleased with how much this evens out my skin tone. It's not perfect,
but I'm not aiming for perfection. I just want my skin to look like a
healthier, more even toned version of what it is, and this product does just
that. This CC cream is also luminous, as the name would suggest, without being
shiny or greasy. I have oily skin, but I prefer bases that are luminous because
I find them to be more natural and youthful looking. This product does not
exacerbate my oiliness. I do have to blot a little throughout the day, but I
have to do that with everything, so I'm not bothered. Also, for such a
lightweight base, this lasts quite a while on the skin. I can wear it for an
entire work day without it breaking down oddly or going away in patches. It
does breakdown, but it somehow just evenly wears away, and on me, only towards
the end of my day (keep in mind that I ALWAYS set any base with a powder to extend
longevity). This doesn't accentuate dryness, or highlight imperfections. It
just looks like skin and feels as if I'm not even wearing makeup. In other
words, it never feels heavy or uncomfortable. It's lightly scented, but nothing
cloying or overwhelming. The scent is light and fresh and does not linger. I
could go on about this product for ages, but I'll spare you. Let me leave you
with this, since purchasing this, it's the only foundation/tinted
moisturizer/base product I want to reach for and it's actually become one of my
favorites. This is pricey at $55 for a 1.01 ounce tube and I was fortunate to
find my shade on eBay for quite a bit less (never underestimate ebay!). To be
honest, once I run out of this I wouldn't hesitate to pay full price. It really
is that lovely.
Lancôme Tonique Radiance Clarifying Exfoliating Toner - I go through toner like a crazy person. I use it morning and
night so every few months I need to purchase a new bottle. I was in a toner rut
and wanted to try something new and stumbled upon Lancôme Tonique Radiance. Let
me just be upfront. I DESPISE this product! There is not a thesaurus large
enough to help me describe how much I hate, loathe, abhor, this toner. This
claims to "help support natural cell turnover to improve skin tone, texture
and clarity." Oh, how thee sits on a throne of lies! The only thing this
toner gave me was cystic acne. No kidding, my skin broke out in these painful,
large, cystic bumps. Just what I want, little Mount Fujis resting on my face.
NOT! I had such high hopes for this, because overall, it has high reviews. I
don't know what it is, but my skin really did not get along with this product.
It is heavily fragranced, which I initially didn't care for. It also has such a
high alcohol content that it's almost eye-watering. For a $26 product I'm expecting
something more than fragranced alcohol. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of alcohol
in toners, but it is quite common and I have used some that my skin really gets
on well with. Hey, if it works, it works. I can overlook the ingredients. I
have used $6 toners from the drugstore that actually treat, and prevent
breakouts, unlike this spawn of Satan. Save your pennies and look elsewhere
people. Don't be suckered in by the luxurious packaging and fancy French. This
little guy is like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I could probably use the
remaining product that I have as a weapon. Don't even try to kidnap me. I've
got Tonique Radiance in my purse and I'm not afraid to pour it on you! "It
burns us, Precious!"
NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Setting Powder (Pressed) - Let's end on a positive note, shall we? I was searching for
a setting powder that was lightweight, not mattifying, but still properly set
my makeup without altering the finish of whatever base I wore underneath. For a
while, my holy grail setting powder was the Rimmel Stay Matte , but I actually find it to be too heavy looking on my skin. I
have very soft skin that can easily look overdone. Powders can especially look
cakey on my face. I kept hearing wonderful thing about this NARS Ridiculously
Long Name Powder but shied away from it for a while because of the price. I
mean, $37 for a powder? I THINK NOT! But I was really getting fed up with the
Rimmel looking heavy on me (still holy grail underneath the eyes though, peeps.
This is a good powder. Go get you some.) and did a little eBay search. WHAT?!
$24!? Yes, please. Put it in my cart. Mail it to me and then get on my face.
Seriously, one of the best $24 in makeup spent. This powder is so lightweight,
when I apply this I can't even see it on my powder brush and it feels like I'm
sweeping nothing on my skin. It doesn't mattify the skin, so the integrity of
the finish of whatever base this is applied over isn't completely compromised.
This is literally invisible on the skin. But when I touch my face after
application I can feel that my makeup has been properly set. I get the same
longevity with this product as I do with the Rimmel Stay Matte and I don't get
shiny or oily any sooner than I normally would with the Stay Matte. The Rimmel
sets makeup well and does offer good oil control, though I still need to blot
with it. I get the same benefits with the NARS powder without my makeup looking
heavy. If you are weary of face powders. but still want to set your makeup to
increase its wear time, I highly recommend that you look into this little gem
by NARS. It is really something exceptional and it has become my absolute
favorite face powder. NARS, you've done it again. You've reached into my wallet
and took my money and I don't regret it one bit. I say, "Take it
again!"
Always,
Alana
