Review: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Press Sample

Hey Y'all!!  Happy Humpday!!  So my revolt against Winter failed :(  Ever since posting my I Don't Care if it's Winter, I Want Spring nail art, it's been freezing, dark, cloudy and wet here.  But I'm not giving up!  I think I got Mother Nature's attention now!  LOL

I'm so excited about today's review!!  It's always fun to discover new make up products and for me, that was discovering that Giorgio Armani made make up!  I know, what rock was I living under?  I knew they made fragrances, but make up?  I had no idea.  Then when I visited Saks Fifth Avenue, I saw the Armani counter and couldn't wait to try out their products.  Then, they asked if I would review their newest foundation, Luminous Silk Foundation, and I said sure!

The claim of this foundation is to give you the, "glow of perfect skin".  Big promise, right?  But did it?  Keep reading, he he.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a light coverage foundation, but can easily be built up according to their website.  But to be honest, I think it's more of a full coverage that acts like a light coverage.  Huh?  In other words, I've never had to "build this up".  It's given me fabulous coverage every time.

It is very thin, a little goes a long, long way.  I applied it with a liquid foundation brush.  It just glides onto your skin.  And despite the thin formula, there was no streaking, or pooling.  It didn't cake up in lines.  Literally.  It glides on and stays.  The coverage was fabulous!  It evened out my tone completely and without any effort.  Dark spots, redness, all gone with one easy sweep of the brush.  I used a little transparent powder to set it.  Is it matte?  Shiny?  I know this is going to sound strange, but it's neither...it's luminous, lol. 

See the teen's hand?  Such a help to mom.  And how did it wear?  Here's a picture of me (on another day),  12 hours after application:

Sorry, I forgot to re-apply lipstick, but the foundation is still going strong!  Only once during the day did I blot excess oil and apply a little powder.  The foundation is still cake free and giving fabulous coverage!!

And the best part?  How it makes my skin feel!  It claims to be a hydrating foundation and it is!  Without being oily!  Thank you!!  My skin feels fabulous while wearing it.  It feels hydrated, refreshed and not like I'm wearing make up.  All day!  I've actually worn this foundation for some of my dreaded 18 hour days, and though I may be dragging, my face looks wonderful.  It truly makes my skin look flawless, which, by far, it's not.  Y'all...I have found my new foundation!!

Now I know the big question in your minds...that's great Dionne, but how much?  It is $62 for 30ml, which is actually a good size bottle.  And a little goes a long way with this foundation.  A bottle will probably last you a good 3 to 4 months.  Even more if you don't wear make up every day.  I feel like it's a really good value, especially when you consider the "cheaper" drug store foundations are over $12 now days.

It also comes in a wide range of shades, 23 to be exact from very light to very deep browns.  And it's designed for all skin types.

If you want to see it and try it out in person, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom all carry the Giorgio Armani beauty line.  Or, you can go to the Armani beauty site, by clicking here. 

I hope y'all have a fabulous day!  <3


The products in this review were provided to Glittery Fingers & Sparkling Toes for review.  The opinions are mine alone and were not influenced in any way.

Spring Event at Saks Fifth Avenue

Hey Y'all!!!!  Yesterday, the now-a-teen and I spent the day at Saks Fifth Avenue of Atlanta checking out and playing with all the new Spring Make Up collections!  Now, I know what you're thinking....Saks???  She must be made of money....NOPE!!  Trust me, EVERYONE can shop at Saks!!  Especially in their make up department!  Don't get me wrong, if you're wanting the newest Jimmy Choo sandals and Michael Kors purse, you are going to need a small bank, but their make up is wonderfully priced!!  They even sell Clinique!!

So on to the event!!  Right now, all the new Spring make up collections are hitting the store and many of the companies have sent their top make up artists to introduce the new lines.  Who doesn't want to be primped and pampered by an expert?  I didn't realize that Giorgio Armani sold make up!  I know, duh, where have I been?  So I decided to try their make up and met the fabulous Armani National Make Up Artist, Blair Mathis:

First, let me assure you, these are not hard, in your face salespeople.  Honest!  They truly only want to make you happy.  And they are thrilled to show you their company's make up and make you look

gorgeous.  You really should take advantage of their knowledge!!  They can teach you how to do any make up look you want, from highlighting to smoky eyes, introduce you to colors that look fabulous on you that you had no idea would look great, they can answer any question you have and they are so friendly!!  Just be honest with them!  I'm not a big fan of pink, so I said, please no pink...not a problem.  If you're just curious and only want to learn about the products, no problem.  They're there to help.

 

And YES!!  It's perfectly ok to ask the price!!  Trust me!  I asked the price of each and every object!  And no, you don't have to buy it all, or even any of it.  But I will say I have found some of my favorite products this way.  Like in this visit!  My new foundation is definitely Armani!! (Look for my review coming soon!!!)

 

AND, Saks Fifth Avenue has a fabulous gift with purchase going on!!  Spend $100 on any make up product and get a fabulous tote bag with some wonderful samples in it. 

There are the bags to the far right in the above photo.

The photos here were taken at my Saks, in Atlanta at Phipps Plaza.  If you have a Saks near you, seriously, get there!!  Now is such a great time to go if you've never been.  But even if you miss this event, still go.  The regular staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful (and not pushy, promise)!  If you don't have one near you, the tote bag offer is available on line to at their website!

Have fun and Happy Exploring!!

Saks Fifth Avenue: Master the Look

Hi Y'all!!!  Happy Thursday!!  I'm so excited about this post, I have to get right to it.  Yesterday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers (click here for links to all of our blogs) were invited to a sneak peek at Master the Look at Saks Fifth Avenue that starts today and runs through October 5th.

Now first, get the idea out of your head that there's no way for you to shop at Saks Fifth Avenue!!  It's every one's store!!  Seriously.  No matter what your budget is, there are fabulous products for you there.  And the staff couldn't be more wonderful.  They were all so courteous, helpful and informative!!  There's not a question they can't answer.  They know their products!  And you know that old saying, "If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it".  Forget that!!  The staff was very helpful and willing to help you find what you are looking for at any price, from Clinique (yes they carry Clinique!) to Clive Christian (The World's Most Expensive Perfume). 

The beauty department is absolutely beautiful.  Open and airy yet each brand has their own section that feels intimate.  And during this fabulous ten days, they have make up experts to help you master whatever style you are going for:  smoky eyes, fresh and natural, night out...they will teach you. 

Did I mention the gifts with purchase??  First up, from Saks Fifth Avenue is this fabulous tote with deluxe samples free with any beauty purchase of $100 or more.  And with any beauty purchase of $150 or more, they will add the matching cosmetic bag:

It comes in the white above or navy blue.  See the size of the samples?

And if all that is not enough, there are over 75 gifts with purchase.  Here are just a few samples:

 

And did I mention how gorgeous their beauty department is?

Look at those awesome black chandeliers in the Dolce & Gabbana section!

And be sure to go by the perfume section.  There are wonderful and affordable ($125 and up) perfumes and colognes.  And the stories that come with them are fascinating!  Like Bond no. 9 New York, started after the tragedy of 9/11 and named for different neighborhoods in New York:

And Clive Christian, the "World's Most Expensive Perfume" ranging in price from the low $300's up to $250,000:

If any of you want to buy me a bottle, let me know!!!

There is so much going on at Saks Fifth Avenue for the next 10 days, it won't begin to fit into a blog post, but I hope this gives you an idea of all the awesome things taking place!  Remember it starts today and runs through October 5th!  Be sure to visit!!  I promise they will take good care of you!!

MABB Bi-Weekly Question

Every other Wednesday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers will answer a beauty-related question just for fun! This week's question is...

What makeup items are you more likely to splurge on?

There isn't that much I'm really going to splurge on, really only two items.  But when I splurge, I really splurge, lol.  For the most part, my make up comes from everywhere from Dollar Tree to drug stores.  But one thing I have always splurged on is my foundation:

It's Lancôme Tient Visionnaire.  I LOVE this stuff!!!  It is fabulous for those of us that are older and may have dark spots, uneven coloring, sun damage, etc.  As much as I love it (and the entire Visionnaire line), I'm a little embarrassed by the price...$60.  But it does last a really long time.  I just bought this and probably won't need anymore until the end of the year at the earliest.

The other thing I splurge on is skin care: lotions, serums, anything that promises the fountain of youth in a bottle, lol!  I do love Lancôme's Visionnaire line (there are two I really want), but at about $100 each, I'm just not ready to splurge that much!  So I'm trying to find something new now.

The only other place I sometimes splurge on is with nail polish.  But I think that depends on what you would consider a splurge, I think OPIs at $9 is average and Chanel at $27 a splurge.  P.S. I only own one Chanel polish and the hubby bought it for me)

What about you?  What do you splurge on?

Please join me in checking out the other fabulous ladies to see their splurges.  I can't wait to see their answers!!


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Be sure to check out the other Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers' blogs!
Ashley Elizabeth from Ashley Elizabeth's Beauty Blog
Brittney from BellBelleBella
Christine from Simply Stine
Dawn from Ritual Beauty
Dionne from Glittery Fingers & Sparkling Toes
Emma from Manicurity
Harri from TrailerHood Chic
Kaitlin from Blushing Beauty
Mandy from MandysSecrets
Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty
Quinn from Mama Fashionista
If you're a beauty blogger in the Metro Atlanta area and would like to join us, please visit our website! We would love to connect with you!

Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show- Sept 21!!

Hi my Lovelies!!!  I have something extra special for all my Metro Atlanta peeps today (and anyone in driving distance...seriously)!!  Have you ever wanted to know what the upcoming beauty trends are before everyone else??  And I'm not talking about what all the teens and tweens are doing, but what the grown up women are doing.  How great would it be to be in the know about what the classic beauties are doing in the spas and at the cosmetic counters for this Fall?? 

Well now is the time to rejoice then, because I have the event for you!!!  This Saturday, September 21st Nordstrom at Perimeter Mall will be holding their Cosmetic/Spa Beauty Trend Show!!  I can't tell you how excited I am about this event!!  I can hardly wait until Saturday!!

 

Here are just a FEW of the highlights from Nordstrom's website :

VIP Spa Experience

Makeovers from Professional Stylist

The Spa hosting a Dr. Gross Lifestyle Event including Complimentary Treatments:

Professional Peel, Steam and Mask

Hand and Scalp Massages

Mini Nuface Lifts

Jane Iredale Makeovers

Hand & Arm Exfoliation and Massage by Whish Body Products

Speakers

Live Models

 

And if that wasn't enough, look at these goodies:

Light Catered Breakfast at 7:30

Gift Bag

Giveaways

Live DJ

Happy Hour (You know I'll be at that!)

 

Oh my goodness!!!!  I think I just found heaven on earth!!  And the cost???  Only $20 a ticket AND THAT IS REDEEMABLE TOWARDS YOUR BEAUTY PURCHASE!!!! (Think of it as more of a $20 off coupon!)  So you actually can get ALL this for free!!!!  I think  Nordstrom has just become my favorite store!!!

So do you want to join me??  All you have to do is call (770) 350-4802 to purchase your ticket!!  And click here for the website.

With this much to do, I'm so happy about the time....this kicks off at 7:30 AM and goes until close at 9:00 PM.  If you go, be sure to let me know, I would love to see you!!

MABB Bi-Weekly Question $20 FOTD

Every other Wednesday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers will answer a beauty-related question just for fun! This week's question is...  Can you create a FOTD for $20 or less? Show us what products you would use!

NOTE: For this, we are not figuring sales tax, brushes, tools, or implements, just the regular cost of the actual make-up products.

Whew! I made it!  Usually here I say how much I love this week's question, but this week was really, really hard!!  One, I've had problems with my thyroid for 1 1/2 years and it's played havoc with me, so I'm not fond of pictures of me. And two, I love make-up!!  But limiting an entire face to only $20??  But, I kind of did it, ha ha.  The make up I bought for this challenge came to $18.85!  Yay me!  But I used an old blush and have no idea how much it cost.  I know it was pretty cheap (NYC), but the label is even worn off so I can't look it up.  So I'm going with the $18.85 :D Here are the items I bought:

NYC Individual Eyes Created for Blue Eyes $1.25 (on clearance for 75% off) *Although I don't have blue eyes, mine are gray)
NYC Smooch Proof Lip Stain 498 Berry Long Time $1.25 (on clearance for 75% off)
Maybelline Fit Me 132 Brute Beige $5.94
Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner, black $6.44
Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express, black $2.97 (Buy 1 get one 50% off)
LA Colors Lip Gloss & Lip Stick (no name) $1.00
And the much worn NYC Cheek Glow in front

And the finished look:

So what do y'all think?  Did I make the $20 FOTD or did I cheat?  LOL  P.S. Sorry for the garbage can in the background.  Thank my bestie for that!  Don't forget to check out the other lovely MABB ladies and see what they chose!


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Be sure to check out the other Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers' answers! Ashley Elizabeth from Ashley Elizabeth's Beauty Blog
Dionne from Glittery Fingers & Sparkling Toes
Emma from Manicurity
Harri from TrailerHood Chic
Mandy from MandysSecrets
Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty
Quinn from Mama Fashionista If you would like to see previous questions and answers, you can do so by viewing the Question Archive here. If you're a beauty blogger in the Metro Atlanta area and would like to join us, please visit our website! We would love to connect with you!

My First "Make Up Meet Up"

All products in this post were bought and paid for by Glittery Fingers & Sparkling Toes

The Next Make Up Meet Up is May 18, 2013 at 1:00 pm!!!  Follow the links at the bottom of the page to RSVP!!

Hi Everybody!!! I just couldn't wait to tell you about my Saturday!  The fabulous Ren Ren was the hostess, organizer and idea lady behind a monthly "Make Up Meet Up".  This is a time for Atlanta area pros, bloggers or just people wanting to learn more about make up to get together, socialize, network, and, most importantly, get a make up lesson (and learn a few tricks) from Ren Ren.  Ren Ren is a free lance make up artist, you tube guru (seriously...over 7 million views!), make up consultant that designed her own brush line for Sedona Lace (the Vortex Brushes) and just about the sweetest and cutest gal ever!

Me and Ren Ren

We met at Norcostco (2089 Monroe Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA, 800-241-5356).  Norcostco is a "one stop theatre shop".  They have everything you could possibly need to stage a show, from costumes to make up to lights.  It's also one of Ren Ren's favorite make up shops.  Besides carrying everything from make up primer to false eyelashes, they carry the entire Ben Nye make up line which has some incredible products.

On to the Meet Up!  When we arrived, there was a section set up for us right in front of the make up.  Ren Ren had even provided snacks!!  Along with bottle water and wrap sandwiches were the cutest make up themed cupcakes (sorry, no pictures...I forgot).  We were given a few minutes to mingle, then we had to meet someone we didn't know and introduce them to the crowd.  Fun!  And I met some wonderful ladies, and one great guy.

Next came the make up lesson!  She taught us about how to keep bacteria off of our face and make up, introduced us to her favorite primer, how to highlight your face, and for me the most important, how to apply false eyelashes.  I bought a few of the items she showed us:

My haul!

I will share all the tricks she taught us as I use my new products, so look for that!

Afterwards she answered our questions...every one's question, no one was left out and then we went shopping (NOT a requirement, but hello, there's tons of great make up!)

So positives:  Fabulous hostess, great make up, lots of information and tips, and did I mention there were cupcakes?

Negatives:  Only one and not the fault of Ren Ren...it was 140 degrees in the store.  But it's not enough to keep me away next month.

Next month's "Make Up Meet Up" will be all about creating a summer face...can't wait!

If you are in the metro Atlanta area, I highly recommend you join up.  There are no requirements other than reserving a spot.  To join and get more info, check out her video here.  Here are a couple of pictures showing you just a small portion of the make up section.

Hope y'all have a great day, and Happy Polishing!!!

Ren Ren's sites:
Beauty Blog:    http://www.makeupbyrenren.com/
Official Make Up Artist Site:  http://urbanpretty.com/
You Tube Channel with reviews and tutorials: http://www.youtube.com/makeupbyrenren
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbyrenren
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/makeupbyrenren