Master Corrector

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani’s website regards its master corrector as a, "Corrective concealer in four color-balancing shades designed to target specific complexion concerns. Exclusive micro-fil technology allows for targeted correction, visibly concealing imperfections while light-reflecting pearls impart a halo of light imparting a seamless, flawless facial canvas." For the first time, I agree with all of the claims made by a product’s manufacturer.

I use the Master Corrector in the shade Orange (#2). Although the color is not a true orange (it is more of a beige, peach, salmon-orange), it is perfect for immediately neutralizing any blue, purple, and brown tones that may occur under the eye area (although it can be used anywhere on the face). The #2 shade is said to be best for targeting “olive or darker skin tones to conceal under-eye circles, freckles, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.” I am not sure if I agree with the “olive or darker skin tones” bit, as this corrector works wonderfully on my pale skin (refer to the demo in the companion video review) and would likely work on almost any skin tone.

Unlike most color correctors, the corrector from Giorgio Armani does not leave an offensive tint after use. Instead, the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector effectively neutralizes the color and then blends in with the skin tone seamlessly. The staying power of this corrector is also rather exceptional. You may choose to dust a small amount of your favorite powder to set the corrector, but this stage is not necessary to increase the length of wear or to set the product from smudging or migrating all over the face. Common sense applies to this aspect of the corrector, as always, so if you have extremely oily skin, you will want to take measures to keep excessive oils at bay.

The Giorgio Armani Master Correctors are truly professional quality and ideal for those who require (or desire) light to medium correction of their skin tone problems. From my perspective, the only real drawback is the poor packaging, as the expensive corrector spills into the cap a bit, thus running the risk of waste. Still, the corrector’s light texture makes it perfect for blending and also minimizes the potential for creasing, and since you require so little of the product each time, it will last you for months if not years. Additionally, I have noticed that you don't really need a skin toned concealer to hide the orangey tint of the corrector, but an additional layer of coverage might be a good precaution to take only if you have a concealer that you really like (in my case, Chantecaille’s Bio Lift Concealer), otherwise you can definitely pull off applying the corrector by itself onto bare skin. If your skin tone is notably pale, you will most likely need to apply a concealer over the corrector.

The best ways to apply this:

The Giorgio Armani Master Corrector will always be applied directly to the face with the tiny wand/brush that is included in the tube. However, for the sake of blending, you may use one of the following four methods:

1) I always use my finger despite the fact that I generally prefer brushes—for whatever reason the finger is particularly suited for use with this corrector.
2) You could certainly use a small fluffy brush (e.g. the M.A.C. 224 brush) or a variety of appropriate brushes.
3) I have received feedback from others that the Beauty Blender is their tool of choice for use with the Master Corrector.
4) Finally, you could use a cosmetic sponge (it seems that a wedge would work best) to press in and blend the corrector.

Indeed, some may think that color correction is just one step too many for a daily routine, but it certainly makes a considerable difference in the end. Unlike other correctors, I think you can easily add this into your routine with about 30 seconds required per eye. Oh, and I must also note that the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector is one of the highest rated cosmetic items on MakeupAlley.com. The product scored a very high 4.9 out of 5 with 100% of respondents indicating they would repurchase.

*Price - $36.00

Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder

GUERLAIN

I acknowledge that a $74.00 price tag for almost any cosmetic product (especially a bronzing powder) is likely to arouse some immediate reactions. As usual, many will dismiss the product outright as overpriced, frivolous, decadent...... Another group will consider the merits of the product and tuck away any desire for the product for another day (or scribble down the name onto yet another wish list). A third group will insist to have a hands-on moment with the product before contemplating the splurge. A final group will simply purchase the product for the “Guerlain” name or due to the draw of the “Terracotta” line (regarded widely as having produced some of the finest bronzers on the market). Personally, I find myself drifting back and forth between the three latter groups. However, when it came to the 4 Seasons Bronzer, I was genuinely moved and, as a result, insisted on owning the product. I will admit, the mention of pure gold caught my attention from the start (although the presence of gold is, for the most part, a gimmick), but the promises of a dimensional, bronzy, and sculptural glow was what sealed the deal for me—plus I am admittedly obsessed with finding the perfect bronzer (in whatever manifestation) after purchasing and trying approximately two dozen of the “top” bronzers. Capped off with a decently protective SPF 10, I was sold.

Sephora.com describes Guerlain’s Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder as, “A tailor-made bronzing powder with pure gold and SPF 10.” In addition to this description, the company argues that, “As the seasons change from winter through summer, women find that the tone of their complexion and their bronzing needs change as well. From the ultimate authority in bronzing comes Terracotta 4 Seasons: a variation in four steps to sculpt your tan all year long. The perfect gradation of caramelized tones, Terracotta 4 Seasons features four wonderfully matte shades to blend together to match every desire, skin tone, or season for an authentic tan and an incredibly natural result. With endless possibilities for combining and layering, this new powder is essential for sculpting a perfectly tanned complexion. Its secret to unprecedented luminosity lies in the formula enriched with pure gold that plays within the four tones for a tan that maintains radiance, no matter what the season.”

The shade I purchased was ‘Brunettes,’ which consists of four bronzy shades. These colors are separated into quadrants and consist of a light tan, a medium tan, a deep bronze, and a (very) dark tan. I admit that I made the mistake of purchasing the ‘Brunettes’ shade because, well, I am a brunette. It seems like an understandable mistake, as I could have never predicted the shades to be as dark as they were. In hindsight, I would have been much better suited with the ‘Blondes’ version of this bronzer, but I have been able to make do with the Brunettes (suck it up, right?). Despite three of the four shades being a tad too dark for my fair skin, I am still struck by the realistic color effects that one can create with the 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder. If you have ever had a bronzing powder from the Terracotta line, you will be familiar with the shades of bronze that the 4 Seasons bronzer uses (a tad ruddy, never orangey). Indeed, the coppery, bronzy, peachy, reddish, brown colors come off quite well in terms of their ability to mimic an authentic tan. Plus, this bronzer is matte, which adds to the realistic effect it can create. However, it still takes a bit of practice to master this bronzer. Due to its four distinct colors, it is possible to create some fantastic illusions in terms of one’s ability to engineer a highly defined and sculptural bronzy look. Of course, this attempt can quickly turn sour, as poor blending or awkward color placement could thwart one’s dream of the perfect bronzed effect. Still, if ever there were a bronzer to offer what no other bronzer has, the 4 Seasons bronzing powder seems to be it. In fact, many makeup artists use this bronzer for the many ‘tricks’ up its sleeve. Place the darkest shades onto contour zones and blend them seamlessly into the slightly lighter shades to highlight, contour, and chisel the face to sheer excellency.

To get a standard bronzed effect, one could run an angled brush, a typical powder brush, or a kabuki brush through the four caramelized tones and dust it onto the face. This type of effect is actually rather becoming. Although a true matte finish, there does seem to be a subtle luminosity to the powder. This luminosity is not shimmer (and it certainly isn’t glitter), but there is a radiance achieved that is not typical of strictly matte powders (Guerlain claims that the glow is due to the gold). Perhaps the gold is micronized to a point where it actually does enhance the otherwise matte caramel shades. Either way, the subtle luminosity is, dare I say, a tad sublime. With that being said, I do believe it would be easy to apply a bit too much of this bronzer and end up looking ‘overdone’ or ‘muddy’ (i.e. the worst nightmare of any bronzer). Nevertheless, Guerlain still have the most finely milled powders in the business, which helps one create a streak-less, non-caked effect time after time. On this note, the bronzer is one of the most blendable bronzers I have ever used. In many ways, it mimics a cream bronzer on the skin in that one has the option to keep blending it until the desired effect is perfectly in place (by the way, this bronzer would also double as a brilliant eye shadow for those who seek the natural, contoured, and, well, ‘shadowed’ effect). Although the bronzing powder can be blended for quite some time, I have noticed that it ultimately sets and stays in place very well (which is an effect unique to this bronzer from my experience), and as one would expect with a super-luxury bronzing powder, the Guerlain 4 Seasons really latches onto the skin and gives durable color for the better part of 24 hours. Although I adore, for example, my NARS Laguna bronzer, I have noticed that it tends to wipe away much more easily.

Finally, I must mention the packaging, for the packaging is this bronzer’s first line of defense…and what a defense! Just look at it! I would be hesitant to ever throw this compact away, even years after the bronzer has faded away. Two final words of warning—for those with oily skin, you will need to take extra precautions with this bronzer (a mattifying primer seems to be a must). For those with dry patches on their faces or small bumps (e.g. Keratosis pilaris), the risk of having this super-fine powder latch onto these irritations is a valid concern, so take special care and I think you will really love this bronzer!

Size .35 oz.

*Price - $74.00

Chantecaille Bio Lift Concealer

The World’s Most Expensive Concealer?

On Chantecaille’s website, the following features are listed about their Bio Lift Concealer:

-		Anti-wrinkle hexapeptide relaxes existing lines and prevents others from forming
-		Surrounding color stick creates smooth, natural coverage for dark circles and blemishes
-		Botanical Squalane, Soybean and Vitamin E provide moisturizing treatment
-		Non-chemical SPF 10

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Price: $66.00
Size of product: .07oz / 2g

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Chantecaille’s Bio Lift Concealer is a two-in-one stick concealer. The outer ring is an extremely soft and creamy concealer. The inner core is a line-smoothing hexapeptide gel cream.

You may ask: What, Michael, does hexpeptide mean?

A hexapeptide, in short, is a peptide with six amino acid residues. Basically, a peptide is a compound formed by one or more amino acids linked together by covalent bonds. All humans have peptides in their bodies and since peptides are related to proteins, one may view peptides as a sort of building block to life. Once peptide chains reach a certain length they become a protein. Still, as many ingredients in cosmetics, it is unclear what kind of short-term (and especially long-term) benefits one ought to expect with the topical application of peptides. It could be a gimmick, but it could turn out to be valid. Only time will tell.

As you will see in the companion video, I apply the product directly to my eye area. Although some may cringe at this application technique, the product glides over the eye well area like a gentle breeze dusting a grassy plain. In all seriousness, the product is highly emollient and creamy, which ensures an extremely dewy (and thus natural) look. Furthermore, the moisturizing core makes the concealer stay looking fresh and new for the entire duration it is worn (within reason, of course). It is important to note that the concealer will begin to fade after several hours, and is probably at its best within the first four hours.

While one is correct to expect the Bio Lift Concealer to replace the need for an eye cream, I would say that it could indeed replace one’s morning eye cream. With this concealer, it is not necessary to apply an eye cream and then a concealer, as most would typically do with other under eye concealers. While you will feel a nice moisturizing and plumping effect (Chantecaille is a very high-end cosmetics line and is renowned line for its line of skin care products), it may do little to diminish any of your lines in this area. As with most moisturizing products (this one has a nice Squalane concentration), it will plump very fine lines, which will help to diminish the appearance of these lines temporarily (after all, it is still a cosmetic).

The emollient shine created by the concealer looks subtle and natural (not glossy, not matte), but I would not recommend for someone with oily skin (especially one with oily lids…that would be a disaster). I apply the concealer directly around the entire eye area and smooth it out with a fluffy blender brush. If you want to get 5-10% more coverage, use your finger.

I called a major department store (let’s say it rhymes with Semen Carcus…lol) that sells Chantecaille and asked them about the Bio Lift Concealer. The product is actually sold as a natural alternative to more phony looking concealers in that it covers in a very organic and pleasant way. In other words, it doesn’t mask dark circles. Rather, the Bio Lift Concealer diffuses the appearance of dark circles with a bright and light-reflecting effect that is imperceptible from one’s real skin (I absolutely agree with this claim). If you have very little darkness under your eyes, and want a product that will enhance your look (or if you don’t like wearing makeup but want a small pick-me-up), this is the concealer for you. It is seriously my favorite concealer to date, and it fits my own cosmetic vision perfectly…natural, fresh, lively, young…the list goes on—A product with light, natural coverage and moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients—Sign me up!

I think I got lucky when picking a color (I am in the shade chamomile); however, I hear that it is best to get color matched in person because choosing the perfect color with this concealer can make the difference between pure perfection and outright disappointment. The Bio Lift Concealer will not crack, it will not fall into fine lines, it will not crease. Of course, depending on one’s eye anatomy (i.e. the presence of any irregularities from a standard eye shape), you may experience very subtle creasing. If you see creasing start to appear, simply smooth it out with your finger or a brush and you are ready to go. Lastly, this concealer can be paired under another concealer. I also believe it can be used with a more liquid like corrector such as Giorgio Armani’s Master Corrector (I have a video on the GA corrector as well if you missed it).

Chantecaille’s Bio Lift Concealer is a must have for men who desire a concealer (for whatever reason) for a variety of reasons. It would be an especially perfect purchase for a groom to be. It would also be ideal for a guy who wants to look his best for a date, at a job, at an event, etc. The options are endless, and this product is really tailored for easy use and for achieving a perfect/natural finish. Truly, many women desire this as well. Oh, and did I mention the chic metallic packaging?!