There are two Armani Beauty products I can't live without: Master Corrector ($36) and High Precision Retouch ($36). I wrote about them almost a year ago, but I'm feeling the need to tell you about them again!These outstanding products were recommended to me years ago by Loyd Cassler at "my Saks" in Chevy Chase, Maryland. I was skeptical - at that point - that any corrector or concealer could be "that good," but Loyd convinced me with his handiwork. Since then, I have "lived in" these products. I have also watched Loyd and Tim Quinn use them to prepare faces they are getting ready to perfect at events. The before and after difference is always remarkable.
Master Corrector
Master Corrector is a correcting concealer, meaning that it corrects for all of our possible imperfections. It comes in four shades: 1) pink, which you use to brighten yellow-toned skin; 2) peach (they call it orange, but it's really peach), which covers undereye circles and any dark patches perfectly on my skin; 3) yellow, which is perfect for correcting "excess pinkness" (think Bobbi Brown's lessons); and 4) green, which also corrects for redness and is perfect for those with red eyelids, rosacea, or just plain irritated skin. I use the peach one under my eyes (a bit counterintuitive for me), and if I am feeling a bit too red in the cheeks, the green one is perfect.
Although these correctors come with a built-in brush, I find that the best application is very light and achieved by brushing the corrector on my palm and then using the Armani concealer brush to move the product to my face. Loyd taught me to use light strokes to apply the corrector and blend it down toward and into my foundation. He cautioned not to swipe back and forth horizontally under the eye because this causes product build-up in my little wrinkles (yes, I do have them, and they certainly don't look great with any kind of "filler" in them!).
What's amazing about these color correctors is that they "lose" their color once you apply them. Instead of peach under eyes or green cheeks, you will end up with bright skin and be ready to go. You can apply - again very lightly - the High Precision Retouch right over them.
High Precision RetouchHigh Precision Retouch is a light-reflecting concealer that adds that same radiance that Armani foundations provide. It comes in four shades. My skin demands #2, the lightest one. The concealer contains "light reflecting pearls," vitamin E (the ultimate skin vitamin in my book), and moisturizers. This concealer is perfect for anyone with normal or dry skin. When used around the eyes, it brightens them and adds a subtle pop. You can use this concealer as an eye shadow primer. It's also great to apply around the mouth to brighten the area and enhance the lip color (either your own or the lipstick you are wearing). Just add a bit over the cupid's bow and right under the middle of your lower lip.
Again, apply this product with a concealer brush and a very light touch. A little goes a long way. Use short brush strokes and blend as you go. You will love the results!
All-Time Favorites
These products aren't new. I like to write about makeup that works, regardless of its release date. Sure, I'll be tempted by the latest and greatest of other lines, and no doubt I'll buy some of them. When makeup is this good, I'll always come back. These products have earned a place of honor on my all-time favorites list. You can purchase Armani Beauty makeup at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomindale's locations and the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site.
Photos courtesy of Nordstrom