GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION #TBT REVIEW

Throwback to October 2019, when I originally wrote my review on

this luxury foundation by Giorgio Armani and I'm slightly embarrassed

as I read this part ...

 "alas I personally wouldn't part with the approx R800, I feel that there 

are many equally good foundations available on the market and for

 a lot less money."

It was 5 weeks later and the Black Friday sales enabled me to get

20% or 25% off (I cant remember which)

and I couldn't resist this opportunity to get my hands on one, as my

UK Kiddiewink was due for a visit in December.

I don't regret my spend for one minute, as this is a great foundation

and having used sparingly I have placed this foundation is on 

my re-purchase list.

I have since bought several other high end foundations, which

combine skincare with colour and they're some of my best purchases.

So I have changed my opinion somewhat over the last 2 years, as I

now know the benefit of combining the two, but unfortunately it does

come with a price and if you are willing to spend, it's well worth it.

~~~~~~

For this past week I've been enjoying the
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

 Giorgio Armani Luminous silk foundation is an oil-free, yet hydrating fluid

 with exclusive Micro-fil™ technology.

It's lightweight and silky texture glides seamlessly onto the skin and 

provides a buildable medium coverage.

The formula offers an extremely comfortable long wearing, 
weightless and luminous natural finish to the skin.
It honestly feels like silk on the skin...

Use a Blender Brush to apply for a radiant finish. 
Add and blend more product to achieve desired coverage.

Suitable for all skin types

Available in 30 now 40 Shades

 mine was #5.25.

Whilst I enjoyed my week of luxury using this beautiful packaged

award winning foundation I couldn't fail the product, alas

I personally wouldn't part with the approx R800, I feel that there are many equally good foundations available on the market and for a lot less money.

From my experiences with both high and mid priced foundations, they don't

 seem to offer much more nowadays in terms of formulation,coverage,

luminosity etc. than some of the very good drug store foundations.
As always I prefer to invest my cash into anti-ageing skincare products 

than high end makeup.

Giorgio Armani 

Luminous Silk Foundation

30ml

R

N/A

$
64

£

42

44

BYTERRY HYALURONIC HYDRA-FOUNDATION {REVIEW}

Over the last couple of years I've become a little obsessed with BYTERRY products, whether it be her skincare or make-up.

Having been lucky enough to have been sent some of her products as PR from Metropolitan Cosmetics.

I have also purchased several and I will leave the Pink Link below so you can catch 

up on my previous reviews. 

To read my BYTERRY product reviews

Thankfully BYTERRY products are available exclusively in South Africa at

 Metropolitan Cosmetics

and they have an excellent online delivery service, if like me you don't live near 

one of their 3 beautiful Johannesburg stores.

Now this particular treatment foundation has  been on my beauty wishlist since

its launch back in 2019 and I managed to place an order during lockdown.

BYTERRY Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation

As usual I had heard so many rave reviews and that always makes me a little

wary, but upon reading the wonderful benefits of this super charged

foundation I couldn't settle until I had tried it for myself.

Promoted as hardworking, luminous and weightless, which I 100% agree with, the Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation floods skin with moisture, delivering seamless coverage

 with an ultra-fine texture. 

Even though its formulated to suit all skin types, it's a particularly good foundation 

for dry skin, working to plump out wrinkles and fine lines and create a matte luminous finish, now I'm not aware of too many mature women that enjoy a matte finish 

from their foundation, as I'm sure most will agree, that we need all the glow we can muster from our skincare and make-up, so don't be put off by the "matte" word 

as the foundation contains light-reflecting pigments that create that

"lit-from-within" luminous glow.

This unique formula infuses the skin with Hyaluronic Acid to trap moisture like a magnet, 

locking it into the skin for long-lasting hydration. 

Special ‘Skin-Fit’ technology controls shine and ensures the formula stays 

put all day while SPF30 protects against UV rays.

They don't have an extensive range of shades only 15 and they're broken down into

 5 Cool, 5 Neutral and 5 Warm tones and to help you in choosing 

the correct shade when you order online from Metropolitan Cosmetics 

they thoughtfully include a sample of your ordered shade, so you can test before 

you actually open the full size, thus allowing for a return.

This worked perfectly for me and I was a match for 

300N (medium fair neutral)

The easy to use a dropper delivers a precise custom application tailored to the 

look you want, is a feature that I've been enjoying, so:

2 drops for sheer coverage 

4 drops for medium coverage

 6 drops for full coverage.

Can be applied with a beauty sponge, foundation brush or your trusty fingertips.

This product has a Vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients.

Even though this foundation is on the runny side, which did take a little getting

used to, it didn't disappoint and lived up to all my expectations, as it seems 

everything that I have tried from BYTERRY does.

As I'm getting older I find myself gravitating more to a treatment foundation,

one that has skincare benefits combined with a more natural 2nd skin feel and one that

doesn't settle into my pesky lines and wrinkles and I think BYTERRY 

have nailed it with this product.

Treatment foundations unfortunately come in more expensive and this little 

skin plumping gem from BYTERRY is no exception, but it's a shift in the 

beauty budget that needs to be factored in, as our skin ages and its

one I'm happy to do... 

BYTERRY

HYALURONIC HYDRA-FOUNDATION

30ml

R

1,375

£

49

ZELENS YOUTH GLOW FOUNDATION {REVIEW}

Having previously heard of the Zelens skincare brand I had never tried any of their products, that was until this past week, as I'd received some samples with a recent order I placed from 
Metropolitain Cosmetics
who also happen to be the exclusive retailers of the brand here in South Africa.

First let me give you some background to this next level skincare brand.

At the cutting edge of high-performance, age-defying skin care, Zelens products combine breakthrough active biotechnology ingredients with a unique blend of plant-derived molecules, to deliver proven, visible results. The brainchild of expert Dr. Marko Lens – a leading plastic surgeon and internationally renowned authority in the field of skin ageing and skin cancer – each and every Zelens product is rigorously trialled and tested, until the exact balance and synergistic action of ingredients is established to trigger the cellular processes responsible for regeneration and repair. Hailed as a ‘new dimension in skin perfection’, each jar is brimming with potent botanical extracts… and completely free from false promises.

This next generation, reviving treatment foundation helps reduce signs of stress and fatigue while creating a perfectly smooth, even-toned complexion with a glowing finish

and as I'm nearly into my 60's I understand more than any age the necessity of having

complexion enhancing ingredients and this treatment foundation has no less than 10 active and powerful ingredients to instantly add luminosity and smooth skin's texture. 

Many of the below inclusions, you will have heard of, but there are several that are new to me and as you read through, it doesn't take long to understand the strong emphasis on the treatment aspect of this foundation.

Beta-glucan:

 This yeast-derived polysaccharide demonstrates multiple actions. Plays a role of a good antioxidant that helps protect skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Beta-glucan boosts cellular respiration and promotes collagen synthesis and thus demonstrates strong tissue-repair and wound healing properties. 

Uyaku:

 Natural molecules extracted from the root of the plant (Japanese evergreen spicebush, Evergreen lindera), commonly used in traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo). 
Uyaku extract helps synchronise circadian rhythms, which are easily "de-synchronised" by aging, stress and lack of light.  
Uyaku is rich in alpha-glucans and flavonoids, molecules that demonstrate excellent antioxidant and soothing actions.

Sesame protein:

 This sesame-derived protein demonstrates an instant tightening effect with a noticeable reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. Effectively provides long-lasting moisture.

Hyaluronic acid:

 Zelens uses a low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid that boosts skin moisture, promotes skin elasticity and fills in wrinkles to help reduce their appearance. 

Shiso leaf:

 (Perilla, Japanese mint)

Rich in polyphenols and triterpenoids. It acts as a powerful antioxidant defending skin from free radical damage. It helps to prevent skin reactivity and soothes sensitive skin. 

Vegetable polyglycerides:

 Completely vegetable molecules derived from sunflower oil with exceptional skin conditioning and moisturising properties. Help maintain and improve skin barrier function.

Pearl: 

Containing 16 essential amino-acids, proteins and polysaccharides, this hydrolised pearl helps maintain high moisture level while promoting skin smoothness and radiance. 

Silanols:

 Organic silicium-based compounds. Help to reconstruct skin architecture by stimulating collagen production and enhancing cellular communication between keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Silica:

 A trace mineral that helps strengthen skin connective tissues resulting in increased skin elasticity. Absorbs sweat and oil and prevents light reflection.

Diamond spheres:

 Micro-spheres with an entrapped photo-luminescent diamond core. When applied to the skin these spheres convert invisible UV light to blue light and settle into fine lines and wrinkles illuminating a blue glow. The result is an enhanced "soft focus" effect with reduced appearance of wrinkles, shadows and discolourations. 

Zelens Active Colour Youth Glow Foundation comes in a range of 5 shades.
 My shade was Beige which was THE perfect shade. 

Application: Youth Glow Foundation can be applied with a brush, sponge or fingertips over your preferred moisturiser and primer. To increase coverage, simply layer where
 and when it is needed. 

Oil-free. Dermatologist tested.

ZELENS Youth Glow Foundation is perfect for skins lacking luminosity and vitality or anyone who is concerned with visible signs of stress, dullness and loss of elasticity. 

Provides long-lasting, natural light-to-medium coverage, it felt remarkably lightweight, yet nourishing on the skin and I kept catching glimpses of my skin in the mirror and couldn't help thinking how radiant and smooth my skin was looking and I
loved what I saw...

I only managed 2 applications out of the sample, but it was enough to convince me
 that this "Youth Glow" foundation was all it said it would be and more.
I'm happiest when skincare and colour combine in a product and this for me is my
 "Happy Product".

This product is going straight onto my "Wish List", as with any serious treatment 
make-up it always carries a premium price tag and this product is no exception,
however for me, to have that beautiful radiant, soft focus, "your skin but better"
effect is well worth the extra spend.

I do have another ZELENS product review coming up this week, so here's hoping
 that it similarly impresses me.

ZELENS

YOUTH GLOW

FOUNDATION

30ml

R

1,250

£
62

$
98

Let me known the comments below if you have you used any products from ZELENS
and which you highly recommend, as I would love to hear.

To order online

MAYBELLINE DREAM URBAN COVER FOUNDATION {REVIEW}

This was another product that I received via my cosmetic mule prior to Christmas

 i.e. my London Kiddiewink, as its not available in South Africa.

The 

MAYBELLINE 

Dream Urban Cover 

Flawless Coverage Foundation 

reminded very much of the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream 

firstly because of its packaging,

 but there are also many similarities with the foundation functions and benefits.

Having reviewed the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream several years ago I was keen to

put the Dream Urban Cover to test and I will compare the two in a future post for you

To read my full review

Launched back in early 2019 

makeup meets skincare with the NEW Dream Urban Cover all-in-one protective foundation. Maybelline's first full coverage foundation with a lightweight, barely there feel combined with SPF 50 broad spectrum physical sunscreen.

Product Benefits & Features:

Enriched with anti-oxidants: Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 & baicaline

Helps to form a protective shield against pollution

Full coverage foundation

Dermatologist tested. 

Suitable sensitive skin. 

Non-comedogenic. 

Clinically tested to lock in moisture.

Despite having this product since mid December I've only really got into using it 

over the last couple of weeks and it was certainly put to the test during my holiday

last week in Dubai.

This foundation is best suited for normal/dry skin types and despite having a 

medium/full coverage it has an extremely lightweight, breathable 

and comfortable feel.

The fluid formula made for a super quick application that was easy to blend 

and was buildable if needed.

However I was not prepared for such a flawless natural looking finish.

I happily found it to be long wearing and still looked good at the end of an 8 hour

 day of walking around the sights of a busy Dubai.

 The Broad Spectrum SPF50 was well and truly tested, as I forgot to apply our sunscreens

on the one occasion and despite my hubby getting sunburnt on his face, mine 

showed no signs of sun exposure whatsoever.

Its always recommended to apply a sunscreen under foundation even if your foundation contains an SPF, rather double up and thankfully on this day it was the foundation's

 SPF that saved my skin.

If you live in a highly polluted city then multi tasking foundations with built-in

protective pollution shields are always a welcome addition.

The shade selection is fairly good, offering over 20 shades and I took somewhat

of a risk and went for the shade 220 Natural Beige and luckily it's a perfect

shade for my colouring.

I will write a comparison post between this foundation and the

 IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream soon, but for now I was suitably impressed with the

Dream Urban Cover foundation, especially more so, as I'm not generally

a huge fan of Maybelline products.

If however a high SPF in a natural finish foundation is your major concern then 

I can highly recommend...

MAYBELLINE

DREAM URBAN COVER

FOUNDATION

30ml

R

N/A in SA

£

10.99

$

10.99

FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP {NOVEMBER 2019}

Its been many months since I wrote a Friday Follow-Up post to let you know

how I feel about some of the products I have previously reviewed.

Sometimes I have extra to add to my review, on other occasions I grow to like

a product more with time, which is the case with my 1st product.

My 2nd was simply that I missed the way my skin looked and felt when using the product and Black Friday discounts came along that swung me to order the product..

1.

CAUDALIE

GLYCOLIC PEEL MASK

To read my original review

I first reviewed this product back in March 2019 and despite saying in my review that

I wouldn't re-purchase, well guess what, I have repurchased.

As the months went by I found myself reaching more and more for this Peel Mask,

I also discovered that if I left the mask on for the recommended maximum time of 

10 minutes it really came into its own and its proved to be my favourite peel.

On my skin, it starts to tingle around 9-10 mins of being on and that's my cue

to remove.

It leaves the skin incredibly soft,smooth and brighter, which is what Caudalie

claimed it would do, but I simply wasn't leaving it on for the full 10 minutes to experience the full peel effect, so thankfully

I did eventually discover the absolute wonders of this mask.

 2.

GIORGIO ARMANI 

SILK FOUNDATION

 To read my original review

I only recently reviewed this luxury foundation in the form of a 7 day supply that I

was sent by Armani Beauty and whilst I enjoyed the sample and couldn't fault the product

this is what I had to say:

"From my experiences with both high and mid priced foundations, they don't seem to offer much more nowadays in terms of formulation,coverage,luminosity etc. than some of the very good drug store foundations.

As always I prefer to invest my cash into anti-ageing skincare products than 

high end makeup"

Whilst I still stand by what I say in the above I'm going to make an exception

re this Silk Foundation from GIORGIO ARMANI, as I surprisingly missed using this

foundation once my 7 day supply had finished, so much so, that I have ordered one today

from overseas, on a Black Friday 25% discount, which softens the cost somewhat.

Call it my Christmas treat to myself...

GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION {REVIEW}

For this past week I've been enjoying the
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

 Giorgio Armani Luminous silk foundation is an oil-free, yet hydrating fluid with exclusive Micro-fil™ technology.Its lightweight and silky texture glides seamlessly onto the skin and provides a buildable medium coverage.
The formula offers an extremely comfortable long wearing, 
weightless and luminous natural finish to the skin.
It honestly feels like silk on the skin...

Use a Blender Brush to apply for a radiant finish. 
Add and blend more product to achieve desired coverage.

Suitable for all skin types

Available in 30 Shades

 mine was #5.25.

Whilst I enjoyed my week of luxury using this beautiful packaged

award winning foundation I couldn't fail the product, alas

I personally wouldn't part with the approx R800, I feel that there are many equally good foundations available on the market and for a lot less money.

From my experiences with both high and mid priced foundations, they don't seem to offer much more nowadays in terms of formulation,coverage,luminosity etc. than some of the very good drug store foundations.
As always I prefer to invest my cash into anti-ageing skincare products than 
high end makeup.

Giorgio Armani 

Luminous Silk Foundation

30ml

R

N/A

$
64

£

42