Claudio Riaz Complexion Highlighter 7

Claudio Riaz is an internationally known makeup artist and has done makeup for celebrities, "socialites," and fashion shows all over the world. Although I had heard his name, I had never seen his brush and makeup lines. Last year, I got to play at Barneys and developed an appreciation for his color line. Some of you know his brushes are fabulous, but I've never purchased one.

I didn't want to leave the counter when I was at Barneys. There was so much to try - such gorgeous colors - that it was a mesmerizing experience. I purchased a few shades of various products last year and have since ordered online. I have ordered from Barneys, Claudio Riaz's own site, and a fabulous discount site (http://www.allcosmeticswholesale.com).

The cream Complexion Highlighters ($38) are all gorgeous. I could have purchased most of them because their sheerness makes them wearable no matter what the shade. Made with lanolin and beeswax for moisturizing and skin protection, they are stunning. Riaz recommends you use them prior to concealer to correct uneven skin tone or apply to the high points of your face - cheekbones, brow bone, and nose – to brighten the complexion. They are ideal for radiance and a glamorous glow all over the face.

My most recent purchase was Complexion Highlighter #7, a bronze shade that's perfect for summer. It is shown at the top of this feature and below in my swatch photos.

I took my swatch photos in full sun. Because it kept darting behind afternoon clouds, it took about five minutes to snap enough photos to show you the shade accurately. I applied it with my fingertip, so my swatch is a bit uneven. I did not blend it because I wanted good color shots.

I love the way this golden bronze shade looks right now - summery and sun-kissed. I have worn it as an eye highlighter and on my cheekbones and other high points of my face - blended well - to create a faux glow that looks real.

I might not have selected #7 from swatch photos online (they are terrible), but I knew I liked it from my trip to New York. The creams blend beautifully. I'd love to have the full collection of all the shades. I now have 2, 4, 5, and 7.

Here's a look from Claudio Riaz's Web site that features a classic look, created with the Complexion Highlighter and primers and pre-selected colors from his Instant Face Palette. I think it's gorgeous. I don't know that he used #7, but the color looks like it's on the model's cheeks.

Most of the Claudio Riaz products come in a cardboard box and are intended to be slipped into a Refillable Makeup Palette ($28). The box fits tightly into its "shell," and it's hard to get into it. Riaz intended that you purchase multiple products and put them into one of his palettes. I finally ordered one. I certainly wasn't going to buy a palette for $28 to house a $38 highlighter my first time out. I think it's a good investment once you have enough of the little cardboard boxes.

You can find Claudio Riaz at Barneys New York and the Claudio Riaz Web site. It's best to try to see the line in person. While you may not get carried away shopping online, you will standing at the counter - trust me.

Photo at bottom courtesy of Claudio Riaz; other photos by Best Things in Beauty