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

Claudio Riaz Eye Shade 15

When I went shopping with Gaia, The Non-Blonde, in May, she purchased Claudio Riaz Eye Shade 15 ($28). It haunted me for months. This fall, I broke down and ordered it. Does it look as good on me as it does on Gaia? I don't think so, but it's a nice shimmering hunter blueish green shade to have for this time of year.

As always, the color representations at the Claudio Riaz Web site are off. I never would have ordered #15 if presented with the Riaz photo at the top of this feature. I would order it (and did) after seeing it at Barneys in person (and drooling), and I refreshed my memories of its beauty when I snapped the photo directly above.

This green has some blue in it, making it complex and unique. I wanted to show it to you applied heavily and moderately because it's actually many different shadows, depending on how you use it. Applied heavily, it offers high-wattage color. Applied lightly, it's another color altogether.

I took my photos in full sun, using a sponge-tipped applicator for the heavy application at the top of my arm and the lighter one below. You can see the exquisite color "full bore" at the top of my arm. The color reminds me of photos of the Agean Sea.

Call me crazy - but this mixture of blue and green brings the sea to my mind. Apply it with a lighter hand, and you'll get a shade that starts to smoke, one I'd use for a smoky eye any night. Apply it very lightly, and you'll see more grey and less blue-green. It's a stunning eye shadow - extremely blendable and long-lasting too.

I've told you before how thoroughly unimpressed I am with Claudio Riaz packaging. It is cardboard, which wouldn't be terrible if it were easy to open. I feel like I have to push the tray out of its case with a little too much effort, so I am always worrying about dropping it. I did break down and purchase one of Riaz's empty palettes, but I haven't filled it yet. I'll do that someday when I have nothing to do.

You can purchase Claudio Riaz Eye Shade #15 at Barneys New York or at the Claudio Riaz Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Claidio Riaz, middle courtesy of allposters.com, and the rest by Best Things in Beauty

Claudio Riaz Lip & Cheek in #6

If you've been with me on my journey though Claudio Riaz color, you'll know that I find the online photos at Barneys New York and the Claudio Riaz site to be less than satisfactory. That's too bad because it may discourage potential customers. I had seen Lip &  Cheek in #6 ($38), so it made it easy for me to purchase it when Barneys had their recent beauty event. I had seen the shade below and know I'd like it. It's nothing like the rusty color shown in Barney's photo at the top of this feature.

Mine arrived (not promptly), and I was startled at the placement within the cheesy cardboard container. Look at the gap between the product and its container. Bizarre! While the color product may be sized to fit into the empty palettes offered, the packaging should be designed to fit.

Additionally, I took my photo above before I used #6. It was poured or set with the swirls through it - not unusual for a cream product.

It's a good thing the color is beautiful. I took some swatch photos recently in full sun. I applied the cream cheek and lip color heavily with a cream concealer applicator, brushing it on without blending it at all.

This watermelon rose is a fabulous shade for every skin tone. It's bright on the lips and cheerful on the cheeks. If you see coral in my swatch photos, I can assure you there's no coral. It's a cool to mid-range shade.

I love the cream formula. It applies easily with just about any applicator - even my fingers - blends well on my cheeks, and stays put. The formula contains essential oils, grape seed oil for anti-aging, and candelilla and carnauba waxes for an emulsifying, glossy effect.

I caved and purchased one of the palettes. I know I said I wouldn't, but I had little Claudio Riaz boxes everywhere. I'd prefer a better system. At $38, it's not inexpensive. Wouldn't you expect a compact?

You can find Claudio Riaz color at Barneys New York and Claudio Riaz online.

Top photo courtesy of Barneys; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Claudio Riaz Instant Flush #2 - A Blush

Claudio Riaz Instant Flush ($30) is a powder blush. It comes in one of those crazy-tiny cardboard containers. I choose to use them as-is. I don't want to spend more for extras.

The Claudio Riaz makeup is drop-dead gorgeous, but you'd never know it from the Claudio Riaz Web site. I'm glad I had seen the items in person at Barneys New York. I knew what to order. If you saw the photo at the top of this feature, would you peg that color for the #2 product I've pictured directly above? I doubt it! The photo at the Claudio Riaz site is even worse. It looks orange.

My photo of Instant Flush #2 was taken before the product was used. Odd that it appears "worn" a bit. That's the way I received it from the Claudio Riaz e-commerce site. I trust that it was new, and the "wear" was a manufacturing defect. Perhaps I did it trying to get the product out of its "shell." It's a tight fit.

Instant Flush #2 is pink - a beautiful, bright pink. Need proof? Check out my swatch photos, which were taken in full, late-afternoon sun. I applied the blush in a heavy band at the top of my arm with a sponge tipped applicator. I used the same applicator to show a moderate application below. The color is much more subtle when applied with a fluffy brush.

I think this pink is a stunner. It has a subtle shimmer and looks great on the cheeks - like a highlighting blush. I'm thrilled to have it. My only wish is that there were more of it in the container.

I'm into Claudio Riaz makeup for the duration. It's going to be a long affair, and I'm totally committed to exploring the line. Claudio Riaz makes extraordinary makeup.

Although Barneys has the best Web photos, they are frequently out of the most desirable shades. Claudio Riaz has a Web site. The photos aren't great, and it's hard to select colors there. They both make it hard to shop if you aren't familiar with the line.

I am smitten with these products, except for their packaging. Most of the Claudio Riaz products come in a cardboard box. The box fits tightly into its "shell" and hard to get into. The open box slides out of the box shell, but not easily. Riaz intended that you purchase multiple products and put them into one of his Refillable Makeup Palettes ($28). I'm not really into "systems." I don't want (or have anywhere to keep) bulky planners, and big palettes fall into that category.

If you'd like to know more about Claudio Riaz, check one of my early features here. Check out Gaia's Claudio Riaz features at The Non-Blonde.

Distribution of his products is limited. You can find Claudio Riaz at Barneys New York and the Claudio Riaz Web site. While you may not get carried away shopping online, you will standing at the counter as soon as you can - trust me. I want so much more.

Photo at top courtesy of Barneys New York; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Claudio Riaz Complexion Highlighters in #2 and #4

I'm into Claudio Riaz makeup for the duration. It's going to be a long affair, but I'm totally committed to exploring the line. Claudio Riaz makes extraordinary makeup. My trip to New York in May opened my eyes to a new world, and while it may cost me a lot to explore, I'm enjoying it immensely. I'm planning to take you along with me as sidekicks.

Shortly after my trip and visit to Barneys New York, I showed you Complexion Highlighter #5, which came home with me. I was with my friend Gaia at The Non-Blonde, who purchased an eye shadow I should never have passed by. I'll go back to purchase it. She showed that green eye shadow on her blog recently, and I kicked myself for not purchasing one that day.

The cream Complexion Highlighters ($38) were all gorgeous when I saw them at Barneys. Seriously, I could have purchased most of them. Made with lanolin and beeswax for moisturizing and skin protection, they are sheer and stunning. Riaz recommends you use them prior to foundation application to conceal 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. Because they are sheer, they add radiance without adding any kind of Las Vegas look.

I purchased #5 in New York, a hybrid between bronze and rose gold. The shade is beyond gorgeous, particularly for summer. The seven shades available range from white to bronze, something for everyone (or in my case, about six for me). I wanted more shades at the time, but they were out of stock. I asked that someone from the counter at Barneys call me when they returned to stock, but no one ever contacted me (or Gaia). They had to have restocked; I heard Claudio was at the store for an event.

Fortunately, Claudio Riaz has a Web site, so I went there to shop. The photos aren't great, and it's hard to select colors there. At Barneys in person, I wanted all the Complexion Highlighter shades, but online I had trouble determining what would be good for me and what might not. I started with two "safe" shades, #2 (gold) and #4 (rose pink). Now that I'm reminded of their sheerness and wearability, I'll order some of the Complexion Highlighters that don't appear to be safe choices.

My swatch photos show #2 at the top of my arm and #4 below. As you can see, #2 is pure gold, not unusual in the world of highlighters, but its sheerness makes it appear magical and natural on the skin. Want a shot of radiance that looks natural? This is your shade!

The rose pink #4, more colorful, is still sheer. I have been using it over my blusher at the top of my cheekbones. It lights up my entire face.

I am smitten with these products, except for their packaging. Most of the Claudio Riaz products come in a cardboard box. The box fits tightly into its "shell" and hard to get into. The open box slides out of the box shell, but not easily. Riaz intended that you purchase multiple products and put them into one of his Refillable Makeup Palettes ($28). I may purchase one now that I have enough of his products to warrant a $28 purchase. Still, I like "little things," and palettes have a way of taking over my bathroom. I'd be happier if he had charged a tiny bit more and given me a compact. For that same reason, I don't get carried away by Trish McEvoy makeup. I don't want (or have anywhere to keep) bulky planners.

It's time to tell you about Claudio Riaz since I'll be featuring his makeup here often. He is an international make-up artist with a career spanning two decades, working with some of the best-known houses in the industry: Estee Lauder, Shiseido, NARS, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Clé de Peau, and Darphin. The driving force in his career has been to understand makeup application and the business behind color to fulfill his dream of enhancing every woman’s individual beauty. His ambition has been to see his name included with the greats with whom he worked.

Claudio Riaz first became enamored with beauty as an adolescent when he would observe his mother and seven sisters getting ready for the evening. He recalls watching them transform themselves when applying rich colors to their faces in varying shades and styles. It was during these times when he became attuned to how beauty needs and dreams differ from woman to woman. Through years of observing these eight women, who are all so similar, but each have their own distinct approach to beauty, he recognized the need for more diverse and instantaneous results. Even at this young age, an idea began to form - that idea became his amazing product line.

With years of experience as a makeup artist and teacher, a vast understanding of the business, and a multitude of ideas and talent, Claudio has created products as distinctive as each of the women who will use them and, subsequently, he launched Claudio Riaz the brand. Claudio released his 24-brush collection for which he is best known. All are said to be hand-crafted from the finest materials and strategically designed for instant and precise application. Multiple brushes have been patented for their exceptional innovation. Less than two years after their launch, Claudio’s successful brush offerings propelled the development of his makeup collection, finely edited products designed for instant application - eye and face concealers, complexion highlighters, and an array of signature lip and cheek colors. His objective is to provide women with products for "instant and attainable beauty." If I'm a judge, I'd say he succeeded.

Distribution of his products is limited. You can find Claudio Riaz at Barneys New York and the Claudio Riaz Web site. While you may not get carried away shopping online, you will standing at the counter as soon as you can - trust me. I've got blushes to show you next. They are stunning - and I want so much more.

Photos courtesy of Claudio Riaz or by Best Things in Beauty

Claudio Riaz Complexion Highlighter 5

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 line. Saturday, I got to play at Barneys.

I didn't want to leave the counter. There was so much to try - such gorgeous colors - that it was a mesmerizing experience. My only disappointment was that Barneys' stock was super-low. As I mentioned in my Saturday recap, I wanted to bring home about eight items, and they only had one of them in stock. There were at least three eye shadows (to start), two powder blushes, and other Complexion Highlighters. I was also snagged by a few lip colors. They were all gorgeous. Barneys expects more stock to arrive in two to three weeks. I'll be ready if I haven't ordered them on Claudio Riaz's own site by then. Fortunately, they are available there.

The cream Complexion Highlighters ($38) were all gorgeous. Seriously, I could have purchased most of them. Made with lanolin and beeswax for moisturizing and skin protection, they are sheer and stunning. Riaz recommends you use them prior to conceal 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.

I purchased #5. In the store, it looked peachy (despite the color in the box you see above). At home in the sun, it looks like a hybrid between bronze and rose gold. The shade is beyond gorgeous, particularly for summer. The seven shades available range from white to bronze, something for everyone (or in my case, about six for me).

As you can see in my swatch photos, #5 is a gorgeous shade that can be used as a blush and a highlighter. It isn't glittery. It glows. I love everything about it: the color, effect on the skin, radiance, and ease of application and blending. There's only one exception.

Most of the Claudio Riaz products come in a cardboard box. The box fits tightly into its "shell" and hard to get into. The open box slides out of the box shell, but not easily. Riaz intended that you purchase multiple products and put them into one of his Refillable Makeup Palettes ($28). I may purchase one once I get more of his products, but I certainly wasn't going to buy a palette for $28 to house a $38 highlighter. The highlighter was pricey enough. I will break down and buy an empty palette once I get more Claidio Riaz makeup.

Here's a look from his 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.

Stay tuned. This is the beginning of an adventure. You can find Claudio Riaz at Barneys New York and the Claudio Riaz Web site. 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