Tried and True: Giorgio Armani Beauty Foundations

I'm continuing my Tried and True series (originally prompted by Barbara's request) with Giorgio Armani Beauty's foundations. I have worn them for countless years, and I continue to wear them on every day that I'm not testing another foundation or giving my skin a rest on a makeup-free weekend day. Armani foundations are superb!

My original favorite, Hydra Glow, has been discontinued, and I think that was a sad and unwise decision by Armani Beauty. Hydra Glow quickly established a cult following among women with normal-to-dry skin (women of a certain age [dry skin] and those who can afford to purchase Armani Beauty's luxurious makeup) who wanted a medium-coverage, hydrating foundation with SPF 15. Hydra Glow leaves skin supple, even, and protected with a refined, visible glow (it's rich with Armani's Micro-fil luminous pearls that add crystalline radiance to the complexion). It moisturizes, preserves, and protects the softness of the face. It lasts all day, and I'm sure it's responsible for the compliments I get on my skin!

One day, my best Armani friend, Loyd Cassler at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland, got word that Hyda Glow was to be discontinued. After a second-long chat when he told me the bad news, he got on the Saks computer and ordered every #2 that was still in stock across the country. He also gave me two testers once they were of no use to Saks anymore - God bless that guy (I hope this doesn't get him in trouble with the Saks gods, who need to know what a little profit center he is!). Of the 10 he found on the computer, eight arrived at my house. I am still wearing them. I apply them sparingly, but you don't need a lot. My need for coverage is in the center of my face. My nose and chin tend to be red, and there's some redness next to my nose. I blend the foundation outward when I apply it, ending up with very little near my hairline and jaw. The #2 shade matches my skin perfectly. It's a match made in heaven.

Last week at the Tim Quinn event at Saks, one of the artists commented on my skin and how nice it looked (wasn't he sweet?). I told everyone listening that I was still wearing Hydra Glow. I'm hoping that sooner or later Tim will carry the message back to New York that we really need a replacement - or better still, a re-introduction.

There are two other Armani Beauty foundations I wear regularly. Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20 ($65) is available in a pot, which to me is less convenient than the pump applicator. It's a double-silk-blend cream foundation. Modeling silk fibers firm and contour the face, while sculpting oils replenish and smooth the skin with elegant, weightless coverage. Luminous micro-silk particles illuminate the face for an even complexion with a radiant finish, but it's not quite as radiant on me as Hydra Glow was. Although it's recommended for all skin types, I think it's best for normal-to-dry skin.

The Armani foundation I wear most often after Hydra Glow is Luminous Silk Foundation ($59), Armani's award-winning, luminous foundation designed to create a silky look with buildable coverage. Luminous Silk foundation is an oil-free fluid that also incorporates Armani's exclusive Micro-fil technology. So weightless, it redefines foundation in a sense. This liquid foundation, in the same convenient container as Hydra Glow, is definitely appropriate for all skin types. It leaves a very natural finish and provides sheer to moderate coverage. I wore it often this summer. I'm also a #2 in Luminous Silk. If I didn't have Hydra Glow for comparison, it would be my favorite foundation.

Fortunately, there's scant likelihood that Giorgio Armani Beauty will discontinue this iconic foundation. So, it's my back-up for the sad day when I run out of Hydra Glow. I think I have a few years before that happens, and I hope Armani hears me. Bring it back, please!

Photos courtesy of Armani Beauty

Tried and True: Giorgio Armani Beauty Sheer Blush #10

Barbara asked me to write about makeup that has stood the test of time, my tried-and-true products, the ones I reach for day after day. I said, "Sure!" Then I decided that Tried and True was too long for a single post, but might make a fun series. So, today, I'm inaugurating Tried and True by featuring a product I wear every week, no matter what other blushes I might be testing. I must own hundreds of blushers. I wear this one at some point every week.

The honor goes to Giorgio Armani Beauty's Sheer Blush ($43) in #10. The first thing I have to tell you about Sheer Blush #10 is that Loyd Cassler, Armani manager at Saks in Chevy Chase and makeup artist extraordinaire, uses it on almost everyone, no matter what their skin color or tone. It takes on a different character, depending on your skin. On some, it's quite pink; on others, it's more peach. It lights up the cheekbones of chocolate-skinned women. It is undoubtedly one of the most flexible (and fabulous) blush shades I have ever seen - or worn.

Here is what Giorgio Armani Beauty has to say about Sheer Blush, which is available in six shades, five of which I own.

This extremely soft and light, sheer blush enhances the complexion with a flush of natural color. It sculpts the face delicately and naturally, leaving cheeks with a warm, radiant glow.

• Soft, lightweight texture
• Sheer, natural color
• Universal range of shades

To apply, use the blush brush to sweep over the cheekbones to add a natural flush or to contour and sculpt cheekbones in a circular movement.

Sheer Blush #10 is shown on my arm at right. You see a very soft, almost imperceptible shimmer, but mostly a warm peach-pink and sheer glow. I applied the shade heavily to my arm so that you could see the color well in the photo. This is how it looks on me. I can't predict how it will look on you. I just know from watching Loyd that everyone can wear it. I bought it the moment it was introduced, and I keep buying it. The compact photo above was taken of an used spare. I hoard products I don't ever want to lose. I probably shouldn't worry about #10 because it's a best seller, but you can never be too careful when you're a makeup addict.

I reach for this blush no matter what I am wearing on the rest of my face, and no matter what clothing I may have selected for the day. It works with everything. It has earned a permanent place among the makeup products I keep close at hand. Have you tried it?

Please let me know what you think of Tried and True. I know Barbara wanted to know more about my stand-by makeup. Do you?

Photos by BTiB