Alexandra deMarkoff • Countess Isserlyn Liquid Makeup • Liquid

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bearsmom on 2/14/2012 12:16:00 PM more reviews by bearsmom

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I've tried a variety of foundations through the years, and Countess Isserlyn is one of the best. My skin always looks flawless and glowing, which isn't easy at my age. Yes, a little goes a long way, and yes, you have to smooth it out to make sure it doesn't look mask-like, but it's worth the effort. I've found it seems to go on best with a makeup brush and a light hand.

Wonderful stuff!

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*TOP REVIEWER* dachua on 6/17/2011 9:43:00 PM more reviews by dachua

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I found a most wonderful and unique way to use this product. I stirred well, put a dry sponge in a tight compact, and poured just enough to dampen the entire makeup sponge-- I use a SPF tinted moisturizer first (there is no SPF in the Countess Isserlyn), then I just dab my fingers on the sponge a couple of times and put it where I need it--mainly around my nose and chin. Beautiful and very convenient!

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nellie1 on 5/18/2009 4:15:00 PM more reviews by nellie1

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

My favorite make up is DHC liquid but this is a close 2nd. However this is very expensive and oily. But is covers wonderfully. You must blot your face afterward or you'll get make up everywhere. However if you use powder, that might be the answer, I just don't like powder of any kind on my face. Lovely colors. This is best for a night out.

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sheilaedee on 12/26/2008 8:48:00 PM more reviews by sheilaedee

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Very Dry   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

You do not have an age category for Old Crows, but I have been in love with this product for 40 years. I do not deserve even the face I have after decades of smoking, crazy diet and sun abuse. Two chemical peels and an occasional injectable helped, but this make-up is responsible for my skin looking the best it can at age 77.

Putting the tightly capped container in a basin of warm water helps it smooth on evenly. I smooth on a light covering for at-home, or dip the stick to the bottom of the bottle for prime time. Using clean fingers and a magnifying mirror guarantee getting it right.

My selection of CI liquid make-up shades has evolved over the years, to compensate for aging. When prescribed dermatological concoctions, to "nourish" my mature face, I had trouble with the ever-popular mineral make up blotching and clumping . ( BE Mineral cosmetics are effective and effortless, but the color has little depth on very dry skin.)

I can play around with the application of CI while reaping the results of TNS and gloppy moisurizers..


E Bay is my vendor.. when the price and timing are right. However, a bottle lasts a long time. With the economy (which does change color and texture...and smells bad ) so fluid, pricing and shipping costs may come down.

I have heard that major department stores steered away from Alexandra de Markoff because its management was unstable and deliveries undependable. More's the pity.

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pappy on 5/16/2008 11:07:00 PM more reviews by pappy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS STUFF. AS I GET OLDER I NEED THE NATURL look.BOTH FORMULAS. ONE FOR SUMMER--MATT. AND THEN THE MOISTURIZING ONE FOR WINTER. LOOKS SO NATURAL!!! I CAN ADJUST THE COVERAGE BY HOW MUCH PIGMENT I PICK UP FROM THE BOTTOM WITH A TOOL.( I USE A CROCETT NEEDLE.) AND HOW MUCH I SHAKE IT.
I RECOGNIZED THAT SEVERAL BRANDS COPIED THIS TRIED AND TRUE FORMULA. JOEY OF NEW YORK---ALMAY LASTING. THEN JEROME ALEXANDER DID ONE ALSO. I HOPE THEY NEVER STOP MAKING THIS SORT OF FORMULA. IT TRULY COVERS AND LOOKS NATURAL ONCE IT SETS INTO THE SKIN. I NEED TWO DIFFERANT COLORS. ONE FOR WINTER AND ONE FOR SUMMER. TRULY A ADJUSTABLE FOUNDATION DEPENDING ON YOUR MOOD. YOU CAN EVEN GET PIGMENT FROM THE BOTTOM AND BARELY ANY OF THE SILICONE/OIL AS YOU PULL IT UP.
I DEDUCTED FOR COST, BUT IT DOES LAST LONG.
IF ANY OF YOU WANT TO SWAP YOUR OUT...

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lr99999 on 1/12/2008 11:43:00 PM more reviews by lr99999

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

You get sick of stirring it. I wanted to give this a really good blending, so I put the bottle in a ziplock bag and shoved it inside the whipping attachment of my Kitchenaid mixer, turned on low. I turned it off and rotated the bag a few times. The pigment mixed completely.

Hey--and they say only MAN knows how to use tools.

As for the makeup, I don't wear it every day, but I like the stuff.

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Moyra on 11/13/2007 7:03:00 PM more reviews by Moyra

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

Despite my habitual cosmetics impulsivity,I thought about this for a while, because of the reviews here and because its unavailable in my area, so I had to take a wild guess at the colors. Excuse me, but what up with the 80 and a half, 90 and a half type color rating? If it weren't for Makeupalley and some assiduous research, I would have been clueless.
Not that I wasn't, mind you. I bought 80 and a half, 90 and a half and the all white one. On Ebay. For about 18 bucks each, thank goodness.
Because they SUCK - the moisture right out of my face, that is. Both the colors work - I am neutral to warm toned (sorta/kinda between Mac NC15/NW15), and the white, well, its a decent brightener underneath other makeup.
I really wonder about the mineral oil thing and moisture, all I can say is that by the end of the day, my skin is flakey, nasty and full of little lines I didn't have before I applied this, regardless of the megaliters of moisturizer I apply underneath, primers and so forth.A bout the only good thing is that this stuff didn't provoke an allergic reaction, which almost every conventional foundation does.
Yes, it covers, yes, it only takes very little so the little bottles should last forever. But they turn me into crepey wrinkle monster when in reality I have hardly any of the aforementioned skin booboos.
I do like the white in tiny amounts as a brightener mixed with moisturizer under other foundations (that hopefully, contribute moisture too) but warning - its really easy to turn into Uber Goth Woman if you apply too much.
Honestly? Pretty awful stuff, all around, and definitely NOT worth the price of admission or the decades of hype.

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vibgyor on 3/1/2007 2:36:00 AM more reviews by vibgyor

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

After reading the reviews of this product I have to defend it. Yes it does require mixing to blend the pigment, but by placing your cap on securely you can simply rotate the bottle during storage without fear of it leaking and speed up your application. The neck has a small opening which is perfect for its very fluid texture. This foundation has a super thin silky feel but can still provide very good coverage which is buildable. Its best suited for dry to very dry skin types or combo skins that prefer the J-LO GLOW. Many of the problems mentioned in the reviews seem to be coming from poor color selection and that is in no way the foundations fault but rather the person selecting. It does have fragrance which is old school in a good way but thats subjective. If you have dry skin this is worth a look

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Myrtille on 9/7/2006 2:53:00 AM more reviews by Myrtille

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

Wore this one in 92 1/2 for a year...was PERFECT, covered EVERY zit. Went back to it two years later...was a disaster. Too heavy, too beigey. I don't recommend except for getting pictures taken. It's just too heavy for daily use, especially for a natural girl like me!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

gorie_69 on 8/8/2006 6:20:00 PM more reviews by gorie_69

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I have experimented with makeup for years, and I have never found a better one than this. I have very dry skin and this makeup makes me look like I'm literally glowing. I get so many compliments on my skin now! Highly recommend for someone with dry skin. If you have oily skin though, I would use very sparingly if at all. Very oily makeup, but I love this since my skin is so very dry. Worth every penny! I would spend $100 or more on this, especially since it lasts forever. I only wish it were easier to find, but if you need a place to get it, go to canyoncosmetics.com and call them. They will send you free samples and are very helpful. If you want to feel beautiful, get this makeup!

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*TOP REVIEWER* 8ball on 2/8/2006 5:22:00 PM more reviews by 8ball

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

At one time I heard this was the most expensive cosmetic in the world. can't say that's so now, but it's still up there - $52.50 for a bottle of fndn in 2006. I thought I remember testing it at one time and it left my skin with a silky texture like nobody's business. So I set about to get some more, only now I'm considerably older. Well, I don't like it. It has VERY heavy pigments that settle to the bottom, so your bottle looks like there is oil floating on top of fndn. You have to knock the pigments loose and stir it with a stick. You use what is on the stick when you pull it out. One drop is enough coverage for an average face, but it doesn't spread easily. I never saw anything like it! I tried my fingers, wedges, and now finally a brush to get it to look anywhere near human. I bought 3 bottles b/c it's hard to find, color 90 1/2, which is the lightest of their warm toned colors. It looked flawless in the store, but in life it's way too light (I can't return them for various reasons). So I look like a chalky ghost. It also augments every crease and dry spot on your skin. You have to put moisturizer/oil/primer or something on those spots or f'getit. One good thing: you won't need concealer anymore!

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ora613 on 2/1/2006 4:44:00 PM more reviews by ora613

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I'd yearned for this for years, but couldn't afford it. Then I got two bottles for a song on eBay. It's worth the full price! Does it look natural? Well if you think it is natural for a woman in her fifties with acne scars and wrinkles to have a flawless, luminous complexion, hell, yes!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

aurora2615 on 11/15/2005 5:04:00 PM more reviews by aurora2615

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

PROS: Covers literally EVERYTHING like magic!
Thin, very buildable consistency,
nice wide shade range based on warm, cool, or neutral coloring,
feels very moisturizing,
lasts allllll day long, and
just a little goes a very long way

CONS: If you have any dry patches, this stuff makes them show up like none other, so just be sure to exfoliate well.
Really expensive at a little over 50 USD and
impossible to find unless you order online.
The amount you get is rather small for what you pay, and
you need to shake/stir this foundation before every use.
If you apply multiple layers, it can start to look a tad chalky, but this stuff covers so well that I rarely apply more than one layer

Overall, this is hands down the best foundation I've ever used. I'm an FFF and my shade is Golden 90 1/2, a nice pale yellow-based shade. I have never seen coverage like this from a liquid foundation, and I've tried dozens of supposedly "full coverage" foundations. This stuff even covers better than Cinema Secrets or RCMA, IMO, and lasts way longer. Big rave.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* julieolivia on 11/11/2005 9:22:00 AM more reviews by julieolivia

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I am approaching forty, starting to get some crows feet to go with marionette lines, and of course still break out if I use the wrong products (i.e anything silicone especially cyclomethicone!instant cysts!) so finding a product that is silicone free yet moisturizing has become very challenging. This foundation is a dream. Given that it has a procedure for proper use, it is not quite as simple as just slapping it on, it is a little work intensive but more than worth it. You get a very smooth, luminous (NOT shiny) glow and nearly complete coverage that comes from opaque pigment, so it does look like skin and the finish lasts. The finish is beautiful - if you have an event coming up, this is the foundation you want to wear. It is just as good for everyday wear, in my opinion but is a must for dress up. The moisture in it keeps my skin soft even in upstate NY winter, but is not at all greasy or slick. I bought mine on ebay, I have 91 and a half, which is a "golden" color - it matches my light olive (green/pink) skintone perfectly in spite of my not having any gold in my skin - I would compare it to Neutrogena Light Gold - maybe a little more neutral. The cap does leak a bit so it is a pain, but other than that, this foundation has no peer in its category.

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*TOP REVIEWER* filmart on 10/13/2005 11:59:00 AM more reviews by filmart

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I used this foundation on and off for probably a year, and while it has many good points, it unfortunately showed up all of my dry patches (and my skin is too sensitive for me to exfoliate frequently). This problem is hard to comprehend, considering the amount of oils in this foundation, but I notice I'm not the only one here who's experienced this. Overall, the Liquid Makeup does leave a flattering, radiant finish. Plus, you only have to use the small amount of it left on the stirring stick for a single application, so you end up getting a lot of product for the high price. I don't know whether or not my bottle was defective, but I couldn't leave it lying on its side, as oil would leak out from under the tightened cap. I so wanted this foundation to work, as there are so few makeup products out there for dry skin these days, but sadly the bad outweighed the good.

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iammew on 9/8/2005 8:48:00 AM more reviews by iammew

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I'm really loving this foundation and it's received such good ratings, I couldn't believe I'd never heard of it. I can't find it in any stores and would love to try more colors, so if anyone knows where to buy it 'in person' please send me a note! On to my review, this foundation is wild!!! The coverage is so intense. The texture is wonderful and it doesn't make my face feel greasy, even with it being oil-based. This product has to be shaken well before each use and after shaking when you take off the lid, there is enough product on the top of the bottle's neck for your entire face. I haven't tried it using my fingers - I use a damp foundation brush which helps it spread easily and go on sheer. I am somewhere around a MAC NW25 (blonde, blue, fair with a little ruddiness) and right now I have 80 1/2, which is too light. It makes me pale, but it actually brightens up my face in a way that looks nice with a little bronzer dusted on the top so I don't look like a ghost. I'm waiting for some samples to come in the mail from a store I contacted online - very nice woman named susan (www.canyoncosmetics.com) and hopefully will find a more exact match. I bought the original bottle on ebay for about $25, but online it sells for about $52. (on ebay search for 'de markoff' AND 'demarkoff') If you know what would be a good color match for me also, please let me know. I think this is going to be my HG. I had been using Jane Iredale and it's great, but I think this foundation gives you less emphasis on the fine lines, large pores, etc. Makes a good concealer too. Love!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* BeneBaby on 7/26/2005 10:06:00 PM more reviews by BeneBaby

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry   Hair: Black   Eyes: Green    

I am a hopeless romantic. If this foundation was good enough for Scarlette O'Hara, well it's perfect for me! I am always on the look-out for a new, fabulous foundation. I have dry, acne prone skin...I know a weird combination??? Try finding skincare for that skin type! A coworker suggested I try Alexandra DeMarkoff Countess Isserlyn Liquid Foundation. Her mother was a makeup artist for Miss America and said this was the best foundation....ever made. I did some research and I was intrigued. The formula was originally created for 20's screenstars to give a radiant, flawless finish on the movie screen. The formula has remained the same ever since. Yikes! a mineral oil foundation???? I was scared but decided to try it. Finding it and matching my shade was a whole other story. All of those fractions and numbers confused me. I found the foundation on E-Bay for $25 and guessed on the shade 70 1/2. When I recieved it, it sat in my cabinet for two weeks. The oil sitting on top scared the bejeezes out of me!! My friends mom finally told me to stir it up and try it out. So glad I did!!!!! I really love the coverage and finish. A little goes a long way too. The only complaint I have is it smells perfumey. Other than that I really love it! Besides, it landed Scarlett a handsome Rhett right????

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Merra on 7/1/2005 2:53:00 AM more reviews by Merra

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

As others have stated, this product needs to be shaken, stirred, and what have you in order for it to work properly. Once mixed, I keep mine in the refrigerator and it doesn't separate into oil/pigment as easily. The coverage is fantastic. I have a lot of red in my skin, yet do not have to use a concealer when I use this foundation. It really does cover everything! I'm in my 40s and haven't yet experienced problems with this foundation settling into wrinkles and lines, etc. It can be shiny after application, and a light translucent powder helps set it and make it perfect.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ellaboo on 5/13/2005 3:25:00 PM more reviews by ellaboo

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Dry   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

My Profile: Mid 40's, dry skin, small pores, fine lines & fair complexion.

I have used this oil foundation on & off for many years. It was great & my HG foundation until I turned 40. Now it looks a bit chalky & mask like on my more mature skin. Shows up your dry flakey patches and fine lines. It gives great coverage and a nice semi-dewy finish. The color selection for this product it very outdated and un-natural. They should update with pale yellow based colors. Instead much of their selection has either pink or ashy undertones. As I get older what was once my HG at one time has now turned into my foe. So long, Alexandra DeMarkoff. It was great while it lasted.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

yiya on 5/4/2005 11:17:00 AM more reviews by yiya

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I keep coming back to this product for over 30 years. Nothing else compares to its high quality which is certainly worth the cost. Just take the time to mix well and use a makeup sponge to blend in. The result will render outstanding flawless coverage only achieved by makeup artists.

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