Giorgio Armani • Designer Modelling Compact Foundation SPF 22 • Foundations

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shaykirk on 4/14/2008 6:19:00 PM more reviews by shaykirk

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I absolutely love love this foundation! Yes, it is a little pricey, but I think it is well worth it (especially given all the $ I have spent on bad ones). It goes on easily and feels light but still covers. I have oily skin and it wears well all day...I often don't even need to reapply like other foundations. The packaging is fine with me and I do actually like the brush. The bristles feel like a mixture of a foundation brush and blush brush. I think it helps to get the light even distribution of the product on your face. I actually prefer it to my foundation brush and a sponge.

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*TOP REVIEWER* missvox2 on 4/4/2008 8:57:00 PM more reviews by missvox2

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

I had run out of foundation and saw this at my Armani counter. I got #5. I may get #5.5 in the summertime when I have a tan. They only make six shades --no #6 weird?? This is talc free which I like and really covers like liquid foundation and finishing powder all in one. I wouldn't recommend this for dry skins as a foundation, maybe in the summertime on the t-zone. It does enhance flakies. I didn't care for the heavy jar, I think they could of put it in a compact. The inner plastic lid holds a brush which I do think is a nifty idea.

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*TOP REVIEWER* stingrae1625 on 3/28/2008 10:40:00 PM more reviews by stingrae1625

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

FINAL UPDATE (5/12/08):: Ok, I thought mayyyybe i had been unfair to this stuff lately, so i put it to the test: i put it on one side of my face, and put Chanel Mat Lumiere on the other. i took a look and then asked my hubby what he thought. his response: "well, you might just have way more wrinkles under your eye on this side" (the armani side). my face is even, and my "wrinkles" are fine lines without makeup. this stuff not only clogged my pores (we are talking giant zits as a result...), but it also highlights EVERY last imperfection in texture...any flakes, lines, bumps...it's like it sticks to them and starts blinking. there was absolutely no comparison...this stuff gave a dry, wrinkley look (i'm not kidding...it makes me look at least 15 years older than i am. i couldn't put my finger on it before but i felt like it was "off"...side by side with a better product, i see exactly why...) full of bumps and giant pores, while the Chanel looked natural and smooth. this is going back to Bloomies! maybe i'll try their Face Fabric instead.

ORIGINAL:: i've wanted to try this stuff for at least 5 months now and i finally got around to buying some today. gives the most luminous glow but without any greasy look or weird sparkle or pearlized look, like some of the ones i've seen around. i wore it all day and i did blot halfway through the day, although it wasn't really necessary (habit i guess?...plus i really jsut wanted to put more on hahahah). now it's night, and it still doesn't look oily or gross in any way. also, i do have some fading pimples and scars on my chin and it pretty much totally covered those up without any concealer (i'm a one product kinda girl). never got cakey or flakey either, even when i frivolously applied more just for funsies. also didn't settle into lines. this is the first day i've used it so i'll update later as to whether it breaks me out (it better not because i would cry...). also for reference: in chanel i wear "clair", in dior i'm shade 300 (i have pale yellowish-olive skin) and i was a PERFECT match for #4 in this. i was afraid to order online because i thought 4 would be too pink but it's not at all...very neutral. so far, i love! oh, i heart the packaging too...it is heavy but would you really want a $65 fdtn to come in a plastic container? NOPE! and i did manage to apply some at work without having to set any of the pieces down. i will say that i do like my regular fdtn brush better, but the one that's included is good for touch ups :)

UPDATE 4.8.08:: i've been using this now for a week and a half and i still love it. it's not perfect: it does show flakes if you have dry areas, and since my chin is a trouble spot, it still doesn't look perfect. it does cover much better than my Chanel Double Perfection compact, but i like the way DP settles on my face over the course of the day better. it does look airbrushed all day but it gets shinier than DP does and i usually do blot midday whether or not i apply more (with DP i never had to blot). DP also showed flakes though as it's a dry powder to begin with, so that wasn't perfect either. i'll probably stick with the Armani for the cooler months and DP for the summer. i should also add that i have come to really like the included brush...allows for a very light application but still totally covers.

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makeunder on 3/22/2008 12:47:00 AM more reviews by makeunder

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

I love this foundation. It makes my skin looks so flawless. It is like the solid form of any foundation airmists. This gave me a soft glow, not matte, not too dewy where it looks oily. Didn't need any powder on top since it lends a soft powder finish. Wore it from 9am to 10pm and it didn't crease nor did it cake, when I touched up. It also didn't oxidise and changed color. Colorwise, I was matched to #9 just like the cream foundation version. I am NC40-42 and coverage is buildable from sheer to medium to heavy, but never cakey and changes color. The compact is a twist top just like a jar and comes with a very soft brush that blends well. Awesome foundation, perfect for summer.

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SuzieDVv on 3/6/2008 7:15:00 AM more reviews by SuzieDVv

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Disappointed. The MA spent an hour finding the right colour for me - we were choosing between 2, 4 and 5. Eventually we decided that 2 was it. I'm wondering now if she made an error when she was applying it, and she had actually applied number 4, but thought she applied 2. More later.
I spent £45 ($90 US) on this and skipped away from the counter, all excited, because in the store my face looked great.
After trying it myself at home three times, I am not happy. It sits in my pores. The colour seems off. When I first apply it I look like Casper..it does seem to settle better after a few minutes but it's definitely not perfect. My face is naturally darker than my neck. With this foundation my face now looks ligher than my neck and my dark circles are even more pronounced.
But the biggest problem with this is the shine. I'm getting an oily T-zone just an hour after applying this. And my skin isnt that oily.
I will try Milk of Magnesia underneath it, because I cant afford to waste £45 worth of product, but I am very, very disappointed in it. I can understand why some reviewers have loved it so much, if the colour was right it would look beautiful when first applied, which is why I gave it 3 lippies, but the oil break through is too much for me.
I

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judieshortell on 3/3/2008 6:58:00 AM more reviews by judieshortell

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I have tried all kinds of make-up and skin care products. This product would be great if your skin is oily. It is better to be used in the summer. But I bought this in the winter and I have only used it once. Its texture is wonderful and the cream turns into a velvet like powder, very smooth. However, it flakes around the more dry areas of my face (e.g. around the sides of my nose).

I will give it a try again in the summer and see whether it is better.

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*TOP REVIEWER* rpolisk on 2/25/2008 4:21:00 PM more reviews by rpolisk

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

aaaaahhhh finally.... What a great product. I had a long consultation with the makeup artist at the counter, which led her to recommend this foundation. I have oily skin with yellow AND pink undertones, so matching color is difficult. Usually color oxidizes and darkens as the day goes on. I have larger pores, not really any acne, and some drier spots. From the moment she applied this foundation, I loved it. She went lighter with a 2, thinking that it would darken if anything. She recommended applying with a sponge, which she gave me instead of the brush as the brush can streak. I haven't tried the brush, but I do love the way it looks, and could always be used with powders etc. So far, 8 hours into a busy work day my skin looks fresh, with minimal shine, healthy and even. I love the color match and the feel of this foundation. I usually end up feeling like foundation sits on my skin, but this feels weightless and looks very finished and beautiful. Absolutely worth the price. As many others here, I have tried a gazillion other foundations including bobby brown, estee lauder, chanel, CD, prescriptives, MAC. This is the best so far both from a color matching and consistency feel, to longevity, and fabulous packaging. Will definitely repurchase.

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fortunatecookie on 2/19/2008 7:43:00 PM more reviews by fortunatecookie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Today is my first day using this product, and so far, I am very pleased. I have fair skin with yellow undertones, and a 2 was the best match. #4 is slightly too dark and definitely more pink, and the 2 is a very fair shade with subtle yellow undertones. I do think that some may have a hard time finding a match, as the difference between #2 and #4 is very drastic. I am lucky that I found a match with #2.

As for pricing, I've used more expensive foundations (SKII Airtouch as well as La Prairie Caviar) so this is pretty typical pricing for higher end cosmetics. The packaging is nice and luxurious, while still very minimalistic which I like very much. I love the brush that is included with this, and it is perfect to sweep the foundation over the skin. I recommend sweeping it from the center outwards.

The coverage is certainly a sheer-medium but very buildable, and I was able to cover a small zit with it. I don't use concealer at all, and this did the trick just fine. The finish is fabulous; this is labeled as cream to powder finish, but it doesn't look cakey and powdery on my skin like Diorskin Forever compact foundation did (which I absolutely hated). It is pretty much traceless and left me with a nice smooth even finish right now (almost 10 hours after a long work day). I tend to have dry skin in the winter, but it didn't emphasize any flakiness. I don't have any pore issues, so I can't comment there. I do have sensitive skin, and this didn't make my skin react all all.

I used La Roche Posay Toleriane fluid and Shiseido SPF 55 underneath. I think this is comparable to SKII's Airtouch, except that it has better longevity; the Airtouch lasts at most a few hours.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hawko on 2/9/2008 4:56:00 PM more reviews by Hawko

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

I got this after reading your review, thanks Eolo !! This is the first cream to powder that stays true on me. It gives a healthy sheen to the skin, not an oily sheen and definitely not those luminous/micronized sparkles. I am NC30-40 & choose 5.5, upon application it looked too light, but after 5-10 minutes of setting time, it blends in gave me a healthy appearance as found in teens' skin. And it lasted for a good 6 hours & its time for bed, so I washed it off. The idea of application with a brush instead of sponge is unique. The packaging is classy, instead of the ho-hum double compartment. Will re-purchase.
I am taking 1 lippie off b/c it doesn't cover up all my "sin" ... darn those liver spots.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Eolo on 2/2/2008 5:39:00 PM more reviews by Eolo

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I went to the Armani counter to get the Matte Silk foundation, however here in Portugal the lightest shade we get is 4 which is too beige and dark for my skin tone, so I decided to buy the cream compact foundation instead.

The package is luxurious however it's not portable (nor do I think it's meant to) and brings its own brush which did not impress me at all, being a slightly bigger version of Yves Saint-Laurent's brush that comes with "Poudre Sur Mesure" loose powder.

I love the texture, it's creamy but not greasy and melts perfectly in my skin drying to a velvet finish and making my skin flawless. Lasted all day without any touch ups and although I looked a bit shiny towards the end of the day, it wasn't an oily mess, it was more dewy and it didn't just sit in my face.

This ranges from sheer to full coverage and it's an excelent choice if you're not fond of the fluid formulations, again Giorgio Armani makeup rose to what I expected and surpassed it. 2 thumbs up.

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dazedxgrrl on 1/14/2008 3:00:00 PM more reviews by dazedxgrrl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

I just got this over the weekend, and I can't begin to tell you how much I love it. I heard about Armani cosmetics many times before, but due to the price I was a little hesitant to try it. I have been a MAC Studio Fix user for years, and though I wasn't entirely satisfied, the thought of having to go to the mall and test out a million different foundations didn't appeal to me.

My mom came back from Europe with this foundation for herself, and I was floored when I saw how amazing it looked on her. I made my way over to Saks this weekend, and have no regrets thus far.

This foundation provides amazing coverage, and is a perfect match for my skintone. I was a C3 in MAC's Studio Fix, but it was just so obvious that I was wearing make up, and it looked to heavy on my face... it also made my skin breakout, and way too oily.

I will never go back to Studio Fix again. Armani's Designer Modeling Compact Foundation has me hooked. Although it is a little expensive, it is worth every single penny, and I will be back for more once I run out.

EDIT: Had to down grade my rating on this product. After some time, I noticed once again that the shade was a tad bit too yellow for me, and although the foundation works well in the colder months... it responds badly to heat. After just a little bit of sweating, the foundation just slips off, and looks awful. I also noticed how cakey it looked on me. Switched over to Chanel, and things are so much better now.

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clemenza on 12/19/2007 5:54:00 AM more reviews by clemenza

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought this foundation yesterday as I am nearly finished with my beloved Guerlain Fleur de teint foundation in shade 520 - beige naturel. I was up for a change and inspired by the numerous positive reviews on MUA.

I am really impressed, because I didn't expect too much - after all, this is a L'Oréal product (and I hate nearly every product of this company, even the Lancôme stuff).

This foundation together with its wonderful brush creates a perfect canvas for make up. I would say that the coverage is medium to full, altough it doesn't look masky. Anyhow, it can't be compared to the usual cream-to-powder foundations. The finish is not matte, but it's left with a moist appearance - not shiny at all, but a beautifull luminous one. So a light handed sweap of powder is still ok to fix the product.

My only complaint is the range of colours. I chose no. 4, because 2 is too light and a bit too much of Dita van Teese, although with nice pale yellow undertones. Shade no. 5 is a beautiful warm yellow-based shade - somewhere in between olive and soft peach - probably my favourite for summer, but way too dark for me during the dead of winter. Why's there no shade no. 3 or no. 4.5? Unfortunately no. 4 has got plenty of pink undertones, which do suit my face as well, but only when worn with a turtleneck, so it won't show the colour discrepance between face and neck/décollete. I will hopefully disover a powder to equalize this, otherwise I will stick to Fleur de teint when wearing a blouse or V-necks ;).

I don't mind the heavy glass jar as there is no need to tote this arround. The foundation lasts and there is no need for touch ups during the day. But don't expect it to be too moisturizing. If you have dry skin, make sure to use a good moisturizier, this stuff makes your pores dissappear wondrously, but if your skin is not moist enough and longing for a peeling, this stuff would show every dry patch in your face.

This is probably my HG foundation alongside with Fleur de teint (which is lighter and a bit more natural). Perfect made up look, excellent coverage without looking masky and super lasting.

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trinity on 12/17/2007 9:54:00 AM more reviews by trinity

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I wear shade 2 in LSF and the same is true of this one. Nice, light, airy, feels like nothing on the face. Beautiful finish, gives that airbrushed flawless look. Not nearly as heavy as the sculpting foundation. Put primer on underneath and it will last all day. I do apply with the brush and then finish smoothing out with my fingertips.

1 lippie off b/c this product is HALF the size of the other Armani foundations, ie 15 ml, whereas the others are 30 ml, making this one DOUBLE the price when you compare the cost per ml. It's good though, so I'll buy it again and alternate with the LSF. I happen to love the heavy glass container it comes in.

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*TOP REVIEWER* BebeLush on 12/17/2007 9:48:00 AM more reviews by BebeLush

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is my first time indulging in Armani make-up, and I love it! This stuff is so sheer, so silky, it does feel like you're wearing nothing. Product literally melts onto the brush and melts into your face. The brush is a bit awkward for distribution, I use my own foundation brush, but otherwise, a perfect product.

Some of you have complained about the heaviness of the container, but I don't mind it at all. A luxurious product deserves a luxurious container. A mirror would have been nice though. Maybe next time.

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MotherPanda on 11/7/2007 4:52:00 AM more reviews by MotherPanda

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have tired this awsome compact foundation then I love it. I have normal skin with pretty good skin texture that I don't really need any foundations. I only sweep for very thin layer to balancing the skin tone. On my face, it can be last for a whole day that I don't need to do the touch-up. I like the brush coming with this compact foundation. After brushing the foundation, I use my fingers to pat gently to let the foundation gets more sheer. This is another great product from GA, cheers!

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*TOP REVIEWER* mu_atalltimes on 10/31/2007 11:40:00 AM more reviews by mu_atalltimes

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Other, Fine   Eyes: Other    

Used this for the first time this AM after applying primer & sun screen (I am never sure about the spf in foundations being adequate) I needed to apply about 3 layers for medium coverage, It does feel like silk, is not greasy, or too matte. i finished it with my microfil loose powder and i had a great canvas for my blush & highlighter. The brush is easy to handle and doesn't pick up too much at once from the container. I got the 5.5 which is perfect since I have lite olive skin with no tan. So far it has stayed put-which is more than I can say for the other armani designer foundation. If the wear continues thru my day, I will repurchase. It is quite steeply priced for foundation, but it is Armani and the quality is there. Packaging is toooooo heavy.

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ciscocat on 10/31/2007 9:39:00 AM more reviews by ciscocat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I like the feel of this product very much. It gives a soft finish that doesn't look flat or powdery or greasy like many cream to powders. And the brush makes it easy to apply and to build coverage. But I have to agree that the packaging, while elegant, is hardly practical. The large glass jar is heavy and more suited to a creamy foundation. There is nothing compact about this and you wouldn't want to tote this around in your purse. I like cream to powders because you generally get a two in one product, but there's no mirror either so I still need a separate powder compact for touch-ups during the day. I'm ambivalent about this one. UPDATE: While I still wish the packaging was a little lighter, I have to admit that the finish on this is flawless and very natural. Amazingly it wears very well all day on my oily skin even without primer. The color 2 is perfect for my PPP complexion.

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*TOP REVIEWER* nakobear on 10/26/2007 6:28:00 AM more reviews by nakobear

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I stopped by the Armani counter after hearing about this new foundation and had the MA apply it and bought it purely because I loved the way that it felt on my skin. I had previously purchased the designer shaping cream foundation and loved it during the colder months when my skin was dry but it became too much for my skin as the weather got warmer. After wearing this for 8+ hours, I am in love with this foundation. While I was afraid that the cream texture would end up being a bit too much for my skin, this foundation truly is a cream to powder foundation without looking powdery or cakey on my skin at all. My skin has a tendency to get oily after a few hours around my t-zone but this foundation kept the oilies at bay. Also, I love the fact that it has SPF 22 without smelling like sunscreen. My only gripe about this product (which I took of one lippie for) is the fact that for a "compact foundation" its not very compact since it's in a glass jar. I do love the fact that it comes with its own brush but the MA that helped me suggested using the Armani foundation brush in the morning and use the included brush only for touchups. I know that the glass jar is signature to Armani's foundation but if it's supposed to be compact, then they should have put it in a compact like their powders. That's my only gripe...
As for the color, I purchased shade #5 which matched my skin a lot better than #4 which was a little too pale on my skin. I've used the LSF in #5, Designer Shaping Cream Foundation in #5.5 and the MSF in #5.5 and #5 mixed.
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 5.0%
Other Ingredients: Dimethicone, Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Nylon-12, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsequioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethlyene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Lauroyl Lysine, Aluminum Hydroxide, [May contain / Peutcontenir, iron oxides, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide].

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*TOP REVIEWER* 1badcat on 10/24/2007 6:24:00 PM more reviews by 1badcat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I got this in shade #5 and the match was perfect. It really is a smooth, non-heavy, non-cakey formula. I had to buy it first and then have the SA apply it b/c their testers hadn't come in yet (hmmm...weird huh?). When the application was done I was surprised at how light and airy the m/u felt. I couldn't believe this was a creme to powder formula b/c it didn't cake at all. As I review this it's been 6 hours and the foundation still looks as fresh as when it was first applied. I don't have acne prone skin like the last reviewer so it worked really well for my skin type. I also noticed that I didn't look greasy in my T-Zone like I normally do w/TM's (tinted moisturizers) or other brands of m/u. At $65 the price is steep but this is the first time in a very long time that I've found something that was worth it. The one thing I wish were different is the design. It would be a lot better if they had made it a flip open compact instead of the top having to be screwed off. FYI: I dropped this on my hard tyle bathroom floor and it came out looking like a champ! Not one crack or scratch so I guess the Giorgio Armani team does know what they're doing-can't say the same about the gash on my floor though.

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ditzycubanita824 on 10/5/2007 12:53:00 PM more reviews by ditzycubanita824

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Ive been anxiously awaiting this foundation from the minute i heard about it. Everything that i thought it would be, it is.. Its a lightweight natural looking cream to powder foundation that makes you look like porcelain without being cakey/heavy.. It feels like nothing on, yet makes the face a gorgeous and flawless canvas. I love the small brush it brings, makes the application so easy and perfect for someone on the go such as myself. I love the jar glass and the chic ness to it.. its an amazing product. Its very silky.. This will become my everyday foundation for sure.. i love it and i hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy it like i do. Thanks again Armani for creating such a wonderful product =P

Update: This is the reason for all of my new acne and clogged pores.. Ive been using ONLY this lately and have noticed new pimples when wearing it.. I noticed it has jojoba oil in the ingredients which breaks me out like noone's business.. this might work for some but not for me =(

8 out of 11 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No