Giorgio Armani • Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation • Liquid

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*TOP REVIEWER* Cara_M on 5/8/2013 12:42:00 PM more reviews by Cara_M

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

Sorry to ruin the good ratings for this foundation, but I totally regret buying it!

PROS

- Elegant bottle
- Armani makeup is great quality

CONS
- Colour match wasn't great - though I blame my SA for this.
- The formulation was quite watery and the coverage is too sheer on me (and I normally wear Chanel Teint Innocent/Guerlain Parure Aqua/Mac Face and body which are all sheer!)
- Did not provide the glow I was looking for, my skin looked dull and sallow (and I have pink toned skin!)
- The formula highlighted dry flaky skin patches that were not visible to the naked eye, so up close my skin actually looked WORSE with this on than without :( which is totally the opposite of what a good foundation should do - unforgivable in my book.

Wish I could return this - so sad it didn't work for me like it seems to have for many of the other reviewers.

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*TOP REVIEWER* apgoh2 on 3/6/2013 10:55:00 PM more reviews by apgoh2

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I was recommended to GA's foundation, and have read countless glowing reviews about this product.

On the packaging aspect, it comes in a simplistic glass bottle, with a built-in pump. The quality of material that the bottle is made of is top notch, there are no leakages with the pump, nor is the bottle filmsy or anything like that.

The foundation itself spreads out in a liquid form. But what is amazing about it is it applies onto the skin seamlessly, and has an end effect of cashmere. Yes, cashmere. Coverage wise is medium, so don't expect it to cover all scars and marks (a separate concealer is needed for this). Unlike most foundations I've used, this one makes my skin sooo comfortable. It does not leave any trace of oiliness, neither does it finish with a matte effect. If you're looking to achieve that dewy skin look, this foundation does this for you. It has good lasting power, and comes with SPF 20 too.

Hands down the best foundation I've ever used ! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a foundation with medium coverage and a dewy look. The only set back is probably the price. Very expensive.

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saliguirguis on 1/31/2013 2:21:00 PM more reviews by saliguirguis

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Best foundation I have ever used. For whatever reason, the Luminous Silk made me very oily, and I wanted something that was more matte, but not too matte. This was the perfect one. EVERY time I wear this foundation, I get compliments. The key is that it provides medium coverage without looking fake. It makes my skin look so beautiful and radiant. Hands down the best foundation out there! I wear color 6, and wear 5.75 in the Luminous Silk.

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

daseined on 1/5/2013 8:37:00 PM more reviews by daseined

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This has become a staple for me, as it gives natural looking, medium coverage on my dry sensitive skin. No breakouts, no milia, no dermatitis. #2 has a cool-toned yellow base that covers my redness without requiring additional concealer & suits my NC15 skin quite well. It has a lovely fluid texture that is easy to work with using fingers or damp sponge, and has a very mild & pleasant fragrance, preferable to many other highly fragranced HE foundations. I have trouble committing to one foundation, but I'm on my second bottle of Designer Lift, & I don't eye new foundations the way I used to. Truly a favorite.

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sues57 on 8/16/2012 12:37:00 PM more reviews by sues57

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I wanted this foundation SO much, and when I recieved it from Nordstrom and tried it I thought of one reviewer who said her sking looked so good, she couldn't stop looking in the mirror! Beautiful color match, lovely luminous finish, BUT...broke me out. I am still using it, in some lunatic hope that I'll get used to it. I'm devestated, not only because it cost $65, but because if not for the breakouts, it make your sking look amazing. It really is a HG foundation, except for some reason, it won't work with my skin :-(

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amy0690 on 3/27/2012 11:44:00 AM more reviews by amy0690

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

if you can afford it.... GET IT.. i think its definitly worth spending the 85 or 90 bucks for! skin is so important.. i dont have very nice skin and the few days ive been wearing it ppl have commented on how good my skin looks :) that is all .

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

Zarjoe on 3/22/2012 4:46:00 PM more reviews by Zarjoe

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Matte? seriously? I was looking like a buttery turkey when I applied this!
I love GA foundations, I wear the Luminous Silk foundation and I thought this "lift" foundation would be as good....I"m so dissapointed!! I have normal to oily skin and let me tell you my pores looked HUGE with this foundation! It was super thick and oily and my face looked like I had out butter on it! Maybe for super mature women with super dry skin...
It was not worth the price and I"m so mad I can't return it now.

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

delafelde on 2/7/2012 4:32:00 PM more reviews by delafelde

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I bought the new Giorgio Armani Designer Lift yesterday, paid €50.00 and I have to say it is probably the worst make-up I have ever purchased and feel ripped off to be honest. It is horrible, flat, greasy, hard to touch-up, very sticky...horrible finish, tricky to apply as it's tacky and very expensive for what it is. This is my first review ever and I just had to write it as I feel so ripped off. I am going to try to return it tomorrow as I was told by the Sales Assistant that it is for dry, dehydrated skin, I have normal skin probably on the dry side in the winter with heating.. I tried the GA LS before and I liked it more but not in love with it..But the Designer Lift is just singally the worst make-up I have ever tried. I should of just asked for a sample but with all the research I done on DL I was sold on it and thought this was the best invention ever with the Pearl additive. No way would buy nothing from GA again every after this flop

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

sugarblonde on 1/31/2012 11:50:00 PM more reviews by sugarblonde

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

HG foundation. #4 is a great match for my fair skin and it has a slight yellow undertone that gives my complexion a really appealing and natural look. My skin is more mature, and when I did a test run of Armani's Luminous Silk foundation I found it didn't give quite enough coverage, but the Designer Lift is perfect. I often have sensitivities to different cosmetics but DL feels soft, comfortable, and calming. My skin is dry and DL lasts all day on me, even through challenging weather and late nights out on a recent business trip. Very happy that it has a 20 spf as well. I had been wearing Chanel's Lift Lumiere foundation previously and while the Chanel honestly had a really nice finish it just doesn't compare to the beautiful appearance that Armani Designer Lift gives my skin. In Canada, I paid $75 at Holt Renfrew before taxes. No question, I will be back for more when this bottle runs out.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

fvger on 1/24/2012 1:58:00 PM more reviews by fvger

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

The SA has matched me (NC25 with some hyperpigmentation) to 5.5 which turned out to be a bit orange under natural light (5 was ashy and 4 too pale). As for the colour I could have lived with that if I had been truly impressed by the formula. While the coverage was good and lasted on the skin, it did not look natural and had no luminosity whatsoever. I looked older with it on. As much as I like GA foundations in general (Luminous silk, Lasting UV etc), this is just not a winner. It also left my face itchy after wearing it on 3 consecutive days, so in the end I returned it. CD Nude and the new SU Face Architect foundations are better options for normal/combination skin IMHO.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hayne on 12/30/2011 12:04:00 PM more reviews by Hayne

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is turning out to be a favorite. I love it especially with this drier weather. I am not sure how it will wear for me in the summer months in Georgia. I wear #4 in this. I could wear even #5 it has a slight peach tone to it. I like to layer By Terry Skin Color Enhancer #10 Melon on my cheeks and up my cheekbone and By Terry loose powder in Radiant Beige. This is a beautiful foundation!! Not too glowy to matte. It looks like your skin but better. I use Sephora #55 foundation brush or MAC #187 to apply it.
Edit 3-22-2012 I have decided this makes me look older. I am not sure if it was the color or the glowiness. I took it back.

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*TOP REVIEWER* AriSatomi on 12/26/2011 9:01:00 PM more reviews by AriSatomi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

I find that it has much better coverage when layered with another highly pigmented foundation, for example my Vichy Dermablend Fluid. About the pigmentation: it is sheer coverage on itself but can easily be built up wherever you want to, while looking completely natural and glowing. I like this, but since I am just starting Accutane and I still have a lot of PIH on my cheeks and chin, I returned it because it is simply not sufficient. However I definitely see myself coming back after my Accutane session, for the sheer-medium beautifully natural look it gives me.


About the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the formulation: ATP is a naturally occurring biochemical in our body that transports energy from cell to cell during metabolism. However, there has been absolutely no research about it being an "anti-irritant" or "providing a glow" when applied topically. Its topical functions are, at the moment, unknown. I wonder why they added this specific molecule into this gorgeous foundation, but I am not falling into their so-called scientific gimmick. I love the foundation, that remains unchanged, but I feel like customers should educate themselves better before commenting on the effects of a foundation solely basing themselves on a molecule that the product contains in *minute* quantities.


This provides to my dried out skin a luminous, but not overly glowy look. In one word, it's gorgeous. Gorgeously natural, that is. The moment this was brushed on my skin, it felt just right. I didn't feel any burn or itch, it's as if I didn't have anything on my face! As my skin easily get raw, dry and extremely sensitive and reactive, this is a big thumbs up for me.This is full of silicones in a watery base just like my Vichy Dermablend fluid, but what differs between the Vichy and the Armani Designer Lift is that the shade selection in GA is amazing compared to the poor selection of Vichy. Finally, I found a color that has the right depth, as well as undertone as my skin. I was matched to #4 which I found a slight bit light for my NC23 skin, but since I like to use a shade that is a teensy bit lighter than my neck/chin area, much like how Lisa Eldridge uses her foundation for everyday, I feel like I won't need to go a shade darker. It simply feels like my face is naked! It is extremely expensive, I've never even consider spending so much for a single product, but right now, I feel like I can say that it is worth it. I think that since foundation covers a lot of your skin everyday, it's better to find something that is nicely formulated, which could cost more than DS products. the MA used this on me after I told her I was going on Accutane. The pump gives a lot of product when it's pressed, so I have to be careful not to push very hard, because this foundation can easily drip everywhere because of its watery texture. It looks a bit dry (with some powder overtop) for the first 20 mins, but after it wears a bit, it looks just like my skin, but absolutely flawless!! :)

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

pomeranians on 12/23/2011 6:30:00 PM more reviews by pomeranians

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

Good coverage. Looks natural. Stays on much better than Luminous. Wear a 2 in Luminous and Lasting. Would also wear a 2 in Designer Lift

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

*TOP REVIEWER* AriSatomi on 12/10/2011 4:41:00 PM more reviews by AriSatomi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

Update 20-12-11: While using it everyday, I find that it has much better coverage when layered with another highly pigmented foundation, for example my Vichy Dermablend Fluid. Correction about the pigmentation: it is sheer coverage on itself but can easily be built up wherever you want to, while looking completely natural and glowing. I like this, but since I am just starting Accutane and I still have a lot of PIH on my cheeks and chin, I returned it because it is simply not sufficient. However I definitely see myself coming back after my Accutane session, for the sheer-medium beautifully natural look it gives me.
Update about the ATP in the formulation: ATP is a naturally occurening biochemical in our body that transports energy from cell to cell during metabolism. However, there has been absolutely no research about it being an "anti-irritant" or "providing a glow" when applied topically. Its topical functions are, at the moment, unknown. I wonder why they added this specific molecule into this gorgeous foundation, but I am not falling into their so-called scientific gimmick. I love the foundation, that remains unchanged, but I feel like customers should educate themselves better before plunking down their money if the ATP is the thing that convinces them to do so.

Original review: This provides to my dried out skin a luminous, but not overly glowy look. In one word, it's gorgeous. Gorgeously natural, that is. The moment this was brushed on my skin, it felt just right. I didn't feel any burn or itch, it's as if I didn't have anything on my face! The coverage is very adequately medium to full: as I am on Retin-A and Mynocyline at the same time right now, my skin easily get raw, dry and extremely sensitive and reactive. Sometimes, if my skin doesn't agree with a product that I'm trying, it gets red, feels tight, and even breaks out in a matter of hours. This foundation, however, is very different from the products that I've tried lately. It feels very much like my Vichy Dermablend fluid, which is full of silicones. This is also full of silicones, but what differs between the Vichy Fluid and the Armani Designer Lift is that the shade selection in GA is amazing compared to the poor selection of Vichy. Finally, I found a color that has the right depth, as well as undertone as my skin. I was matched to #4, which I find a tad light for me, but according to the SA, it will oxidize after a while to my perfect shade. However I think that the difference of shade is absolutely minute, and since I like to use a shade that is a teensy bit lighter than my neck/chin area, much like how Lisa Eldridge uses her foundation for everyday, I feel like I won't need to go a shade darker. It feels like nothing! I have it on now, and it feels like my face is naked! It is extremely expensive, I've never even consider spending so much for a single product, but right now, I feel like I can say that it is worth it. In fact, the very helpful and knowledgable SA told me that a face product is much more important, and deserves to be more expensive. A mascara gets thrown away after 3 months, so it's a waste of money to buy it from an expensive brand, but foundation covers a lot of your skin everyday, so I also think that it's better to find something that is nicely formulated, which could cost more than DS products. She used this on me after I told her I was going on Accutane. She has been through the whole process of Accutane and knows how it feels to be on it, which reassured me, since it means that she can recommend to me the exact products I need. The pump gives a lot of product when it's pressed, so I have to be careful not to push very hard, because this foundation, even with its watery texture, has great coverage. It looks a bit dry for the first 20 mins, but after it wears a bit, it looks just like my skin, but absolutely flawless!! :) I can't wait to show this to my friends and BF to see their reactions, because the difference between this and my normal Dermablend fluid is enormous! I will definitely repurchase, but since so little of this goes such a long way, I wonder when I will have to buy it! :) I recommend this to anyone that wants medium-full coverage that looks just like skin and feels like nothing!

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*TOP REVIEWER* dragonflygirl7 on 12/8/2011 10:31:00 PM more reviews by dragonflygirl7

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This foundation is exactly what I have been looking for! Silky application, catches the light, is not thick on the skin, and cannot tell I have makeup on! It is creamy and flexible, and I don't feel it on my skin...as a matter of fact it feels like a moisturizer in a way...but great coverage! This is definitely skin enhancing for my late 40's complexion, and as we are going into winter, I need a bit of cushion in my face products. No alcohol in this either..that's important to me! I'd been searching all brands for something to replace the Bobbi Brown Skin foundation, because that one, although it looked fantastic right out of the gate, is virtually gone by noon (and I did try it every which way). You know the ropes, go to a counter and ask, try to find your perfect match, get samples even if you get a sightly off shade, try to find a day that you wont be in front of a hundred people, try it on, wait, keep checking it in different lights, or wash it right off when you realize it's not doing a thing for you. I'd heard about the Armani Luminous Silk, and when I went to the counter to try it, I saw this new one. The SA put the LS on one side, and this on the other (no powder), and I walked around for a bit. The first thing I noticed after looking in the mirror was how good my skin felt! The LS was a tad flatter on me, and this was brighter and a more perfect shade match so...we have a winner! I'm NC30 and shade 6 was flawless. Expensive, but breathtakingly beautiful!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Gail2 on 11/25/2011 12:48:00 PM more reviews by Gail2

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Silver   Eyes: Blue    

Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation has been my choice for quite some time. In fact, I’ve often said I’d never wear another. My Mom always told me never to say never. As she often is Mom was right. Armani’s Designer Lift Foundation gives me everything that Luminous Silk did plus even more!

Designer Lift is an amazing makeup that doesn’t leave you looking made up. It’s light, gliding on easily (I use a soft sponge), and covers completely then simply seems to disappear leaving your skin with a soft healthy, glow. There is no greasiness or oil, only a very natural matte finish.

While I do have the utmost confidence in every Armani Beauty item I’ve used, this Foundation was given my ultimate challenge - the ten hour test. Knowing I’d be going out straight from the office, I applied this first thing in the morning and when it was dinner date time my makeup needed no retouching save for a hint of lip gloss.

How to put wearing Designer Lift Foundation? You look exactly like you but so much better - absolutely no artificiality. Your appearance is fresh, radiant and, yes, younger.

I like to wear it with Armani’s Blushing Fabric Second Skin Blush and, of course, his Eyes To Kill Lash Stretching Mascara.

12 out of 12 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Cutie7 on 11/24/2011 5:31:00 PM more reviews by Cutie7

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

I had to go out and buy this foundation....as I like GA's other foundations (Lasting Silk). This one has adenosine triphosphate in it which is an anti-irritant. It may also provide part of the glow or energy infused appearance in the skin as this foundation is lovely! It reminds me a little of Lasting Silk (smooth coverage with UV protection of SPF 20). But also has characteristics of GA's Hydra Glow, but in a MUCH better formulation! The finish of this foundation is semi-matte and adds a glow and luminosity to the skin. It's not as drying as GA's other foundation (don't see alchohol in the ingredients) and seems to be long lasting on the skin.

I don't like GA's loose powder, so I the foundation with LM's invisible setting powder. I also like MUFE high definitioon powder as well. I think this is a good foundation for all skin types (except oily) as it's a little more hydrating/creamy than GA's other versions. I took off one lippie, as although I love the fragrant smell of the foundation, I'd rather it be left out of the formula as I have sensitive skin and it can get aggravated with perfumed products. All in all, good selection of colors and the quality/finish wonderful.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mgfer on 11/21/2011 4:47:00 PM more reviews by mgfer

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

I love 'luminous silk' foundation as the greatest makeup ever but prefer not to use it on a daily basis, as it contains some alcohol in the formula, so I keep it for special occasions when I want to look superb. For the everyday, I am using now this one ('designer lift') that is great as well, although not same finish as the 'luminous silk'. This one is a bit more matte and also has sun protection, which is great for the day time. I will repurchase unless I find something better with sunscreen.
UPDATE: I have found a daily makeup that is rocking my world (By Terry 'Sheer expert). Although it does not contain sunscreen, results are so great that I rather use it over my own sunscreen better than anything else. For the night time, I still love GA 'Luminous silk'.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* LPomona on 11/17/2011 12:49:00 PM more reviews by LPomona

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Silver   Eyes: Hazel    

Nov. 10, 2012 EDIT:
OK, I decided to up the ante & give this 5 stars after all. Why? Because I'm about to buy my second bottle, in spite of the fact that I've tried to find a less expensive dupe. I can't find anything that looks as good (and is so easy to apply!). Sometimes I just top it w/a dusting of Meteorites. Other times a mix it with a tiny drop of Fluid Sheer #10 to add a lovely (very subtle) bronze glow. Net-net, for me, this foundation is truly worth the price. I love it.

ALSO: You feel like you have nothing on your face! Too good to be true.
_____________________________________________________________________

This is the first time Sir Giorgio has elected to create a foundation that matches my skintone - the FIRST time! I am referring to shade #4 which is a light, yellow-based shade. My other matches are Chanel Teint Innocence in Cameo, Clarins Skin Illusion in 110/Honey, CdP Skin Refining Fluid in BF20. These are all light & yellow - no pink & no peach.


This new formula is similar in feel to the ever-popular Luminous Silk, (tho this new one may be a tad more watery) as it spreads silkily & has very nice coverage, despite it's runny consistency. It can be medium coverage if you sheer it out - which is easy to do - or you can put it on normally, with fingertips, for almost-full coverage that is so lightweight, you don't feel it on your skin.


Its non-luminosity is what really separates it from the Luminous Silk. The GA website claims that "The Armani glow reaches its height: skin is cloaked in a matte and luminous veil." OK, another way to put that is that the skin is as close to matte as possible without being totally matte. That is to say that your skin will reflect light in a very muted fashion. To me, it's pretty much like your skin but a bit better. As a woman of a certain age, I am used to using foundations with a luminous finish, as I find they are most flattering. Therefore, I am still getting used to this finish, and it is taking some time. Of course it's easy enough to add a luminizer after the fact, or you could add a luminizer to the foundation prior to applying it, (and I'll probably add a drop or two of Fluid Sheer #10 at some point) but I'm trying to become accustomed to the finish as it was meant to be worn first.



This did not oxidize on me at all. The pale yellow that I started out with is the pale yellow that remained. Also, it lasted all day & looked just as good at the end of the day. Another good thing about this super-thin formula is that you can actually use it instead of concealer under the eyes *without any caky-ness.* It won't give the full, opaque coverage that a concealer will provide, but in a pinch, it offers decent coverage, so I don't look like death. Or you could apply it under your eyes first, as a primer, and then use a lot less concealer on top of it, for a more real look than with concealer alone.



Net-net, this is a nice addition to the foundation field, if only because it's in a shade that GA has never offered before, but also because it looks natural & it's easy to apply - I used fingertips & it spread beautifully with no streaks.

I took off one star because I semi-resent it when companies try to have it both ways by stating that their foundation is matte & luminous & glowy. (Huh?) I guess that means it's perfect for everyone! What are we . . . stupid?

15 out of 15 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No