The warm and sunny days of spring are reigniting my interest in all things Gucci Beauty and, in light of the line’s recent launches–including foundation and lip color–I am excited to present an intensive overview of some of my latest procurements from the brand. Additionally, I’ve included a couple of gorgeously fresh releases from Le Metier de Beaute that tie into the final look at the end of this story!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the products in action as well as the Bottom Line…
With its emblematic packaging and luxe touches, the opulence of Gucci Beauty cannot be denied. It is essential to note that the product line does not, however, prioritize style over substance; the formulas are pigmented, blendable and long lasting. Additionally, the hues and textures are beautifully wearable and flatter a spectrum of skin tones, consequently ranking the brand amongst my personal favorites. This story features key launches in the lip color, foundation and blush categories
// The LIPSTICK //
In an array of shades and finishes, the Gucci lipstick is lavishly appointed with marvelous color payoff and a comfortable formula that keeps lips hydrated for hours.
Peach Blossom LE Luxurious Moisture-Rich Lipstick (also available at Gucci): This peach pink wonder is brand new and well worth the pursuit. With a creamy finish and enough depth to brighten the face while still transmitting a “nude” effect, this may be my favorite Gucci lipstick yet. Let’s just say I ordered a backup ; ) **Worn at the end of this post.
Carnation Luxurious Moisture-Rich Lipstick (previously reviewed HERE): A paler version of Peach Blossom, this is a true peach beige confection for a 1960’s nude lip look. I also love applying this atop lipstick that needs a bit of lightening up.
Ethereal Luxurious Moisture-Rich Lipstick (previously reviewed HERE and also available at Gucci): A staple in my collection, this rich nude mauve is often sold out due to its versatility and ability to universally complement the wearer. So good.
*Poppy Sheer Lipstick (also available at Gucci): The latest Gucci lip color formula, these are “sheers” on steroids; that is, the color is effortlessly translucent while simultaneously exceptionally vivid and delectable. Poppy is a bright warm toned coral red that will look stunning with a tan.
*Geranium Sheer Lipstick (also available at Gucci): Geranium is a classic cherry red…truly timeless and wildly pretty. **Worn at the end of this post.
From L-R: Geranium, Poppy, Ethereal, Carnation and Peach Blossom.
A swatch of Peach Blossom in afternoon sunlight.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
// The FOUNDATION //
I love across the board shade and formula comparisons! In the images that follow, I have juxtaposed swatches of three Gucci foundation formulas (two of which are new) all in the shade Medium 080, which I would deem a befitting match for NC 25-27 skin tones.
Up first is the Satin Matte Liquid Foundation in 080 (also available at Gucci). With medium (buildable to full) coverage and a soft matte finish that still allows skin to look healthy and alive, this foundation is sure to garner fans. The smooth and hydrating texture perfects skin while maintaining a natural dimension that will complement different skin types (oily and dry, young and aging). The coverage is so good that I don’t feel the need to go in with concealer; it seems to resist pooling in fine lines and I get 7-8 hours of flawless wear. Needless to say, I am incredibly impressed with this foundation.
Although the *Lustrous Glow Foundation in 080 (also available at Gucci and previously reviewed HERE) is very similar in terms of tone (applause to Gucci for keeping their numbering system consistent!), the formula is slightly sheerer and, of course, more luminous than the Satin Matte Formula. I do like this foundation for “good skin days” and causal moments when minimal coverage is called for, however, I believe I prefer the new Satin Matte formula overall; its generous and lasting coverage is remarkable.
Gucci base pairing.
The Satin Matte Powder Foundation.
The Satin Matte Powder Foundation in 080 is another recent release; with a separate compartment for a sponge applicator, this powder offers respectable coverage (medium) that can suffice on its own or be used as a mid-day touch up in tandem with another foundation. The powder imparts a perfecting element that never spirals into “powdery;” instead, the skin appears lush and multidimensional and I can’t wait to further experiment with this in my daily routine.
Lightweight and incredibly soft, the finely milled powder glides on the skin to give it a satin feel and matte look. The formula features a special ingredient, peony shaped micro pearls, to gently diffuse the light across the contours of the face so the skin appears nuanced, not flat, for a contoured effect. Formulated in 10 shades, the powder creates an exceptional mid-coverage matte finish.
Medium 080
Dermatologically tested
Use with Silk Priming Serum and Satin Matte Liquid Foundation
Apply with the Gucci Powder Brush 10: dip the brush into the compact and blend over face until blended and even. For areas that need more coverage, apply a small amount of concealer before the powder. This will result in a smooth, matte velvety finish.
Alternatively, apply with the sponge: tap the sponge into the compact starting with minimal product. Apply by gliding the sponge across the face until blended. If more coverage is desired, take more product with the sponge and build slowly. The sponge is a great tool for touching up shiny spots throughout the day.
10.5g / 0.37 oz
Thoughts on both formulas above, comparison swatches below.
A refined liquid foundation with a lightweight consistency, Gucci Satin Matte Foundation perfects the skin with a seamless mid-coverage matte finish. Thanks to the 3D micro pearls, the formula emphasizes the natural contours of the face and provides a matte finish. The three-dimensional pearl delivers this look by scattering light reflection, creating a multiple shaded effect when skin is viewed from different angles for an effortless contouring.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
// The BLUSH //
The *Gucci Sheer Blushing Powder in Soft Peach (also available at Gucci) is springtime incarnate; tender and demure while still possessing excellent color payoff, this peachy pink blush is sheer, buildable and mostly matte in texture. If you love lighter blush shades as I do, then I implore you to get this…it’s stunning and ever so apropos for the warmer months.
Gucci Soft Peach.
A swatch of Soft Peach in afternoon sunlight.
New launches from Le Metier de Beaute.
Velvety smooth and decadently pigmented, the *Le Metier de Beaute Creme Eye Shadow Base serves to refine the eyes, cancelling out discoloration and unevenness and preparing them for the shadow to come. That being said, I am also enjoying using this new launch as a neutral eyeshadow option; the formula is creamy and stays in place for hours, making for a perfectly understated result.
A lightweight crème color that keeps eye shadow wear longer and crease-proof. Crème Eye Shadow Base is the perfect canvas for locking eye shadow in place and priming the eyelids for shadow. Pair with True Color Eye Shadow for highly pigmented color.
Preps eyelids for all-day wear
4 Shades developed for all skin tones
Crease-free
Neutralizes eye lids for super-saturated color pay off
Swatches in direct sunlight.
A mix of Ombre and Pearle on the eyes.
A drop of the Le Metier de Beaute Perfector.
As a quick skincare aside, I’ve been working with the Le Metier de Beaute Perfector. Recently reformulated for even greater efficacy, this potent formula is designed to brighten skin, reversing signs of dark spots and unevenness with each application…so far, I am noting markedly brighter skin. Will report back in the next few weeks with an update!
Developed with retinol, an anti-aging powerhouse, know for its ability to eliminate tonality and texture issues. The Perfector dramatically reduces dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. In just 28 days, uneven skin tones will disappear through the benefits of this powerful trio: 1% Retinol, 1% Hexylresorcinol, and TPM®. The Perfector also illuminates the skin while dramatically reduces dark spots, post-acne marks and sun damage. This luxe formulation stimulates collagen synthesis, brings elasticity back to skin and diminishes the appearance of pores.
The Technology that powers the product:
TPM® — Increases the absorption of key cosmeceutical ingredients into the skin, increasing therapeutic benefit, while reducing the redness, inflammation, and irritation.
Retinol — An anti-aging powerhouse known to smooth and plump wrinkles, encourage collagen revitalization and bring elasticity back to skin. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin’s hydration levels.
Hexylresorcinol — Effectively treats hyper-pigmented skin, creating a more even toned texture and appearance.
Shea Butter — Moisturizes dry skin without the greasy feel. It soothes and relaxes irritated sunburned and itchy skin. It restores skin’s elasticity, prevents blemishes and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
HOW TO USE: Dispense 2-3 drops from the pump and apply a thin layer over a clean, dry face avoiding the delicate eye area and hairline.
The following images reflect the products in action in afternoon sunlight…specifically, I used:
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this Gucci Beauty intensive and would love to know what may have caught your eye. And while we’re on the subject of eyes, the *Le Metier de Beaute Creme Eye Shadow Baseis simply sublime, both as a base and as a shadow and anything else that may come to mind (contour? highlighter? indeed!).
Good things ahead, including a travel feature, a skincare video and a host of new product procurement…xx,
Very helpful post as always! I want to try a foundation with more of a matte finish but i have dry skin, would you recommend me the Gucci satin matte or the Giorgio Armani power fabric ? How do they compare ?
Thanks for the kind comment! If you are looking for a matte finish, I recommend the Gucci as it is matte without being drying. Power Fabric is lovely but it dries down to more of a natural satin finish on my skin.
Hi Rachel, i tried the Armani power fabric and my dry skin just couldn't handle it. U know I'm all about luminous but satin matte sounds like maybe it would work. D u think it melds into the skin and is 070 just a bit lighterror and more neutral than 080? Thnx BP
I think you will LOVE the texture and finish of the Gucci Satin Matte…it truly does melt into the skin and you are right about your color assessments for 070 and 080.
Comments (10)
Geranium on you ~ gorgeous!
Thank you, truly, Holly!
XO
–The Beauty Professor
Very helpful post as always! I want to try a foundation with more of a matte finish but i have dry skin, would you recommend me the Gucci satin matte or the Giorgio Armani power fabric ? How do they compare ?
Hi Lou,
Thanks for the kind comment! If you are looking for a matte finish, I recommend the Gucci as it is matte without being drying. Power Fabric is lovely but it dries down to more of a natural satin finish on my skin.
Hope that helps!
XO
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel, i tried the Armani power fabric and my dry skin just couldn't handle it. U know I'm all about luminous but satin matte sounds like maybe it would work. D u think it melds into the skin and is 070 just a bit lighterror and more neutral than 080? Thnx BP
Hi Lynn,
I think you will LOVE the texture and finish of the Gucci Satin Matte…it truly does melt into the skin and you are right about your color assessments for 070 and 080.
Hope your summer is going well!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Geranium looks so amazing on you <3
Thank you so much, Eesha!
XO
–The Beauty Professor
Echoing the comments that Geranium is stellar on you!
Much appreciation, Carramaus!
Hope all is well…xx,
–The Beauty Professor