Update on Gerda Spillman from Zurich, Switzerland.
Well, I went to G.S. yesterday to get the skinny on this stuff...and I have to say,
this foundation is really very wonderful! On me, at least.
First of all, I'm not an MA, so I'm sorry if I'm not that articulate at describing the nuances of shades, coverage, etc. but I will try.
My coloring is very, very, close to Rachel Mc Adams in the Notebook esp. the picture where she is in the rowboat touching the water. I have delicate skin and features and dislike cakey, fakey, glittery types of foundation. The last three foundations I have tried the MA'a all suggested tinted moisturizer b/c they were not working.
The lady at G.S. brought out all the colors. I was kind of skeptical, because it looked hella scary. Like maybe pancake theatrical makeup, or, in my experience, mortuary makeup. We first tried Weekend, and Jennifer, you were right, it was way too light for my skin. The next one up, called Csà rdas (meaning of the Czar, I guess) just sank into my skin. It was a perfect, and I mean perfect, match. It looked like I wasn't wearing any makeup, only better. I looked like I'd been photoshopped. I kept blending, blending, and it just got better and better. I've never experience makeup like this, the way it sat on my skin, and almost seem to adjust itself to me. And what is great, is that you have total control over the amount of coverage. I tried all the colors on my hand. BTW, they look nothing like they do on the website...this is what I came up with:
Weekend: very, very light..with maybe pink undertones. No Ivory in it.
Csà rdas: light with pinky undertones.
Limelight: Darker with pink undertones.
Top-Chic: Light with slight yellow undertones
Apres-Ski: Darker with yellow undertones
Bronze: The darkest with yellow undertones.
I would describe the coverage as a light matte but as I said, I'm not that good at describing. Two keys to this makeup are: you have to get your color right. the second is blending, blending, blending. You control the coverage, but you have to go easy on this stuff for everyday wear. It is a very, very versatile makeup. One of the best things I noticed was that all of a sudden all my other makeup (eye,eg) looked way better.And I still looked like I had no foundation on!! I also am not that sure how it would work out for people with yellow undertones or darker skin than I have. Like I said, it was a perfect match, for me.
I have combo skin, was only wearing a light moisturizer underneath, and this makeup did not feel weird. If you have dry skin, I would imagine that moisturizer underneath this would be essential. The other good news is that no matter how much you blend this makeup, you don't get highlights or skid marks. Also, after putting some under my eyes, I no longer even needed concealer...(???!!)
Next, out came the blush, and it looked even way scarier. It is only one shade, and I would describe it as a very dark, rosy color. Very Rosy.
When I first put it on I was really put off...but then....blending, blending, blending...got it to the point where it looked like I was hardly wearing blush but just that my cheeks had a healthy glow. I said to the lady let me road test this stuff..in German, of course.
Bottom line....this is my new HG makeup. My BF, who always notices my makeup if my foundation color is off, just said "you look really nice, good today..did you do something with your hair?" I would seriously recommend trying the samples to get the right color and to see if this makeup is right for you. I tried to score some samples ( and got some of her skincare stuff) but when I asked about the Bio-Fond was told I had to go online to get those.
The Damage:
Luxury set with mirror and sponge: 30 CHF (Current exchange rate
$22.70 USD)
Normal set with only M/U and sponge: 25 CHF (C.E.R. $18.91)
G. S. Blush : 21.50 CHF (C.E.R. $16.27)
I got the normal set b/c I already have all my sponges and brushes.
Yesterday, I just used my fingers to both apply and blend.
If anybody is interested, I'll be happy to send them some.
I am really pleased with this makeup.
P.S. I left it on my skin overnightjust to see if it would make me break out,
clog my pores, etc....and it didn't. Good Stuff.
