Claudio Riaz Instant Face Brush and Instant Face Palette #3

I hate to publically admit this but these Claudio Riaz items were a bit of an impulse buy.  It all started with a review by Wayne Goss, which led to a google search of instant face palette, which took me to ALL COSMETIC WHOLESALE!?! Craziness!!!  Who knew that a line carried by Barney's could be on ACW!?!  Needless to say, I snatched up the Instant Face Palette in Number 3 at an already discounted price of $99.99 (originally $128) and then an additional 20% off! Gotta love a high end makeup bargain!

Needless to say once I had the palette I had to have the corresponding brush...and there you go.  Thankfully I love the products.  And yes, the brush has been used in these pictures.   

The Claudio Riaz Instant Face brush is a square shaped kabuki style brush with a flat top.  I am not sure about the composition of the bristles, but I believe it is synthetic.  They are incredibly soft and silky, more so than any of my current real haired brushes (most of which are MAC, Chanel or Le Metier).  What I love most about this brush is the shape and density of the hairs.  It is perfect for buffing powders into the skin for a natural look, or as a finishing brush for blending products into the skin.  What I don't love about the brush is that I have noticed occasional hairs to shed, which is a problem considering the price point.  Still, a fantastic brush with the Instant Face Palette for achieving a quick, flawless face look. $125, available at Barney's

Much more amazing than the brush is the makeup! I purchased the Instant Face Palette in Number 3, which is the darkest of the 3 available shades.  Included is a face powder, the Eye and Face Natural Skin 3, on each end followed by Eye and Face Instant Radiance 2, Instant Flush 3, and Wet and Dry Instant Bronze 3.  Each of the shades are available individually, as well as the palette.  The idea of the Instant Face is to use the brush to sweep across all the shades in the palette and then apply to the face in a "3" motion first on to the cheek, then sweeping on to temples, followed by jawline.  This gives instant color, and radiance to the face in a quick, single step.  Sounds slightly gimmicky, but it really works!!! 

Each of the shades can of course be used individually as well.  The texture of the powders are among the softest and silkiest, reminiscent of Chantecaille.  They are wonderfully pigmented, with a rich color.  The face powder is matte, as is the bronzer shade.  The illuminator has a very sophisticated sheen, with no obvious glitter particles.  The blush also has a radiant sheen, but no large glitter.  An absolutely stunning palette.  It reminds me of the Chanel Tan de Soleil bronzers released in the summer with multiple shades in a single compact, but with a superior texture and much less shimmer.  

I think the supreme texture of these powders, combined with the density and softness of the brush hairs work together to really blend this product seamlessly into the skin with a natural, bronzed glow and no powdery effect.  It really is remarkable how quickly I can look put together in a single step, without using three separate face products!  This is perfect for rushed mornings, which are usually daily during the week!  

All shades blended, difficult to capture. 

All shades blended

The Claudio Riaz Instant Face Palette is an innovate, amazing all in one face palette.  I still cannot believe I found this on sale because I would have gladly paid full price!  I love having a face powder, illuminator, bronzer and blush all in one place!  The palette is thin and sleek and perfect for traveling, or a quick touch up after work.  After trying this out, I am definitely curious to explore more of the makeup in Claudio Riaz's line.  Some products have already been featured on Best Things In Beauty and The Non Blonde.