The technology in makeup going along the high definition age. The aim is to look as flawless as possible when focused up close on a high definition TV set which has an extremely sharp resolution. HD makeup was formulated with the celebrities in mind, who cannot afford not to look perfect when on screen. No pores, no craters, no lines, without having to resort to airbrushing.
As average beauty consumers, why do we go for HD makeup, then? Of course, we want to be as beautiful as those celebrities that we watch- with perfect, gorgeous skin. With the advent of high resolution media including digital cameras, it wouldn’t hurt to look flawless when posing for your candid shots. As a makeup artist working with great photographers, I have to make sure that my models’ flaws aren’t exposed when zoomed in. A clean canvas saves the photos from unnecessary editing.
So what are the products that carry the HD line in the market today?
1. Cargo Blu Ray collection-
It consists of the HD blu ray Pressed Powder ($30), Mattifier ($24), Blush/ Highlighter ($27), Mascara ($20) and Lip Gloss Palette ($28). The whole set sells for only $59 at Sephora, valued at $130 but it is unfortunately temporarily out of stock. Active Ingredients include photochromatic and optical blurring pigments for the pressed powder and hyaluronic acid spheres for the glosses.
An addition to the collection is the Cargo Blu Ray Concealer which is not included in the $59 set but is worth mentioning. It contains Bisabolol to make the skin smooth with improved elasticity ang Visilox to make the skin more relaxed, less lined and smoother.
I’m not too keen on the HD mascara as I wonder how would it would make a significant difference from the usual, cheaper mascaras but I read good reviews about it, though.
Bad news is, Cargo is not available in the Philippines. I had to ask my friend in the US to buy this one for me when she comes home.
2. Make Up For Ever
MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40)- it is decribed as an oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life. Exclusive to Sephora, comes in 25 different shades.
MUFE HD Microfinish Powder ($30)- a 100% silica powder meant to soften the appearance of imperfections. A cheaper alternative would be Aromaleigh HD Ultra Resolution Powder ($13) in clear, translucent , peaches and cream and english rose variants. I tried the translucent one but somehow it went a little chalky on me. I’ll still have to try the other variants because some reviews like Mayaari’s, would vouch that Aromaleigh is the better deal. If you want an even cheaper option, blogger Tracy found a perfect dupe in coastalscents’ silica powder ($4) for almost 3x more than the contents of MUFE . Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil ($19) works wonders for me, which is another alternative to MUFE despite that it’s not marketed as an HD product, has additional ingredients but nonetheless aims for the same effect.
MUFE HD Microperfecting Primer ($32)- comes in Clear, Green, Mauve, Caramel, Blue, Yellow and Pink that serve the purpose as a primer and color corrector at the same time. This doesn’t thrill me that much, as Smashbox has long came up with primers/correctors similar to this, minus the HD tag.
3. Smashbox
Smashbox High Definition Heathy FX Foundation SPF 15- speaking of Smashbox, it came up with its own line of HD foundation. I ordered one for myself from Strawberrynet.com which is still in transit. I can’t wait to try this one out. It is an oil-free, weightless liquid form packed with vitamin C, cell-energizing ribose to renew the appearance of skin, a uniquely patented bio-delivery system for time-release moisturization and firming effects to last the whole day. It has 13 shades to choose from.
4. Christian Dior
Christian Dior Capture Totale Foundation ($75)- just from the name alone tells me I won’t be using this due to the prohibitive price. Sephora describes it as: ‘with its unique blend of antiaging ingredients (alpha longoza and centuline), optical correctors, and HD liquid crystal pigments, Dior Capture Totale Foundaction is a revolutionary serum foundation that gives skin a radiant “high definition” perfection in every dimension.” A luxury in a bottle.
5. Graftobian
Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Foundation ($9)- The cheapest one in the bunch. This brand is a theatrical staple but also used for actors of popular TV shows like “Law and Order.” I have been eyeing this on makeupmania.com for the longest time but international shipping ($23) is way too expensive than the merchandise’s cost. Even the palettes ($19.99) are cheaper than shipping. It has a wide array of shades divided in warm, neutral and cool tones.
To be honest, none of these products have been used on my models or clients. Working with models would be no sweat because they usually have good skin to begin with. But even in special events with non-models like brides or debutants who have been stressed out for their big days, I make sure they will be confident for their close ups. The right prepping of the skin, the use of cinema secrets or o’leary concealer for problematic areas, plus mineral makeups are my arsenals for an HD effect. But you bet I am aching to try these HD products very soon. I’m all for perfection.
