Giorgio Armani 5 PLUM Smooth Silk Eye Pencil Swatches & Review

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Brooke

Armani does some pretty great things with the eyes… they have one of my top five favorite mascaras and of course the Eyes to Kill Eye Shadows are a force to be reckoned with. It’s only natural I’d migrate over to test out their eye liners, so while in New York at Sephora (yes, SEPHORA) in Times Square, I played around with the Armani Beauty and settled on #5 Plum Smoother Silk Eye Pencil.

What Nordstrom says about Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil:

Soft, versatile texture for a defined or smoky look. This silky-soft formula allows for precise, easy application and versatile looks. Use it to subtly define or to intensify your eye look. Glide the smudger over eyeliner for a sexy, smoky result. Available in a subtle palette from pale taupe to soft black. 0.04 oz.

Plum is an almost flat eggplant shade. Extremely creamy and smooth, applying without tugging and with awesome pigment. It stays on perfectly on the top lash line, but on the waterline it will fade and migrate slightly. I have a similar experience with MAC Kohls.

I actually bought this along with a coordinating eye palette, so look for that EOTD soon!

The Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil retails for $29.00 and is available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Ave and Bloomingdales.

Giorgio Armani 201 Dark Velvet Lip Maestro Intense Velvet Color Swatches & Review

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Brooke

The latest in matte lip color comes to us from Giorgio Armani Beauty in the form of the Lip Maestro! Lip Maestro Intense Velvet Color has a velvety matte finish but looks like a lacquer. It’s available in 12 shades, but today I have my top pick to share with you – 201 (dark velvet).

What the Nordstrom website has to say about Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Intense Velvet Color:

The first matte lacquer by Giorgio Armani. Lip Maestro premieres a new generation of lip color that combines the velvet finish of a matte lipstick, with the intensity and flawless result of a lip lacquer. Matte color is no longer dull and drying. Lips are drenched in deep, luminous colors. The luxurious and velvety texture rolls on the lip and offers hours of hold, hydration and comfort.

This product, and the color in particular, is stunning. Hands down the shade I’ve been searching for this season. It applies easily and with great pigment. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last on me as long as similar products by Make Up For Ever and Yves Saint Laurent do. After eating/drinking the lip color is gone and I’m left with that dreaded ring around the lips line and a full reapplication is needed. Sometimes you can revive a bit of the color with a lip balm, but not in this case.

Of course, this product by Giorgio Armani isn’t touted for extreme long wear like the other brands, but it definitely would have been nice to have that or at least a full lip stain. Such a vampy color is high maintenance and I like to deal with as little upkeep as possible.

You can purchase the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Intense Velvet Color at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and wherever Giorgio Armani Beauty products are sold. These retail for $32.00 each.

Giorgio Armani 25 RUSTED GOLD, 28 RED PLATINE Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadow Swatches and Review – Fall 2012

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Brooke

One of the major splurges that I won’t deny myself are the Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadows by Giorgio Armani. (Box says Silk? Website says Intense? Riddle me that…) If money weren’t a factor, I’d own them all. I settled for buying all of the Infallibles by L’Oreal (same parent company, basically the same deal but way cheaper).

Once in awhile, though… you have to let yourself indulge. Certain shades will strike my fancy and the answer of “no” isn’t an option. For Fall 2012, “no” wasn’t an option when it came to #25 Rusted Gold and #28 Red Platine.

What the Nordstrom website has to say about Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadows:

Just in time for summer, try the waterproof, 24-hour wear Eyes to Kill waterproof eyeshadows. Eyes to Kill unveils a pearl blend that radiates four spellbinding colors. Each shade is based on a revolutionary technology that acts like a kaleidoscope, producing multidimensional colors.

Neither a cream nor a powder, the incredible hybrid formula acts as a color suspension tool that delivers dreamy, ethereal beauty to eyes with a 24 hour hold. Crease-proof, flake-proof, waterproof and sweat-proof, Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows slide on, stay on, but wipe off in an instant. Apply wet or dry with fingers or the Armani large eye contour brush.

(Rusted Gold, Red Platine)

Rusted Gold

Rusted Gold (aka #25) blends to create a beautiful smoky deep khaki with golden shimmer. A little more sheer than I’d like when used dry… but if you use a firm brush to pack it on (or use it wet) you’ll achieve a nicer pigment.

Red Platine

Red Platine (aka #28) is a tricky little thing. In others swatches it looked much more burgundy… in my swatch shown above it looks like a brassy bronzed golden shade… which made me mad and had me thinking I grabbed the wrong shade. On the eye, though, it looks the burgundy (see below). WTF is going on?! This one had excellent pigment, even when used dry. It’s a minx, but I guess I love it anyway =P

The Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadows are always amazing to me because you can wear them alone and they won’t crease or fade. Normally, I need a primer for EVERYTHING… but these stick well and look amazing on their own, or when used as a base for other shadows.

I feel I also need to mention that though there was no issue with the use of the product, these were the first ETK shadows I’ve received that have been separated from the sides of the pot, and in the case of Red Platine, broken. Did anyone else have this issue?

For this EOTD I kept it simple and used 28 Red Platine on the lid and 25 Rusted Gold in the crease and outer V. I applied both by just using my finger. The liner is Chanel Khaki Dore Le Crayon Yeux and the mascara is Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadows retail for $32.00 each and are available at your local Armani Beauty counter (try Nordstrom). Rusted Gold and Red Platine are limited edition to the Fall 2012 collection.

Makeup Wars – My Most Expensive Face

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Brooke

All of these Makeup Wars Battles have been fun. But this one… this one is my baby. My Most Expensive Face. I’m not sure if I even want to go there. It’s likely I’m not the highest here, as budget restrictions prevent me from getting the skin care that I really want, but I think it’s a lot higher than my DH or mother could ever imagine.

We’re going to start off with my current skin care. Skincare is something that changes quite a bit for me. Right now I’m testing the new stuff from NARS.

I don’t use a ton of skin care, and there is probably more I could and should incorporate into my daily routine. For right now, every day, I’m using NARSskin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer ($58) and Total Replenishing Eye Cream ($55) as well as DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated Acne Control Serum ($45) on my chin and jaw areas. I also use Murad Clarifying Cleanser ($26), the Clarisonic Mia2 ($149), Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil ($42) and MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover ($20). This brings my skincare total to $395.00.

As for face makeup I currently start off (and finish) with Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish ($19). Next I apply concealer where I need it. For this I use Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer in Medium ($95). For foundation 9 times out of 10 I reach for 3LAB Perfect BB Cream in shade #02 ($95) because it has excellent coverage. As for my powder I have a tried and true HG that I’ve used since I was a teenager! Lancome Dual Finish Powder ($36.50 ) shade varies based on the time of year. For my cheeks I love to use Le Metier de Beaute Blush Kaleidoscope ($95) and Chanel Lucky Stripes ($95) to highlight. This brings my face total to $435.50.

Moving on to eye makeup I have been starting off with Make Up For Ever Eye Prime ($22). For eye makeup, on this particular look (because obviously it varies every day), I started off using Giorgio Armani 20 Obsidian Black Seaweed Eyes to Kill Eye Shadow ($32) in conjunction with the Le Metier de Beaute Penelope Eye Kaleidoscope ($95) and the LMdB True Colour Eye Shadow in Naked to highlight ($30). For a liner, the one I always use with Penelope is Chanel Black Jade Le Crayon Kohl ($28). The mascara I’ve been reaching for non-stop lately is the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill ($30). For the eyebrows I start off with the Dior DiorShow Brow Styler ($36) and then go over that with the Anastasia Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes in Brunette ($39.50) and top it off with Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Caramel ($21). This brings my eye total to $333.50.

For the lips I like to line with MAC Subculture Lip Pencil ($15). For lipstick, for this look, I will use Tom Ford Sable Smoke ($48) and for lip gloss Le Metier de Beaute Two Lips Lip Creme ($36). This brings my lip total to $99.00.

For tools, I use Tweezerman Tweezers ($22), Le Metier de Beaute Eye Lash Curler ($18), and for brushes the MAC 168 ($35), MAC 239 ($25), MAC 219 ($25), MAC 226 ($24.50), and MAC 272 ($21.50). The tools total is $171.00.

This brings my grand total to $1434.00 (with tax it’s $1534.38), and here is the end result:

It’s important that I note that a lot of these items were received as press samples (all are marked as such on their individual links). And, obviously, you come to learn over time what works for you and what doesn’t. The 3LAB BB Cream, for example, IS expensive and was a press sample, but I will be buying it when I run out because it’s AMAZE. Nothing works as well as that stuff does (for me).

Was mine the highest? NO. But you’ll have to scroll through the other submissions to see which one was

Okay. Take a deep breath. To stave off panic attacks quickly go here and see my $20 face. It’ll help.

Check out the links below to see the beautiful bloggers that participated in this installment of Makeup Wars! What will we think of next?!

Giorgio Armani 20 OBSIDIAN BLACK SEAWEED Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadow Swatches and Review – Summer 2012

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Brooke

Released with the Summer 2012 collection are four new Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadows (listed below), but for this post I only have one, Obsidian Black Seaweed. I purchased this shade because I didn’t have anything like it, but of course, I’m lemming all four!

What the Neiman Marcus website has to say about the Summer 2012 Eyes to Kill:

The perfect combinations of Mediterranean color. Two colors in one that are easy to blend and offer:

Instant lasting color

Smooth velvety texture

Waterproof-creaseproof finish

Comes in:

#20 Obsidian Black Seaweed

#21 Obsidian Gray

#22 Ecailles

#23 Madreperla

Obsidian Black Seaweed (otherwise known by it’s number – 20) is a blackened teal with shimmer. When used with a firm brush (or when swatched heavily, like in the left swatch above) they pigment is decent to amazing. When you sheer this shade out, most of the shimmer leaves and you’re left with more of a navy base for your shadows. Wearing this wet will also give you the darker and more vibrant pigment.

OBS isn’t a shade I’d wear alone, but it looks gorgeous when you’re looking to achieve a summer smoky eye. It would look awesome paired with the Summer 2012 LE Eye Palette, which unfortunately I don’t have =( I’d also really like to get my hands on 23 Madre Perla!

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eye Shadows retail for $32.00 each and are available at your local Armani Beauty retailer. Obsidian Black Seaweed is limited edition to the Summer 2012 collection.

Giorgio Armani EYES TO KILL STRETCH Mascara Photos and Review

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Brooke

The original Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara had such an impact on my lashes, I’ve found myself wanting to check out the extended family. Eyes to Kill Stretch is the latest test subject.

What the Nordstrom website has to say about Eyes to Kill Stretch:

A one-of-a-kind mascara that provides exceptional length and unrivaled definition while providing a flexible feel and no-clump effect. For a high-definition fringe in a single sweep. The lashes are amplified and lengthened to the extreme.

Eyes to Kill Stretch is very much like the original Eyes to Kill, but not as thickening. I got nice length and curl from one coat of this mascara, which was nice because it’s less likely to clump that way.

It doesn’t take a lot of work to get this mascara to do it’s job, and is fabulous if you are looking for a toned down version of the original.

While I like the formula of the original ETK better, I am loving the muted gold tube of the Stretch Mascara. It’s wonderfully heavy and looks very luxe.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch Mascara retails for $30.00 and is available at Nordstrom. If you want to call in use 412-548-4300, ask for the Armani counter and make sure to ask for David!

Giorgio Armani Metal Fiber Couture EYE PALETTE 2 Swatches, Review, and EOTD – Luce d’Oro Spring 2012

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Brooke

This is my first dive into the Armani Eye Palette world. I feel it’s a good jump to make and I’m more than a little excited to share it with you!

My choice from the Spring 2012 line is the Eye Palette 2, which is a very warm and brassy mix of metal pigment shades. They are sheer, but stunning!

What the Giorgio Armani website has to say about Spring 2012 Eye Palette #2:

The new secret of radiance, the precious “Luce d’oro” pigment gives a special luminosity to the eye.

Two are the must-have products for the season: a palette that combines soft pastels with the luster of antique gold and one that presents a harmony of gold and copper accented with a moonlight silver.

Eye Palette #1 features:
pearl violet
jade green
sheer gold
greige

Eye Palette #2 features:
grey
metal fiber
copper pigment
crystal brown

HOW-TO TIP:
“Luce” by Linda Cantello

“Apply your color of choice swept over the eye lid. Then use one of the pencils to highlight the inner corners of the eye. A new way of applying shadow. Sweep of luminous color up through the temples and over the lip’s cupids bow takes us straight through to Spring 2012 as seen on Giorgio Armani runway.” Linda Cantello

Eye Palette #2 is a fresh mix of sheer spring shades. The texture of the shadows is off the charts in terms of softness and blendability. But if pigment is what you’re looking for, you might want to apply this over an Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow or a similar product. Regardless of the sheerness, when used with a primer, these shadows will stay the day.

Even though this is a Spring palette, I rather like this for a demure Summer eye look.

For this EOTD I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion as a base. I applied the light grey/green shade all over the lid. I then applied the bottom golden shade above the crease and the copper shade in the crease and outer V. I used the icy blue shade for the inner corners and to highlight. The liner is Chanel Khaki Dore Le Crayon Yeux and the mascara is Armani Eyes to Kill in Night Violet. I did plan on using the Armani Spring 2012 Eye Liners, but I opted to use the Chanel to add in some color.

The Luce d’Oro Eye Palette retails for $59.00 and is Limited Edition for Spring 2012. Purchase this product at Giorgio Armani, Saks, or any other fine department store.

If you feel like calling in to order off of an AMAZING Armani MA call in to Nordstrom, 412-548-4300, ask for the Armani counter and make sure to ask for David!

Giorgio Armani NIGHT VIOLET Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara Swatches and Review

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Brooke

Well this post needs to start off with an apology. I saw this mascara at the Nordstrom Armani Counter and had no idea it was from the Fall 2011 Jacquard Collection and Limited Edition. Seriously, it’s just pretty as all get out and I need to share it with you. Hopefully it’ll re-release and this post will be more relevant!

Anyway, this is the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara in the shade Night Violet, which is like a smoky, vintage purple shade. Different that just plain purple and really sultry. This mascara is just as nice as the usual Eyes to Kill and does a great job of providing length and curl.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara retails for $30.00. This product was Limited Edition for Fall 2011. I wasn’t seeing this shade anywhere online, but you may be able to score one at your local Armani counter.

Giorgio Armani ANTIQUE 4, COPPER 5 Waterproof Eye Liner Pencil Swatches and Review – Spring 2012

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Brooke

New for Spring 2012, Giorgio Armani brings us two metallic Waterproof Eye Liner Pencils in #4 Antique, and #5 Copper. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect gold liner shade, and the second one was so lovely it came along home with me as well!

What the Giorgio Armani Website has to say about their Waterproof Eye Liner Pencil:

Pure wave of light in an exquisite texture.
Offered in two versions, antique gold and copper, this exceptional pencil brightens eyes with metallic definition. Remarkably soft and creamy upon application, the formula is as precise as a kohl, as intense as an eyeliner. It creates a long-lasting, water-resistant outline which stays intense for hours.

HOW-TO TIP:
“Luce” by Linda Cantello

“Apply your color of choice swept over the eye lid. Then use one of the pencils to highlight the inner corners of the eye. A new way of applying shadow. Sweep of luminous color up through the temples and over the lip’s cupids bow takes us straight through to Spring 2012 as seen on Giorgio Armani runway.” Linda Cantello

(L-R: 5 – Copper, 4 – Antique)

Copper is as stunning and bright as a brand new penny, while Antique is a brilliant metallic gold.

Both shades pair up well with the Eye Palettes from the Spring 2012 Color Collection (to be reviewed!) and could be used as either a base color, liner, or a pop at the inner or outer corners of the eyes.

These pencils are incredibly smooth and feel like a kohl, but they LAST. Be careful with how hard you’re pressing, so as not to ruin the tip and waste some of the pencil.

Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eye Liner Pencil retails for $27.00. This product is available on the Giorgio Armani website, and at Nordstrom. If you would rather call in to Nordstrom to order, use 412-548-4300, ask for the Armani counter and make sure to ask for David!

Giorgio Armani #04 SAND Sheer Blush Swatches and Review

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Brooke

Confession. Every time I go to the Armani counter the first thing I swatch for at least five minutes is the products at the blush display. They just sit there… always so pristine and lovely. It felt good to finally bring home my favorite, 04 SAND.

What the Nordstrom website has to say about Armani Sheer Blush:

Silky powder blush for seamless sheer face color.

Extremely soft and light, Sheer Blush enhances the complexion with a flush of natural color. Sculpts the face delicately and naturally. Cheeks are left with a warm, radiant glow.

Perfect for all skin types.

0.21 oz.

04 Sand has a nice, natural bronze sheen. While this blush swatches via finger rather deeply, the pigment is light and easy to blend out and build up. It lasts around 6-8 hours depending on your activity.

The packaging is simple and sleek and the compact is mirrored. No brush is included, but that is fine with me, typically I’m not a fan of brushes included with product.

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush retails for $44.00 and is available at Nordstrom. If you want to call in use 412-548-4300, ask for the Armani counter and make sure to ask for David!

***The eye look shown in the face photo above can be found on the Bare Escentuals The Cocktail Hour post.