Giorgio Armani Beauty Compact Cream Concealer

I've been wearing Giorgio Armani Beauty's cream foundation ever since it was introduced. Now, it seems to have been discontinued. I guess my consolation was the introduction of a new Compact Cream Concealer ($42). I found it while browsing Sephora and ordered my shade, #2, immediately.

Described as a high-coverage spot concealer, it's perfect for the sun spots I have to cover with something. One is near my left eye, and its appearance really bothers me.

Compact Cream Concealer is an instant corrector that completely hides imperfections, dark spots, and blemishes. Its customized precision applicator is said to offer high coverage and a thin texture for a flawless-looking finish. I'm not a big fan of the applicator. I use my own (Bobbi Brown) touch-up brush.

This concealer is available in six shades, all of which have a matte finish. If you are a fan of Giorgio Armani foundation, you will love this new concealer. It stays on all day, just like the foundation, and it has provides excellent coverage for those sun spots. I hope you don't have them, but most people who came of age when suntans were considered beautiful - and before we all knew the danger of the sun's rays to our skin - has probably already developed the keratoses that resulted from our adoration of the sun.

I'm hooked on Armani's new concealer. I didn't see it on the Armani Beauty Web site, but it's available at Sephora.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipstick from the Sepia Collection for Spring/Summer 2016

Giorgio Armani Beauty introduced three new Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipsticks ($37) with the Sepia Sepia Collection for Spring/Summer 2016. Featuring a creamy texture, feather light and translucent, and as hydrating as a lip balm, the new shades are wearable and chic. I have little time to write tonight, so I'm going to give you a quick 411 on these gorgeous lip colors.

A cutting-edge color formulation process was used to create them. The Color Shine Moisture Polymer, a revolutionary component able to retain twice its volume of water, enhances color luminosity while locking in hydration on the lips' surface - said to last for over eight hours. I can't get eight hours out of any lip color. I'm a Kleenex addict, and I drink water repeatedly during the day, leaving lipstick on my cup.

I love sheer lip colors and couldn't resist trying at least two shades of the three in the Sepia Collection. I purchased #203 and #604 - two extremes on the intensity spectrum.

It's always hard to take photographs of these lipsticks. the magnetic tubes want to lock together - and never aligned to show the logos. At least I got the colors right!

Number 203, shown on the left above, is a beige shade that perfectly matches the Sepia Highlighting Palette. Number 604 is a purple-brown "for beautifully outlined lips that won't go unnoticed."

The third shade, which I did not order, is #204, a warm brown. I had to stop somewhere! It looks lovely, and I may cave before the season ends.

The swatch photo above was taken in full, mid-day sun. I applied the shades directly from the tubes. Number 203 is shown at the top. It is a nude-pink on my skin and lips. The shade below, #604, is a gorgeous plum to my eyes.

I am extremely happy with both shades. My lips have enough pigment to give #203 a nice look. It is one of those "my lips but better" shades. There is no mistaking #604 for my own lips. It is a pigmented sheer - thankfully sheer enough that I can wear the pop of vibrant color.

I purchased both from Giorgio Armani Beauty. You can find these beautiful sheer shades at all Armani counters (I hope they have arrived). They are definitely worth a look-see.

Photo at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Sepia Highlighting Palette for Spring/Summer 2016

Giorgio Armani Beauty recently introduced Sepia, the new Spring/Summer 2016 collection, inspired by the sepia photographs of the past. Its highlighting and contouring palette, lipstick, and nail polish shades revisit warm, earthy tones said to be suited to all skin types.

The beautiful multi-purpose palette in the collection is called Sepia Highlighting Palette ($88). The Sepia Palette, featuring a "highlighting-contouring powder," envelops the skin in a veil of subtle light and smooths out imperfections, while delivering the signature Armani glow in a texture that is silky smooth, light, and soft. The powder boosts the adherence of the pigments and brightens the complexion with a soft, sepia touch.

Being an Armani devotee, I had to have it. It arrived a few days ago, and I was able to get photographs in full sun. We are having lovely weather.

How does Armani suggest you use it? For a natural look, brush over the palette to blend both shades together. Apply over the face with downward strokes for a natural glow with an allover application. For a more sculpted look, use each shade to contour features. Use the lighter shade on upper cheekbones, brow bone, and along the nose, and the deeper shade along the nose, jawline, and under cheekbones. The latter is almost impossible to do, given the thin stripes of the darker shade. So, I'm using it as a bronzer built for blondes (or those with fair skin), and it's perfect!

I took swatch photos in full afternoon sun. I applied the powder fairly heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, blending the two shades together. I selected two photos to show you. The first is posed in front of a Japanese maple, which is showing its lovely sepia color before it turns red.

This powder is not sparkly, despite the way the sun shines on my arm. I'd call the finish silky (maybe lustrous), with a very slight sheen. It is a great shade to wear during the day. I like to apply it with a blush or bronzer brush, using the "double-three" method, sweeping it over my temples, across the lower part of my cheekbones, down the hairline, and across the outer third of my jaw line on each side of my face. It looks so natural on me because it is light.

Here is a second photo, a close-up taken in front of a holly tree. My arm isn't as shiny because I held it at a different angle to the sun. This is probably the more true of the two photos of the same swatch.

I am not sure why Giorgio Armani Beauty chose to call this powder a highlighter and refer to it for contouring. I can use it for contouring, but I think it will disappear as a contouring shade on anyone with a medium or dark complexion. Naturally, the shade darkens if you can manage to get more of the sepia shade on your applicator, perhaps by running it down the center of the palette from top to bottom. If you do have a medium or dark complexion and try it, I'd love to know if it looks like a highlighting shade. It might.

I have to qualify my recommendation for the Sepia Palette. It's beautiful, particularly for those with fair skin. If you are darker, I suggest you try before you buy.

Top photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Collection - Swatched Plus Armani Goes Fur-Free

You may remember that I had to swatch the Giorgio Armani Beauty Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Palette in the store, and I promised to provide better swatch photos of the three eye shadows and blush.

The Spring/Summer Runway Palette ($120) is gorgeous - even prettier than it looks on the Web site. The photo directly above shows the first tier of the palette with a warm pink blush that will thrill many, and the second tier presents three beautiful eye shadows.

I was able to get a swatch photo in late-afternoon sunshine. I swatched with sponge-tipped applicators, applying the eye shadow shades fairly heavily and the blush rather lightly.

The leftmost shade is a beautiful base champagne shade, which is shown at the top of my arm, offers a beautiful gleam. I wish you could see the exact tone of the beautiful grey shade in my photo. It has a slight periwinkle tint that makes it unique. It's worth the price of admission. The light copper shade is a beautiful shade for spring and also daytime. I'm smitten with all three.

The blush is shown on my arm below the three eye shadows. I applied it moderately and blended it slightly into a circle. It's a warm pink shade that works perfectly for me.

I hope this photo will give you enough information to decide whether the palette is a must-have for you. It is for me. Right now, the Armani Beauty Web site is offering a 15% discount and free shipping for orders of $75 or more. Just use the code SPRING.

Just in case you haven't heard, The Armani Groups has announced that all of its lines will go fur-free starting this fall. WWD reported an agreement between Armani and The Humane Society of the United States and the Fur Free Alliance. The Armani Group plans to stop using animal fur in all of its products. The Fur Free Alliance is a coalition of 40 animal protection organizations in 28 countries that are trying to end the fur trade.

Giorgio Armani said in a statement released by the HSUS, “I am pleased to announce that the Armani Group has made a firm commitment to abolish the use of animal fur in its collections. Technological progress made over the years allows us to have valid alternatives at our disposition that render the use of cruel practices unnecessary as regards animals. Pursuing the positive process undertaken long ago, my company is now taking a major step ahead, reflecting our attention to the critical issues of protecting and caring for the environment and animals.”

This makes me love Giorgio Armani even more. Hip hip hooray!

Photo at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; swatch photo by Best Things in Beauty

The Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Collection - In-Store Photos

I finally got a chance at lunchtime today to pop into Neiman Marcus and get some quick photos of the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2016 Beauty Runway Collection. I had to take my photos with my iPhone in the store or outside the doors, and the outdoor photo isn't wonderful. The sun was hiding behind a thick cloud cover. Sometimes, you have to make do.

The Spring/Summer Runway Palette ($120) is gorgeous - even prettier than it looks on the Web site. I took my photos of the tester. The photo directly above shows the first tier of the palette with a warm pink blush that will thrill many. The second tier, shown directly below, presents three beautiful eye shadows. It looks like someone really dug into the center shade with a knife.

The colors are better represented by Armani's photo directly below. I think it's more accurate than I was able to achieve indoors.

I took swatch photos inside and outdoors. I selected one taken outdoors for this feature. It isn't a great photo, but it was the best I could do on the run today.

I swatched all shades with a sponge-tipped applicator. The leftmost shade is a beautiful base champagne shade. It is not white as it might appear. I wish you could see the tone of the beautiful grey shade in my photo. It has a slight periwinkle tint that makes it unique and extravagant. It's worth the price of admission. The light copper shade is a beautiful shade for spring and also daytime. I'm smitten with all three.

The blush is shown on my arm below the three eye shadows. I blended it slightly into a circle. It's a warm pink shade that works perfectly for me. If you want to enlarge this photo, just click on it.

I promise to get better photos once this exquisite palette is mine. For now, I hope these photos will give you enough information to decide whether the palette is a must-have for you.

One photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Collection

The splashy photos sent by Armani Beauty last week caught my eye. I need to get over to a counter to see if the new spring/summer color treasures have arrived locally.

Directly inspired by the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2016 fashion show, the Runway Collection captures the essence of the "fil rouge" or red thread. Light and daring, this season’s exclusive collection opts for a natural complexion that highlights celestial, almost cosmic, eyes. Lids cast endless reflections of light. The lips are given a light, pearly veil of barely-there color that contrasts with the striking red polish of the nails. Each product features the star fabric of the Spring/Summer Armani Show and is enveloped in a veil of sheer tulle adorned with touches of graphic color.

As usual, the centerpiece of the collection is the Spring/Summer Runway Palette ($120). This palette looks like a must-have to me.

With a twist of graphic colors, wrapped in a luxurious veil of iridescent sheer tulle fabric straight from the runway, the palette focuses on the face and eyes. The first tier reveals a powder blush with a velvety texture that gently sculpts the cheekbones and delicately highlights facial features to create a healthy glow. The next tier contains a trio of eye shadows in iridescent shades: pearl, silvery copper, and shimmering grey - all of which look beautiful.

In addition to the palette, there is a Eye & Brow Maestro in a pot ($35), charcoal Runway Eye Tint ($42), natural pearly shimmer Runway Ecstasy Lacquer ($40), and red runway Nail Lacquer ($30).

Each piece of the collection is beautifully packaged in a veil of sheer tulle adorned with touches of graphic color. You can see the palette in the pouch above.

To see the entire collection as well as a video, pop over to the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site. I am going to try to get over to Neiman Marcus later today or tomorrow at the latest to find out which pieces I can't live without. As you as intrigued as I am?

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

ARMANI PRIMA - Advanced Skin Care for Day-Long Makeup Glow

Giorgio Armani Beauty has introduced ARMANI PRIMA, its first complete skin-care line that improves skin quality and enhances makeup glow so that it lasts all day long. Born from a unique collaboration between the backstage expertise of Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist, and Giorgio Armani Beauty laboratories, the ARMANI PRIMA Beauty routine consists of three innovative products for face, lips, and eyes. It's an out-of-the-box technical formulation approach to provide simple and efficient skin-care solutions in favor of makeup’s staying power.

• Glow-On Moisturizing Balm
• Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones
• Eye & Lip Contour Perfector

The name ARMANI PRIMA is a nod to the oil painting technique widely used by the impressionists who worked with natural light without retouching.

No More Makeup Touch-Ups
Women unanimously complain that their makeup never has the same radiant glow as it has just after their morning beauty routine. As the day progresses, the skin quality deteriorates (loss of moisture, sebum production, enlarged pores) and is exposed to environmental aggressors. When skin is imperfect, the makeup glow doesn’t last and even smudges, losing its impact.

Now for the first time, Giorgio Armani Beauty offers an innovative, tailor-made solution to keep your complexion and makeup touch-up-free all day. ARMANI PRIMA’s revolutionary new skin-care products contain a special blend of active ingredients that maintain skin’s moisture level, regulates sebum production, and strengthens the skin barrier so that the face keeps the glow of just-applied makeup and the benefits are visible all day.

“Today, we live in a fast-paced world. Women expect immediate results. That’s what we created with ARMANI PRIMA, which is the first skincare conceived for makeup wearers.” - Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist

Glow-On Moisturizing Balm

The Glow-On Moisturizing Balm ($110) is the cornerstone of the ARMANI PRIMA line. It was formulated to achieve glow, plump, and maximum moisture that last 24 hours. This could only be achieved by a patented formula and unique process: a surprising compact texture, hot poured at 45°C that quickly breaks into a fresh fluid that penetrates immediately. The formula is an inversed emulsion active on the internal and external skin layers. The internal phase maximizes the concentration of moisturizing and plumping active ingredients; the external phase then creates a protective barrier on skin surface, locking in moisture. This is achieved through a high concentration of hydrovance and hyaluronic acid for continuous hydration and glycerin for skin plumping. The Giorgio Armani signature glowing complexion effect is enhanced by the “Liquid Mirror” complex, which ensures a prolonged reflection of the light on the skin. Thanks to this technological breakthrough, here is what you should see.

• Immediately: Skin is deeply moisturized and plumped with heightened radiance. Perfect compatibility with foundation for an easy and fault proof makeup application.
• At the end of the day: Skin quality and moisture level is maintained. Foundation looks fresh, as if just applied.
• After four weeks: Overall skin quality is improved. More comfortable, supple, and nourished skin. Fine lines look evened out.

Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones

Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones ($100), is an innovative skin-care product that contains a strong concentration of “Prima Skin Complex,” an impressive active ingredient, which is lipophilic to absorb sebum and hydrophobic to repel sweat. It immediately smoothes skin and regulates the water and lipid levels on skin surface all day long.

The Skin Perfector targets the “disruption zone” of the face (i.e., eyelids, around the nose, chin, forehead, or any area prone to shine or large pores). It absorbs excess sebum delivering an instant mattifying effect on skin that lasts all day long. Thanks to a unique milky gel texture, the Skin Perfector absorbs rapidly, leaving a clean skin sensation that lasts all day. A combination of two hydrophilic ingredients provides a tightening effect and a feeling of comfort, making the product perfect for all skin
types.

• Immediately: Trouble zones are smoothed and mattified in transparency. Foundation and eye shadow are easier to apply.
• At the end of the day: Makeup glow and color are intact.
• After four weeks: Skin texture is improved and skin surface appears smoother.

Eye & Lip Contour Perfector

A skin-perfecting formula for lips and under eyes, Eye & Lip Contour Perfector ($70) is an ingenious two-in-one product that targets the lips and under-eye area. It contains buckwheat extract and haloxyl for their stimulating effects, reducing dark circles and under-eye puffiness over time. Glycerin, jojoba butter, and hydralip give intensified hydration and reduce fine lines. The effective results of this skin-care product is clearly measurable in improvements to dark circles and a toning, lifting
effect under the eyelids, as well as a significant reduction in wrinkles and fine lines around the lips. Eye & Lip Contour Perfector should not be used on the eyelids.

• Immediately: Lines and dark circles are blurred. Light reflection on the skin surface is amplified to make eyes look brighter and skin looks more luminous. Application and hold of dark circle concealer are improved. Lips and contour are smoothed, preventing lipstick from bleeding into the fine lines.
• At the end of the day: Skin feels more comfortable, supple, and nourished.
• After four weeks: Dark circles appear reduced, the outline of eyes and lips appear more defined.

All three products have an addictive scent. The Glow-on Moisturizing Balm and the Skin Perfector envelop the skin delicately with a feminine flora-aqua creation based on Armani/Privé Rose d’Alexandrie (I have that fragrance, and I love it). The soft notes of the premium fragrance line are translated into skin care, in a subtle note of Rose of May, Bergamot, and Italian Mandarin and Benzoin - all nice notes. It's a beauty routine wrapped up in gentleness.

Here are suggested application methods.

• Face: apply the Glow-On Moisturizing Balm over the entire face using circular massaging movements.
• Trouble zones: apply the Day-Long Skin Perfector/Trouble Zones on the forehead, nose, chin, eyelids, and over the upper lip, sweeping the product outwards.
• Dark circles and lips: apply the Eye & Lip Contour Perfector under the eye area and directly on and around the lips.

These new products are available at the Armani Beauty Web site now. They will appear at store counters in March. I suspect if your skin is mature, and you are using Crema Nera now, you will want to stick with it. These new products appear to me to be aimed at a demographic that doesn't need the hydrating, anti-aging power of Crema Nera.

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup with SPF30

Giorgio Armani has introduced a new foundation in its award-winning foundation stable. In full, it's called Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup Bi-phase Elixir Octinoxate Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 ($64). It is formulated with nourishing oils to make your skin look perfect and feel nude and supple to the touch.

I was smitten from the moment I saw it online. I usually wear one of the Armani foundations. I've been wearing the Maestro Cream Foundation lately. However, I am borderline between a #2 and a #4 in Armani foundations, so I had to wait for it to arrive in stores and test it on my face near my jawline. In this foundation, I'm a #4, which I learned at Neiman Marcus where I purchased it. It appears that there are nine shades in all.

Armani's newest liquid foundation is leading us toward Mr. Armani's Invisible Glow Revolution. The advertising says that it has a sheer glow finish. Maestro Glow is the first "bi-phase makeup elixir." It contains skin-care oils infused with pure pigments and provides a nourishing comfort and lasting glow to the skin. Each drop is said to perfect the complexion. It is inspired by Maestro Fluid in its lightness and silkiness, and it gives an instant and lasting glow due to the blend of pigments and oils. These oils make the texture comfortable, easy to apply, and nourishing for women with drier skin like me.

I found the application to be easy. It has a nice slip on the skin, especially when worn over a treatment or moisturizer. I find the coverage to be medium - not totally sheer because it covers my center redness and sun spots nicely. If you need more coverage, you might want to try another foundation from Armani.

The model in the advertisement has flawless skin. I can see a slight glow where the light hits her skin, but her skin is so perfect, it's hard to know how much coverage this foundation will provide for everyone. Some of us like a little more to cover our imperfections, some less. This foundation is called light, airy, and transparent.

I applied it to one side of my face over moisturizer. I can definitely see a difference between the two sides. I also see a very slight glow. Not a shine, per se, but a subtle brilliance that's flattering. I think it's a beautiful foundation.

I took a swatch photo of #4 on my inner arm, which is a bit lighter than the center of my face. I took it in full sun, but I was unable to get a great background for the photo. I ended up using my car for a background. I shook the bottle well to mix the two phases, applied a drop of Maestro Glow to my palm, and then applied and blended it lightly with my fingers.

I think you'll agree that it's a pretty close match to my skin color. Can you even see it in this swatch? You may be able to see a slight glow in the center of my arm.

I will get a lot of use out of this new foundation. It provides the coverage and finish I like. If you would like to try it, I'd recommend that you do so at an Armani counter if you can. That way, you will be sure to get the right shade.

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. It is available wherever Giorgio Armani Beauty products are sold, as well as at the Armani Beauty Web site. 

Photos at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; swatch photo by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Soon: Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye & Brow Maestro

I don't have a lot of information yet about Giorgio Armani Beauty's Eye & Brow Maestro. It was designed to be a four-in-one product: Brow Shaper, Eye Shadow, Eyeliner, and Hair Touch-up. Yep, you read that right!

It's waterprooof and offers 20 hours of wear time. It is said to provide a 100% natural finish. It comes with the applicator shown.

I'm intrigued. My eyes went straight for the gold, but even the mauve under it looks promising. I can't wait!

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Nail Lacquer from the Bright Ribbon Collection for Summer 2014

When the Bright Ribbon Collection was launched recently, my eyes went straight for the Rouge d'Armani Sheers. After ordering two, I lingered at the Nail Lacquers ($20). Something about #302, a coral that is "so not me," commanded my attention. It telegraphed, "I am the coral of the season; you will never regret purchasing me." So, I put aside my natural attraction to pink and ordered a coral shade. I'm glad I did! Armani's #302 is exquisite.

This rich, thick polish creates an exception creamy shine with long-lasting color. The flat and wide brush sets a clean drop at the base of the nail and easily stretches color to the nail tip with one stroke. Even I can do it. The transforming "gel on brush" prevents dripping for a clean, precise application. The application is easy, and the application is long-lasting. What's not to love?

I took swatch photos on the color wheel in full sunshine. I applied two coats. More would have been overkill. This nail lacquer covers well.

Is this not a shade that screams summer? I think it's a fingertip shade - and a shade for your toesies - to draw attention while still telegraphing Armani elegance.

I have a hard time applying Nail Lacquer, but I find that Armani's shades apply easily, neatly, and evenly. There are six new shades in the Bright Ribbon Collection - including turquoise and pastel grape. This is the only one I've tried. I purchased it at the Armani Web site. It's also available at Giorgio Armani Beauty counters.

Photo at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipstick from the Bright Ribbon Collection for Summer 2014

The online-exclusive Bright Ribbon Collection from Giorgio Armani Beauty brings us translucent, bright colors for lips and nails. Most of the shades remind me of Italian Ice treats.

Featuring a creamy texture, feather light and translucent, as hydrating as a balm. The brilliant bold color is wearable and chic.

I purchased two lip colors: #305, a coral with its share of pink; and #509. Both appeared online to be a bit more bold than they are in person. That's because the shades are extremely sheer.

The coral #305 is shown at left in my photo above, with the pink #509 to the right. There are a total of six shades available, and now that I've purchased two, I'm thinking I need at least one more. You can see Armani's swatches at this link. I may spring for the crazy purple #604.

I took swatch photos in full, late-afternoon sun. As you can see #305 at the top of my arm is much more colorful than #509, shown below. On my arm, #509 offers very little color, however the pink is amplified on my lips by the natural pigment of my lips. It's still very light, though. It provides a perfect sheer, summer look. Given a choice of only one, I'd opt for the coral #305. I think it's gorgeous, with its sheer shine and tropical color.

I purchased one of the nail lacquers, and I'll show it to you as soon as I can get photos. In the meantime, check out these Bright Ribbon online exclusives at the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site. If you like pastels as much as I do, I'll bet you'll find a treasure. They have no fragrance, which I know will please many of you.

Photos at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Macro-Color Eyeshadow

I am a very happy Armani fan today! Although I had not expected to see the new Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Macro-Color Eyeshadows at the counter before next month, today I found that they had just arrived at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie.  There were many colors from which to choose, which lured me into purchasing nine. I may go back for a few more. I left be hind a pink that's lovely, and I also put back a smoky shade that I wanted. Nine was enough - for now.

I was shopping the floor with Michal Reinhardt from Le Métier de Beauté - an amazing artist - and he helped me select the nine that came home with me. I'm thrilled with all of them!

I photographed them in numeric order, left to right, picking up with the next number with each photo. Here are the shades I purchased.

• Asphalt #3
• Wood #4
• Khaki #6
• Tadzio #9
• Beige Nudo #10
• Écaille #11
• Ice #12
• Green Viper #17
• Corallo #23

I know you may think I lost it when I got to Green Viper and Corallo, but you have to see them when applied lightly with an eye shadow brush and patted into the skin - or mixed with other shades in the collection. They are magnificent!

I'll give you an introduction today, but I plan to feature these beautiful colors in greater depth after the predicted rains stop this week. I want you to see some of the combinations that you can create with these gorgeous shadows.

I took my swatch photos in full sun, using a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the shades. They are pigmented, so one swipe was all I needed to show the colors.  Remember that even though they are pigmented, you can apply these colors as sheerly as you wish. I swatched on my arm in numeric order. The first photo directly below shows #3, #4, #6, and #9 from top to bottom. The second shows #10, #11, #12, #17, and #23.

Asphalt, Wood, and Khaki all have a satin finish and will serve as my contouring and emphasis shades. They are typical Giorgio Armani fabric shades - the kind of colors that force you to step back and admire their complexity. Tadzio is the shimmering taupe that I had hoped to see in the Tom Ford summer palette. Tadzio is the real thing, and I think it's drop-dead gorgeous.

From these shades, we more to three more subtle shimmers: Beige Nudo, Écaille, and Ice. Beige Nudo is one of those perfect neutrals we all need. Écaille is a perfect shimmering gunmetal. It's hard to get white right, but Armani did so with Ice. It's pigmented, applies evenly, and brightens the eyes beautifully. Michael and I played with it and decided it's a winner.

Green Viper and Corallo should not be ignored just because they are bright in the compacts, and you should never apply them with a sponge-tipped applicator as I did for these photos. Michael and I were amazed as he applied them on our hands with a brush. The green of Green Viper blends down to an extremely sheer pastel, and the coral shade is peach when applied properly. We both gasped when we looked at the swatch on Michael's hand. No one had tried it before me (we took off the protective covering on the tester). Did they make a mistake!

I will attempt to get the press release to tell you more about these new Eyes to Kill Macro-Color Eyeshadows, and I promise to show you some pretty arm applications later this week. For now, know that your favorite Armani Beauty counter may also have received them. Call or go look!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Liquid Summer Bronzer Broad Spectrum SPF 15

The perfect complement to Giorgio Armani Beauty's new Maestro Fusion Blush, Maestro Liquid Summer Bronzer (#500, $64) creates a 100% natural sun-kissed look with one drop. I had to purchase it. I love everything Giorgio Armani Beauty launches, and I could be called dedicated (devout?) to the company's liquid products.

"Maestro Mediterranea" builds on the revolution led by Maestro Fusion Makeup Complexion Perfector, which launched in 2012. Maestro Color-Fil technology has reinterpreted the alchemy of Maestro Complexion Perfector and adapted it to this new bronzer. Maestro Liquid Summer Bronzer benefits from the unique, lightweight texture that fuses naturally with the skin - as promised.

The secret of this iconic Maestro formula is that no water or white powder is used. Instead, it contains five non-comedogenic oils, including white lotus oil (lotus flowers contain linoleic acid, protein, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B and C), which gradually evaporate upon application and leave you with a “no makeup feel,” somewhat like a stain, but without a drying effect. Its name is perfect because it literally fuses with my skin. The suspension of ultra-fine oil pigments enhances the skin and is enriched with finely milled micro-pearls.

"A concentrate of summer in a single drop. [It's] 100% fake, but looks 100% real. Take a Maestro sun break in the city," said Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist. Liquid Summer Bronzer provides beautiful "tan" color, brightens the skin, and applies weightlessly on the skin - all the while providing broad spectrum SPF 15 protection against the sun's rays.

What I like the most about Liquid Summer Bronzer is the sheer color that can be applied to be just about "anything you want it to be. Mix it with your foundation or moisturizer, and it will give you a touch of sunshine on your skin. Brush it lightly on the high points of your face, and you will achieve a sun-kissed glow without looking "tan." Apply it all over your face and neck and appear to have returned from a trip to the beach.

The color is light and sheer if you go easy on the application or darker if you build the color. The choice is yours. Just remember, it dries very quickly and then lasts all day, so make sure to work quickly when applying it.

I applied my swatch with a sponge-tipped applicator (as unnatural as it gets), and I did not attempt to blend the color. I wanted you to see the pure color - without intervention. I took my photos in full, mid-day sun.

I find the golden bronzer shade to be beautiful on my skin - without a trace of mud. It has a glow, but does not shimmer. That's why it looks so natural when applied "properly." Naturally, you can make it lighter or darker with your application technique. I apply it to my fair skin with a light touch.

Liquid Summer Bronzer and the new Fusion Blushes are available at some Giorgio Armani Beauty counters, such as the one at Saks where I purchased mine, as well as the Armani Beauty Web site. Scheduled to launch this month, they should be available at all Armani counters before April ends.

Photo at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Mediterranea Fusion Blush

Inspired by the intensity of Italian sun, Giorgio Armani Beauty unveils its interpretation of healthy glow makeup. Armani has dedicated all of its expertise in fabrics and face makeup to create a 100% natural sun-kissed look.

For Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist, you need both bronzers and blush to create a beautiful and natural tanned look. Looking sun-kissed doesn't just mean having a warm complexion; it also focuses on highlighting the color of the cheekbones. With Maestro Mediterranea (I have no idea where the "n" went), you can mix, blend, or layer for a custom result.

Maestro Mediterranea builds on the revolution led by Maestro Fusion Makeup Complexion Perfector, which launched in 2012. Maestro Color-Fil technology has reinterpreted the alchemy of Maestro Complexion Perfector and adapted it to blush and bronzer. Maestro Fusion Blush ($52) and Maestro Liquid Summer Bronzer benefit from the unique, lightweight texture that fuses naturally with the skin. Naturally, I had to have them both! Today, I'm featuring the blush, and tomorrow I will move on to the bronzer.

The secret of this iconic Maestro formula is that no water or white powder is used. Instead, it contains five non-comedogenic oils, including white lotus oil (lotus flowers contain linoleic acid, protein, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B and C), which gradually evaporate upon application and leave you with a “no makeup feel,” somewhat like a stain, but without a drying effect. Its name is perfect because it literally fuses with my skin. The suspension of ultra-fine oil pigments enhances the skin and is enriched with finely milled micro-pearls for Liquid Summer Bronzer and essential concentrated pigments for Fusion Blush.

The Fusion Blush comes in three shades: #300, #400 (left above), and #500 (right above). I selected my two colors on the phone - even without pictures. I finally got over to Saks Fifth Avenue at Chevy Chase to pick them up early this weekend. The one that didn't come home with me was #300. If I were not feeling a poverty pinch right now, I would have purchased it too. I told Giannina I could only have two, and she ruled out the apricot-toned #300 as being "the least ideal" for me. Now, though, I have something akin to "non-buyer's remorse." I think #300 would be beautiful on me if it were mixed with any of the other blush shades or the bronzer - especially the bronzer. That's the delicious thing about liquids.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. I applied the Fusion Blushes with a sponge-tipped applicator so I could get even swatches. You would never do that in "real life." Additionally, my swatches are very dark because I did not blend them at all.

I would normally apply Fusion Blush by putting a dot (a little of this highly pigmented formula goes a very long way) from the applicator in my palm, pick it up with a foundation brush, and, working quickly, apply the fluid. It dries very quickly, so you have to work fast. If you are intimidated by that, mix the blush with some moisturizer. That's a good way to soften the color too.

I swatched #400 at the top of my arm, with #500 below. I'll admit they don't look radically different in my photos, but you can see a shade difference in person, particularly when you blend them for a light application. Both are beautiful rose shades; one is described as pink and the other as ruby. I'll assume that #400 is pink and #500 is ruby.

I tried to get photos in different exposures so that you could see the difference on the blog - by the time the photos made their way through several photo "translators."

I wouldn't have missed these new Armani blushes for the world. They are a nice addition to Armani's new Cheek Fabric Sheer Blushes. It's a cheeky season.

These new Fusion Blushes are available at some Giorgio Armani Beauty counters, such as the one at Saks where I purchased mine, as well as the Armani Beauty Web site. Scheduled to launch this month, they should be available at all Armani counters this month.

Photo at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty