Giorgio Armani Beauty Gloss d'Armani Downtown Collection for Fall 2011 - AKA Armani Hollywood Ambers

From Giorgio Armani Beauty, the Gloss d'Armani Downtown Collection for Fall 2011 ($28) arrived at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. The colors in this collection are also referenced as Armani's Hollywood Ambers Collection. It seems that the United States and Europe have given these lovelies different collection names.

Now available in three limited-edition autumnal shades that cling to the curve of the lips, the glamorous, flattering signature Armani hues range from amber to burgundy-cut mahogany-wine. They offer concentrated high-definition color, fusing shine, comfort, and lasting color. You can see all three of the latest colors at this Giorgio Armani Beauty link. Just select a shade, and the tube for that shade will appear.

I purchased two of the new shades when the "for-sale" units arrived at Neiman Marcus. The testers had come in first, tempting us mercilessly. Two of the shades were naturals for my tastes: Pink #507 and Plum #605. I might still buy the third, but I'm saving some money for the stunning Holiday Collection. I'm sure you'll have no trouble figuring out what's what in my photos. Erin Vega, Armani Product Specialist, and I played with all the new colors, and we both loved these. I'll have new Rouge d'Armani photos to show you later tonight or tomorrow.

These new shades, like other Gloss d'Armani shades, intrigue me because the color in the tube isn't necessarily the color you will see on your skin or lips. They must be tested! Once you test, you'll have trouble selecting only one shade.

Look at my swatch photos, and you will understand why. How could I select Plum #605, a perfect shade for fall, without also taking home Pink #507, a perfect shade for any time of year? I don't even have to describe these shades; the photos speak for them. They are both gorgeous additions to my expanding Gloss d'Armani collection.

Gloss d'Armani's exclusive Color-Fil Shine technology allows the texture of Gloss d’Armani to be compared to a weave that gently and lastingly adorns the lips. The secret ingredient, the Color Bond Polymer already found at the heart of Rouge d’Armani, has the ability to form a supple mesh that traps pigments and pearlescent particles. Thanks to its translucent formula base, the texture gives "full expression" to color.

Mirror oils (I have no idea what they are) increase its shine, while silicon oil leaves it silky-smooth and non-sticky. Armani claims the comfortable, stay-fast color is like a second skin. I know some women, particularly those who lived in Armani's Lip Shimmers, find these glosses a bit heavy, but that's often what it takes to get the last. I got used to the feel and find it comfortable. The company says the color remains true for eight hours without fading or migrating. I don't get eight hours out of any lip product, but I get two to three from these, depending on what I'm doing. Eating is a problem, and I like to eat.

Gloss d’Armani’s flexible velvet applicator adds volume and defines contours instantly and effortlessly, with an expert touch. It is bent at an angle to the wand, easing application. You can see that in my photo of the tube and wand of Plum #605 above.

Giorgio Armani Beauty's Madre Perla Holiday Collection, which many of us are eagerly awaiting, will arrive at stores in November. The Hollywood Ambers (or Downtown Collection, whichever you prefer) will keep us happy this month. These new Gloss d'Armani shades are available online at Giorgio Armani Beauty and at Armani counters and boutiques.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty