Monday, February 18, 2013

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Shimmer 4-Color Eyeshadow Palette in #11

I still find it curious that the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site and Neiman Marcus call Armani's four new palettes, Eyes to Kill Shimmer 4-Color Eye Shadow Palettes ($59), since the box and the palette itself mention nothing about shimmer. I'm still confused by the name, and I think others who aren't forewarned may also be confused. Two shades in each quad definitely offer shimmer. Two don't.

The four new Eyes to Kill Quad Shimmers are said to feature iridescent, eye-catching colors with electric shine and shimmer. "Irresistible with its extremely soft, sensory appeal, the eye shadow arms the eyes with a flawless weapon all day long." However you describe them, the four new quads are fabulous. You can read more about the four palettes here.

Today, let's look at #11, called Mystery online (it only has a name online). I took my photos in full, glorious, morning sunshine. I swatched, as I always do, with a sponge-tipped applicator and applied the shades heavily. I applied the four shades, starting at the top of the palette, at the top of my arm, and moving down.

I'm sure Mr. Armani (or Linda Cantello) was thinking about me when #11 was designed. These colors are absolutely perfect in my eyes - and on my eyes. My swatches are heavy, but I'm sure you can imagine how each neutral tone would provide the perfect daytime look when applied lightly with a brush and blended together into a perfect taupe watercolor.

The top shade, taupe with a touch of grey, will put all the emphasis on your eyes. It's one of those colors that's bound to look good on almost everyone. The next shade down is a hybrid of ivory, beige, and gold. It offers a subtle shimmer and serves as the perfect base or highlighting shade for the other three.

The third shade, shimmering taupe, is so pretty, I need a vat of it. I really wish Giorgio Armani would introduce these shades as single/mono eye shadows. Some of them are too perfect to be limited to palettes. What more can I say than "perfect"?

The bottom, greyed brown is a great liner or accent shade for the crease and outer V. Applied lightly, it adds depth and definition.

This Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Quad Shimmer 4-Color Eyeshadow Palette in #11 is magnificent - one of the prettiest neutral quads I own. It will take a place of honor with the shadows I keep in my bathroom, right at hand for frequent use.

You can purchase three of the four shades at the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site. You can find all four at Neiman Marcus (click on the Neiman Marcus link to see all four palettes). One or two would be a great addition to your Beauty Event purchase. If they aren't at your favorite Armani counter now, I'm sure that they will arrive soon.

I have one more to show you: #10. It is composed with warn flesh peach tones and is a stunner. I will definitely feature it within the next day.

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

24 comments:

Virginie said...

Ohhh!! This is just fabulous!!! No words for it! I got my no 8 already, thanks to you!!!
How can I keep up with all these wonders??? Sigh...
And congrats to the winners BTW!!! Those were little jewels!

Eileen said...

What a phenomenal set of neutrals--cool with a hint of warmth; some shimmer, some satin; and so beautifully coordinated. How could any neutral lover resist? I adore palettes like this is be used on their own or to add structure to other shadows that I own. I've been thinking about replacing my long gone Lancôme Taupe Craze. This Armani just might be the one :-) I'm going into the Valley on Wednesday and my list of things to check at Neiman's is getting longer and longer with every one of your posts!

Walls said...

This palette is gorgeous! In photographs, the quad looks a bit ho-hum, but the hues come alive when swatched. How do you rate the application and longevity of Armani shadows, CG? I haven't yet tried one of his eyeshadows. Thanks and enjoy the holiday.

Linda said...

Oh my... be still, my taupe-loving heart! I've been doing a pretty good job hanging onto my unofficial makeup "ban" (no real buying restrictions, but I'm making an effort to hit pan on at least ONE eyeshadow in my lifetime before I buy another), but this gorgeous palette + the NM beauty event could be the thing to break me.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Virginie,

This palette is must-have makeup. Not flashy, but so gorgeously practical!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen,

Would be fun to tag along with you on Wednesday. I'll be hitting the stores here, pre-buying (judiciously, I hope).

Charlestongirl said...

It's true, Walls. One might be led to think "ho-hum" from a palette photo. It's so not ho-hum.

Charlestongirl said...

Linda,

If there were ever a reason to break the ban, this is it!

Virginie said...

You said it!! It's a must have!!!! ;-)

Mel said...

Oh no! I'm going to be broke... But it's so worth it.

Charlestongirl said...

Well, Mel, join the rest of us. Broke but looking good. :)

Becca @ The Beauty Sample said...

I'm dying over here--taupe-lover's dream indeed! I KNEW Mystery would be a winner! I need to go grab these ASAP! Are these available at counters already, CG?

Charlestongirl said...

They are at my NM, Becca.

lola seicento said...

OMG, Charleston Girl- this is taupe paradise!!! Thank you for your excellent swatches and lovely review! I agree with Becca, I must have this in my life!! Hi Eileen!! It was so lovely meeting you at the Burberry Counter at the Topanga Nordstrom the other day! :-)

Sherry B. said...

This palette is utter perfection! I think I could be happy wearing these shades alone for the rest of my life! Thank you so much for showing it to us, CG; your taste is, as always, impeccable.

Anonymous said...

I've been looking for a neutral - didn't know whether I wanted a brown or taupe...I think you've helped me make up my mind. Thanks so much! This is lovely. Charlotte M.

Eileen said...

Oh, Charlestongirl! I just read your response to my previous comment. I'm afraid if we went to Neiman's together, we'd get into terrible mischief :-D

Eileen said...

Hi Lola,

It was a surprise and a delight to meet you, too. What nicer way to become acquainted than while oohing and aaahing over pretties at the Burberry counter :-)

Charlestongirl said...

Lola,

You are so lucky to have met up with Eileen! Jealous!

Charlestongirl said...

Sherry,

I agree, Check out #10 too (featured Tuesday). It's the perfect pair with #11!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Charlotte,

You just can't go wrong with this palette. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Laughing, Eileen. We could bring a whole department to a stop.

BeautyTraveler said...

This looks so similar to one of the other palettes released last year..forgot the number but I have it.

Victoria said...

Oh, this palette looks gorgeous!!! I am a brown smokey eye girl (well woman) and am a sucker for any new brown eye shadow. A girl can never have too many browns, now can she?