Eulogy for a Blush: Giorgio Armani Beauty Sheer Blush #10

No photo of Giorgio Armani's Sheer Blush does it justice. My photo above was taken years ago. I'd go outside and take another now (with a much better camera), but it's dark outside. Called simply Beige by Armani, Sheer Blush #10 is the blush that does it all.

• Despite how it looks in the compact, it works on everyone's skin - from ivory to chocolate.
• It adds color with a radiance that is undeniable.
• It offers a one-size-fits-all blend of pink, gold, and beige with a microshimmer that will never make you look glittery.
• You can apply it softly for an everyday look or more dramatically for a look with more punch.
• I think it's the perfect blush. So do a lot of others.

Here is a photo of my friend Lexi wearing #10 after a "makeover" by Loyd Cassler a few years ago. Does it get prettier? See that blush on Lexi's cheeks? It's perfect.

Legions of women (possibly men too) have succumbed to the lure of #10. That is why I must sorrowfully report that Giorgio Armani Beauty has discontinued it. How on earth do companies make these decisions? This decision was, in my humble opinion, just plain stupid. Along with the demise of Sheer Blush #10, Bronzer #1, another Armani icon, has been discontinued.

Tim Quinn said of #10, "I was thinking that the end of #10 is rather like a classic vintage Hollywood story - gone much too soon and at the height of its career - truly an icon now and will continue to be the inspiration for years to come. The new #10 has all the beauty, talent, and charm, with a touch more advanced formula."

The good news is that I'm telling you this today. There is a good stock of Blush #10 and Sheer Bronzer #1 - the products that converted countless women to Armani Beauty - at store counters. Let the hoarding begin! As soon as I found out about the discontinuation, I bought enough of both to take me to the grave. If you are as much of a fan as I am, place your order quickly. Call your favorite counter and secure your back-ups. Wait too long, and you'll be trolling eBay, paying twice what you might pay today. Trust me; act quickly.

There are replacement products - the new introductions - and they are beautiful. I bought "the new #10" and will show you swatch photos this week. The photo below shows the new Armani powder blushes. It was taken indoors at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase.

While in the store, I also took a photo of the four new bronzers. Ranging from #100 to #400, there is one for every skin tone. I purchased #100.

I am sure I will love the new colors, but just in case you feel like an sinking woman without a life preserver, you too can have a lifetime supply of blush and bronzer in the tried-and-true colors and formulas that I cherish. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty