Magnetic Attraction

Let me begin this review by saying that the new Giorgio Armani Lip Magnets are on a different level to any lip product I've ever tried. The Lip Magnets have been inspired by two iconic Giorgio Armani products: Maestro Fusion Makeup and Lip Maestro velvet lipcolour.  

The Lip Magnets are described as a second-skin matte colour because their finish is four times thinner than that of your average liquid lipstick. Armani are proud to have created the first inverted emulsion in a lipstick. Water, pigment and fine oils are combined, the water gradually evaporates from the lips so that the oil and pigment fuse to give a highly concentrated lip colour that is long lasting, hydrating and comfortable on the lips. In other words, this is a very technologically advanced lip colour. 

I attended a press preview of some of the new Winter launches for Armani and when I first saw these I thought they were nail polishes. The packaging is actually inspired by fragrance vials, it's sleek and durable and I love that Armani uses red instead of the usual black or gold. The calligraphic applicator is another innovation, I was surprised at how the shape allows for such definition. International Face Designer for Armani Laura D'Ambrosio went through the products with us and she explained that the shape of the applicator negates the need to use a separate lip liner as you can achieve such precision with the diamond shaped wand. You can overdraw your lips and not worry about feathering so those liner lovers needn't worry.

I love that I can layer the product and it doesn't build up and crack, instead it dries down to a satin matte finish. I probably have about three layers in the photos below and it looks perfect. The scent is inoffensive so if you're sensitive to scented beauty products I can't see that being an issue. They are supposed to last up to 8 hours and I found that they really do last well even with eating and drinking it stayed in place. The great thing is that because the formula is so thin you can continue to reapply if there is a need to throughout the day. 

I was given the shade 403 Vibrato which is a deep brick red and the perfect Autumnal shade. It's not too dark so I think it would suit a variety of skin tones. It looks beautiful with a minimal face of make up but I really loved it how I wore it in these photos, pared with the shade Garnet from my LORAC PRO eyeshadow palette. I'm very excited to wear this lots throughout Autumn and Winter. I just need to decide which shade I want to get next.

There are 18 shades available in reds, pinks, plums, corals and nudes. They retail for €29 which I think is very reasonable considering the likes of Charlotte Tilbury and NARS are €30 and this lasted a lot longer than some of my Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks which usually require a lip liner to get the equivalent lasting time.

They are available from Brown Thomas instore and online. If you're in the market for a new lip colour I highly recommend taking a look at these in person. As a lipstick fanatic I can honestly say these are some of the best lip products I have ever tried in my life.

Have you tried anything from Giorgio Armani Beauty? What's your current favourite lip product.

Emma x

Underneath The Power Lines Seeking Shade

I don't tend to buy into many trends as I find it's not very cost effective and I prefer to invest in pieces I know will last from season to season. However the metallic pleated skirt trend that's been around for the past few seasons is one I knew straight away I wanted to try out. I'm a big fan of skirts in general and although pleats can be unflattering, I wanted to try it myself so I got this very inexpensive one from Zara a few weeks ago. 

I wanted to dress the skirt down and I love how these skirts look with oversized knitwear so I thought this burgundy jumper from H&M would be perfect with the gunmetal colour of the skirt. The weather is starting to get cold so I brought my Archive by Alexa trench coat out again and I've been wearing it non stop for the past couple of weeks. I'm already excited for the new Archive by Alexa collection that's launching in early November.

Coat- Marks and Spencer (similar here, here and here)
Jumper- H&M
Skirt- Zara
Bag- Zara (similar here and here)
Boots- ASOS (similar here, here and here)
Socks- Topshop (similar here)
Sunglasses- ASOS (similar here, here and here)
Necklace- Stella & Dot
Lipstick- Armani Lip Magnet in Vibrato 403

Patent shoes are another trend I've been loving, I got these ASOS boots last year and I'm so glad I did because I wear them so much in the colder weather when I need to look a bit dressier. I'm on the lookout for another pair with a higher heel, I have my eye on these ones from New Look.

My Bespoke Stella and Dot necklace has barely come off my neck too, every time I wear it someone compliments it. I'm looking forward to getting another piece from their Bespoke collection and perhaps some Christmas presents too as I think they make gorgeous gifts.

I'm wearing one of the new Armani Lip Magnets on my lips and I'm crazy about the shade and formula. I attended a masterclass by one of the Armani makeup artists a couple of weeks ago and I've been trying out a few of their new products. So keep an eye out for lots of exciting beauty reviews in the coming weeks.

What trends have you bought into for Autumn? What's on your Winter wishlist?

Emma x

Armani Eye Tints

These Armani Eye Tints are my first venture into the Giorgio Armani beauty range, for shame! After trying these just once I could already see why people rave about Armani Beauty. The products are such beautiful quality.

The Eye Tints come in 12 shades ranging from pale neutrals to vibrant greens and dark blues, there is something for everyone. I have never tried an eye colour like these before. The innovative formula uses a unique water/pigment suspension which means that the fine pearl pigment is dispersed evenly across the eyelids and stays put for up to 16 hours without creasing or smudging. 

 

I was sent two shades from the new Eye Tint range, Cold Copper and Rose Ashes. As you can see from the swatches below, Cold Copper is a champagne gold shade while Rose Ashes is a dusky pale pink shade.

Rose Ashes, Cold Copper

These are the perfect everyday eye make up shades because they are so easy to wear. I use the applicator to apply the product to my eyelids and blend it out with a fluffy blending brush, I'm sure you could use fingers to blend if you prefer. I've worn the shades alone and with brown eye liner smudged at the lash line or with black liquid liner as you can see below. You can also use one wash of colour or blend it out and layer up the product so that you get a more intense colour pay off. I'd imagine this would be great for the darker shades and because the formula is so lightweight it doesn't feel like you have lots of product on your eyelids. 

You can see above the fine pearlised pigment which looks stunning on the eyes, especially when it catches the light. 

I love the sleek packaging of the Eye Tints, I like that you can see the product in the tube. It's sturdy and hard wearing which makes them great for when you're travelling. I love the applicator as I find it gives a precise amount of product and makes it so easy to apply the Tints to my eyelids. You could also take a fine liner brush and use it as eye liner. 

Cold Copper, Rose Ashes




Cold Copper with brown liner




Rose Ashes with brown liner




Rose Ashes with liquid liner in direct daylight

I've been wearing these on an almost daily basis since I got them because I find them so handy for my morning make up routine when I don't have that much time to get ready but I still want to look like I've made an effort with my make up. Both of these shades look great with a bit of eye liner to define the lash line and then a bright lip shade. The lasting power is incredible too, you don't need to use any primer as they last all day (and night) without an sign of creasing which I find to be a huge bonus. I feel like these could be the perfect eye product for the warmer Summer months when you want to wear make up but don't want to worry about it smudging and melting from your face. 

There are some gorgeous shades I'd be interested in trying like Shadow, Senso, Green Iron and Emeraude. I definitely want to add some more of these to my collection. The Eye Tints are priced at €32 and are available in Ireland from Brown Thomas. I really think you get value for your money as the quality is second to none and to me it's such a unique product. 

What do you think? Have you tried these yet?

Emma