Giorgio Armani – Eyes to Kill Intense ‘Bronze 2012 Color Collection’ Limited Edition (swatches & review)

 

There is a very good reason why Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill shadows have developed such a devoted cult following; they are phenomenal beyond belief, in every sense of the word: colour, pigment, application, and staying power. When the first promotional photos of Armani’s ‘Bronze 2012 Collection’ began circulating, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would pick up these shades, after all, I’ve always wanted to be a mermaid and with hues inspired by these mythical creatures (in my eyes, at least), I simply could not resist.


 

The four limited edition shades that comprise the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense ‘Bronze 2012 Color Collection’, when seen all together, remind me of all the shifting colours found in the sea, from opalescent frothy waves, to the deepest and murkiest depths. According to the company:

“For the first time, Eyes To Kill Intense unveils a pearl blend that radiates four spellbinding colours. Each of the Eyes to Kill Intense – ‘Obsidian Black’, ‘Obsidian Grey’, ‘Écailles’ and ‘Madre Perla’– is based on a revolutionary technology that acts like a kaleidoscope, producing multidimensional colours”

The hybrid formula, which feels like a cross between a cream and powder but actually applies like neither one, is incredibly easy to use. While you can always apply these shades using just a finger, I do prefer the precision and control afforded by a synthetic fibre brush – not to mention how much more hygienic this way is. You can also use a natural bristle brush as well, which will give more of a soft-focused, less defined look; I have found that experimenting with a variety of brushes is the best way to discover the full potential of these unique products.

These ‘silk eye shadows’ feel like they glide along the skin, feather-light and completely weightless; application is so buttery smooth and with basically no fallout whatsoever, and I really love how easy it is to blend the shades if so desired, or even layered to achieve a completely unique and new colour.

For the lightest, most sheerest wash of colour, you should apply these dry; wetting your brush yields not only a deeper tone, but enhances & intensifies all the nuances of each hue. Another impressive feature of the Eyes to Kill range, is their staying power: with a primer underneath, the colour stayed fresh & vibrant long past the 14-hour mark (insane, right?!), and even without a primer, I don’t believe I noticed any significant creasing – at least not before the 10 hour mark.

I should also mention that each 14 g/0.14 oz Eyes to Kill silk eye shadow is made in France and housed in a heavy glass jar (I’m really not a fan of the lightweight plastic containers, especially when paying such a premium price for a product) – a sturdy yet luxurious touch, with the logo silk-screened in silver on the content’s lid.


Look at the pretty boxes tumbled all together!


the sleek glass pots with their elegant embossed silver lettering


each shadow pot comes with its own plastic stopper


complete list of  ingredients on outer packaging



 

#23 Madre Perla (“mother of pearl”) may be the palest and sheerest of the four shades, but after having played with this in several looks, it also bears the distinction of being the most versatile of them all. Interestingly enough, the colours you see in the pot (pink, pearly white, and celadon green) do not translate as such when applied – instead, they combine to create a subtle pearly duo chrome-like effect, shifting gently in various lighting. When worn alone, ‘Madre Perla’ gives an ethereal glow and luminosity to your eyes; layered over deeper colours, it opens up even more possibilities of unearthly new hues.



 

#22 Écailles (“[fish] scales”) is a silken smooth silvery/pale blue colour, that bears an incredibly creamy application and provides a stunning light to the eyes. The pearlescent colours that emanate when it’s worn wet can appear almost prismatic (much like glimmering fish scales do); this is the quintessential summer shade of the four and simply perfect to be worn alone for a quick, fresh look.



 

#21 Obsidian Grey is a rather complex grey hue with a subtle iridescent sheen. There’s a vague mauve undertone in the base colour which takes away any inherent iciness, and instead bears more of a richer and warmer tone. I would have to say that this shade was the smoothest of the four – almost applies itself!



 

#20 Obsidian Black is not only the darkest of the collection, but the only shade which applied a touch patchier than the rest and resulted in the barest amount of fallout. That being said, this absolutely gorgeous colour – the perfect representation of a black pearl – makes for a unique smoky eye, due to the teal reflections in the formula, that definitely keep this shade from looking too harsh.

Note: All of the following swatches are on bare, unprimed skin – applied using a synthetic bristle brush


in sunlight, dry


in sunlight, applied wet


indoors, dry


indoors, applied wet


with flash, dry


with flash, applied wet

 

I was intrigued to see how ‘Madre Perla’ would morph when applied over ‘Obsidian Black’; I did not expect the almost radiant peacock-like hue that emerged, a interestingly murky teal … oddly captivating!


in sunlight


indoors


with flash


 

I initially thought I would pass on ‘Obsidian Grey’, only because I believed it was too close to L’Oréal’s Infallible Colour in ‘Flashback Silver’ (previously reviewed here), but as can be clearly seen, the two have several differences. For one thing, any hint of purple in the Armani lies in flashes perceived in certain lights; otherwise, it stays true to its grey origins. The L’Oréal, however, appears to be the reverse, with silvery/grey flashes against a lavender base colour. The other main difference is in the formula itself; ‘Flashback Silver’s’ more sheer formula needs a few more applications to achieve as deep a tone and results in appearing like a shadowy version against the ultra-silky feel of ‘Obsidian Grey’ – worlds apart.


in sunlight


indoors


with flash

 

Final thoughts: This is a collection that is truly worth having for several reasons: 1) the formula is far superior to that of anything else you will find as far as eye products are concerned, 2) the colours are intricate, complex, richly diverse and totally unique, 3) the lasting power is quite impressive, and 4) the amount per pot is enough that even with daily use, you will be in no fear of running out anytime soon. The part I don’t like? The major difference between Canadian and US prices, with each Eyes to Kill shadow retailing for US $32.00 versus $42.00 Canadian – I just don’t get it. Another issue is availability, especially for Canadians, with Armani Beauty products being sold exclusively at Select Holt Renfrew stores; fortunately, the company’s website does offer international shipping and there are several department store such as Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, that offer shipping to Canada as well – however, I’ve never been a fan of buying cosmetics sight unseen (unless it’s a brand I completely trust), but it’s good to know that that option is available. In the end, all that’s left to say, is that this ‘Eyes to Kill Intense Bronze 2012 Color Collection’ was definitely made to bring out your inner circe!


Category : Eye Shadow, Eyes to Kill, Giorgio Armani Beauty
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