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| Above: The streamlined Giorgio Armani blush and bronzer compacts…endlessly beautiful and decidedly not resistant to smudges. |
In college, Giorgio Armani was one of the first high end cosmetic lines that I pursued. The sleek packaging, innovative formulas and opportunity to own something from a designer that would otherwise be out of reach if it was a garment, rather than a foundation, collectively made Giorgio Armani Beauty a thrilling quest.
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| Above: Sheer Bronzer #1 is the quintessential bronze for all skin tones. |
With the debut of the new Armani Beauty bronzers and blushes for Spring 2014 came the deflating announcement that two of my long-time favorites, the Sheer Bronzer #1 and Sheer Blush #10 would be discontinued. This inexplicable reality came as quite a surprise as these formulas are impeccable and have topped many a beauty blogger’s “best” list for over a decade. Resolute with the intention to be proactive, I hurriedly ordered backups of both shades (fortunately, there is still a decent amount of stock at most Armani Beauty retailers) and have decided to pay tribute to these lovely shades in this post.
Kindly scroll on for details, images and the Bottom Line…
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| Above: Sheer Bronzer #1…a true brown without the slightest bit of orange; this makes for the most believable contour and tan effect. |
The Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer #1 is exquisite. Pigmented, buildable, this authentic brown powder melds with the skin, adding instant bone structure and warmth. It has a satin finish that lends a subtle glow to the skin without ever looking shimmery or oxidizing to an unflattering orange tone. Sophisticated and chic, this bronzer lasts for hours and looks good on everyone…the fact that it lacks fragrance and plays well with sensitive skin furthers its priceless nature. In my opinion, it is the original contouring product since the neutral brown tan creates immediate depth along the cheekbones…add a bit more and the bronzer effect becomes more apparent. I beseech you to get it while you still can.
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| Above: Sheer Blush #10 looks light in the pan, but transforms into a gorgeously flushed shade. |
One of the most mysterious qualities of the Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush 10 is its ability to go from appearing like a conventional pale pink in the pan to the most stunningly believable flush on the cheeks; I am always bemused by the transformation. With just the slightest bit of radiance, I must use a light hand with this pigmented wonder. One sweep across the apples of my cheeks and I am left with a fresh, “just pinched” look that delicately brightens the face. My mom and I just had a conversation about the prowess of this shade…she said, “Rachel, this blush looks like it would do very little on the skin but once I put it on, I am floored by how it gives me natural-looking rosy cheeks!” She speaks the truth. I am in earnest when I say that this blush must be tried in order to be believed…it is that good.
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| Above: Swatches of #10 and #1 in direct sunlight. The blush is a stunning peachy pink that can even pull mauve on some skin tones and the bronzer speaks for itself…brown with the most magnificent warm undertone. |
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| Above: Sheer Blush #10 and Bronzer #1, resplendent in the sunshine. |
Below: Images of Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer #1 (as a contour) and Sheer Blush #10 (for a subtle pop of color) on the cheeks…
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| Above: In addition to the Armani Sheer Bronzer #1 and Sheer Blush #10, I am wearing one of my favorite Surratt Beauty Lipsticks in the world…Fee Soie. |
Bottom Line: Beauty lovers intuitively understand the anguish that occurs when a favorite product is discontinued…it is for this reason that I lament the loss of two Giorgio Armani Beauty classics (and just may place yet another backup order!). Sheer Bronzer #1 and Sheer Blush #10, you shall be duly missed.
Good things ahead on the blog this week including my recap of The Makeup Show LA, new Chantecaille lip color for spring, the recently-released Jouer Anti-Aging Primer, fresh foundation swatches, By Terry Spring 2014 closeups, additional recent beauty event coverage and, dare I say it, a video or two ; )
xoxo and happy Monday,
–The Beauty Professor
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Comments (8)
Hello Beauty Professor!!
I'm a huge fan and new follower to your lovely blog. We have such similar tastes and levels of critique. I've been on a perpetual hunt for foundations since I wore Clinique's super balanced foundation during my high-school years…..in the 80's. I have purchased many items you've featured……Armour gloss, Lime Crime lipsticks, Nude ProGenuis Face Oil, Surratt Autographique liquid eyeliner and love them all!! The Nude oil is the first one that doesn't break out my hyper-sensitive skin. Anyway, I love light colored lips also…..but I have very pigmented red lips and the light colors seem to disappear on my lips. Do you prime your lips with foundation or concealer? Your light colors always show up so nice
Hello…thank you so much!
I am thrilled that you enjoy my blog and that my recommendations have been helpful for you! All of the products you mention are still a part of my regular routine ; ) With regards to your question, no, aside from a lip balm du jour, I I don't usually prime my lips with anything special. They are fairly pigmented on their own, but I think that's why I tend to embrace ultra-pigmented lip color! Perhaps you want to try a light layer of foundation? Texturally, I prefer that to concealer since it allows the lip color's texture to remain intact!
Hope that helps…xoxo and keep in touch!
–The Beauty Professor
Awww…too sad to hear that they are no longer. They seem like great products. It looks great on you too. Why are they discontinued?
Hi Julie,
I agree…I hate when incredible products get discontinued! They have been replaced with a new collection of bronzers and blushes in the Armani line; these products haven't been updated in years (no need!) but I guess they thought it was finally time : (
Thanks for your kind words!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I just ordered a back up of the #10 blush, and I never get backups of anything. This shade just looks lovely with my NW20 skin tone. Thanks for the heads up about it being discontinued. The "Best things in beauty" blog also said it was one of her favorite blushes. I was wondering with regard to contour products, what do you prefer, the Daniel Sandler product, the Kevin Aucoin, or the Tom Ford? Which one would be better for my skin tone? Thanks for the post. Beth
Hi Beth,
Yes, the #10 blush is exquisite and tends to be amazing with so many different skin tones! Glad you were able to get a back up. In terms of contour, I love the Tom Ford (to apply at home) and the Daniel Sandler (to apply on the go). The TF cream formula takes a bit of blending but once it is applied, it lasts all day. The Daniel Sandler is better when you have less time since it doesn't require as much blending and precision. Both are good shades for your skintone!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Is there an Armani shade that is comparable to the Sheer blush 10? I am dying. Love your blog!
Hi Anon,
I would recommend the new Armani Cheek Fabric powder blush in #503 Daybreak!
I hope that helps and thanks for the kind words…xx,
–The Beauty Professor