Giorgio Armani Sepia Collection + New Beauty and Style Finds

Paradoxically, the past week felt both super long and like a flash.  Late spring marks some major transitions, namely, the impending end of my teaching semester while also signaling the release of a host of new products and collections!  Change is in the air, indeed, and I am excited to share a thorough overview of the gorgeous LE Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2016 Sepia Collection as well as a round of skincare, beauty and style finds that have been punctuating my May.  Grab a coffee or tea and a snack and prepare to scroll…this story covers much ground!

Close up.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Argentina, Sepia and Far Away.

• #203 Sepia: A lush pinky beige taupe that works best on fair to medium skin tones (worn in the images that follow)
• #204 Far Away: A rust brown nude, lovely for medium-tan complexions seeking a neutral option
• #604 Argentina: A rich burgundy wine with major color payoff…I envision this being flattering on all skin tones

From L-R: #203, #204 + #604.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Eye look by *Sisley and *By Terry (specifics + swatches later in this post).

• Black wide leg cropped gaucho pants are comfortable and fresh and look polished with a solid tee shirt and platform sandals.  Some other options include these from Rachel Comey, TIBI and Alice and Olivia.

• This James Perse Tee has a rounded neck and super soft finish that holds up well, even after multiple washings.  I have this particular version in many shades.  Shopbop also has a vast array of options! 

• I purchased the Teva Universal Flatform online, both for my mom (in black) and me (in gold) and couldn’t be more pleased with this impulse buy.  Let me stress that these sandals are EXTREMELY comfortable–cushiony, even–and the platform instantly takes this traditionally “outdoorsy” sandal up a few notches.  I am generally a size 7-7 1/2 and found that the size 7 fits perfectly (with a little room to spare).  I know I’ll be wearing these shoes constantly this summer and cannot recommend them enough.

These TEVAS have straps that fasten with velcro for a customizable fit.

The platform sole is extremely comfortable…like walking on air.

The full look.

Skin saviors.

// SKINCARE Etc. //

• *SK-II Facial Treatment Oil: Ever since hearing of its impending launch, I have been eagerly anticipating this stunning oil.  Infused with famed Pitera, this facial oil drenches skin in immediate hydration and long lasting moisture.  Just a couple of drops are all that is necessary to transform dry skin to a balanced canvas.  A worthy splurge!
• *La Mer The Perfecting Treatment:  I have been applying this weightless gel after cleansing and toning to refine pores and brighten darker areas; consistent usage promises a more radiant visage and my initial experiences (I’ve been testing for a little over a week) seem to support said claims.  Upon application, I notice that my skin looks velvety and more even while signs of fine lines and visible pores are dramatically reduced.  This is the first La Mer product I’ve tried in many years and I couldn’t be more pleased.
• *Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle (also reviewed HERE): Akin to summertime in a resplendent glass bottle, this fragrance evokes a sense of warmth and well-being in a single spritz.
• *Supergoop Shine On Lip Screen: My first experience with Supergoop, I am beyond enchanted with this SPF 50 lip formula.  Worn alone, lips are extra shiny and protected; worn under or over lip pencil or lipstick and the waterproof gloss locks in moisture and color for hours.  I have been using this constantly and know it will continue to be a close companion when summer arrives. 

A new ritual in my life.

Finally, a Pitera-enriched facial oil from SK-II.

• *Surratt Beauty Surreal Real Skin Foundation #9 (also available at Barney’s NY and reviewed HERE):  My love affair with this foundation has not cooled; buildable medium coverage and a lasting, invisible finish make this a permanent fixture in my handbag.  Due to getting some recent springtime sun, I have bumped up to #9 which is a perfect NC 27-30 shade on me.  The olive undertones of this particular shade are simply spot on for my skin. 
• Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003 Nude: As soon as I was able, I ordered this illuminating set from Sephora and love that it is a part of my current collection.  I have been wearing the Nude powder, which translates as an ethereal iridescent pink, nonstop and am impressed by the dual-ended cream highlighter and clear and gleaming balm for skin that looks dewy and healthy rather than oily or greasy.  The set also comes with an adept stippling brush for flawless application.  See below for comparison swatches of both the Nude and Golden options!
• *Surratt Beauty Artistique Highlight Brush: One of my most favorite brushes, this divine, hand-crafted wonder works so well with blush, highlighter and bronzer. 
• *Laura Geller Double Take Baked Versatile Powder in Medium: A recent release from the superb Laura Geller line, this baked foundation is fantastic for settting make up, as a touch up powder mid-day and also as a complete powder foundation, especially when applied with a damp sponge.  The uncented formula makes skin look like porcelain and does a great job of blurring pores without settling into fine lines.  A delightful discovery!

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Face forward.

The Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003 also comes with a high-quality stippling brush (crafted in Japan) for precise application.

Swatches of all 3 Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003 Nude products in direct sunlight.

Comparison swatches of the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003 in both Nude (an iridescent pink) and Golden (a yellow-based gold). Both powders are swatched heavily to showcase undertone.

All about eyes.

• *Sisley Phyto Twist Eye in Copper and Pearl (formula previously reviewed HERE): Incredibly pigmented and waterproof, these retractable shadow sticks glide on the lid and blend like a dream.  Copper is a rich bronze-meets-burgundy and the champagne beige Pearl is an excellent highlight and transition shade. 
• *By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bubble Glow (reviewed HERE): My not-so-secret weapon for looking awake, I wear this pearly pink gem along my lower lash line for instantaneous brightening.
• *MustaeV E55 Secret Eyeshadow Blending Brush: From one of my favorite Korean beauty lines, this splendid shadow brush is soft yet firm and masterfully blends eyeshadow (both cream and powder) to a seamless finish.
• *Tom Ford High Definition Eye Liner in Black (reviewed HERE): This is my daily go-to for my lower waterline.  It stays in place, doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes and punctuates a wash of color in seconds.
• *Surratt Beauty Expressioniste Brow Pomade: The clear formula tames and grooms brows for a full and feathery look that lasts all day.
• *IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara (reviewed HERE): Lush, dark lashes in two coats…so good.

Swatches of By Terry Bubble Glow and Sisley Pearl and Copper in direct sunlight.

Eye essentials.

Lip trio.

• *Supergoop Lip Screen: An excellent shiny base that delivers hydration for hours. 
• *LORAC Alter Ego Lip Liner in Goddess: This purple mauve has a creamy, lasting finish and works extremely well underneath nude lip color. 
• *Sepia Collection Rouge d’Armani Sheer Lipstick: I am loving this pinky nude beige…the taupe undertone is unique and the soft gleam keeps things casual and multi-dimensional.

From Bottom to top: swatches of Supergoop, LORAC Goddess and Armani Sepia in direct sunlight.

LORAC Lip Liner in Goddess…this creamy mauve is unique and lovely under nude lip color.

Last look.