Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Macro-Color 09 Tadzio

If there is one shade I just can't get enough of in my stash of eyeshadows, it would be the color taupe, defined as a "gray with a tinge of brown." Personally, I think it's a chameleon of a shade, especially given the different undertones. Either way, I feel the need to own every single taupe shadow ever released, whether it be cool-toned, warm-toned, neutral-toned, what have you.

*cues entrance music to my latest addition*... Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Macro-Color in #9 Tadzio!

I don't know what Armani did with this new and permanent ETK formula, but it takes the word 'buttery' to a whole new level. It is noticeably creamy, smooth, and pigmented upon first application but without the fallout that goes along with such textured eyeshadows from other lines.

What I love so much about this eyeshadow (apart from the reasons I listed previously) is how fool-proof Tadzio is for those mornings when I need to be out of the house in less than five minutes. With the shimmery, metallic taupe padded onto my lids and blended into my crease, it looked like I had actually put some effort into my eye look by at least incorporating three shadows.

At first glance, it did look like a shadow I had multiple dupes of in my collection. However, I am pleased to say that it is unique in its own ways. While some seemingly neutral-toned taupes actually pull warmer or cooler on the lids/skin, Tadzio stays true to its neutral-toned nature. I have also pulled out some taupes for comparison purposes. As you can see, Cargo Yukon and Chanel Gri Gri both lean cooler, whereas the slightly purplish undertones show through with Inglot 402 and MAC Satin Taupe.

If you are just as big of a taupe fan as I am, Tadzio is a definite must! From the shade to the packaging, I do think that Armani really outdid itself with its new release of eyeshadow singles. The eyeshadows are practically packaged as mini versions of the limited edition highlighters and the cheek fabric blushers. Beyond adorable, if you ask me!

Each eyeshadow runs $32/pop wherever Armani makeup is sold, which is quite the investment -- especially for a single containing 0.14 oz of product. However, if you are a firm believer of quality taking precedence over quantity, I cannot stress giving Tadzio (or any other shades from this range, actually) a go. I promise you won't be disappointed with whichever shade(s) you decide on!

Giorgio Armani Belladonna Palette - Highlight

Aside from palettes, a good highlighter is my second biggest weakness. Forget the fact that I probably own multiple highlighters that are practically exact dupes of each other, I still cherish them all equally. It is rare for me to go a day (when wearing makeup) without adding some glow to the top of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, my cupid's bow, and my chin. It is even more rare for me to be able to find a highlighter that serves all said purposes and acts as good eyeshadow when sweeped across the lids. Say 'Hello' to the latest highlighter addition to my collection: Giorgio Armani's Belladonna. A beauty indeed!

At $88, I would be lying if I were to say I had no reservations whatsoever when placing my order. I actually waited several weeks after the product launched before biting the bullet and, boy, was I glad I did. Belladonna is a stunner! Armani had referred to this as a "universal" highlighter, and I could see why. It gives a soft peachy-beige illumination that suits both warm and cool-toned folks. With one sweep of a brush, it gives a subtle glow. However, when built up to three sweeps, it can get quite frosty but never looking over the top.

What sets Belladonna apart from the other highlighters in my collection is how versatile it is. On days when I'm running late, I would quickly sweep the product over my eyes and just apply mascara, and it manages to somehow still give me a polished, wide-awake look. That is definitely something I cannot pull off with all highlighters, as they can make one look rather garish very quickly. The lasting power on the eyes is just as impressive as it is on the cheeks -- a solid ten hours with no signs of fading! Might I also add that the texture is unbelievable! It is buttery and incredibly finely-milled to the touch, and it simply glides on the face when applied with minimal effort.

The compact itself is plastic and a tad bulky for just a highlighter (as opposed to the same packaging which contained previous Armani face and eye palettes.) The bottom tier houses a brush that is a-okay, in my opinion. I still prefer the face brushes that usually come with Chanel and Dior products over the one that comes with Belladonna. For the hefty price, I expected a softer and fluffier brush, but it is still convenient for touch-ups on the go.

Armani's Belladonna is currently showing availability on Nordstrom.com, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and on the Armani site itself. I know Armani offers 20% off from time to time on its website, but if you don't want to risk Belladonna selling out before then, I would highly suggest checking out the closest department store to you instead. It is one product you do not want to miss out on!