Luxury at its Best: Fragrance, Skincare, and Lippies from ARMANI

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Luxury at its Best: Fragrance, Skincare, and Lippies from ARMANI

Luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance are such delectable and indulgent treats. I have recently started exploring the Giorgio Armani Beauty line and I am so impressed! From fragrance, to skincare, to makeup, these items are the ultimate luxury treats. 

Giorgio Armani beauty has some really impressive recent launches. I had the chance to try out some skincare, fragrance for him and her, and some lip products. Let's dive right in to details about each product. 

Fragrance:

Giorgio Armani | Si Passione Eau de Parfum:

First, lets talk about this gorgeous packaging. The sleek shiny red bottle screams sophistication, passion, and luxury. There is no question that this bottle stands out amongst my sea of clear glass perfume bottles on my vanity. Its elegant, sexy, and sophisticated. 

The scent itself is a modern classic. It is a beautiful scent with notes of rose and woody warm vanilla and pear. The overally effect is super sexy and sophisticated. Vanilla is one of my favorite perfume notes as I tend to gravitate towards more vanilla and gourmand-type scents. So, I anticipate this may become one of my new signature scents! 

Overall, I just love this scent! It is passionate and sexy and will totally evoke those coveted "You smell great, what are you wearing?" type comments. 

Retails from $68-$116 (for 1.0-3.4 fl oz bottles). 

Armani | Code A-List (for Men): 

This is a NEW and Limited Edition twist on the classic Armani Code fragrance. Armani Code A-List adds Bergamot and Green Mandarin notes to the popular Armani Code scent. This scent is strong, mangnetic, and seductive. 

This woody and oriental scent combines bergamot essence and green mandarin with smoky tones of gaïac wood. Plus, layers of lavender heart and the intensity of tonka beans. 

Retails from $68-$82.00 (for 1.7-2.5 oz bottles).

LIP VIBES

(Launched June 2018)

A collection of exceptional new shades were added to the LIP MAESTRO and LIP MAGNET collections. These new LIP VIBES have the modern elegance that characterizes Giorgio Armani cosmetics. There is no question, these are the most beautifully packaged and sophisticated lippies in my makeup collection! These are weightless liquid lipsticks that are smudge-proof and matte. They are so light and completely weightless. Yet, they pack in such vivid color and impact. 

The lip vibes products use a “water in oil” emulsion. This means that the water in the formula gradually evaporates after you apply. This allows a fusing of the oil and pigments which results in a veil of highly-concentrated and extremely long-lasting color.

While I didn't get to try any of the new shades, I did try a few other pretty shades from the collection. I got to try Lip Magnet shades 500 and 506. The Lip Magnet lip shades are so intense! They lay down a second-skin like intense matte color that really lasts. One swipe gives you complete perfect coverage. I am so impressed. These are BEAUTIFUL! The Lip Maestro gives intense velvet color. I got to try out shade 500 in Lip Maestro. 

These lip shades retail for $38.00 each. 

Ecstasy Lacquer Liquid Lipstick:

These gorgeous lippies are liquid lipsticks with the shine of a lacquer and the intense color and hold of a lip stain. Armani's liquid vinyl technology holds a high concentration of water soluable pigments which allows for pure vivid color and amazing long wear. These are available in 24 shades. I got to try out 511, which is a gorgeous soft rosey nude. 

Armani Prima | Contour Perfector Eye & Lip:

This is a fantastic anti-aging product for both eyes and lips. The formula fights fine lines and dark circles in your lip area while also working to prevent feathering of lipstick around your lips into the surrounding area. It creates a more defined lip line. It also works beautifully under highly pigmented concealer. So, it creates a beautiful base for your concealer application to disquise your dark circles. Since dark under eye circles are my #1 beauty compaint, this is an amazing product! Seriously, I need all the help I can get in the under-eye area. This product really helps me to look more rested and awake. 

Retails for $70.00. 

If you are looking to update your fragrance, get bold and sophisticated stand-out lips, or if you are seeking to look more rested and disquise your dark circles, ARMANI has some products just right for you! I absolutely love all of these items that I mentioned. I honestly can't wait to explore the ARMANI beauty line further! 

As always, thanks for reading!

XOXO!!!

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Cover It! Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance See the Light Concealer

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Cover It! Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance See the Light Concealer:

Finding the perfect concealer is a constant search for me. Actually, the discovery of a really great high-coverage concealer is one of the moments that first sparked my interest in makeup all those years ago. 

So, why this interest in concealers? Well, I am plagued with very dark under eye circles. They are so dark that if I walked around without concealer or with an inadequate concealer, I would be constantly asked "are you tired" or "are you sick". Yes, the circles are that dark. I blame heredity, allergies, and a general lack of sleep. While I wish there was a magic "cure" for dark circles, I do realize that the best way to deal with dark circles is with a very good high coverage concealer. 

Over the years I have found a few that are at the top of my list. I try out countless concealers and very few have enough coverage without looking cakey and heavy. So, I get super excited when I find a concealer that meets all of my requirements! I am excited to say that the Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance See the Light Concealer is really good!!! 

Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance See the Light Concealer 

Want to give your skin a lift while concealing dark circles and spots? Mally Beauty's Ultimate Performance See the Light Concealer is the answer. Its color correcting formula evens skin tone while blending seamlessly into the skin. The creamy formula instantly melts, creating a flawless finish in no time. The coverage really is amazing. This concealer hides my very dark under eye circles beautifully without looking at all cakey nor heavy. The shade Fair works really well with my very light skin tone. This concealer wears all day on me. I just love it! It is so rare that I find a concealer that really works to cover my very dark under eye circles...and this one sure does work for that!

The Scoop:

• Retails for $24
• Available in: Fair, Light, Medium, Tan 

Have you tried this concealer? How did it work for you? If you haven't checked it out yet, I highly recommend it! 

As always, thanks so much for reading!

XOXO!!!

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Concealer LOVE: Osmosis Age Defying Treatment Concealer

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The search for a high-coverage concealer that both wears well and covers my super dark under eye circles is quite a difficult quest. Actually, my search for high coverage concealers is one of my interests that sparked my interest in makeup and led me into beauty blogging! 

My Dark Under Eye Circles:

I am plagued with very dark under eye circles. It is the bane of my existance beauty-wise. My dark circles are my "problem area" and are the reason that I am rarely without makeup (at the minimum, I always cover my dark circles! Otherwise, people would ask me all day if I was tired or sick because of the darkness). 

My dark circles are because of heredity, allergies, and general insomnia/lack of sleep. Honestly, there are a few things I can do to help them: drink more water, use a good eye cream, take allergy medicine, and try to get more sleep. However, none of these attempts reduces them very much. The only way for me to get rid of them is to use a high coverage concealer. 

High Coverage concealers: This is a slippery slope. I want the coverage, but don't want to look cakey and un-natural. Honestly, I prefer a natural look. So, ideally, I want my concealer to blend seemlessly into my skin. However, with high coverage often comes a heavier product that can cake and settle into fine lines. What is a girl to do? Sigh!!! 

I do have some long-standing favorites that work well for coverage and wear. With that said, I am always looking for more products and solutions to my dark circle delimma! 

Osmosis Age Defying Treatment Concealer:

This dual ended product is so effective!!! 

Two steps: Hydrate skin with a plumping moisture balm and then camouflage your dark circles with highly pigmented liquid minerals.

An ingenious duo containing both a concealer and a twist up, skin plumping moisture balm, the Osmosis Colour Age Defying Treatment Concealer camouflages and corrects as it smooths fine lines and wrinkles with highly pigmented, buildable coverage.

Full of Argan Oil, Apricot Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E to nurture delicate areas, the moisture balm hydrates and plumps to soften wrinkles around the eye area, mouth and lips. This hydrating balm ensures subsequent makeup does not settle into and accentuate fine lines. Imperfections will diminish as this hydrating balm helps to "fill" lines for a youthful appearance.

With a soft sponge applicator on the other end, the liquid concealer is a non-comedogenic formula that will not clog pores or cause breakouts. It’s rich, intense pigments will easily mask dark circles, pigmentation, redness, and blemishes. Simply pat the formula in and blend with your fingertips to leave skin that looks younger, smooth and without blemish. 

I am so amazed at the performance of this product! For such a thin product, it gives amazing full coverage! The product is so pigmented that you really do not need to use much. This is great because less product means that it looks more natural and less cakey. The coverage is buildable and I was able to effectively cover my very dark under eye circles and eye area redness. I am thrilled with the coverage and the wear. 

This product is available in 4 shades. I found the fair shade to be a very nice match for my fair skin tone. 

Retails for $38.00.

You can find the Osmosis Age Defying Treatment Concealer here.

Do any of you suffer with dark under eye circles? What do you use to cover them (or to treat them skincare-wise). I am always looking to learn more and to discover new products!!! 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO!!!

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VIIcode T2 Oxygen Eye Cream For Dark Circles and Wrinkles

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The Struggle is Real: Fighting Dark Circles and a Tired-Looking Eye Area:

Having Dark Circles under my eyes is my biggest beauty complaint. In fact, the search for solutions for my eye area issues is one of the driving forces behind my blog! I am a skincare lover at heart and I try to seek out products that can help me to look my best. This includes trying to find good eye creams to combat my dark circles, signs of aging, and fatigue. 

Why do I have Dark Circles? I blame heredity, allergies, and general lack of sleep. So, I get the dark purple from heredity and the redness from allergies. When I combine that with intermittent insomnia issues, it compounds the problem! As a Mom of two young kids, I never can seem to catch up on sleep. This is where having a great arsenal of products on hand is key! I need good eye creams and under eye concealer to make me look rested and refreshed. Honestly, if I went without concealer, people might even think I have two black eyes (my circles are that dark!). I need my eye creams to be super rich and hydrating; yet, they need to be nongreasy so that they make a good base for a high-coverage concealer. It is nice when my eye creams can also work a bit to reduce the darknesss! I am not expecting miracles from any eye cream in that department...but, even a slight reduction makes me happy. 

VIIcode T2 Oxygen Eye Cream For Dark Circles and Wrinkles:
Keep the Secret of your age with this "Ageless Mythology":

VIIcode was established by Dr Byrne Victor. He was an experienced dermatologist in the 18th century. Still now, VIIcode is welcomed by European royalty and high-end business people. VIIcode has an interesting inception and one that reads quite like a history or mythology. Apparently the "secret formula" behind VIIcode dates back to the Napoléon era. According to VIIcode, Josephine used an "eternal youth" formula to keep her looking young. The Victor family swore to Josephine that they would keep the formula a secret and the VIIcode formula was born. Mythology aside, this eye cream is quite luxurious and does have some good ingredients to combat signs of fatigue and aging. 

Key Ingredients:

This formula does have some nice ingredients to help my eyes look more refreshed and to diminish my early signs of aging. Ingredients include: Shea Butter, White Tea, Green Tea, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract, Aloe, and Vitamin E.  

The Packaging:

This eye cream comes very cutely packaged! It comes in a little black faux leather drawstring pouch. Inside is tucked a screw-top jar of the VIIcode T2 Oxygen Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Wrinkles. 

How I Use:

During product testing, I used VIIcode T2 Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Wrinkles in the morning and the evening. I just use my finger to apply and I gently tap in the eye cream all around my eye area. 

Product Details and My First Impression Results:

I really enjoy the feeling of applying the VIIcode T2 Eye Cream. The cream itself is thick and rich; yet, it somehow has an airy and almost whipped texture. It is certainly a luxurious feel! The eye cream is so soothing as it goes on. It instantly refreshes my skin and makes my eye area feel very comfortable and hydrated. Another plus? I love how non-greasy this eye cream is! There is absolutely no greasy residue. The eye cream absorbs rather quickly and leaves the area soft and hydrated. The VIIcode T2 Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Wrinkles makes an excellent base for concealer. As ya'll know, this is a requirement for any eye cream that I use: it absolutely must wear well under concealer. I find that after using this eye cream for a couple weeks that my eye area is nicely hydrated, fine lines are smoothed and skin is plumped, and my dark circles are ever-so-slightly less noticeable. I am very pleased with my results. In addition, I really love how this eye cream wears under my concealer. I don't expect any eye cream to obliterate my dark circles. So, I need my eye creams to work well with my high-coverage concealers and this one sure does. In addition, this eye cream is very gentle! I had not issues with irritation nor this eye cream stinging my eyes. 

Overall, I am happy with my results with VIIcode T2 Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Wrinkles. If you are looking for a low-profile luxury eye cream with a unique and interesting history, be sure to check this one out! Yes, this product is pricey at $199 a jar. However, you only need a tiny amount of product for each use as the cream is so concentrated. So, your jar should last you quite awhile. 

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Makeup Wars: Under Eye Secrets!

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It is time for another Makeup Wars! This time the Makeup Wars bloggers are sharing their "secret" weapons for the under eye area.

Makeup Wars: Under Eye Secrets with Hard Candy, It Cosmetics, Kiehl's

My Biggest Beauty Concern: Dark Under Eye Circles:

There is no question, my biggest beauty battle is dealing with my super dark under eye circles. Honestly, finding effective ways to treat and conceal my dark under eye circles is one of the driving forces behind why I became a beauty blogger. I have struggled with this area for my whole life. Year-round allergies, heredity, and general lack of sleep leave my eye area very dark. When I say dark circles, I am talking about deep dark under eye circles that almost look like black eyes. The darkness has a purple tone with the addition of a red look to the entire area from allergies. 

"Regular" concealer just doesn't cut it for me. I need super-duper pigmented concealer to cover up these bad boys. Plus, the area must be super hydrated in order for the concealer to apply well and not look cakey. Not to mention, at just over 40 years old, my eyes are just starting to show signs of aging. I am lucky to not have any major lines or wrinkles yet. However, when my skin is feeling dehydrated, fine lines crop up in my eye area. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, my eye area is extremely sensitive. I need products that are non-irritating to this delicate area. So, not only do I want to cover and detract from the darkness, but also I want to use products that fight signs of aging. This is a tall order!

I am on the constant search for the best products out there to help with my eye area concerns. I am looking for gentle yet effective eye creams and high-coverage concealers. I certainly have some stand-by favorite products. However, I am always open to trying new things and new combinations of eye cream and concealers.

Today I will mention to you some of my all-around favorites as well as some fabulous new products that I am currently using and loving for my eye area! To find out more, please click "read more" below! :) 

Fab Fast Friday: Shiseido's NEW Perfecting Stick Concealer

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It is time for another Fab Fast Friday post! Fab Fast Friday is where I give you the super quick scoop on items that I am really loving lately. Ya'll know that I like to be wordy with my reviews. So, this is your chance to get the Skinny on some really awesome products that I want you to check out!

 

Finding a good concealer can be a challenge. Especially for my skin tone and coverage needs. My skin is super-duper fair (practically porcelain). Many times even the lightest shade in a brand is not light enough. Also, I have very dark under eye circles that require some pretty intense coverage and highly pigmented concealers.

Shiseido's NEW Perfecting Stick Concealer:

This gorgeous NEW concealer from Shiseido accomplishes both high coverage and a well-blended natural look at the same time!

The formula is really inventive! It contains a breakthrough "bind & fix wax" which is a networks structure that binds liquid oil and coverage powder together in a stick form. When you apply, the network deconstructs and distributes the product effortlessly onto the skin while providing phenomenal coverage with a natural look and budge-free wear! I am so impressed!!! I do find that I like wearing this concealer best around my nose area and on my chin as well as to cover any blemishes. While this concealer does fully cover my under eye dark circles, I do feel like I need a more creamy formula for under my eyes...but, for the rest of my face, this concealer is perfect!!!

I am the shade "light #11" which is a beautiful match for my skin tone. This Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer comes in 6 shades total. This concealer retails for $25.00. If you are in need of a fabulous high-coverage, natural looking, and long wearing concealer, be sure to check this one out!!!

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Korres Eye Primer: A primer plus anti-aging ingredients

Hello my dear readers!

I have been testing out a new eye primer: Korres Eye Primer. The timing of this product testing was just perfect! I had just finished a tube of e.l.f.'s Mineral Eye Primer (yay! for using something up!!!). While the e.l.f. primer was pretty good for a $3.00 product, I was eager to try something new...especially a product that touts anti-aging benefits.

My eyes are my "trouble spots". I have very dark circles. I blame lack of sleep, allergies, heredity...and yes, even pregnancy for making my dark circles more prominent. I love testing out any eye product that promises to improve the eye area.

Are ya'll using eye primers already? If so, then you know that, in general, eye primers can improve the surface of the skin for better makeup application. They can make your eye shadows last longer and can make colors appear more vivid. Also, they can smooth out the appearance of any fine lines or wrinkles. While I don't have wrinkles yet, I do get some very faint fine lines when my skin is dehydrated.

For my review on Korres Eye Primer, click on "read more"!

Covering Dark Under-Eye Circles: My Top 5 Concealers:

I am on the constant quest to find the *perfect* under eye concealer. I have terrible dark circles due to my fair skin tone (thin skin?), allergies, heredity, and general lack of sleep (I have to get up *so* early for work). I mean; seriously, without makeup, I look like I have black eyes! I really never leave the house without at least some under eye concealer. Since there is no "miracle cure" for dark circles (although, I sure do try a LOT of eye creams and treatments with hope that something will help), I focus my efforts on finding the best concealer possible.  Most concealers on the mass market just don't provide enough coverage for my dark circles; and, generally drugstore concealers are too dark for my ultra-pale skin. I need to whip out the "big guns" for my uber-dark circles!

Here is what I am looking for in a concealor:

• Opaque coverage (buildable)
• non-cakey
• texture: creamy (but not "too" moist)
• long lasting (needs to not "melt" in the GA heat)

I find that I rotate concealers depending on how much coverage I need on certain days (and how much time I have to get ready in the morning). Sometimes my dark circles are less apparent (when I am getting more sleep and allergies are not being bothered).

So far, here are my front runners (and I do apologize that some are discontinued! So, please help me in my search for more alternatives): Also, note: I listed the colors I use, for very fair skin (for reference, I am a NC 15 in MAC).

• Sheseido Optimal Cover Concealer in C2 Beige Yellow: This one is the best! But, unfortunately discontinued. It is amazing. This product comes in a little jar and is HIGHLY pigmented. A very very TINY amount provides FULL coverage, blends well, and lasts all day without any caking. Also, the color is ideal for dark circles...it is a peach/yellow color that completely neutralizes under-eye darkness. I do not apply this to the whole under eye area...just the areas that are the darkest. So, I layer this over other more sheer concealers (like MAX factor Erase stick in Fair). So, I consider this a 2-step concealer. I believe the testure of this would be too heavy over the whole eye area. But, for those super dark areas...perfect! It took awhile to get the hang of application. If you put too much, it is way too cakey. The key is to apply a SMALL amount. A little goes a LONG way. This was my HG ("Holy Grail") until I found that it was discontinued. I have had my little pot of this product for a long time, and it will likely last for years (I know...I am sure it will eventually go bad, but the product is still working just fine and has shown no signs of "going bad"...I always check it for signs that I need to toss it). If anyone from Shesideo reads this...please bring back this concealer!!!

• NARS stick concealer in Vanilla: This is one that I have repurchased about 5 times. I wish the color was just slightly more peach and the texture just sightly more creamy. But, it does work very well. It is quick and easy to apply this product. And, gives coverage in just one step. Very buildable. Good color for my fair skin. Will likely repurchase yet again. I have also noticed that this concealer wears VERY well in the heat...no melting. Totally covers my circles. 

• MAX Factor Erase stick in Fair: I love this one as it is VERY inexpensive and gives nice (but more sheer that the ones listed above) coverage. The color is slightly peach-ish which works well to counteract the dark circles. I use this when I need lighter coverage...OR when I have time to do my 2-step coverage with this all around the eye and the Shesido just in the super-dark areas. *While adding links to this blog post...I am very happy to discover that Amazon.com sells this concealer!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!! Edit: One of my readers told me this one is no longer sold in US, Europe only; BUT, it is available online (and inexpensive) at Amazon.com and drugstore.com. 

• Benefit Erase Paste: Fair: This is one of my fav "new" concealers that I am trying. So, far...I love it!!! It is a great one-step concealer. I use it in the fair color. As always with BeneFit, it comes very cutely packaged in a little purple jar. This concealer is specifically formulated for the under eye area. It is extremely moist and blendable. Very easy to apply and spread/blend with a concealer brush. It really just melts into your skin. No need to worry about this one settling into any fine lines...the product is so moist. But, you definitely need a setting powder with this otherwise it will not last all day. Coverage is buildable so you can really apply more to those super dark areas. Overall a winner! You get a ton of product so this will last me a LONG time. 

• Amazing cosmetics Amazing concealer in Fair: This one I just recently purchased and have been trying out. It comes in a squeeze tube and is HIGHLY pigmented (the high pigmentation reminds me somewhat of the Sheseido). You only need a very tiny amount for full coverage. Takes some practice to get the application just right (too much would be cakey). With the full coverage, you do sacrifice some spreadability. Therefore, I really recommend using a silicone based primer or silicone based eye cream before applying this product. The silicons will help this blend/melt into your skin. So, that really makes this a 2-step concealer. Very promising as a future HG for me...especially on those days that I really need the heavy coverage. This is for sure the concealer (non-discontinued) that I am the most excited about!

Tips for good concealer application:

• Moisturize eye area first (any eye cream that you like)
• let moisturizer "set in" a few minutes
• Optional: apply a serum to eye area if your skin is extra dry or if you have fine lines (especially if you are applying a very "heavy-duty" concealer like Dermablend or Amazing Cosmetics. I like MAC's mattifying serum
• apply concealer with concealer brush (I use ecotools concealer brush)
• blend out with fingers or cosmetic "wedge" sponge. You dont want your concealer to look cakey and obvious. Blend so it becomes "one" with your skin.
• set with a loose powder (I like Sonia Kashuk transparent loose powder or Benefit Powderflage: FYI review for Powderflage coming soon!)
• pat cosmetic sponge over the concealer +setting powder to keep powder from settling into any fine lines

Concealers I use for other areas of the face:  (just a little bit around my nose area where it can get slightly red): Maybelline Mineral Power concealer in Fair or Bobbi Brown Stick foundation in Porcelain: and FYI: when I am in a hurry I use the Bobbi Brown stick under my eyes too...but, it wont completely cover the circles, but will do in a pinch). I keep the Bobbi Brown Stick in my purse for any touch ups that I might need during the day.

What concealors do you all like? Would love to hear what is working for everyone. Especially those with dark circles. I know that my best friend swears by Dermablend Smooth Indulgence (which I imagine is similar to the Amazing Cosmetics as they are both highly pigmented and in a squeeze tube).

Coming soon:
-BeneFit "review-a-thon"...have quite a few products from this line that I will be reviewing...starting with the Powderflage that I mentioned in this post.

Hope this helps my fellow dark-circle challenged gals out there! Be sure to share your tips in the comments below! :)