The Summer 2013 Face & Eye Palette by Armani ($88 USD), also called the Bronze All-Over Palette, is a double-decker product housed in an oval black compact with a nifty magnetic closure. Armani is forever chic, so it comes as no surprise that this palette managed to capture my heart. The beauty of the bronzer has caused plenty of palpitations since its launch a couple months ago, but product itself performs well. Check out the swatches and bronzer comparisons after the jump!
The first tier is the Sheer Bronzer. I love the glitter overspray, but it can be swept away with a large powder brush if the metallic finish is not to your taste. The true nature of the powder without the overspray is a finely milled glimmering satin, ideal for those with fair to light-medium skin tones. The bronzer has more of a golden peach tone than I generally tend to wear, so I prefer to wear this on the top of my cheeks for a sun-kissed glow. The powder applies smoothly and lasts around 6 to 7 hours on my skin.
Givenchy Poudre Bonne Minne Healthy Glow Powder in 3 Ambre Croisière, a golden tan, is fairly similar. The Armani Sheer Bronzer is slightly more sheer and less orange. It a fabulously flattering, warm bronzy highlighter option on medium tan to deep/dark skin.
NOTE: The bronzer is more true to color in the first set of swatches, taken outdoors without the overspray. The shimmer in the bottom set is more apparent due to the overspray and artificial lighting.
The second tier contains a trio of neutral eyeshadows that is most suitable for outdoor events. The pearly ivory, pink-peach shimmer, and warm chocolate brown create a natural summer eye look that is easy to put together. The shades are noticeably less metallic and in turn, less dramatic, than the colors in my beloved Armani 2011 Mediterranean Summer Heat palette. I find the softer pink-peach in the 2013 Edition creates more of a brightening effect than does the 2011 version, while the ivory has a true silver-based pearl finish instead of a yellow-champagne metallic touch as with the 2011 counterpart. The browns are the most similar, though the 2013 version is a smidgen sheerer and less copper.
NOTE: I have tried the bronzer on the eyes as well, but it is best suited for its intended purposes and is definitely not a replacement for the shimmery apricot gold in the 2011 Heat palette.
You can find this limited edition Armani palette at Nordstrom. And believe it or not, the Armani 2011 Mediterranean Summer Heat Eye Palette is still available through the GA website. I highly recommend both despite their similarities.
See the Summer 2013 palette in action here!
See the Summer 2013 palette in action here!
Bottom Line: I still reach for the older Mediterranean Heat Eye palette first when at home, but the Armani Summer 2013 Palette is a winner and all-around wonderful travel companion.
I was so glad I picked this one up when GA was having their FF sale :)
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