Mr Armani, despite possibly being a space lizard*, makes some of the best eye pencils in the world. The smooth silk eye pencils apply smoothly (the clue is in the name) and are smudgeable, but don't travel, fade and smear after they've set (I love NARS London eye pencil, but I know that I'll end up with it halfway down my cheek by the end of the day when I wear it on my lower lashline).
No 12 is a blackened brown. I wanted a little more definition than a straight brown pencil, but black can sometimes look a bit harsh on me, so this is a very good compromise.
Swatch applied to my hand:
Applied on upper and lower lashline, with Armani Maestro eyeshadow in 22 on my lid and blended into the pencil on my lower lashline too.
I bought both the pencil and the eyeshadow in Selfridges (London) on Monday, and the service at the counter was excellent. I'd recommend the Armani counter if you fear makeovers turning you into a Vegas Showgirl; they've never overcooked me or anyone that I've seen get a makeover at that counter.
*See Facegoop for the origin of this fantastic beauty blog meme http://www.facegoop.com/2010/03/08/armani-sheer-lipstick-review/
Posts
I like a good brown eyeliner it is just enough without screaming eyeliner or I am trying to be a rock chick (even as I type those 2 words I can find myself yearning for my slippers, oh dear!). This looks one of those good browns with no red, I keep hearing good things about GA and there is a counter near me, I need to investigate. Thanks for this. Jan
ReplyDeleteThis sounds perfect. I'm sold on two counts, 1. That it doesn't move around and 2. It's a less harsh alternative to black. The Space Lizard is a very canny operator indeed!
ReplyDeleteThese are among the best pencils in my stash. I have a rich blue, black and white. This is a great color- totally going on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteAs always thanks for the review :O)
Went back to read your link to face goop.... omg! Too funny, the V comment totally got me.
ReplyDeleteha ha ha
Excellent choice - this has been one of my favourite eye pencils for years now!
ReplyDeleteOooh, interesting. It doesn't look that exciting, but sounds like it would the cosmetic equivalent of wearing proper supportive undergarments under a special evening dress. Damn that space lizard. Damn him back to his mothership.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan - yes, it's surprisingly difficult to find brown eyeliners without red in them. This is well worth checking out.
ReplyDeleteHi MB - oh he is. He is a cunning one.
Hi JV - Facegoop is hilarious. Read their Lush post next. :)
Hey Xgirl - you know, I think it was your EMMU review that made me have a look at this colour. I remember you reviewing it. Love these pencils, and this colour is fab.
Hey M - that is exactly what it is. It hides behind the red lipsticks looking dull, but it defines my lashine without screaming eyeliner. Mr Armani has grabbed another little bit of my soul.
I've been wanting to switch from black eyeliner to brown but wonder if it will stand out. I put just enough black on to not look dramatic, but some browns I've used in the past just don't create the crisp edge I want.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions? I want it to look natural, but still outline the shape of my eye, instead of blending in with the shadow.
Hello Jessica. Hmm. I think this sort of colour stands out more than a straight brown, but with any brown tones for eyeliner they do blend more into your lashline than other colours, particularly if you also wear brown eyeshadows.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried gel liners? They give a nice crisp line. I like Bobbi Brown Sepia, or Espresso is good if you want a darker line than Sepia.
The other alternative, if you want something softer than black that still gives a good contrast, is a navy. It stands out more than brown, but it looks softer than brown.
Thank you for visiting my blog :)