Yesterday was all about the eyes. I took a little detour from my usual brow maintenance routine to try out the Anastasia Beverly Hills method (they have departments at nearly every Nordstrom – who knew?). Hands down, best brow wax ever, even if it was a little pricey ($30). My brows are perfectly shaped and symmetrical (thank you, stencil method), and I’m feeling very Brooke Shields this week as a result.

Naturally, when I came home, the first thing I wanted to do was continue playing in the beauty aisle, and I just happened to have a few samples from one of my favorite cosmetic lines here waiting for me. And that’s how I spent the afternoon with Giorgio Armani Beauty’s latest and greatest, Eyes to Kill.  It’s this amazing new hybrid powder/cream shadow with intense, multi-toned pigments that are smudge-proof, and wear flawlessly right until you take them off.

{From left: Khaki Pulse, Champagne, Rock Sand}

Most of the colors look like they’re a bit too much in the box, but seeing them on is believing. These rich, saturated hues can be light as a feather if you use a shadow brush and a delicate touch. Or, go full-force with a damp eyeliner brush, and prepare to be dazzled.

For once, I found myself loving the warm, bronzey hues, instead of the pastels I always favor. Khaki Pulse (#6), for example, terrified me in the pot, as I am in no way a fan of warm tones, generally. But I fell in love at first swipe. When you apply it, it becomes this beautiful, tawny bronze that does wonders for bringing out your eye color, whatever it is. Apply a bit to the base of your lid, then try my wet brush/eyeliner trick with the same color – the saturated version turns a rich, earthy brown that’s perfect for lining (or smudging). It’s the ultimate evening look, in 30 seconds flat.

For day, I really wanted to like Champagne (#8) – it’s the color palette I’d naturally gravitate toward. But when I tried it on, I found it a little too “Britney pink” for my taste. Rock Sand (#9), on the other hand, was love at first try. It feels like an eyeshadow version of your favorite bronzer – warm, easy, and just shimmery enough to draw attention, without being too young or too much. It’s going to be my daytime go-to all summer.

These are definitely colors to try on – they’re hard to judge from the pot. But it’s so, so worth your while. Pick up your favorites for $32 each at Giorgo Armani Beauty‘s site, or play with the whole lot at your neighborhood Nordstrom counter.

And, with that, I’m giving myself a long weekend, friends – I hope you can do the same. I’ll see you back here Tuesday!

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