Armani Beauty Manta Ray Fall 2009: Like a Gray of Light
Fri, 08/7/2009 by Karen | Posted in: Makeup, Product Reviews
Gray eyeshadows make up the bulk of Armani Beauty’s small new Manta Ray collection. The little eight-piece release of eyeshadow duos, liners and one lonely lipstick probably could have been called Manta Gray if it hadn’t been for the purple, beige and blue included to spice things up.
Gray’s all the rage this fall (Tabs is a big fan), but these desaturated devils aren’t cheap. They range from $25-38 each.
This morning I got to know two of the eight items from the release, Manta Ray Eye Duo No. 5 and Armani Silk Lipstick in 92.
Manta Ray Eye Duo No. 5, $38
What do you think of the pattern on the pan?
Pretty, yah? It practically hypnotized me into submission.
The two colors it comes with, a matte purplish gray and a matte violet powder shadow, apply easily and blend smoothly on the skin.
Manta Ray Duo No. 5 on NC 35 skin
Manta Ray Duo No. 5 on NW 20 skin
Neither shade is the kind of high-impact color libel to slap you upside the head. Both apply with semi-sheer pigmentation that may show bolder on lighter skin (I used four layers for the above swatches).
If you like light touches of color or sheer washes over the entire lid, No. 5 could really be your girl. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
Armani Silk Lipstick in 92, $25
This lippie surprised me; it’s unlike anything else I have in my stash, and wearing it kinda brought out my inner goth.
A creamy plum with hints of grayish blue, the color’s like teenage angst — moody and dramatic.
Considering the overall theme of the collection, the shade surprised me.
It really packs a lot of intensity.
As for the texture — silky smooth — with no scents or flavors to get in the way. Pale beauties with cool undertones should look stunning with it on. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
TGIF
Woot, homies! Actually, I’m so sleepy right now that I can barely muster a lower case wooooot…
At least we made it to Friday, right? Got any plans for tonight?
I’m definitely going to a movie (definitely maybe). Should I see 500 Days of Summer or Julie & Julia? Hmm…
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
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But if they make a corresponding eyeshadow palette I’ll be all...
1. Nancy said, on August 7th, 2009:
my vote: julie & julia…tell us what you saw, and what you thought, k?
2. Michelle said, on August 7th, 2009:
I am loving greys and plums — your blog is making me want to go out and try the high end brands (Chanel, Dior, Armani). I am a huge MAC devotee — but I am loving all of these other gorgeous brands (there goes my wallet . . .)
3. Glosslizard said, on August 7th, 2009:
I really like this collection (although I’ve only seen it online so far) but most of the eye duos have one shade I luuuuuurve and one is kinda *meh*. But, oh! That lippie! Yikes, I am lemming in a major way!!
Hee hee, I’m taking the kids out tonight with Hubby and a buddy to see GI Joe! It’ll be a kick!
4. Tiffany said, on August 7th, 2009:
that lippie looks good on you! I feel like armani stuff is too spendy for me, though. I saw a pre-release showing of julie & julia last week – it was really cute!
5. Kate & Zena said, on August 7th, 2009:
I’m loving all the greys and violets this fall! I love both colors. I may just have to get Zena a violet-colored sweater!
6. Amy said, on August 7th, 2009:
I’ve seen both movies and I vote 500 Days of Summer! Love love Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel together.
7. Shivotra said, on August 7th, 2009:
OH EM GEE
these colors are orgasmic.
LOVE LOVE LOVE
I am kinda broke right now. But love the purples. and also the lipstick. Is it Chanel quality – the lipstick?? I want my mom to try out new brands.
8. gio said, on August 8th, 2009:
I’m loving the purples this fall, it’s one of my fave colors. Those shadows look nice but it’s a shame they are so sheer. The lipstick instead looks gorgeous!
gio’s last blog post… Inside Keisha Buchanan makeup bag
9. Rachel said, on August 8th, 2009:
Really like the lipstick. Not sure if it would look too dark on my super-light skin. It looks so good on your skin-tone.
10. Karen B said, on August 8th, 2009:
The eyeshadows do nothing for me but wow that lipstick!
11. Tavia said, on August 8th, 2009:
The eyeshadow color is just super cute. I love all purple shades but this one really looks cute:)
Tavia’s last blog post… Taming the sun
12. Marce said, on August 8th, 2009:
Oh yeah, am feeling the lipstick! Not too keen on the shadows though, they look bruise-like to me for some reason.
Marce’s last blog post… Look – Join The Navy! (Blue)
13. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Nancy,
I’ll watch one of ‘em today and let you know!
14. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Michelle,
I’ll always be a MAC girl.
What are your favorite MAC products?
15. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Glosslizard,
You would so rock this lipstick like nobody’s business.
How was the movie? Did the imps have fun?
16. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Tiffany,
Thanks!
Yeah, the Armani stuff is really pricey — I wish it would go on sale!
17. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Kate & Zena,
Oh, how about a violet ribbon?! It would go nicely with her fur.
18. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Amy,
Remember JGL from Third Rock From the Sun?
19. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Shivotra,
The lippie is comparable to a Chanel Hydrabases, but is a touch thinner.
20. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Gio,
I know! I wish they had a little more pigmentation.
21. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Rachel,
Hmm, how about applying it as a light stain?
22. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Karen B,
Yeah, it’s fun! There’s something kinda vampire-y about it that just moves me!
23. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Tavia,
Purples are so much fun. Do you wear the color often?
24. Karen said, on August 8th, 2009:
Hi Marce,
The lipstick is awesome! I hope you give it a go.
25. Marisol said, on August 8th, 2009:
I just saw (500) Days of Summer and I really liked it. Going to see J&J tonight. hee hee hee
Marisol’s last blog post… I heart Shu Uemura
26. Kate & Zena said, on August 8th, 2009:
A violet ribbon? Good idea.
27. Vonvon said, on August 8th, 2009:
Oooohhh….i love the eyeshadows!!! My type of color!!!
Vonvon’s last blog post… Some Hair Care From Kiehl’s
28. Sigrid said, on August 18th, 2009:
Hi Karen!
Can you please confirm that your lipstick is actually labeled Nr 92, not 93? I’m asking because I have to order online, and on the Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus websites, the darker/ more chocolatey looking color is listed as 93, and the lighter (mauve?) one as 92. Are their color “swatches” that deceiving and is the “lighter” lipstick in this collection just that dark irl, or is there a mix-up of numbers somewhere? (NM link for your convenience: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod91530067&eItemId=prod91810007&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dmanta%252Bray%2526_requestid%253D3102)
Thank you so much for keeping this blog updated, your posts are not only helpful but great to read (I especially love when Tabs makes an appearance
)!
29. Karen said, on August 18th, 2009:
Hi Sigrid,
Yup, I have my tube in front of me and it’s labeled 92. I’m guessing that something happened on the Neiman’s end. You might want to call the counter to double check before you hit enter though…