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
Nancy says
August 7th, 2009 at 5:00 pmmy vote: julie & julia…tell us what you saw, and what you thought, k? 🙂
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:12 pmHi Nancy,
I’ll watch one of ’em today and let you know!
Michelle says
August 7th, 2009 at 5:06 pmI 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 . . .)
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:12 pmHi Michelle,
I’ll always be a MAC girl. 🙂 What are your favorite MAC products?
Glosslizard says
August 7th, 2009 at 5:52 pmI 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! 🙂
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:14 pmHi Glosslizard,
You would so rock this lipstick like nobody’s business. 🙂
How was the movie? Did the imps have fun?
Tiffany says
August 7th, 2009 at 6:20 pmthat 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!
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:16 pmHi Tiffany,
Thanks! 🙂 Yeah, the Armani stuff is really pricey — I wish it would go on sale!
Kate & Zena says
August 7th, 2009 at 6:44 pmI’m loving all the greys and violets this fall! I love both colors. I may just have to get Zena a violet-colored sweater!
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:17 pmHi Kate & Zena,
Oh, how about a violet ribbon?! It would go nicely with her fur.
Amy says
August 7th, 2009 at 7:57 pmI’ve seen both movies and I vote 500 Days of Summer! Love love Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel together.
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:18 pmHi Amy,
Remember JGL from Third Rock From the Sun? 🙂
Shivotra says
August 7th, 2009 at 11:13 pmOH 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.
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:21 pmHi Shivotra,
The lippie is comparable to a Chanel Hydrabases, but is a touch thinner. 🙂
gio says
August 8th, 2009 at 3:42 amI’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 =-.
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:25 pmHi Gio,
I know! I wish they had a little more pigmentation.
Rachel says
August 8th, 2009 at 7:37 amReally like the lipstick. Not sure if it would look too dark on my super-light skin. It looks so good on your skin-tone.
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pmHi Rachel,
Hmm, how about applying it as a light stain?
Karen B says
August 8th, 2009 at 10:18 amThe eyeshadows do nothing for me but wow that lipstick!
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:28 pmHi Karen B,
Yeah, it’s fun! There’s something kinda vampire-y about it that just moves me!
Tavia says
August 8th, 2009 at 10:23 amThe 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 =-.
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:28 pmHi Tavia,
Purples are so much fun. Do you wear the color often?
Marce says
August 8th, 2009 at 10:56 amOh 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) =-.
Karen says
August 8th, 2009 at 12:29 pmHi Marce,
The lipstick is awesome! I hope you give it a go. 🙂
Marisol says
August 8th, 2009 at 1:55 pmI 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 =-.
Kate & Zena says
August 8th, 2009 at 2:29 pmA violet ribbon? Good idea.
Vonvon says
August 8th, 2009 at 6:43 pmOooohhh….i love the eyeshadows!!! My type of color!!! 🙂
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Some Hair Care From Kiehl’s =-.
Sigrid says
August 18th, 2009 at 8:36 amHi 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 ;))!
Karen says
August 18th, 2009 at 9:26 amHi 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…