Day 18: Armani Lippies

by Koneko

Back in Y2K, Giorgio Armani worked with Pat McGrath to create a cosmetics line based on “Micro-Fil Technology.” This research was supposedly originally developed for the textile industry. However, it was destined to be a beauty industry innovation. There are somewhat vague descriptions of how Micro-Fil works. There are descriptions of hollow spheres and pearls which give products a "slip" and wonderful pigmentation. The end result? Micro-Fil products create a weightless veil of make-up, which can be layered, for a seamless finish.

This weightless quality is exactly why I adore Armani cosmetics, and in particular their lip products. First, lipsticks. The texture is smooth, never sticky, and never drying. They just glide on with ease. Other bonus points: no scent or taste. The lipsticks come in “Sheer, Shine, and ArmaniSilk” formulations. There are seasonal limited editions as well (often with different packaging.) I have a predilection for the Sheers and ArmaniSilks. The Sheers have a sleep feel, and the color can build w/ application. They come in a fairly wide range of colors. My all-time favorite is #10. It’s a rose, w/ mauvy-brown undertones. I keep one in my desk at work at all times!

The ArmaniSilks are a little heavier, but still lightweight. They have a bit more pigmentation and depth to them and contain “Micro Silk powders.” The lustrous finish compares to the complexity of woven silk. The ArmaniSilk Collections has included the Reds and now the Caffe Collection.

The Armani lip glosses are also not to be missed. They come in two formulations: Lip Shimmers and Midnight Lip Shimmers. They are the non-sticky, lightweight glosses, and they come in such wonderful colors. They also give decent pigmentation. They are not at all drying, and feel comfortable on the lips. The Shimmers are a bit lighter in consistency than the Midnight Shimmers. They have a more refined “grain” to them. In some cases, the shimmer is so fine it is more like an iridescence or glow. There is a 3 dimensional feel to the glosses. The Midnight Shimmers pack more of a punch. They have a starry quality. Although it looks glittery, there is no gritty feel! They go on smoothly, without any tacky feel. The Midnight Shimmers have “doe-foot” sponge applicators, while the Lip Shimmers have brush applicators (which I prefer!) There are fewer shades in the Midnight Shimmer Collection. Both types layer wonderfully over lipsticks without feeling heavy too. I guess that goes with the whole Micro-Fil philosophy!

The Lip collection has just introduced Lip Wax. It's supposed to give a sort of stain to lips... good color saturation with very little product. I think it's supposed to be lightest of all the formulations. I have been eyeing this product, but haven't yet tried it... I've never done well with stains. But I guess if anyone is going to do justice to a lipstain, it's going to be Armani!