Giorgio Armani Ultimate Eyes to Kill Set; Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive Part 1 of 3

Every July, Nordstrom has their anniversary sale which includes some beauty exclusives.  This time around I purchased a few exclusives and will be posting about each one separately.  For my first installment, I wanted to bring you some information on a set that included some items that I have never tried, the Giorgio Armani Ultimate Eyes to Kill Set (Retail $75; Product Value $110; www.nordstrom.com).

The set includes 3 full-sized products: (1) Eyes to Kill Intense Shadow #28 - Red Platine (4g/0.14 oz; Retail $32) (2) Eyes to Kill Excess Volume Mascara #1 - Black (no weight provided; Retail $30); (3) Waterproof Eye Pencil #1 - Black (120g/0.04 oz; Retail $28); and (4) Acqua di Gioia Rollerball (10 ml/0.34 oz; Retail $20.00); (5) Deluxe Sample Regenessence Eye Rejuvenating Serum (Sample 3 ml/0.1 oz; Full size retail $75 - 0.5 oz) all in a black, zippered barrel cosmetic case with a circular mirror, which conveniently fits in the case's side pocket.  The mirror features the Giorgio Armani logo on the reverse side.

Here are the descriptions of each product as described on the Nordstrom website:


1. Eyes to Kill Intense Shadow - Just in time for summer, try the waterproof, 24-hour wear Eyes to Kill waterproof eyeshadows. Eyes to Kill unveils a pearl blend that radiates four spellbinding colors. Each shade is based on a revolutionary technology that acts like a kaleidoscope, producing multidimensional colors.  Neither a cream nor a powder, the incredible hybrid formula acts as a color suspension tool that delivers dreamy, ethereal beauty to eyes with a 24 hour hold. Crease-proof, flake-proof, waterproof and sweat-proof, Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows slide on, stay on, but wipe off in an instant. Apply wet or dry with fingers or the Armani large eye contour brush.

2. Eyes to Kill Excess Volume Mascara - Giorgio Armani has upped the volume with Eyes to Kill Excess, the ultimate weapon in eye seduction. In the darkest black, the exceptionally volumizing mascara arms the lashes instantly, accentuating the eye with more depth and intensity.  Instant full volume: Eyes to Kill Excess full-volume mascara thickens and separates the lashes with a striking, long-lasting, wet finish. This clearly defined, denser lash fringe is the best weapon for daring volumizing lashes.  Oversized brush: The secret to Eyes to Kill Excess mascara lies in the combination of a unique formula and an oversized patented lash brush. This unique high-precision, supple bristle-weave design coats and textures each lash in fewer strokes.  Science smart: The fusion of a Wax™ Complex and the new texturing agents creates a fluid and creamy texture that glides onto the lashes and allows for an easy, homogeneous application. Wax™ Complex contains a blend of hard and soft waxes to optimize the lashes with an instantaneous full-volume impact. From the root to the tip it coats and grooms lash by lash, leaving them thickened yet flexible.  Black lacquered: The refined ultra-black pigments render an appealing lacquered effect for 'drop dead' eye seduction. To accentuate Eyes to Kill Excess, the outer casing is in shiny black lacquer engraved with the signature logo.

Close-up of Wand

3. Waterproof Eye Pencil - An exceptional pencil brightens eyes with metallic definition. Remarkably soft and creamy upon application, the gliding formula is as precise as a kohl and as intense as an eyeliner. It creates a long-lasting, water-resistant outline that defines for hours. Available in Black and Brown.

Close-up of Liner Tip

4. Acqua di Gioia Rollerball - Off the coast of Italy lies the island of Pantelleria, a place where the deep blue-green Mediterranean Sea meets the sun and earth, invoking a sense of serene optimism. The fresh, aquatic fragrance captures the simple happiness one can experience at such an extraordinary destination.  Top notes rise like a soft sea breeze, bringing forward a sensual blend of cool mint, warm brown sugar and the zest of Italian lemon. Heart notes emerge with beautiful floral hints of jasmine, dew of peony and traces of pink pepper. The base lingers on a uniquely Mediterranean trail of cedar wood and the complex, herbaceous accords of labdanum.

5. Regenessence Eye Rejuvenating Serum - An innovative weapon for the eyes with an ultra-fresh beveled applicator to eliminate puffiness, reduce lines and wrinkles and transform the eye contour. With Giorgio Armani's exclusive 3.R technology plus yeast extract, caffeine and tensor agents for eye rejuvenation. 91% of women show younger-looking eyes. Discover Regenessence, the first advanced regenerative skincare.  Inspired by advanced regenerative medicine research pioneered by Dr. Peter Lorenz at the Stanford School of Medicine, Regenessence 3.R technology targets the three levels of the skin with three powerful ingredients: ProXylan, linseed extract and vitamin CP. The results: In one hour, wrinkles are reduced 71%. In six days, skin is rebounced and more radiant by 88%. In one month, gain up to 6 years of youth.

Here are swatches of the shadow and liner (notice the reddish streaks in the shadow swatch; very unique!):

Overall rating: Booyah!  for most of the products.  For the price, I would expect the eyeliner to be self-sharpening and retractable (Booyah! for quality of the liner but Boo Hiss! on the packaging).  I have never previously tried any of the products in this set and have been pleased with them so far.  Other than the packaging on the eyeliner, the only other downside is the price of their products.  However, if price point isn't an issue, go for it!

The set is limited edition and a Nordstrom Exclusive available through August 5.