Giorgio Armani Maestro Eye Shadow Quad #3 Earth

While the fall 2010 look from Giorgio Armani is all about cool tones, there's actually a Maestro eye shadow quad in traditional autumn colors. Number 3, Earth, is all about the color changes of fall, leaves and the light and shade moving and shifting between tree brunches. It's as pretty as it sounds. I took the photos outside in late afternoon light a couple of months ago and you can see how light affects these color. I've been wearing it all summer, but I think it's appropriate all year round.

I have several of Armani's Maestro quads and this one might be one of the best. The texture is as smooth as we've come to expect from the brand and the finish of these four is among the prettiest I've seen. As always, they apply and blend perfectly. I keep buying the Maestro quads despite my annoyance with their design. The narrow pans are among my least favorites, as I prefer using wide brushes. It's workable, but I hope for a redesign at some point.

The other issue, more specific to this quad is the color combination. They are all gorgeous, of course, but I'd be a tad happier if the gold would have been replaced with a golden beige or another more natural shade. This gold is a bit to yellow for me to wear under the brow, so I have to supplement the palette with a nude color from another set. It's not an issue when doing my makeup at home, but if I were considering packing the quad in a makeup bag for use on the go I'd have to add another item.

Bottom Line: Your mileage may vary.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Eye Shadow Quad #3 Earth ($59) is available at select department stores and online.

All photos are mine.