Back in November while browsing Neiman Marcus and after buying a pair of jeans I didn’t need (smh), I wandered over to the beauty department where I laid eyes on Armani’s new Maestro Foundation. I was in a rush at the time, so I only got to touch a little of the foundation before I had to make it on my merry way, but I remember being very impressed with just that 30 second encounter so when the brand sent over samples of Maestro so I could have the full experience, I happily obliged to a full-on test.

So first of all this foundation needs to be called something else. Like something more than foundation. It’s super lightweight yet it evened my skin tone and enough that I needed very little concealer for my dark spots. I marveled at how something so light could cover so well. Could it be pigmented angel tears?

So I looked it up on the Armani Beauty website to make sure I wasn’t bugging.

Benefits:
A formula that is easy to apply with unified distribution, and covers imperfections. An ultra-fine oil-pigment suspension that perfects the complexion, instantly igniting skin’s natural luminosity. A water and powder-free base.

Technology:
An unforgettable and unique texture created by patented Fusion Technology. The Fusion makeup technology delivers the thinnest color film that blends perfectly and corrects skin imperfections without buildup.

Now that’s some technology! And if you have oily skin like me, you’ll be happy to know that I was able to wear this in very mild (for winter) weather and didn’t look like an oil slick. In fact, I stayed a natural matte for most of the time, but as time wore (I’d say about four hours in) on it just looked like I had a bit of a dewy glow—nothing that looked like it needed to be touched up with powder (I set it with Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose when I first put it on).

without flash

with flash

The only thing against this glorious foundation is the shade range. Though it comes in 12 shades (and 11.5 mostly matched me, but I had to add a little of shade 12 to get a better match), some of my beauty pals mentioned they really want to try it but couldn’t get a match. But if you get to an Armani counter (find one near you here) and find a match, you’ll be pleasantly pleased.

Bottom line: Between the technology behind this and the performance of the foundation (like seriously, it’s SO super lightweight yet covers so well AND keeps an oily girl mostly matte), this is definitely worth a whirl. I think $62 might be the most I’d potentially spend on a foundation (if you don’t count the $70 Tom Ford Stick Foundation I bought and had the designer himself autograph, but I haven’t really worn), but if you’re the type of girl who hangs out at places like Bergdorfs, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and Neimans, you’ll find it’s worth every penny.

Where to buy online:

More Giorgio Armani…

About Danielle

New York City freelance writer, Image Consultant, Makeup Artist, Fashion and Beauty Producer for Bag Ladies Radio, and President of Urban Glamour, LLC. I'm a Hofstra University and Fashion Institute of Technology grad with a penchant for pretty and enjoy bringing out the FIERCE in everyone through personalized thorough image and makeup consultations. Think of me as your style and beauty entourage all wrapped up into one bubbly brown package :) I have had the honor and privilege of working backstage at NYC Fashion Week shows like Karen Walker, Jayson Brunsdon, Sabyaschi, Altuzarra, and Bridal Market Week for Vera Wang. You can also find me running around photo shoots doing makeup and styling. If you have a style or beauty question, contact me. Your question could be featured on the site!

View all articles by Danielle

Send Email |Website