Read ALL about my review process including how I take swatches, photos, and more here.
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.
***UPDATE*** 6/28/13: This foundation is still worth every penny and works just as well in the summer. L’Oreal (same company that makes Armani) just released a drugstore version of this which I reviewed here.)
Where to buy online:
New blog post: Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation (The High End Oily Girl’s BFF): http://t.co/lPNBFYE1
Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation (The High End Oily Girl’s BFF) http://t.co/KzaIchJV by @StyleNBeautyDoc
@kandiekanee Did u see this review? http://t.co/ZXrpuiW7
I gotta do my own soon too. Good stuff!
pigmented angel tears!?! hahahaha! i almost spit out my tea! lol
Lol love your reviews. Hmm idk if I’d spend that much on a foundation. :o/
Author
Haha!
What’s the low-end oily girl’s BFF?
Author
Revlon Color Stay (the formula for oily skin): https://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/tag/revlon-colorstay-foundation/ :)
i love it!!!!!!! its amazing been wearing it for past month— looks so natural yet it covers, it feels light weight and it stays on all day :) i dont have to retouch and i used to be a oil slick by noon with any of the other “matte foundations” love love love… its super expensive but u only use a little bit with each application… probably 2 drops at the most. so it will last a long while.
Author
+1
haha!
Hi, Dani. I brought the Becca skin radiant in mahogany & LOOOOVE IT !!! The color match & undertones are perfect. We’re both the “same shade”. I’m nw 47 with neutral golden/beige undertones. I’ve been looking at online swatches of this foundation (Maestro) & 11.5 seems to be the right undertone but too light for “our” skin but say it’s a better match than 12. Is #12 too dark & or red? Does this foundation oxidize? I was interested in either this OR the ysl touche eclat foundation but b80 seems too light & b90 is definitely too dark, so ysl might be a NO go. lol PLEASE RESPOND : )
Author
Hey!!!
Isn’t the BECCA Radiant Skin Foundation awesome? It’s everything I could every imagine in a BECCA liquid foundation :)
Since we seem to be the same shade, you’ll need a little of 12 added to 11.5 to get a good match. I don’t notice any oxidizing when I wear it out.
B80 in YSL Touche Eclat (which I reviewed here) was an okay match for me last summer and it endured even a really hot and humid NYC day.
I’d say go with YSL since you may not have to mix to get the right shade like you would with Maestro.
Thanks !!! : )
Oh btw I have dry skin SLIGHTY oily in the t zone but NOTHING major.
I’m a little disappointed in the with the #11.5 shade that I just purchased in the Luminous Silk Foundation. It’s a little too dark, in NW43 and I threw out my receipt before testing…. sigh. Now I want to order the #10 because I really like the formula but don’t know what to do with the #11.5! I would love to sell it half-price of course just so it won’t go bad, if you have any beauty beau’s that want to purchase have them shoot me an email.
Lily (lily@lilyseymour.com)