Giorgio Armani Maestro Makeup...My Review is Finally Ready!

After almost ten days of daily use (perhaps a bit of a foundation milestone for me!), I am finally prepared to weigh in on the efficacy of the Maestro Fusion Makeup.  Earlier this month, I posted all twelve shades of this "complexion enhancer," with hopes that seeing true-to-life visuals would assist those who couldn't get to an Armani counter to select their perfect match in person.  As much as I wanted to write about my experience with the product at that point, I decided it was prudent to use it for a week or two before officially weighing in...

In the past week or two, I have had a couple of realizations...first, I can wear both 5.5 (which I initially bought) and 6.5 (which I recently picked up as well).  Although both adjust to my current skin tone, my summer tan is not fading as fast as I thought, so 6.5 should take me through the fall with 5.5 taking over where 6.5 leaves off (scroll on for close up shade images).  I also like that I can combine these two shades, as needed, to assist with the seasonal transition.  And second, Maestro does not apply well with a brush...this may be the first and only foundation that I have used that does not benefit from the lovely blending powers of my beloved Sephora Air Brush! Using one's fingers is the only way to get it to meld with the skin without streaking.       

5.5 is a touch lighter and peachier in tone than 6.5, which is but a hair darker and a smidgen more yellow beige.

There are countless Maestro reviews on the Internet that describe the formula, ingredients and backstory of the product's development.  I included some of those details in my initial swatch posting and anything else of this nature can be easily found in an online search.  In this review, I specifically wanted to focus my attention on highlighting the subtle visual differences between shades 5.5. and 6.5 and also discuss my personal experience with my skin's reaction to the foundation.  

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Using this makeup is so easy.  After applying Sponge Ladi Avokanto Oil, followed by LMdB Peau Vierge and some Koh Gen Do UV Milk (SPF 30), I only need the recommended three to four drops of Maestro to cover my entire face (using my fingers to apply). Its velvety texture melts into the skin instantly while somehow simultaneously erasing imperfections and unevenness on contact.  This is a wondrous process to behold...it just makes your skin better in a flash, while still looking just like your skin.  The finish is satin in nature...matte enough to not need powder right away but glowy enough to be believable.  It lasts for a good eight hours, even in heat, and I've endured some 12, yes, 12 hour teaching days lately in which my foundation looks basically the same as when first applied it!  My only concern was the added octinoxate chemical sunscreen (I much prefer physical sunscreen and have very sensitive skin in general) but, despite preferring it not be included, I thankfully have not experienced any breakouts or reactions.  All in all, Maestro is living up to its hype!

Maestro after a few minutes...it is blended and has dried down to an almost imperceptible skin like finish...note that 5.5 and 6.5 do not look drastically different in shade at this point.  I attribute this to the makeup's built in ability to adjust to one's skin tone. 

Maestro on the face...during my Maestro trial period, I tried to take pictures of the makeup in action in different lighting and at various times of day to provide the most accurate depiction of its finish: 

Maestro 6.5 indoors with direct sunlight from window...in the morning.

Maestro 6.5 in complete shade in the afternoon.

Maestro 6.5 mid-day in partial shade.

Maestro 6.5 mid-day in partial shade (again!).

A blend of Maestro 5.5 and 6.5 at the end of a ten hour day in direct sunlight...a bit glowy but still completely intact.

                                     

While my expression is dubious at best,  I think this image masterfully reflects the flawless velvet texture that Maestro (in 6.5) yields on the skin!

Bottom Line: This foundation is unlike anything I have ever used before (and I have indeed used my fair share of foundation formulations).  The texture is like velvet and it just melts into your skin upon contact, instantly blurring imperfections like hyperpigmentation, freckles, fine lines, enlarged pores and general unevenness. The coverage is quite opaque and long wearing, especially in light of how incredibly fluid the formula is!  As long as you are safe to wear chemical sunscreen and are comfortable applying this with your fingers, you will marvel at how quickly and furtively this makeup improves the surface of your skin without looking the slightest bit obvious.  Only time will tell whether Maestro will continue to remain in my current rotation, but if the last ten days are any indication of the future, I suspect my favorite foundations are in for some serious competition.