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| Introducing Giorgio Armani Power Fabric. |
This week brought two new beauty launches of epic proportions! First, I am beyond excited to share my initial impression of *Power Fabric, the latest base from Giorgio Armani. Ever a foundationphile, I–of course–have swatches of all 20 shades so that you can easily find your perfect match. Additionally, after a host of liquid matte lip color releases, 2017 is delivering a juicy metallic gloss formula, compliments of *Lancome Le Metallique Metallic Lip Lacquer.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the launches in action as well as the Bottom Line…
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| The Townhouse Suite at the Sunset Tower Hotel. |
The West Coast launch of the *Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Longwear High Cover Foundation took place in a stunning suite at the iconic Sunset Tower Hotel. Ceiling high bookcases were lined with a wealth of Armani Beauty, enabling attendees to experience the formulas first hand. During the event, I also got a chance to visit with the dashing and effervescent Tim Quinn (previously featured on BP HERE), whose beauty expertise is always mesmerizing.
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| With Armani Beauty Celebrity Makeup Artist Tim Quinn. |
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| Power Fabric in shades #4.5 and #6. |
As aforementioned, the *Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Longwear High Cover Foundation comes in an impressive expanse of 20 shades that effortlessly blend with a spectrum of skin tones, from the fairest alabaster to the richest ebony. After trying it for three days in a row, my first impressions of the foundation are as follows:
- Power Fabric offers medium to full coverage with a matte finish that looks entirely natural on the skin. In contrast to other Armani foundations, it offers more immediate coverage than Luminous Silk, Maestro and Maestro Glow and has a slightly more satin finish than Lasting Silk and better lasting power than Designer Lift. More comparisons later on in this post.
- The formula has a light fragrance, akin to the Luminous Silk (and for those who remember it, the Hydra-Glow foundation). I find that it dissipates after a few minutes and isn’t the slightest bit bothersome.
- The texture is weightless and the formula blends easily for a seamless finish. I’ve used a dampened Beauty Blender for all three applications and love how it fuses the foundation with my skin.
- The foundation blurs fine lines and visible pores while still looking natural; in my experience, it doesn’t highlight dry patches, heighten oiliness, crease or migrate over the course of wear.
- In terms of lasting power, Power Fabric is exceptional. Because of the way it sets so naturally, I haven’t felt the need to use powder for setting or touch ups…I get 6-8 hours of flawless wear!
- All in all, the Power Fabric foundation is marvelous for those seeking medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts for hours without requiring a touch up.
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| Swatching in process. Photo by Laura Lynn. |
Official details, courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty:
POWER FABRIC is a new liquid foundation that teams full coverage with a matte, lightweight second skin finish.
POWER FABRIC is a concentration of oils with no greasy effect, which delivers a velvet matte finish. To achieve perfect full coverage foundation, powerful pigments were selected and then shaped to obtain extremely fine pigment particles with a quality of color beyond reproach.
POWER FABRIC combines full coverage with an ultra-light formula. Upon application, the texture melts into the skin, effectively blurring imperfections with an incredibly lightweight matte veil that feels like you’re not wearing make-up at all. With a SPF 25 filter, power fabric offers effective daily UVA and UVB protection up to the promise of broad-spectrum SPF protection.
Because every woman is unique, POWER FABRIC foundation comes in 20 shades to suit all skin tones. The formula is adapted for each shade to deliver optimal coverage without cracking or dulling.
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| Focus and precision. Photo by Laura Lynn. |
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| The Sunset Hollywood Tower Hotel exterior never gets old. |
Divided into fair, light, medium and deep shades, *Giorgio Armani Power Fabric offers an astounding range of hues to accommodate every skin tone imaginable:
FAIR
- #1: Extremely pale alabaster (N/NC/NW 5-10)
- #2: Pale yellow beige (N/NC 10)
- #3: Pale neutral ivory (N/NW 10)
- #3.5: Neutral light ivory (N/NW 15)
- #4: Neutral-warm light beige (N/NW/NC 20)
- #4.5: Yellow light beige (N/NC 23-25)
LIGHT
- #5: Neutral light beige (N/NW 23-25)
- #5.5: True light beige (N/NW 25)
- #6: Golden olive light beige (N/NC 25-27)
- #6.5: Peachy light-medium beige (N/NW 25-27)
- #7: Neutral medium beige (N/NW 27-30)
- #7.5: Golden medium beige (N/NC 27-30)
MEDIUM
- #8: Golden medium-deep beige (N/NC 35)
- #9: Neutral to rosy medium-deep beige (N/NW 35)
- #10: Creamy tan beige (N/NW 40)
- #11: Rich neutral tan beige (N/NC/NW 42)
- #12: Golden deep beige (N/NC 42-45)
- #13: Neutral chocolate brown (N/NC/NW 50)
DEEP
- #14: Warm rosy chocolate (N/NW 50-53)
- #14.5: Deepest ebony brown (N/NW/NC 55+)
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| Swatches in indoor lighting. |
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| Swatches in indoor lighting. |
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| Swatches in outdoor lighting. |
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| Swatches in outdoor lighting. |
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| Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| Three formulas…all shade #6. |
For comparison, I focused on Shade #6 in three Giorgio Armani foundations: *Power Fabric, *Maestro Glow (reviewed HERE) and Luminous Silk. While all three are a good match for my NC 25-27 skin tone, Power Fabric #6–a perfect balance of olive, neutral and yellow tones–most seamlessly blends into my skin…it’s a nearly perfect match!
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| Swatches in outdoor sunlight. |
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| The *Lancome Le Metallique Metallic Lip Lacquer has launched exclusively at Sephora! |
Next, the *Lancome Le Metallique Metallic Lip Lacquer features 13 shades of insanely shiny and pigmented lip color in, as its moniker implies, a creamy metallic finish that is modern and unique. The ultra reflective lacquer feels cushiony and moisturizing on the lips and has a gentle tack that enhances its long wearing properties.
From an aesthetic perspective, the sleek tubes are streamlined and chic and the formula itself is eye-catchingly bewitching. From the most muted nudes (e.g., Mirrored Nude and Lavender Patina) to bold jewel tones (including Orange Ore and Meteoric Violet), the range of shade offerings is satisfyingly substantial.
What I love most about Le Metallique is how wearable this metallic formula is; the incandescent shimmer is finely milled, creating a molten look that is flattering rather than garish and the rich color payoff makes for a delightful “one coat” experience. I am earnestly impressed with this lip color release!
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| 13 bold and radiant shades. |
Official details, courtesy of Sephora:
What it is:
A full-coverage, metallic lip lacquer with a rich, creamy texture that hugs your lips like a gloss and leaves them feeling hydrated.
What it does:
Get unbelievable metallic lip color in just one swipe with these intensely pigmented, long-wearing lip lacquers. They’re infused with exclusive plexi-gloss polymers and metallic pearls that give each lip color high-impact and multi-dimensional, 3-D shine. The formula is infused with the perfect blend of vitamin E and grapeseed oil so that lips feel hydrated. They’re available in bold, trendy shades to more wearable neutrals.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
Shades:
- Mirrored Nude 09: Metallic pink champagne
- Iron Nude 12: Metallic bronze nude **worn at the end of this post
- Magnetic Mauve 04: Metallic dusty rose
- Lavender Patina 02: Metallic light lilac
- Polished Rose 01: Metallic pink gold **worn at the end of this post
- Brushed Gold 11: Metallic pure gold
- Orange Ore 03: Metallic tangerine **worn at the end of this post
- Cuivre Casting 08: Metallic burnt red/orange
- Rouge Magma 05: Metallic ruby red
- Molten Magenta 13: Metallic wine
- Purple Onyx 07: Metallic blackberry
- Meteoric Violet 06: Metallic wild orchid **worn at the end of this post
- Crystallized Cobalt 10: Metallic cobalt blue
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| The full look. |
To create the look that follows, I used the following products:
- *Giorgio Armani Power Fabric #6 applied with a dampened Beauty Blender.
- By Terry Sun Designer #2 (reviewed HERE) to bronze and blush.
- *Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer #16 Almond (also available at CdPB and reviewed HERE) on the high points of the face to subtly highlight.
- Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Rose Gold Retro: This ultra luminous liquid shadow has intense opacity and a creaseless finish that lasts for hours. I received Rose Gold Retro as a gift and am over the moon at how instantly it creates a full eye in seconds. I hope to review other shades in this superb formula soon!
- *Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara (reviewed HERE)…two coats masterfully takes care of business.
- *Lancome Le Metallique Metallic Lip Lacquer in Iron Nude, Polished Rose, Orange Ore and Meteoric Violet.
- Henri blouse (currently on sale) by Equipment France
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| The eye look…nothing but mascara + the Stila Magnificent Metals in Rose Gold Retro! |
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| A swatch of Rose Gold Retro in direct sunlight…pigmented and long lasting, this formula and shade is transcendentally beautiful. |
The following images reflect all products in action in afternoon lighting…I applied Armani Power Fabric #6 at 10 AM and shot the pictures at 3:30 PM…absolutely no touch ups or powder involved! Blouse (currently on sale, I might add!) by Equipment France:
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| Iron Nude on the lips. |
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| Iron Nude. |
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| Polished Rose on the lips. |
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| Polished Rose. |
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| Orange Ore on the lips. |
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| Orange Ore. |
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| Wearing Meteoric Violet on the lips. |
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| Meteoric Violet. |
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| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this swatch-heavy overview of the glorious *Giorgio Armani Power Fabric and *Lancome Le Metallique Metallic Lip Lacquer! Both releases are divinely lovely and well worth the pursuit.
Which shade(s) caught YOUR eye? Do tell!
Good things ahead, including a breakdown of the new By Terry Aura Collection and a host of new product procurements. I am also in the process of replying to your most recent comments on my latest video ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
**PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-17 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (24)
Amazing post Rachel!! Really interested in the new Giorgio Armani foundation. Will have to try it soon! Great photos, swatches and details!! Thank you <3
Kristin
BlondeisBeauty.com
Thanks so much, Kristin! I truly appreciate your kind feedback and hope you get a chance to try the new foundation!!
xx and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
I am bummed about shades. I wear 3 in luminous silk (i can pull off 4 during summer). With this one 2 seems closes to that color – pale with yellow undertones? But maybe too light? so i had to get 2 and 4 and mix…
Sorry to hear that! While there is some continuity across the shades/formulas, I found my shade #6 in this to be a better match for me than it is in Luminous Silk. Go figure! Hope your mix goes well…I totally know the struggle ; )
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for your awesome reviews, always! How does the formula and lasting power compares to Tom Ford waterproof foundation? Also, which color compares to TG "cream"?
My absolute pleasure!! I find that the formula is thinner and less pigmented (though still VERY medium-full coverage) than the TF waterproof and slightly less potent lasting power (though still quite good). I think that #1 or #3 in the GA PF are most similar to TF Cream.
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for these swatches! As always, you are one of the only blogs that I can count on for amazing detail in description and photo. Lasting Silk in #4.75 was my holy grail, since it was discontinued I have never found anything remotely close to its perfection. It was such a random, pale shade. I'm going for #1 here. Thank you!!! <333
So happy to share, Kris…I am honored by your compliment! I am so excited that you are going to try #1…keep me posted on your experience!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
You are so beautiful! I am going to try the foundation. Thank you for this review!!!!
Thank you ever so much, Judi (and love your new profile pic!). I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the foundation. Hope all is well!
XO
–The Beauty Professor
Do you know when the foundation will be available at Nordstrom?
I don't have a date yet but I am hoping by the end of the month…will keep checking and update links to other retailers in this post as they become available!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Ordering it now!
I'm very excited for this launch! I'd love to know how you'd compare the longevity of this foundation vs the lasting silk.
Hello dear MG!
Great to hear from you! I actually found the longevity to be on par, if not a bit stronger than that of Lasting Silk (granted, I'm trying it in the winter, rather than the sweltering summer). That being said, I much prefer the finish of the Power Fabric to that of Lasting Silk (which felt a touch conspicuous on my skin).
Hope that helps!!
XO and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Maestro is my HG foundation, and I'm thrilled to know there's one with more coverage! I'm 6.5 in Maestro, though it looks like I'll have to get matched again or this one, since 6.5 seems to be more peach than yellow – maybe 7.5.
Hi Renu,
Yes!!! This is like Maestro with more coverage…hope you find your perfect match! Keep me posted ; )
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Thank You so much for the swatches Rachel- I'm able to see that my old Face Fabric 3.5 is nowhere near the new 3.5. Ugh! I dislike trying to find that perfect match and will not use a brand where I have to mix and match shades. This certainly means a trip to the counter once they are available, but I'm pleased to see so many color options.
You answered me back on Instagram about how this is a liquid and not mousse like and I appreciate that. You're looking gorgeous as ever! Loving that Stila too!
Hi Chateepatee! The swatches are my pleasure. Sorry to hear that the journey to finding your perfect match is still in progress but I am confident that you will find a befitting shade in this vast lineup!
Happy to connect with you on Instagram as well and yes, the Stila liquid shadow is BEYOND!
Hope your week is off to a wonderful start…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Thankful for this post! My HG was the Designer Lift in No. 8, however, I have been having the hardest time finding it in stores, ugh. I just ordered the TF traceless foundation stick in tawny- should be here in a few days. I planned to give that a whirl but would love to hear your comparison of the TF stick vs the Armani Fabric… Thanks so much!
Many thanks for your post!
I have been looking forward to this foundation, since it was announced. I went out purchase the Power Fabric Foundation yesterday, however the shades are not easy to figure out. I am normally a 6.5 in the Luminous Silk and a 6.5 in the Maestro. I tried the 6, the 6.5 and the 7.5 in the Power Fabric. The 6.0 was too light, the 6.5 was very peachy, so I decided to go for the 7.5. I just think that the undertone in 7.5 is better for my skin tone. The GA staff was not very aware of how the shades were defined, so I was very happy to have read your post prior to my visit at the GA counter. Many thanks!
The Chocolate Girls thank you for swatching all shades! They are lovely!
Rachel … So I read Sali's post in the Guardian about Power Fabric and thought "I bet Rachel has swatches so I can order" … you NEVER fail to let me down! Btw, I once worked with Armani and adore Tim – at Chestnut Hill on the other side of the country. I envy your location as I no longer have my finger on the pulse and right now, could use the warmth. Thank you beautiful one for bringing it to me! Keep up your passion and know that you are such an asset … I hope that all the vendors you represent know what they have in your amazing reviews! xoxo Anne
Amazing post 🙂