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| My very own bottle of Maestro in 5.5. The product is dispensed with a dropper for added control and precision. |
The foundation-related posts on Beauty Professor are innumerable. This is because I love foundation. In light of this affinity, I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Maestro, Giorgio Armani’s latest wunderkind makeup that is the product of eight years of research and preparation. Worthy of its own face-makeup category, Maestro Fusion Makeup was created to fulfill the seemingly impossible duality of transparency and coverage. This product is currently available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Barney’s NY and Saks.
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| 5.5 is a medium beige for medium skin with neutral-to-warm undertones. |
Touted as a “complexion enhancer” rather than a traditional foundation, Maestro, which retails for $62, was created with five distinct principles (with my commentary on the right in bold italics!):
1. A water and powder-free base (to avoid a cakey finish)
2. Totally non-comodogenic (to be kind to sensitive skin)
3. Five time-released oils evaporating gradually (to last for an inordinate amount of time)
4. Smart pigment technology (to seamlessly adapt and adjust to one’s unique skin tone)
5. An easy, fast, fresh and flawless application (no explanation necessary here!)
The result is a light, whisper-thin, luminous finish that mimics airbrush, uniform, perfected skin without any of the usual signs of foundation (e.g., powdery finish, uneven, heavy texture etc.).
As soon as it arrived domestically (it will be available later on in September and October online and at most GA counters), I raced to the Armani counter at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills to behold this potentially miraculous makeup. I personally selected 5.5, a medium beige with neutral undertones (I am banking on my summer tan fading into oblivion over the next few weeks) but couldn’t wait to swatch all twelve shades for my Beauty Professor readers…I have been scouring the Internet for weeks to catch a glimpse of the shades in real life (to no avail) and am confident that the following Maestro images are making their exclusive debut! Read on for shade descriptions…
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| Maestro Fusion Makeup shades 2-6.5 in the shade. |
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| Maestro Fusion Makeup in shades 2-6.5 in direct sunlight. |
Maestro Shade Descriptions 2-6.5:
2: Pale beige for very fair skin with yellow undertones.
3: Pale beige for very fair skin with neutral undertones.
4: Light beige for fair to light skin with neutral to warm undertones.
4.5: Light beige for light skin with yellow undertones (slightly darker than 4)
5: True beige for light skin with neutral (leans a bit cool) undertones
5.5: Medium beige for light to medium skin with neutral, almost peachy undertones.
6.5: Medium golden beige for medium skin with warm yellow undertones (definitely a shade deeper than 5.5)
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| Maestro Fusion Makeup slightly blended in the shade. |
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| Maestro Fusion Makeup slightly blended in direct sunlight. |
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| A closeup of the shades in the oft-purchased light to medium range. |
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| Maestro Fusion Makeup in shades 7-12 in the shade. |
Above and below: Maestro Fusion Makeup in shades 7-12 in direct sunlight.
Maestro Shade Descriptions 7-12:
7: Medium warm golden beige (very similar in tone to 6.5, just a hair darker)
8: True medium to medium-dark tan with neutral undertones for medium-dark tan skin.
10: Warm dark tan for warm tan skin with very golden undertones.
11.5: Dark brown for dark brown skin with warm undertones.
12: Darkest brown for dark brown skin with neutral undertones.
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I will be trying Maestro Fusion Makeup during my long teaching days all week…I cannot wait to experience its finish and document its staying power! Though I haven’t had the chance (in the five hours of owning it!) to properly give it a trial run on my face, I can attest to the fact that it is inordinately silky, blends like a dream (even with fingers!) and provides a significant veil of natural coverage without a “makeup-y” finish. So far, (and I concede, this may be premature) I am smitten. Please check back later on this week for more images and my review. In the meanwhile, I hope that these swatches are abundantly helpful as you seek your perfect Maestro match, currently available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Barney’s NY and Saks.
–The Beauty Professor
Comments (126)
What a great help this is. I'm thinking of ordering it online and I never would have thought to buy #3 but that looks perfect for me.
Thank you so much, Marcia! I was really excited to post the swatches since I haven't been able to find all 12 anywhere online as of yet. I am thrilled to hear that you think that #3 is a perfect match and cannot wait to hear what you think about the formula if you end up ordering it! Do please keep me posted and have a wonderful week…
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor!
I just got back from vacation with my husband in northern Wisconsin, and wanted to say hi! I caught up on the posts since I have been gone, and you have some wonderful products featured! I am particularly intrigued by the Beauty is Life Nose and Chin touch-up powder, as well as the GA Maestro swatches. I think I am interested in buying a new foundation for winter, and this seems really interesting. I had no idea this was coming out, and I read one preview on another blog, and this has piqued my interest. I have not seen swatches anywhere, so this was incredibly helpful. I have no doubt, given our skin similarity, that 5.5 will be a perfect match for me. Lol!
Hope all is well with you, and I will let you know if I end up getting either the GA Maestro or the Beauty is Life Nose and Chin touch-up.
Oh, since we like similar colors for eyshadows, when I was on vacation, I used a lot of Urban Decay's Snakebite. It is a gorgeous color, and I use it as an all over wash of color, with a darker shade in the outer v for a smokey eye. The color reminds me a lot of GA's Eyes to Kill #15, but maybe a little more bronze/olive. It is really gorgeous, and I bet it would look great with your eye color! It does have a metallic/shimmer finish, but still appropriate for daytime use.
Talk to you soon!
Kate
Hello Kate,
How wonderful to hear from you! Welcome back from your vacation…northern Wisconsin sounds lovely. Did you guys camp or stay in a hotel? I do feel like I've been writing about foundations a great deal (they are indeed my weakness)…the Beauty Is Life touch up compact is fascinating in the fact that it fulfills such a specific need. I know that the Beige Caramel shade works right now, but am a little concerned about it looking too dark as my summer tan fades…we shall see!
The GA Maestro foundation is downright amazing. I had been reading about its arrival online for awhile and looked for swatches everywhere to no avail! I finally got my hands on a bottle and it is like nothing I have ever tried before…the texture is so velvety and somehow it provides coverage while simultaneously disappearing into your skin. I am giving it a trial run this week before passing final judgement (I hope it doesn't break me out) and will be doing a proper review very soon! Do let me know what you think if you end up trying either product!
Snakebite sounds beautiful…I should definitely take a peek. I've been wearing GA Eyes to Kill in # 28, which is a bronzy plum…I am not usually a burgundy/rose type person but it is a nice change on the lids for fall ; )
Any new lip color purchases as of late?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and look forward to hearing from you soon!!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Love this review! Spot on!
Thank you so much…happy to oblige!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
I enjoyed your review and swatches, as I do for all your foundation posts. Unfortunately for me and my annoying acne-prone skin, this foundation will be a no go due to the octinoxate content. Seems to be a really common sunscreen ingredient in foundations nowadays.
I think I'll give the Urban Decay Skin foundation a try instead.
Great blog by the way!
Hello!
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. I completely understand the plight of reactive skin…I have to avoid certain ingredients or my skin freaks out (lanolin is the absolute worst offender for me). It is tragic that the octinoxate will prevent you from trying the Maestro, though I totally get why you wouldn't want to trifle with it. I hope it is not a problem for me…I am test driving the foundation this week and am carefully monitoring any skin changes before giving my final review. I always try to use physical rather than chemical sunscreens (Sunday Riley and Koh Gen Do make amazing physical ones) so I was disappointed to see this ingredient addition…hopefully it is in a low concentration!
Do let me know what you think of the Urban Decay Skin Fdtn and thanks again for reading!!
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Im ordering this online. Im a nw 20. In your opinion, should I order #4 or #5? And do you think this foundation work with dry skin?Thanks
Hello,
If you are a NW 20, I am assuming you have neutral to rosy undertones…if that is indeed the case, then I think that #5 (which is light and neutral) will be perfect. #4, though light (close to NC 20), has a yellow undertone. Although I've used this for less than a week, my initial impressions make me think it will be fine with dry skin.
Let me know what you decide!
Take care,
-The Beauty Professor
I ordered #5. Ill let u know how I like it when it comes in. Thanks again for ur help.
Fantastic! I can't wait to hear what you think about it!
Regards,
–The Beauty Professor
#5 is perfect for my nw 20 skintone. I love , love, HG foundation for my dry face but combination tzone. Looks like skin, not matte ,not to dewy, just glowing. Also feels like Im wearing no makeup. Its hard for me(38yr) to find a foundation that doesnt dry my skin or make fine lines show more. Thank you again! I will definitely being reading your blogs.
That is brilliant news! It is such a remarkable foundation formula that I am not surprised to hear that you love it so! It does really disappear (while still giving great coverage) once applied…strange science, indeed!
Happy to have helped and thanks so much for reading!
–The Beauty Professor
I ordered #6.5 after seeing your review 🙂 what a wonderful review btw. Im a nc 30. Do you think #6.5 would be my best match? Thanks
I am so excited for your order…6.5 is perfect for a NC 30! Glad you liked the review…it was a joy to post!!
Have a wonderful weekend and let me know what you think about Maestro when you receive it…can't wait to hear your thoughts,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much…your foundation posts saved me from having to stare at these and swatch my arm like a mad woman to figure out which shade. Me thinks I am jumping on the 6.5…but did you notice if these oxidize to a darker shade…armani foundations tend to do that…
My pleasure, Fairytales and Coffee! I, myself, was going back and forth between 6.5 and 5.5…truly, I am more apt to choose a foundation with a yellow/golden undertone (which 6.5 definitely has…5.5 is more neutral in undertone), but I was concerned that as my summer tan fades, 6.5 might seem a hair too dark. I have not noticed a bit of oxidation…if anything, it goes on a little lighter than it looks (as product alone) and then turns the color that you expected it to be within about 10 minutes. I have had my 5.5 (which is probably close to a NC 25-27 leaning towards neutral undertones) on for eight hours and it looks almost identical to when I first applied…it is scary good! Hope that helps and let me know what you think!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Awesome! Thanks so much!!!
But of course!!
Enjoy the weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Aw what a great review. I wish I had seen it two days ago 🙁 The sells lady at my Armani Counter matched me to the wrong shade. Had I looked at your swatches earlier I would have known that 5.5 is too dark for me. Now I have to go back and replace.
But the foundation is great regardless!! 😀
Thanks, Paula…I wish you had too ; ) What shade are you exchanging for? You are right, the foundation is remarkable!!
Take care, thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for the swatches, you can't find them anywhere else.Do you think it will be good for oily skin?
Hello Jolie 7,
The swatches are my pleasure…I am happy to provide them because I know they are so rare at this point!
I have combination skin and have been using this for almost a week and can attest to the fact that it keeps skin matte but still natural (with a satin finish)!
Have a great weekend and let me know what you think if you end up getting this,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,
Thank you so much for replying I really appreciate it :).
I can't wait to read the whole review!
I really want to try it it sounds amazing. Looking at the swatches first 3 are very similar, do you remember which one is least warm/yellow, I am NC15.
Thank you!
Greetings from Poland xoxo!
Hello Jolie_7,
Thanks for checking in! I am working on the whole review and it should be up early this week ; ) In response to your question, #2 has the most neutral (least yellow) undertones of #1, #2 and #3…hope that helps and keep in touch!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi
Thank u for the swatches-I ordered online from Barney's -hopefully it will ship soon as it is destined for South Africa-I am hoping I matched it right-I had phoned and spoke to the manager of the GA counter at Selfridges -the lengths I go to…lol.The Nars counter is next to GA and I use Sante Fe sheer matte-she said 5,5 is neutral with a bit of yellow and pink undertones-she said 4 and 4,5 were very yellow and 5 has more pink.She said 5,5 was much like Sante Fe (she kindly swatch both for me on her end)-I have my fingers crossed……
My pleasure! I am so excited you were able to order this and I hope your bottle of Maestro enjoys its travels ; ) The sales person at Selfridges sounds correct to me…5.5 is neutral, 4 and 4.5 are very yellow indeed and #5 is the coolest of the light range shades. I wear Nars Foundation Powder in Santa Fe and also wear the 5.5 in the Maestro so at least everyone's assessments seem to corroborate!
Can't wait to hear what you think…do keep me posted!
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for your swatches – they are the best I have found on the net and, believe me, I have been looking!
Your comment made my evening, Erycina! Thanks so much…I am happy to have had the chance to swatch and post as I did ; )
Take care and have a wonderful week,
–The Beauty Professor
Ok, so I don't wear MAC foundation so I don't have a shade to compare… But I am a 7 Honey in YSL Teint Resist. I keep going back and forth between the 5.5 and 6.5. Any suggestions?
Angela
Hello Angela,
My best estimation would be that if you are a 7 Honey in YSL Teint Resist, then I think the 6.5 will be absolutely perfect for you, especially if you don't expect to get much lighter as the winter approaches!
Do let me know what you decide ; )
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks so much for the great swatches. I purchased 5 and although its a little light i really love the finish of it. I am NW 20 to 25 and perhaps with a light tan the 5.5 might suit me better. I will be able to adjust the color by mixing the shades.
Thanks so much for the post. I very much enjoy reading your blog.
My pleasure, Beth! I would agree that if you are closer to a NW 25, then the 5.5, perhaps mixed the 5, should be perfect for your skin tone. In my opinion, the 5 is quite light for being a "5" in a series of 12!
Thanks so much for reading and have a wonderful week,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for the great swatches! I'm about to order 5.5 based on your review! GA counter matched me to 4.5 but it was tad too light. Did you find that it accentuates dry spots? I'm oily-combination but I will be more drier during the winter. Every winter, I have horrible experience with my dry spot, even with regular exfoliation! 🙁 Do you think this will be good through out whole year? winter and summer? Thx bunch! 🙂
Hello Kate,
So happy that you found the swatches useful! I haven't noticed the Maestro accentuating any dry spots…granted, I apply it over my Sponge Ladi Avokanto Oil, Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge and some Koh Gen Do sunscreen, but it doesn't seem to get that "tight" feeling that can develop over time with certain drying foundations. My skin feels like satin and is balanced the whole day, as astounding as that may sound! Due to its very light (but high coverage) texture, I expect to wear this throughout the entire year.
I hope that helps and can't wait to hear about your experience once you receive it!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! I ended up going to the store during the event and got 5.5! I love it 🙂 Now that the Armani website has 15% off now, I'm thinking of getting a backup now. Hmm.. but I don't know. Should I order 6.5? or 5.5? 😀 Happy thought!
My review on this foundation: http://lovepassionmakeup.blogspot.com/2012/09/giorgio-armani-maestro-fusion-foundation.html
Let me know if you like it 🙂 I'm pretty new to the whole blog review. I would appreciate your comment. Because I love your blog! 😀
Hello Kate,
Thanks for the update! I am so happy to hear that you love the 5.5…in terms of getting a second bottle, I love having 5.5 and 6.5 for mixing (since the 6.5 is a bit more yellow) but, of course, it is totally up to you! I enjoyed reading your Maestro review as well as the rundown of all of the GA foundations…I've used them all as well, so I can totally relate to identifying the subtle nuances of each ; )
Thank you for reading BP!!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Just what I needed, an offering of the various shades. Well done, thanks!
So glad you found it helpful, Capri…let me know if you have any questions…I'd be happy to help ; )
Take care and have a wonderful weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm reading your blog almost for an hour. You're so kind and lovely 🙂 Right now, I'm so into by terry cover expert and armani maestro. But I'm so confused with shades..I wear becca luminous skin in sand, nars sheer glow in gobi. Because I prefer foundations with yellow undertone I'm leaning to by terry cover expert in #3. Is that similar with GA maestro #2? And cover expert #3 would be light enough for me?? I think I'm close to cover expert #2 but I like yellow toned foundation. Please help me x
Hello Taenga! Thank you for your kind comment about Beauty Professor…I am glad you found my blog ; )
If you wear NARS Sheer Glow in Gobi, then I think you could easily get away with wearing By Terry Cover Expert in #3 (a very light shade with a perfect yellow undertone) or GA Maestro in #4 (all of the shades in this formula run a bit light and this one is nice and yellow, too!).
Hope that helps…I'll look forward to hearing what you decide!
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! You just have to help me 🙂
I can't get swatches from this foundation since I live far away from everything and in the wrong country, so I need to get it right on my online order..
I am fair with very yellow undertones. My friend has the #2 which I tried and while it looks almost like my skin it is a tad too white on me. I wish it was a teeny bit darker and more yellow.
I think I'm a NC20 but am not sure. The PERFECT match for me is Shiseidu Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in SP30. I'd love it if there's a match among the armani shades. Do you think #4 or #4.5 would be a better match for me or are they too dark?
I love your blog!
Hello Camilla,
Thanks for your question…I am happy to help : )
If you are very yellow, then I think that #4 or #4.5 will be perfect for you because the two shades are VERY similar to one another, with #4.5 just being a hair darker.
However, after looking at a recent swatch of Shiseido Sun Protection Foundation in SP30, and in light of the fact that winter is around the corner, I think you'll be happiest with the 4 (which is a very light, yellow based beige). If we were headed into summer, I'd suggest bumping up to the #4.5…
In closing, in light of what you have told me, I think that #4 is your best match…I hope that is of help and do let me know how things turn out!
So glad you like my blog…thanks for reading!!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much, i've ordered #4 and I actually think it will be perfect. I'll keep reading your blog, have a great week!
So happy to hear that, Camilla! I know you are going to love this foundation. Thank you for sharing and also for reading my blog!
Have a lovely week,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,
I just started reading your blog and it has helped so much! I wish I read it before I ordered 3 GA foundations!! I need a new foundation so I purchased Maestro in #2 and #3. Then purchased GA Luminous Silk in #3. The LS looks slightly too light….Would #4 be better in the Maestro?? Also, the LS foundation is oil free and although its nice at first seems like after some hours my skin would be dry. I have dry skin so I tend to stay away from liquid foundations bc none of them have the hydration throughout the day and my skin looks dry at the end of the day!! I'm always so disappointed!! Do you think the Maestro would be good for dry skin and if not do you have any other suggestions for liquid foundation for dry skin? Thank you so much….allison
Hello Allison,
Thanks for your comment…I aim to be helpful, so I am glad that you are enjoying my blog. With regards to your questions, I think that the Maestro in #4 would be great for you. The whole Maestro line runs a tad light, so the #4 would make sense. I find that the opposite happens to me when I wear the Luminous Silk…instead of getting dry, I get overly glowy. Strange! The Maestro tends to keep my skin balanced…I don't notice being oily or dry over time, so that is definitely to its credit. I am guessing that you would find it to be great as well and it will likely agree with your dry skin, however, I always suggest buying foundation at stores that have flexible return policies (like Nordstrom or Sephora) so that you have recourse should the formula not agree with your skin type!
Other foundations I am crazy about include: the Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation (just magnificent with a beautiful finish), By Terry Cover Expert (like a skin care treatment, with amazing coverage and great hydration) and the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick (still in a trial period but loving it so far).
I hope that helps…please don't hesitate to comment or email me should have other questions I can answer!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello, beautiful review on the foundation maestro of armani, are undecided on the color, i am an NC15 MAC, which color i advice the 4 or 4.5 … Thanks Bernadette
Hello Bernadette,
Thank you for your kind words! If you are a true NC 15, I think that the #4 would be perfect for you, especially as we head into winter.
Hope that helps and have a great rest of the week,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for posting this foundation.
i need some advise. i have purchased the color no.2 its too light for me , so now i need to get a darker shade to mix it (i am mac nc20) i prefer yellow base so what color would you suggest for me to get for mixing the no.2 …. do you think 6.5 will be good?
My pleasure, Na! If you are a NC 20 and you want to mix something with the #2 to create your perfect match, then I think that the #6.5 will be a perfect choice (the #2 is close to NC 10-15 and the #6.5 is close to NC30).
I hope that helps! Do keep me posted on how it turns out ; )
Take care and Happy Thanksgiving,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for the swatches and the description. Much more helpful than the Armani websites. I have been using my last bottle of Hydra Glow #2 sparingly since it's been discontinued and have not yet been able to find another foundation to match it in texture and colour. And if I see another sales person who try to tell me the Luminous Silk is the same I'll scream. Off to John Lewis tomorrow and check out #4.5. I'm hopeful. Thanks again!
Hello Anon,
My pleasure! I remember Hydra Glow (I wore #4)…I was so sad when it was discontinued because it was such a lovely formula. The Luminous Silk is not my favorite formula at all…very little coverage, too much glow and poor lasting power…glad to know I am not the only one who doesn't adore it ; ) Coverage wise, I think you might like the Maestro (and #4 or #4.5 sound like good matches if you were a #2 in the Hydra Glow)…it is clearly not as moisturizing as the Hydra but it isn't too drying either.
Please keep me posted on what you decide!
Take care and xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, this blog is so helpful. Im confused since i received my GA Maestro in#5.5 which i believe a bit too dark for me..
FYI, i never use a foundation, but now keep using Laura Mercier Tinted Foundation in #nude.. Can you suggest me, which shade i should be buying in case i want to mix the #5.5 to match my skin tone?
thanks.
Hello San San! So happy you are finding my blog to be helpful!! If you wear Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer it sounds like you have light to light-medium skin with neutral undertones. The best shade to lighten up your Maestro #5.5, then, would be #5, which is significantly lighter while still having a neutral beige undertone. You can simply adjust the proportions of each shade that you combine…I'd start with a 1:1 ration.
Take care and let me know how it goes!!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
I just found your blog. I love it! I'm a NC30, I purchased 5.5 but I feel is a bit pinky. Do you think a 6.5 or a 7 will work to mix them both? Thanks in advance!
Hello Anon!
I am so happy you found my blog and even happier that you are enjoying it ; ) You are right, the #5.5 is a bit more neutral (as opposed to the more golden yellow #6.5 or #7)…if you are happy with the depth of the #5.5, then I suggest just getting the 6.5 for mixing/blending. Since I own both #5.5 and #6.5, I often mix them to get the perfect shade. The #7 definitely is a step up, darkness-wise, especially in the winter!
I hope that helps…please let me know if you have other questions and keep me posted on what you decide!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Your website is invaluable, Beauty Prof! Thank you so much for your swatches AND descriptions of colors.
So happy to hear that, Hummingbird5…thank you so much! I am always excited to hear when my swatches are helpful!
Take care and have a wonderful week…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP,
I'm having some difficulty with colour matching, which is always a struggle when I have to do it based off of swatches online. I'm in between NW15 and NW20 and wear Chantecaille Just skin in Bliss. Would 3 be the best match, or would 5 be better?
Thank you so much! 😉
-Alexi
Hello Alexi,
Thanks for the note. I am guessing that, in light of the skin tone you describe, #5 should be OK…it is quite light and is very close to a NW20. #3 is extremely pale (this whole line runs light) and I would be concerned that it might look ghostly, however, if you prefer your foundation to err on the side of lighter, rather than perhaps a smidge darker, then maybe this is the way to go!
I hope this helps!!
Take care and have a wonderful week,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP,
I currently wear Armani Luminous Silk in shade 6 and I'm wondering what the best match would be in the Maestro?
thanks 😉
-Gina
Hello Gina,
Thanks for stopping by! Based on your color match to GA Luminous Silk #6, I am guessing that your best match in Maestro would be #6.5. The Maestro line runs a little light, and when I wear a #6 in Luminous Silk (which is perfect for me late spring through mid fall), then #6.5 in Maestro is perfect as well!
I hope that helps…let me know how it works out for you!
xoxo and enjoy the weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP,
I've been swatched at Sephora and worn Nars Sheer Glow in Sante Fe, MUF HD in 127 dark sand, and most recently Smashbox HD in F1. I'm totally surprised at how light I am in Smashbox, but it works. What shade in Maestro would you suggest?
Thanks so much!
Karin
Hello karin,
Thanks for the question…in light of your most recent color matches, I would suggest the Maestro in 6.5! It has the perfect blend of golden yellow tones most similar to NARS Santa Fe.
Hope that helps…take care and have a wonderful week!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, I have been trying to figure out what shade to get (as I see everyone else is!). I am extremely fair (I was trying to figure out what foundation Nicole Kidman wears). I think I have it down to #2, #3 and #5. Can you tell me the difference between these colors.
Thanks,
Sandy
Hello Styurk,
Thanks for stopping by! With regards to your question…#2 is a hint more yellow than #3, which is a bit more neutral (balance of warm and cool tones) in undertone and #5 is a light beige (which, if you are really fair, is probably a hint to dark for you).
In light of your Nicole Kidman comparison, I am guessing that #3 would be perfect…she seems to be very light yet neutral in terms of undertone (as the #3 is). I hope that helps!!
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
hi i was just reading your reviews on this foundation and the Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation. i was wondering if you could help me pick a color im a #03 for the guarlain and i wanted to get this GA to try what color would you recommend or which one of these GA would be closest match to the Guerlain in #3? from looking at color swatches i find online it seems 6.5 or 7 would be closest to #3.
Hi Anon,
Thanks for your question! If #03 in Guerlain is your best match, then I think that the GA #6.5 should be right. I wear the Guerlain #03 in the late spring and summer and would also wear the Maestro 6.5 during that time period. #7 is just a hair darker and yellower overall than #03 in the Guerlain.
Hope that helps!!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
hello! thank you for your reply it was really helpful im going to go with the 6.5. which concealer color you think would be best for me? i have yellow undertones naturally. when my friend was at the ga counter getting me some samples i asked for the 4 since thats what i read you match ur 6.5 with but she recommended me to go with the 2.5 and said that was the perfect match for 6.5. is she wrong or right? now im confussed to which concealer to go with either 2.5 or the 4.
My pleasure…I think that you will be happy with the #4 Maestro Concealer…that is the one that I own and use when I wear the 6.5 and it is perfect. It is light enough to brighten up the eye area and cover discoloration and also is the right shade to seamlessly blend in with the #6.5
Hope that helps!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Am an NC50; Makeup Forever 175, Channel 114A; what color do you think I should get in the Maestro Foundation..
Hello Anon,
If you are a NC50, I think that you could get away with both #11 and #12 in Maestro because they are so close in tone. My heart tells me #12 would be your ideal match, however, because it looks like it best matches the richness of the NC50 and this line runs a little light overall. I hope that helps ; )
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,I been reading your blog for an ages and love it
but now I really need your help. I already purchase GA Luminous silk in 4
but it's slighty too dark for my skin.I have yellow skin tones and Im Mac Nc15
,Nars in Gobi and chanel vitalumiere aqua in b10.What would you suggest for me in
Luminous silk and maestro ?
I was thinking about shade 2 in Luminous silk but afraid that it's going to be too light
thank you so much <3<3<3
HI Mimosa May,
Thank you for your sweet comment! With regards to your question, based on your current color matches, I would suggest #3 in Luminous Silk and #3 or #4 (both shades are extremely similar to one another and this formula runs light) in the Maestro.
I hope this helps…take care and keep me posted!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I already bought a shade that you suggest and it's really match my skin tones
thank you so much.You're an saint!!
–MAY
So thrilled to hear this, May…thank you for the good news!!!
xoxo and have a lovely week,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! LOVE this post. I am always on the hunt for a pale-enough foundation. I have been to every counter, chanel, mac, etc but nothing is pale enough. The only two that come close are Nars Sibera, which is pale enough but very yellow, and Bobbi Brown Skin in Alabaster, which is the perfect color but not a great foundation for me. Do you think 2 or 3 would be pale enough? It's so frustrating not to be able to try all these new foundations, I'm hoping they start expanding their shades! I don't know what color I am in MAC because they don't carry anything pale enough, but I did try either a NW or NC 15 and it was pretty dark.
Thanks!!
Thank you, Anon!! I do think think that #2 or #3 could work for you…this entire line runs incredibly light and the lower numbers are extremely fair!!
Please keep me posted and do take care!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hiya BP!
Thanks a million for this post & Especially the swatches!!! I've been dying to get Giorgio Armani foundation into my collection for ages!! For a combination skin in humid heat…is this the best choice for me? I've wondered about Luminous Silk also… Ive gotta admit I'm stumped!! From the description of the Fusion Maestro & swatches I'm guessing I'd be a 5.5? My stats are: NW20 to 25.. By terry sheer cover #4..Revlon whipped colorstay #240 is a tad darker but I can get away with it easily during summer, not so much in winter – I think I'd be a shade lower in the Revlon..and winter is fast approaching us in Oz. Can u plz rec. me which Armani foundation or more & their respective colour choices?
Thanks very much for all your help & work for me & all of us!
You are wonderful:)
Cheers,
Andrea.
Hi Andrea,
My pleasure…I was so excited to be able to swatch everything on the day this formula was released back in September (how time flies!). In my experience, this foundation works well with combination skin and heat…I used it through the hottest part of September and I find it holds up well (better than Luminous Silk!). I think you are accurate in guessing that you would be a 5.5 (especially when you are NW 25). It is a light to light/medium neutral beige!
I hope this helps…take care and keep me posted! Hope your week is going well…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
i didnt use mac too, im using benefit's foundation of honey and wondering should i get 5.5 or 6.5. Could u give me anadvise please?
Hello Shrimp,
I think that you could get away with both shades, but 5.5 is probably a little closer to the Honey shade in Benefit!
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
thank you. I have ordered shape 5.5, hope it is fit.
Hi Beauty Professor! I'm totally jumping on this band wagon late, but I've been intrigued by this foundation since it debuted! I'm so happy that you include all of the swatches! I'm extremely fair (NC15) and I'm leaning towards #2. I'm not near any counters unfortunately, but based on your swatches it seems like the best match for me, and I like the yellow under tones in it. Do you think it would be too light though? I heard that #4 would also probably work but I'm worried it'd be too dark, and I don't plan on getting a tan on my face this summer. What do you think?
Hello Painted Lady!
Thanks for your question…the first half of this line runs extremely light so you are in luck! If you like the slightly yellow undertone, then I think that #2 (which is close to NC15) is likely the best match for you. #4 and #4.5 are closer to NC 20 or so; if you think you will get a bit of sun on the rest of your body this summer (I never tan my face, but, even with sunscreen, my body invariably picks up some color), then you could go with the #4.
Hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! :] I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!
My pleasure…do keep me posted!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for all the swatches 🙂 I cant decide what shade I am 🙁 any advice for an nc15 ? Thanks:) Michelle
My pleasure, Michelle! As a NC 15, I suggest shades #2(@NC 15) or #4 (@NC 15-18).
I hope that helps!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi I'm new to trying the Armani foundations I've heard great reviews on them but what shade would u recommend best for me I'm nw45 in MAC do u think I would be 11.5?
Thanks
Hello Anon,
Thanks for your question…I do indeed think you would be shade 11.5!
Take care and hope it works out for you,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello
I am NC 25-30 I have yellow undertone and I'm using Nars sheer glow in Punjab right now.
Which color do you think is the best match for me?
Thank you
Hello…that is a tricky one since the 5.5 is @N 25 and the next shade up, 6.5 is closest to a NC 30. Based on your current match in Punjab, I am inclined to suggest the 6.5 as your best match!
Hope that helps,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, I ran into your blog recently and I couldn't thank you enough for your amazing insights and helpful reviews and tips. I was wondering – since it looks like we wear the same shade in Armani Maestro foundation, 6.5 that is – what would be the best Armani Maestro Eraser/Concealer match for it (as in what shade)? I normally wear Hourglass concealer in Hidden Tan. My complexion can be described as medium with warm undertones (in Europe, where I am from originally it is often described as Mediterranean, though my particular type is definitely not tan/dark, but rather medium/olive. Also, have you by any chance tried Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme compact foundation/makeup? I tried it recently at my local Macy's and I really liked it. I definitely want to go back and give it a second try. Seems perfect for touch up during the day, easy to carry in my small cosmetic bag too. Not sure about the shade though, the Estee Lauder SA matched me to the Pale Almond shade, but am not convinced. Looked a bit dull on me after a few hours and didn't detect any warm undertones in it. Guess will have to give it another go, possibly in another store.
Many, many thanks.
Hello Anon,
Thanks for your sweet words about my blog…so happy you found your way here! In response to your question, I have found that the best Maestro Eraser/Concealer shade for my coloring is #4, which is great for light to light-medium yellow based skin. I haven't tried the EL compact foundation you mention but it sounds intriguing. I have found that most of the EL foundations don't run yellow enough for my liking (I've tried other formulas in Pale Almond and it gets a tad orangy rather than being a nice yellow beige on my skin!).
I hope that helps…xoxo and keep in touch!
–The Beauty Professor
Hi I am NC 30 but from the swatches I found 5.5 closest as 6.5 seems a bit darker plz help as I dnt want to regret after buying it as it's pretty expensive describe the under tones n complexion for both of em much thanx
Hello Saman,
I suggest 6.5 for NC 30 skin…it is what I wear when my skin reaches that depth!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
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hi, just does 7 have red undertone or yellow, and is it close to nc45 (mac, close as i can get in mac as it is still a little red) or do you think up the next color. omg im mad i havent seen you since now… you are a god sent, i have the most trouble with color as i have yellow undertones, and i never know so i never try anything..
Hello,
#7 has a yellow undertone and is lighter than a NC 45…closer to a NC 35-40. I think that #8 is likely the closest to NC 45 but perhaps you want to give #7 and #8 to combine to get your perfect match!
Glad you found your way here!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! So glad i found this blog!!! 🙂 I was at GA counter today, looking at this foundation. And they have # 6. How is it different from 5.5 and 6.5. Would you say it's more golden or neutral? Ah, so hard to choose! I wear shade 6.5 in Lasting Silk, which looks a lot lighter then Maestro in this shade! Please help!!!!
Best regards!
Glad you found your way here as well! I haven't seen the #6 in this formula so I can't say for sure. So sorry…I wear the 5.5 in the cooler months when I am NC 25 or so and 6.5 in the warmer months when I am NC 30 or so.
Hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
hi there ! I'm so happy I found this blog for this foundation 😀 I haven't been able to find the maestro foundation in any of the Australian makeup stores but I really want to give it a try. I'm relying purely on the photos and descriptions taken above! I'm a Natural Tan (4.25) in the Bobbi Brown Long-wear foundation. Do you think a 6.5 or 7 would be suitable for my skin colour? I've also noticed that I've gone alot darker since summer has come along.
Thanks for you help !
Hello…I am happy you found your way here as well! If you are a natural tan in BB, I would suggest the 6.5 in the Maestro…I have worn both shades in the summer and think they are pretty much the same.
I hope that helps!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for your help ! 🙂
Hello 🙂
I've been looking through your blog and i have to say that you're doing great job 🙂 really, such a fantastic blog, thank u for all those swatches and helpful reviews! I definitely will continue observe your site 🙂
Regarding Maestro Fusion – could you please compare #2 to the same shade in Lasting Silk foundation? Because, as for now, i guess that #2 in mentioned LS is a good match for me. I'd like to try Maestro that's why i'm asking 🙂
(Or maybe you would suggest #4?)
Ah, one more thing for reference – in NARS Sheer Foundation i'm Gobi.
Thanks for your answer and wish u all the best 🙂
Hello,
Thanks for your kind words!
With regards to your question, the Maestro formula runs a bit lighter than the other Armani formulas…I would suggest #3 (a bit more neutral) or #4 (a touch more yellow) for you in this. In my opinion, #2 in Maestro is closer to the NARS Siberia.
I hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello 🙂
Thanks for an answer.
Well, I'm not convinced to purchase #3 because, as far as i can see from swatches, it's rather pink? You said it's neutral, but i'd like to avoid pink undertones since i prefer yellow ones. On the other hand, i'm "scared" of #4 cause i don't want foundation to be too dark so the neck line is visible… hmm.. hard decision 😛
Well, if it's closer to Siberia (that's exactly what i thought while viewing swatches), then i guess it'll be too white on my face. Gobi is a pretty good match, but now – 3 or 4?
Another question – i see that you like that kind of texture and finish look provided by Maestro. I like that too, really! I've just bought new foundation from LAncome – Miracle Air de Teint, did you see it already? They say it's a dupe of Maestro and i have to say that, indeed, they're looking quite similar 😉
Do you know any other foundations similar to Maestro but maybe cheaper one, but still with wide shades selection? Sounds like a dream, but why don't ask? 😉
All the best,
Ula
Hi Ula,
Ahh…it is tough to say which is better for you, especially without seeing your face. I don't find the #3 to be pink but there is no guarantee that it couldn't oxidize to pink on some skin tones…tough to say. I wish you the best in your choice!
I can't think of a Maestro alternative right now…so sorry!
Have a beautiful week…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi 🙂
Thanks for all suggestions.
Now i'm an official owner of Meastro Fustion in shade #2 😀
So glad to hear that…thanks for the good news ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
..And i would like to thank you for your advice!
have a lovely day 🙂
Hi, I am Kathryn. Your blog is so amazing!!! This foundation is unavailable in my country but I wanna give myself a try because of your review about this amazing foundation. So, have to order online but I don't know which shade suit my skin….I have NARS SHEER GLOW in PUNJABcolour. Could you please give me a shade suggestion? I am thinking about shade 4.5 and 6.5.
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks so much! I would recommend the shade 6.5 because 4.5 is more of a NC 20-25/NARS Ceylon/Fiji shade.
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Just ordered #6.5 and I will let you know. Thank you for being an amazing sisterhood. Hehe
Without your help, I cannot find the right shade. Thank you. 🙂 I love it.
Thank you so so much for swatching (is that a word) all the shades! I've been using #3 for winter time but now that I got a tan (yay!) I find it to be too pale. I know this is an old post, but I'll try my luck: Would you say a jump to #5 makes sense? My skin has neutral to pink undertones and looks terrible in anything with yellow in it (naturally).
Hi Stine…my pleasure and yes, I firmly believe that "swatching" is a word ; ) With regards to your question, indeed…a jump to #5 is a wise move. You'll love the neutral undertones of #5!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hey i am using the shade 9 currently . It matched my summer skin very well . However now I'm a bit lighter around NC42 in MAC, any suggestions on what shade would suit me best now? thanks!
Hi Nikki,
How about the 8?
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Hello!
Thanks for such a helpful post, I've been doing some research about the Maestro shades and yours is the best review I've read. Sephora does not carry the Armani foundations here in my country, and I have no idea where they're sold, so I'll have to buy it online without trying the shades on my skin.
I have Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in shades B20 and B30 and they both suit me fine, since they're very close shades and the texture does not build up to a full coverage, so it doesn't show a lot. I guess I'm in between both shades and both work good on my skin tone.
I also wear Guerlain Lingerie de Peau in #02, DiorSkin Forever in #20, MAC in NW20, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in Vanilla #52.
I have tried a friend's Maestro in shade #4 this one time we decided to go out and I had no makeup on, hadn't brought any products with me and no time to run home to get my makeup. The #4 shade did the job for that kind of last minute situation — it's a bit lighter than my skin tone in a level that after setting with powder I could get away without looking like a ghost, but I could tell it's not my IDEAL shade. Going through my friend's makeup, I noticed she wears 1 tone lighter than I do on most foundations, and 2 tones in some, depending on the number of different shades each brand carry.
That said, I can't decide wheather I should get Maestro in shade #4.5 or #5. Which one would you recommend I get, based on the shades I wear in the brands mentioned above?
Thanks so much!!!
Hello…thanks for the compliment!
I would suggest #4.5 as I think you'll find #5 light and perhaps too neutral if #4 had a good undertone for you but wasn't the best, depth-wise!
I hope that helps…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! I totally agree with everyone that your review is very much reliable. I just bought number 4,5 but find it a bit yellow-ish (although I'm Asian) and the color is a bit dark compare to my actual face colour. Do you think its best for me to try number 3,4 or 5? Please let me know and thanks again Beauty Professor 🙂
Thanks, VW…and I would recommend the #5 as it is very neutral!
xx
–The Beauty Professor