silverkis' world

For autumn 2013, Giorgio Armani Beauty introduces a new compact version of its award-winning Maestro Fusion Make-up.

The Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact uses the “Intelligent Melting Complex” technology, which is a blend of oils and waxes that allows the foundation to become one with the skin. The waxes blend seamlessly with the skin regardless of the application method. Five non-greasy dry oils that evaporate at different rates were custom-selected to deliver comfort, protection, and softness. There is a new addition to the blend: argan oil, known for its nourishing and antioxidant properties. Argan oil, along with vitamin E and SPF 29 protection are at the heart of the Maestro Fusion Compact’s formula to ensure hydration and continuous skin care.

Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact is a cream foundation in a compact carrying case. It has the same silky smooth texture as its fluid predecessor, and dries down to a velvety matte finish. I was able to pick up a sample on my recent trip to Hong Kong, and have been trying it out for about 2 weeks on and off.

Brush aficionados will be happy to note that Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact comes with its own fan brush, which was specially designed by the house of Giorgio Armani for this product. It contains a mix of goat and synthetic fibers. Unfortunately, my sample came without this fan brush, so I first tried applying Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact using a flat foundation brush, and found it rather prone to streaking and tended to be too thick. Later, I switched to my Hakuhodo G5554 cream foundation brush, and the effect was greatly improved! I am unable to comment on the efficacy of the fan brush, but the point to note here would be that Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact requires the right tools for optimum results.

Depending on your application style, Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact is able to give medium-light coverage. I did not find the coverage improving very much beyond medium even by dabbing over specific spots.

Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact lasts a decent 4-6 hours on my combination / oily skin in our humid tropical climate. Beyond that, I had to blot and touch up with powder. You could also touch up with the compact itself, although I generally prefer powder as it is more mattifying and lasts me longer. With blotting & touch-ups, Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact was able to last me through the rest of the day without any fading or creasing.

Fans of the previous Maestro Fusion fluid make-up should note that the shade codes do not correspond with the new compact. As a guide, I have included swatches of shade 4 (which suits my light-medium NC20 complexion) of both formulas below.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make-up Compact is a lovely cream foundation that is incredibly light on the skin, and gives a nice velvety finish. Despite my initial reservations (entirely my own fault for trying to apply a cream foundation using a flat brush!), this product eventually won my over by how naturally flawless and comfortable it wore on me. Do give it a try once it launches locally if you’re looking for a non-liquid foundation for a change!

xoxo

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