Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 402 Chinese Lacquer Review

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 402 Chinese Lacquer

I have earlier reviewed a couple of shades from this line, Art Deco, Tibertan Orange and Ecstasy. I bring to you another glam shade from this line – Chinese Lacquer. Unfortunately, these are still not available in India since GiorgIo Armani cosmetics does not have their presence here yet. However, if you go abroad or order online, you can get to try them.

The Product Details (from the website):

Benefits: The first lip stain with a comfortable velvet texture and a radiant finish. Intense, seductive, illuminating color. Giorgio Armani introduces Lip Maestro: the next generation of lip color. Lips appear instantly plumped and radiant. The sensual, non-sticky texture offers hours of hydration

Technology: Concentrated pigments permeate the gel formula, offering an incredible depth of color. No underlying white “base” means color stays true for a flawless, matte and glowing finish.

Shade Details: Intensify your color experience, available in a spectrum of twelve shades.

• 500 – blush
• 501 – casual pink
• 502 – artdeco
• 503 – red fushia
• 504 – ecstasy
• 300 – flesh
• 401 – tibetan orange
• 402 – chinese lacquer
• 400 – the red
• 200 – terra
• 201 – dark velvet
• 202 – dolci

“With Lip Maestro, we wanted to create pure, vibrant colors that fit with every complexion. Outstanding, luxurious colors enhanced in a luminous matte formula.”-Linda Cantello, Makeup Artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics

Price: US $32

Packaging: The lip stain comes packaged in a lip gloss kind of packaging with GA logo prominently displayed. The cap is red in colour, while the tube with the product is transparent. The bottle comes packaged in the standard GA black outer box.

The applicator is a soft and has a little give – overall very easy and comfortable to manage precise application of these intense shades on your lips.

My experience with Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 402 Chinese Lacquer:

Color: The shade “Chinese Lacquer” is a bright bright warm red – has slight orange undertone. Its an intense, bold shade – one which shines on its own without help from any other product, So keep everything else to the bare minimum. The shade might not be everyone’s cup of it, coz it is loud. However, I feel it is very flattering to the skintone – especially to the Indian skin tone.

Texture: The stain is lightweight – it’s a mix of gel and velvet. When applied it has a natural vibrancy (no shimmer or glossiness). In an hour, it settles to a matte finish. If you apply it lightly as a stain, it dries to a matte finish faster. The matte finish however, is unlike anything you would have experienced before – its comfortable, its hydrating, its glam! The only issue I face with it is the powdery transference of the product. It can get onto your teeth and skin as well – due to a chance touch of the hand.

Pigmentation: Pigmentation is INSANE– 1 light swipe deposits 100% colour. A little truly goes a long way. The colour is opaque in the first swipe itself and hides lip pigmentation effectively.

Lasting power: The product lasted about 7-8 hours on me. Even after that, it leaves a stain. It will not come off fully on its own – you will need to use a makeup remover for this.

To sum this up for you:

Pros of Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 402 Chinese Lacquer:

• A bold and beautiful color – you need loads of confidence to carry it off!
• Lightweight texture – mix of gel and velvety silicones.
• Excellent pigmentation – Opaque in a single swipe.
• Hydrating despite being matte!
• Easy and precise application possible with the applicator
• It applies smoothly and evenly – no tug or pull!
• Does not settle into the fine lines of the lips
• Lasts for about 7-8 hours
• No feathering or bleeding
• Iconic Luxe packaging
• Easy to identify colour from the tube itself
• Multi-purpose – can be used as a cheek stain/blush as well

Cons of Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 402 Chinese Lacquer:

• Not available in India
• Though easy to apply with the applicator – one has to be careful – the colour is extremely bold and mistakes will look garishly visible.
• Powdery transference
• The shade name is not mentioned on the product. So when you are buying a new shade, its difficult to remember whether you already have it, because you cannot see the shade name, only the number.

IMBB Rating: 4.9/5 product

This time, in the FOTD, I’ve used it only as a lip product and not used it as blush coz I was testing another blush on me. I think I have one more shade from this line – will review that too soon. Do share your inputs on whether you like matte lips products and what is the most comfortable Matte lipsticks you have come across.

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 502 Art Deco
Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Excess Moisture Lip Color – Lotus 507
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro – #401 Tibetan Orange
Giorgio Armani Silk High Color Cream Lipstick – Shade 5
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro – Red Fushia
Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Excess Moisture Rich Lipcolor – Scarlatto 502
Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Lipstick – Rouge 402
Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup Foundation
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum