Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Blush ($52.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is supposed to be a “highly pigmented blush” that is liquid in form. The brand recommends using a single drop for application. They weren’t kidding, because this is insanely pigmented; a single drop may still be too much product. One bottle might last you a lifetime, and that really doesn’t feel like an exaggeration; I wish they had reduced the bottle size and dropped the price. There are three shades available, all are permanent, and I’ve only just tried the one featured here. Next time Giorgio Armani has a sale, I might pick up the other two shades–we’ll see! It’s a great product, but the price point will make you think twice, even if it contains more than enough product (it’s just so much that it seems like a waste, rather than a value).

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush ($52.00 for 0.60 fl. oz.) is warm, coral-rose with a satin-matte finish. NARS Realm of the Senses #2 (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, powder. NARS Taos (P, $29.00) is powder. Illamasqua Allure (P, $26.00) is powder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

It’s intensely pigmented–a little goes a very, very long way. I don’t even think a single drop is useful; I think it’s far too much! It is better to take a little bit off of the applicator with a brush or palette knife, because then you can dab and stipple it on gradually. Once applied, it dries down to a powder-like finish that is still somewhat blendable, though it is best blended while it is setting. The texture is lightweight, never tacky, and very comfortable to wear. The finish is almost matte but still gives the skin signs of life–it’s not flat. It lasted for ten and a half hours before slightly fading, and it leaves a very slight stain behind on the skin that seems to fade away within two hours of removal.

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush

Giorgio Armani #500 Maestro Fusion Blush