Giorgio Armani Holiday 2017 Lip Maestro Mini Set Review, Photos, Swatches
Holiday 2017
Giorgio Armani Holiday 2017 Lip Maestro Mini Set ($55.00 for 0.45 fl. oz.) contains four miniature-sized Lip Maestros. This was another set that was devoured by the end of Sephora’s recent sale! I already had everything ready to go, and luckily, all the shades in the kit are available individually, so hopefully, the reviews can be of some help for anyone looking for specific shades rather than the set (and I’ve definitely made mental notes to cover the high-end lip sets earlier next year). The Lip Maestro formula is supposed to have a “luminous matte” finish with “8 hours of wear” and “high pigment.” All those things are pretty much on the nose–the finish has a noticeable sheen for the first few hours and eventually gets down to a mostly matte finish, and they are very pigmented and typically wear between six and eight hours on me. Most of the shades leave stains behind, but some of the very light ones don’t seem to stain.
Value
A full-sized Lip Maestro retails for $38.00 and contains 0.22 fl. oz. or costs $172.73/oz. The set contains $77.73 worth of product. Each tube contains quite a bit of product, and given how pigmented the formula is, the smaller sizes were perfect.
Holiday 2017
LELimited Edition. $55.00.
Art Deco (502)
Art Deco (502) is a rich, raspberry red with cool undertones and a cream finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, velvety consistency that spread evenly and easily across the lips and didn’t gather in my lip lines. The formula has a more emollient feel initially but then thickens slightly and feels more velvety and “clingy” on the lips (but never clingy in a bad way, as my lip lines weren’t emphasized and it did not feel drying). This shade wore well for seven and a half hours and was lightly hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Revlon Regal Ruby (P, $10.99) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Grenadine (P, $29.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Dangerous Beauty (P, $57.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Exotica (P, $57.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Timeless (80) (P, $45.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Maybelline Plum for Me (P, $7.49) is cooler, glossier (90% similar).
- NYX Merlot (P, $6.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Pavlova (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Oh Baby (LE, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Shoegazer (DC, $17.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.22 oz. - $172.73 Per Ounce
The consistency has more slip and a velvety-smooth feel that softly “clings” to the lips, so while the finish has a glossier look for the first few hours, the color stays on well. If you’ve ever used a silicone-based primer, there’s a bit of that feel to the formula overall. Most shades last between six and eight hours on me, are non-drying to lightly hydrating, and comfortable to wear. The formula is unscented and has no discernible taste.
The Lip Maestro Notorious formula is supposed to have a “luminous matte” finish with “8 hours of wear” and “high pigment.” The Notorious shades are inspired by “chic Hollywood glamour” but otherwise appear very similar in feel to the original Lip Maestro formula.
Browse all of our Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, KAOLIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISOSTEARYL ISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, NYLON-12, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDRATED SILICA, MAGNESIUM SILICATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SILICA, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TIN OXIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, METHICONE, ALUMINA, [+/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 15850/RED 7, CI 7789/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/IRON OXIDES, CI 45410/RED 28 LAKE, CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 45380/RED 22 LAKE, CI 19140/YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 42090/BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 7 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 6, CI 75470/CARMINE, MICA]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Art Deco (502)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $38.00.
The Red (400)
The Red (400) is an intense, medium-dark red with cool undertones and a cream finish. It had very nearly opaque pigmentation (but I could see the shadow of my lip freckle peeking through!) that covered the lips evenly in a single stroke. The consistency was lightweight, smooth, and velvety as it spread nicely across my lips and didn’t exacerbate the look of my lip lines. This shade was still going strong after eight hours of wear, and the formula felt comfortable and lightly moisturizing throughout the time I wore it.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace (DC, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Rouge Tentation (169) (P, $45.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Gash (DC, $18.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Viva Glam I (P, $19.00) is less glossy (90% similar).
- Givenchy Grenat Initie (307) (P, $36.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar).
- Chanel Dragon (DC, $32.00).
- Guerlain Samsara (DC, $37.00).
- Guerlain Vega (DC, $37.00).
- Guerlain Gwen (DC, $58.00).
- MAC Runaway Red (LE, $19.00).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.22 oz. - $172.73 Per Ounce
The consistency has more slip and a velvety-smooth feel that softly “clings” to the lips, so while the finish has a glossier look for the first few hours, the color stays on well. If you’ve ever used a silicone-based primer, there’s a bit of that feel to the formula overall. Most shades last between six and eight hours on me, are non-drying to lightly hydrating, and comfortable to wear. The formula is unscented and has no discernible taste.
The Lip Maestro Notorious formula is supposed to have a “luminous matte” finish with “8 hours of wear” and “high pigment.” The Notorious shades are inspired by “chic Hollywood glamour” but otherwise appear very similar in feel to the original Lip Maestro formula.
Browse all of our Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, KAOLIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISOSTEARYL ISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, NYLON-12, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDRATED SILICA, MAGNESIUM SILICATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SILICA, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TIN OXIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, METHICONE, ALUMINA, [+/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 15850/RED 7, CI 7789/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/IRON OXIDES, CI 45410/RED 28 LAKE, CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 45380/RED 22 LAKE, CI 19140/YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 42090/BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 7 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 6, CI 75470/CARMINE, MICA]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
The Red (400)
PPermanent. $38.00.
Blush (500)
Blush (500) is a soft, medium pink-coral with warm undertones and a natural sheen. The consistency was slightly more watery and thinner compared to the other shades, though I felt like eventually it thickened more like the others but took longer (an hour). It had excellent color payoff with a smooth consistency that applied evenly but there was a touch of color that sat in my lip lines initially. I was able to smooth out the color and have none of it in my lip lines after an hour of wear as the product developed. This shade wore well for six and a half hours and was lightly moisturizing.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Big Hit (03) (P, $15.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Fiend (DC, $22.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- NARS Anita (P, $34.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
- Rose Inc Enigmatic (P, $28.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Rush (DC, $22.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Givenchy Nude Guipure (106) (P, $36.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Pepper (DC, $26.00) is less glossy (85% similar).
- ColourPop Solow (DC, $6.50) is less glossy (85% similar).
- Flower Beauty Petal Kiss (P, $6.98) is less glossy (90% similar).
- MAC Shy Shine (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.22 oz. - $172.73 Per Ounce
The consistency has more slip and a velvety-smooth feel that softly “clings” to the lips, so while the finish has a glossier look for the first few hours, the color stays on well. If you’ve ever used a silicone-based primer, there’s a bit of that feel to the formula overall. Most shades last between six and eight hours on me, are non-drying to lightly hydrating, and comfortable to wear. The formula is unscented and has no discernible taste.
The Lip Maestro Notorious formula is supposed to have a “luminous matte” finish with “8 hours of wear” and “high pigment.” The Notorious shades are inspired by “chic Hollywood glamour” but otherwise appear very similar in feel to the original Lip Maestro formula.
Browse all of our Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, KAOLIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISOSTEARYL ISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, NYLON-12, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDRATED SILICA, MAGNESIUM SILICATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SILICA, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TIN OXIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, METHICONE, ALUMINA, [+/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 15850/RED 7, CI 7789/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/IRON OXIDES, CI 45410/RED 28 LAKE, CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 45380/RED 22 LAKE, CI 19140/YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 42090/BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 7 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 6, CI 75470/CARMINE, MICA]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Blush (500)
PPermanent. $38.00.
Dolce (202)
Dolce (202) is a medium brown with warmer undertones and a soft sheen. It had opaque color coverage in a single layer, which went on evenly and smoothly. The consistency was lightweight with some slip and a velvety feel, though it was a bit more watery like Blush (500) compared to Art Deco (502). There was slight color in my deeper lip lines that I was able to smooth out after 45 minutes of wear, once the consistency seemed to thicken a bit. It wore well for six and a half hours before wearing away noticeably, and the formula felt hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Sunset Pearl (LE, $25.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Dior Ultra Tender (325) (P, $37.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Gabriel Zamora (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Hourglass I Want (P, $34.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Hourglass I've Never (P, $34.00) is warmer, less glossy (90% similar).
- Revlon Wild Ride (P, $10.99) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Colada (P, $21.00) (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Bare (P, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Claudia (15NB) (P, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Public Display (Lip Color) (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.22 oz. - $172.73 Per Ounce
The consistency has more slip and a velvety-smooth feel that softly “clings” to the lips, so while the finish has a glossier look for the first few hours, the color stays on well. If you’ve ever used a silicone-based primer, there’s a bit of that feel to the formula overall. Most shades last between six and eight hours on me, are non-drying to lightly hydrating, and comfortable to wear. The formula is unscented and has no discernible taste.
The Lip Maestro Notorious formula is supposed to have a “luminous matte” finish with “8 hours of wear” and “high pigment.” The Notorious shades are inspired by “chic Hollywood glamour” but otherwise appear very similar in feel to the original Lip Maestro formula.
Browse all of our Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, KAOLIN, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISOSTEARYL ISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, NYLON-12, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDRATED SILICA, MAGNESIUM SILICATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SILICA, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TIN OXIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, METHICONE, ALUMINA, [+/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 15850/RED 7, CI 7789/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/IRON OXIDES, CI 45410/RED 28 LAKE, CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 45380/RED 22 LAKE, CI 19140/YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 42090/BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 7 LAKE, CI 15850/RED 6, CI 75470/CARMINE, MICA]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
This is temptation. I received an adorably tiny sample tube of The Red from Sephora a couple months ago and have been fighting the urge to buy a full size tube ever since.
The pros: Absolutely drop-dead gorgeous red shade that goes on with a velvety smoothness unlike any other liquid lipstick I’ve ever tried. So nice!
The cons: Expensive and takes forever to dry down, but even then, it still transfers a lot.
That said, I think I’ll be good and stick to my lipstick no-buy….er, I mean low-buy.
This looks like a fantastic set – love the colour selection and size/packaging! And for top notch product, yay!
For what it s worth i think the formula of the lip magnets is worth a review too as well with the lancome matte shakers. Same inky stain same weightless matter but intense color without the tipical more heavy on the lips look and feel of the traditional ll like kvd or huda. For what it s worth i panned a lip magnet in 400 and i have tons of reds
Wow – The Red is a stunning shade! Just gorgeous.
Art Deco is gorgeous!
Fingers and toes crossed that they do a restock on this gorgeous set! Each and every shade is one that I’d wear to death. The Red has been on my WL forever!
Absolutely lovely set!