If I someone told me that I was going to sit in the front row at Paris Fashion Week for the Chanel show, my first reaction would be, are you for real!? I would LOVE that, but then…what would I wear? A designer closet, I do not have, and I don’t know if I could get away with high-waisted black Zellas.
Hmm…
The Giorgio Armani Front Row Collection: A new launch of LE lipsticks and gloss-like liquid lipsticks
These are nudes with ‘tude. There are six nude lipsticks ($38 each), six nude lip glosses/liquid lipsticks ($37 each) and a long-wearing nude liquid lipstick ($38) in the release, but before you grab a cup of Sleepytime Tea and peel off your pants (a.k.a. your trousers, for those of us from the UK) to take a nap, these are not snooze-worthy nudes. This is an Armani-style magnum opus of nude with pink, coral and beige works of art.
But let’s be real here — you can find these color families for less. That’s true, but Armani’s lipstick, liquid lipstick and lip gloss formulas (these are all unscented and unflavored) are different in the best possible way. While I was swatching these, I kept thinking, “Why aren’t more brands ripping off Armani??”
Lip Maestro (liquid lipstick): Front Row Collection
Lovely Lip Maestro in 514 ($38) is the solitary liquid lipstick in the launch. An opaque neutral pink, it has a half-matte, half-satin finish, which is something you don’t see every day.
It latches onto lips like a long-wearing liquid lipstick, but man! — it is still SO comfortable and moisturizing. It doesn’t crack or look weird after a couple of hours like so many other liquid lipsticks do.
(Note to self: Start obsessively coveting the other Armani Lip Maestros.)
Ecstasy Lacquer (liquid lipstick): Front Row Collection
There are six shades in the collection, and I’m all about the coral shade (511) and all of the pink shades…especially 510 and 512.
They actually feel like a semi-sticky gloss when you put them on, but they hang on for dear life! We’re talking three or four hours at least. I can still see them on my lips after a hot cup of coffee, and when they fade, they don’t leave behind that weird white line in the center of your lips.
Rouge D’Armani Sheer (sheer lipstick): Front Row Collection
In a word, impressive. These six feel slick and light like a lip balm, but the colors are more concentrated, like they should be thicker and heavier than they are.
It’s funny to me that these are called “Sheer” because they have So. Much. Pigment. They’re bomb (or balm, hahaha).
The verdict
I feel like some of Armani’s makeup is perhaps overpriced (their eyeshadows and face powders), but I think their lip products are totally on point, even for $37 and $38. All of these are pigmented, long lasting, moisturizing and comfortable as heck. And the formulas are unique. I love everything about this collection (except for the prices). Insert raise the roof hands *right here.*
The Front Row Collection is available now for a limited time at Giorgio Armani counters and online. Definitely jump on this one if you get a chance.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Those liquid lipsticks sound SO GOOD! I love liquid formulas, but most of them are so drying on me. As pretty as they are, I can’t do that to my lips.
I love the look of 514, too — what a shade!
Hi Karen, I’ve been reading your blog for a while now but this is my first comment. First, I love your blog its really informative and I love your writing style. What I’m not so keen on is your new site layout. When I use my laptop, the fixed header part takes up one third of the screen, leaving a very small window to scroll through the post. It’s so small that I can’t see your lovely photos properly! Are there any settings I can adjust to make your posts more readable?
Hi Jill! You could try adjusting the zoom (Ctrl and minus key). It does make the print smaller, of course. But you wouldn’t have to scroll for the pictures. 🙂
I have the same problem on my laptop. There isn’t much room for the blog itself, When I zoom out for some reason the font gets smaller and smaller but the photos are still pretty large.
Hi gals,
Thanks for the feedback. I’m working on the header and I’m going to fix it this week. 🙂 I really appreciate you gals letting me know what works and doesn’t work for you!
I would just wear what I usually wear, like jeans and a tee, and see if I would start a new trend sitting in the front row. Then again, ripped jeans and a band shirt are already considered trendy.
Following up on the comment above me: I read mainly on my iPad and the new layout is perfect for this, but I double checked on my MacBook and had no issues with the header being too big.
My favorite brand.But in France it’s already sold out!. Bisous for Tabs and the beautiful Connor Claire.
Lots of nice finishes in this collection. I especially like the subtle glitter. Maybe someone will take your advice and copy the formula at a less premium price. 🙂
That’s nice to know they don’t have scents or flavors. Most high end lippies seem to be floral or strong smelling, which I can’t stand. (Looking at you, Chanel)
They all look nice, the liquid lip sounds great!
Thanks for the review and the heads up – these look lovely! Especially the rosy hues are beautiful. I’ll definitely have a look. Xx
Gosh Armani is my high-end Achilles heel ?. Totally going to check out the 511s, they look gorg! Apparently they are also already out ?.
I love Rouge d’Armani Sheers. I’m strange that way. Don’t really like the whole matt, dry liquid lipstick trend. If I didn’t already own more lipstick than I can wear in a lifetime…
These shades are stunning!!! The Easy Lacquer 605 has stolen my heart with its hidden shimmer!
Armani lip maestros are my fav.. and this shade #514 is so lovely <3
Hi there. Huge fan of yours again. These new lip pix however are SO SO close up that I really cannot tell exactly what the color is. I think you need to zoom out again or not crop so close. Getting a bit of the skin tone into the photo really helps figure out if these colors are right for us. Thanks again!