The Sample: NEW Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser Dark Circle Concealer #2 and #3 Review & Swatches
14 Oct
Concealer has never really been a, how do I say this…exciting product for me. I love to shop for eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, lipstick/gloss, etc., but when it comes to stuff like concealer, I always feel a bit bored, truth be told. In my eyes, concealer has always just been concealer–nothing special, really. But then I started hearing murmurings of a genius new product from Giorgio Armani–the Maestro Eraser Dark Circle Concealer.
The technology behind the Maestro line supposedly took 8 years to perfect and the result is the Dark Circle Concealer and the Maestro Fusion Makeup. What’s the big deal, you say? Well, according to Giorgio Armani, this product is ”a new hybrid concealer category combining skincare and makeup, with an incomparably fine texture. A therapeutic and illuminating concealer that instantly brightens the eye area, gradually fades away the blue tone of dark circles, and moisturizes eyelids to enhance the eyes and radiance of the face. The eye area glows, and the complexion’s natural radiance is revived.” The Maestro Eraser contains haloxyl (a peptide that neutralizes under-eye circles),”moonlight”, an illuminating agent that reflects light and creates a luminous glow, and caffeine, which de-puffs the eye area.
The packaging is a simple plastic squeeze tube with a thin nozzle. I wouldn’t mind the packaging at all (I think it’s pretty standard) if it actually worked! Let me explain: the cap does not screw on securely so whenever I remove it, I always find the nozzle covered in product. This drives me batty! I don’t care that it’s only a minuscule amount, I paid $40 for it! I also don’t like my products to look messy, so whenever I see the concealer-coated nozzle when I unscrew it, I get very irritated. I do find that storing the tube upside-down helps, though.
Aside from the packaging, everything about this product is perfection. The colors I have are #2 and #3. #2 is a light beige that leans cool. #3 is described as an “apricot beige”. It’s a light-medium warm beige with slight apricot-y hues. I love having both in my arsenal because as we head in Fall and finally Winter, my skin (like most everyone else’s) will get a lot paler. So when that happens, I can just start mixing a bit of #2 into #3 to get my desired shade. Keep in mind though that these shades are extremely forgiving and buying 2 shades is not necessary.
Now, on to the texture. I don’t even know where to begin–this stuff feels incredible! It’s so light and thin without being watery. Right off the bat, one would think that a concealer described as “thin” wouldn’t do any real concealing. On the contrary, the Maestro Eraser actually does a pretty damn good job! Though it’s targeted towards concealing dark circles on the under-eye area, that’s not to say you can’t use it on the rest of your face. I probably wouldn’t try to conceal any blemishes or scars with this product, but I do sometimes use it around my nose and mouth. It brightens any darkness I have in those areas and evens out my skin tone. Think of this product like YSL’s Touche Eclat–use it where you want to add some light and just a hint of coverage. If it weren’t for the Maestro Eraser’s illuminating capabilities, this would probably just be an average, sheer to medium coverage concealer (albeit with an awesome texture). But because it does brighten, it gently diffuses the look of dark circles and makes you look fresher, brighter, and well-rested.
If you squeeze a small amount onto your hand and look at it closely under the light, you’ll be able to see a faint shimmer (see the picture directly below). But once you blend that in, those particles almost seem to melt into your skin and are no longer visible at all, leaving behind a subtle luminosity. There’s no visible shimmer left whatsoever, but the area in question has been beautifully brightened.
Look closely. Can you see the fine reflective particles in it?
Once the concealer is rubbed in a bit, the reflective particles are no longer visible
To blend, all you have to do is simply take your ring finger and pat it into the skin. You really only have to tap your finger over it a few times, depending on how much you apply (hint: only a tiny dot is necessary to conceal under both eyes), et voilà–it’s perfectly blended into the skin. I swear, I know people use this phrase all the time, but this stuff practically blends itself–I really mean it! The best part is when you’re done, the concealer has somehow managed to become one with your skin. It looks like your skin, feels like your skin, it is your skin–only better!
As far as the claims that Armani makes for this concealer, I’d say they’re all pretty spot-on…I’m not sure that my dark circles have improved since I started using this–and honestly I don’t know that they will (my dark circles are hereditary)–but either way, this is an outstanding under-eye concealer. It doesn’t accentuate dry patches, feels like silk going on, and blends beautifully. Overall, I think this is a stand-out product–it’s the first concealer I’ve ever been excited about. I think the airy texture is a dream come true–it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted wanted in a concealer. The Maestro Eraser comes in 6 shades. You really have to try it to believe it!
Pros: thin, fluid texture feels incredible and is easy to work with; blends like a dream; feels and looks like skin; contains ingredients that not only conceal but work to treat the under-eye area;
Cons: the cap is not secure and that, added with the fluidity of the concealer, makes for a bit of a mess
»»Pricing: $40/0.5 fl. oz. (15 ml.)
»»Availability: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Giorgio Armani, and all Giorgio Armani counters
»»Recommended for: all skin types; those with dark undereye circles that they want to conceal and brighten
»»Overall Rating: A
I love this stuff so much that plan on purchasing the Maestro foundation this week, so expect a review of that to come! Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!
NEED NEED NEED!! I want this so much! And the foundation too. Did you get that as well?
Haha YES you definitely do!!
I’m going to get the foundation some time in the next week. I bought the Luminous Silk Foundation not too long ago and got a sample to go along with it. After using the sample, I didn’t end up loving it, so I am exchanging it for the Maestro foundation. I CANNOT wait to try it!!!
I’M INTRIGUED BUT I CAN’T BUY MORE CONCEALERS!!!
Sigh
Noooo! Then don’t think of it that way!! Think of it as an eye cream that conceals. One can never have too many eye creams…right?! You need this!!!
Oh my god these concealers sound soooo enticing…… and I actually have need for one because I have problematic dark circles under my eyes, so I kind of have an excuse to splurge
Armani should be using your post is their official blogger’s review for the concealer, it’s genuinely brilliant but truthful! And I cannot WAIT to read your review on the foundation. Seriously. 
xxx
Thank you SO much Amelia–you’re too sweet
And yes, I think when it comes to base products like foundation and concealer, it’s okay to splurge because you REALLY want the best products to create a perfect canvas. This concealer is the best I’ve literally ever tried for my under-eye area and because it has so many skincare-like qualities, I don’t think $40 for 0.5 oz. (the typical size of an eye cream) is asking much at all!
OK. Do I need any more nudges to fly to Singapore to try this stuff?? Becca!! You’re killing me!!!
Haha it will be worth it–trust me, Lily!!
I am intrigued! I might need to take a closer look at this at some point. I usually can’t be bothered to do too much in terms of concealing, but recently I’ve been toying with the idea of bringing some more light into the undereye area
I’m exactly the same, Sunny. I don’t ever conceal anywhere usually. Foundation or tinted moisturizer is usually enough and besides, I’m too lazy
But that was exactly my thought process when I went to check out the Maestro Eraser at NM–I was curious about bringing more light to the under-eye area. I have been intrigued with YSL’s Touche Eclat for a long time and I knew that this product was SIMILAR but had a supposedly fantastic texture, so I went with this one. I am NOT disappointed! 
Oooh you make this sound so good! I am curious to hear your thoughts on Maestro foundation – I am still absolutely loving the finish, coverage, and everything about it, but concerned that it’s giving me clogged pores. Which would be so sad, I really hope it’s not Maestro.
You’re experiencing clogged pores??? Nooooooooooooooooo!!!!
Is the Maestro foundation the only new item you’ve incorporated into your routine? I am very scared now
I’ve read only one other review of someone who’s tried this that has acne-prone skin and she said she was fine…I really hope I don’t experience the same thing because I am SO excited about trying it!
It sounds so promising! I am always a bit sceptical, when a company says ‘we spend blah blah blah time on doing something’ it still has to do with marketing, etc (but it always do, lol). I wonder if this concealer would work for my dry skin and if I can find a match but after your review I have to check this stuff out!
I think it’ll be great for dry skin! I don’t find the concealer SUPER moisturizing, but there is just a small amount. I have really dry under-eyes and this did not exacerbate them or emphasize them in any way. And the silicone in it makes it glide across the skin like silk. It’s really lovely! You’ll have to tell me if you try it or not–I’m curious to see if you like it!
I tried my darndest to find an armani shade to match me in all of the foundation permutations – haven’t tried the maestro yet – but they were either too beige-pink or too yellow-orange. I purchased a 6.0 or 6.5 tawny beige, because the 5.0 was too beigey cool, but I had to give it away because it was too orange on me and I don’t tan orange, but greenish tan. Looks like the maestro concealers – have the same color range (Cafe Makeup has the 4 listed). I still want to check out the maestro foundation, but I am annoyed that one of the best foundations in the market doesn’t match me. Can’t wait for your Maestro foundation review.
I have the SAME problem! I recently purchased the Luminous Silk Foundation in number 5.5 because it was the CLOSEST to my skin tone, but it’s too peachy. 5 is too light for me and 6.5 is too dark and a tad too orange. I was super disappointed. But I DO have hope in the Maestro because I’ve heard that the foundation shades really adjust to your skin tone. So if you get a shade thats close enough, it might actually turn into your perfect shade within a few minutes. I’ve always been wary of foundations that claim to do that, but in this case I’ve read a lot of reviews that attest to that fact. I will definitely let you know how it goes!
Officially tired of saying I want to buy something you featured – it’s basically every post, lol! I don’t even have undereye circles and here I am with a new lemming. :p
Haha
Usually I would say if you don’t have dark circles, don’t bother–but jeez do I love this product so much that I would almost say buy it just to FEEL it going on your skin–it’s AMAZING! 
Or maybe I’m just crazy. Maestro foundation for you, maybe? 
i count my blessings that i have yet to have the need to buy anything to conceal dark areas under the eyes. however, i WILL say i perfectly agree how annoyed i am that some tubes/packaging is flimsy and makes the product almost wasteful. for good product it costs money and all me scrooge, but i want EVERY miniscule drop!
*call
You are SO lucky you don’t have dark circles! I admit mine are TOO terrible, but I do have hereditary darkness and one eye is MUCH darker than the other :/
And isn’t so annoying when products have crappy packaging? It almost makes me even more upset when it’s from a brand like Giorgio Armani because it’s high-end, so you SHOULD be getting a better quality product (though, of course, that’s not always the case) and DEFINITELY better packaging. *sigh*
Ahh Becca you’re posting this right when I need this! It’s been hard for me to get my HG concealer. No concealer has work perfectly for me.
My dark circle is pretty normal most of the time but when I am too tired of work, my dark circle seems to be worse. I am glad that the texture is thin and it covers the under eye flaws. This sounds like I NEED this!
YES you do!!! What is your normal HG concealer?? I have to say this concealer doesn’t offer the most coverage, but for me, the brightening effects and silky, fluid texture MORE than make up for that factor! At least try it in-stores if you can before buying. I think you’ll really like it
Actually I have never found my HG concealer yet. Thus I am in search of my HG concealer LOLL
Thanks Becca for the recommendation, will let you know if I really getting it
I so need that… I have terrible dark circles that must be hereditary, since they don’t disappear when I’m perfectly rested and oversleep, except that mine are much worse than anyone else’s in my family!!
It’s hard to find a product that really conceals yet still looks natural, not patchy, and doesn’t emphasize fine lines!
Aw it’s ok Lulle–I feel your pain. What’s more, the darkness under my left eye is significantly darker than my right for some reason. Yeah, it sucks :/ But this concealer REALLY works to conceal the darkness and brighten the whole eye area–it’s fabulous! It’s hands down the best undereye concealer I’ve ever tried! I really think this might be the one for you–try it!
This is definitely something to get excited about! I found my ultimate concealer in Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal but I would try this one from the sound of your review!
Ooh I was quite curious about the Miracle Skin Transformer one for a while–that good? Now I really want to try it again!
I am quite happy with the Giorgio Armani though–it’s just LOVELY. I would swatch it at a counter if you are able–you will fall in LOVE!
Awesome post! I’ve been looking for a great under eye circle concealer.
Oh then you will LOVE this one–it’s the BEST!!!
Thanks so much for posting this; I’m going to check out shade #4 tomorrow & I’m hoping it won’t be too dark for me, as I’ve been waiting for this product to come out for quite some time now. As to the new Maestro foundation, OH MY GOD! I picked up shade #6.5 and use it DAILY. I can’t say enough great things about it! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it too!
Oooh you have to let me know if you like it (though I’m almost positive you will
). I’m so glad to hear you love the foundation though–I cannot wait to get it! I am thinking I’ll swing by Neiman Marcus tomorrow and grab it when I have time. So excited!! 
eeep! i am totally interested in this concealer…! I am bummed about the packaging though – i don’t know if i would like that at all! I have to say that the testers at the counters were like yours too
In any event, i played with one at a counter (along with the foundation) and it did seem nice! I think i’ll keep this on the list for later anyhow! 
Was this not instant love for you? I knew the moment it touched my skin that it needed to be mine, but then I am a sucker for a light, silky textured anything
I’ve got the worst dark circles under my eyes & it’s been a battle trying to find concealers that work. Sometimes I find one that works for a couple of months, and then all of the sudden I’m paler or more tanned and the effect is gone. I’m in between concealers now, as my skin is quite dry and my current concealers look much too heavy. Might try this one out!