COMING ATTRACTION
Ready your wallet to greet the new luxe cosmetic collection heading to our shores
With the coveted brand set to become more than just a critical cosmetic purchase for those traversing the Tasman (or further afield), makeup lovers and artists alike will be jostling for position as the first outpost of Giorgio Armani Beauty opens in New Zealand.
Come early July, the sleek new concession within Smith & Caughey’s department store on Queen Street, Auckland, will offer the brand’s full array of cosmetics, skincare and fragrance.
Recalling the careful consideration of Mr Armani when crafting his couture and readyto-wear collections, the beauty extension of the brand brings an unassuming, yet undeniable luxury.
Giorgio Armani international makeup artist Linda Cantello, who also has a hand in the creation of each product, reaffirms the approach. “Giorgio Armani products are like his clothing — you notice the woman, not what’s she’s wearing,” she says.
Regardless, it hasn’t prevented the cementing of a handful of blockbuster beauty products within the range. The most famous of which, Luminous Silk Foundation, was created 18 years ago but consistently outsells newer competitors, thanks to its reputation for reliably replicating perfect skin. Constant innovation in the performance and pigments of products means many items are favourites of professional makeup artists, and it follows their celebrity clients then rave too.
Giorgio Armani Beauty opens in early July within Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street store and will also be available at smithandcaugheys.co.nz.
WHAT TO BUY FIRST?
We asked national makeup trainer for Giorgio Armani Australia, Grant Power, to introduce us to his five must-haves.
1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $109
“The icon of the range, it’s been out since the collection was launched in 2000 and has never changed formula. Loved by celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Meghan Markle, it’s in all top makeup artists’ kits backstage. The secret you need to know to create your ‘Armani glow’ is to add one pump of Fluid Sheer (a liquid highlighter) into your
foundation before you apply it. Both products were inspired by light-infused silk for skin.”
Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick, $64
2.
“A new liquid lip colour that stays adhered to the lips and does not transfer. The texture is four times thinner than a traditional lipstick but with twice as much colour.”
3. Armani Prima Glow-On Moisturizing Balm, $142
“This instantly creates a perfect skin canvas. It brings together the best of cold creams and moisturisers to create day-long hydration and makeup enhancement with long-term benefits.”
4. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara, $63
“All you need to steal the show with luxuriously long lashes in just one stroke. The wand creates airy volume, defines and provides instant curl. It’s been my favourite mascara since its launch 10 years ago.”
5. Giorgio Armani Eye Tint, $59
“Eye Tint was created to answer the needs of Linda Cantello backstage [working on Armani’s runway shows]. She wanted to create a simple, fast and effective, long-wear eye colour. Something that was fault-proof for the shows but easy to remove. It’s liquid, light and buildable.”