Product reformulations are always tricky, especially when it comes to something as beloved as the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. So when the luxury makeup brand announced a revamped version of its hero product in January, beauty obsessives were curious to see how it would compare with the original—and if the changes were for the better or worse.
In the 25 years since it first launched, Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has risen to legendary status for its silky-smooth texture and buildable coverage. Most notable is the skinlike finish, which leaves your complexion looking perfected but still natural, making it a go-to for makeup artists working in film and television (it was most recently used on the sets of Bridgerton and Tell Me Lies.) It’s a celeb favorite and a Glamour Readers’ Choice award winner for a reason—in other words, why mess with a classic?
Let us ease any of your reformulation concerns: The revamped Luminous Silk formula has kept all the things you know and love about the OG (smooth application, buildable coverage, and a natural finish) but with added glycerin and niacinamide to boost hydration and wear.
What’s new about the reformulated Armani Luminous Silk foundation?
Both additions are skin-loving ingredients: Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture, while the antioxidant niacinamide soothes irritation to reduce redness and inflammation. These not only provide skin care benefits, but they also help extend your foundation, with the brand promising 24 hours of wear.
Armani Beauty has also introduced 18 new shades featuring ultramarine and green pigments, which are better suited for deep and tan skin tones, bringing its range to 44 diverse offerings. According to the brand, “Ultramarine pigments are designed to complement deeper skin tones, eliminating any ashiness, while green pigments are blended into medium, neutral, and warm shades to brighten olive skin tones, delivering a radiant, never-dull finish.”
So, has this new and improved reformulation actually improved? We asked three makeup-obsessed editors to put the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation to the test. Ahead, read our honest reviews.
Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor
As a big fan of the original Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, I’ve been wearing this new and improved version through New York’s extra-cold winter and I’m seriously impressed by the long-term wear. By end of day, my skin still looks like skin, with no flakes and minimal buildup. The added skin care ingredients makes it even smoother and easier to apply. I’ve noticed that the consistency is a lot less watery—with glycerin and niacinamide, it’s almost serum-like in texture. Most of the time I just use my fingers and diffuse out with a brush.