It’s the Mariah Carey of cosmetics, in the same way, that Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is. This product has a reputation for being flamboyant, can handle a wide range of applications, and can hold its own. Although other younger products have caught on (BB creams and tinted moisturizers, for example), the Luminous Silk Foundation continues to be a popular and lasting choice (just like our beloved elusive chanteuse). The company claims that more than 1,000 bottles are sold in the United States per day. Cherry Pick’s year-end review revealed that Luminous Silk was the third most popular foundation in the nation. The number one foundation this year was Luminous by Anastasia Beverly Hills, while Fenty Beauty came in second with their Pro Filt’r foundation.
Luminous Silk also has the royal seal of approval (like Meghan Markle), is adored by celebrities, and has garnered the support of beauty editors. How does this charity attract such a loyal fan base? What about its exorbitant $64 price tag doesn’t faze people who are devoted to it? I conducted an experiment to discover the answer. Later, I’ll explain all you need to know about Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation, including its coverage, longevity, and application, to help you determine if it’s worth your money.
Pros:
- easy to apply, very buildable coverage
- extraordinarily fine texture
- No need for setting powder.
- velvety-smooth feel
- Doesn’t corrode
- won’t cake or mound
Cons:
- More expensive than most of the other market leaders.
Before I get into details, let me tell you a bit about my skin.
I have to be truthful with you—I’m not a fan of foundation. I appear like a Hollywood has-been, my features made saggy and craggy by the ravages of time, wearing my best face as if I were on the red carpet again. Foundation makes my complexion appear dull, my hyperpigmentation worse, and my pores look much larger than they actually are. That’s why I just want to apply concealers every day (Tarte’s Shape Tape is my go-to right now). I’ll finish off my look with a touch of creamy blush, powder to manage my greasy t-zone, and a nude lip. But, really, I need to hide my aging skin. I’d want to have a foundation that depicts me as an open-and-shut snack rather than a caricature of Norma Desmond saying, “Okay, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” I also require a foundation that will provide a hint of dewiness to my face and take care of the dry spots near my nose. Given the information I had, I was excited to examine Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation in further detail.
Luminous Silk Foundation by Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani was supposedly concerned with the skin and felt that cosmetics should enhance one’s inherent attractiveness. Ever since it was introduced in March 2000, Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation has set the bar for the “no makeup” cosmetic look, and it is worlds apart from the excessive makeup appearance associated with many foundations, notably those of the ’80s and ’90s. Luminous Silk was the first hybrid silicon and oil foundation, thus it serves as a primer and foundation in one. It is a medium coverage product that you may make thicker, and it never yellows. This ensures that the color of the foundation will not vary during the day. It will always be the same when you apply it and when you take it off. Celebrity makeup artists may count on this for getting their clientele ready for the red carpet and picture sessions.
Celebrity makeup artist Cara Lovello states, “Luminous Silk is a must-have in so many makeup artists’ kits.” This foundation’s coverage is buildable and makes the skin seem natural. “Not only does it slide on smoothly,” she goes on, “but it feels strange.” As a consequence of the unique Micro-Fil technology, Luminous Silk’s pigments are able to sit flat on the skin’s surface and so make application smooth, resulting in a natural, second-skin look. Luminous Silk also has a powder-like finish that dries transparent and eliminates the need for powder.
This foundation has an extensive shade range and may be purchased in normal size or travel size so that you can carry it with you anywhere. In addition to its makeup application, you may also use the product’s concealer and primer (which is comprised of the same Micro-Fil technology) for days when you’re not looking to wear a full face of makeup.
How It’s Done
Luminous Silk, a glass container filled with a heavy, pump-dispensed liquid, comes in an oval form. Apply the makeup onto clean, moisturized skin using your fingertips, a brush, or a sponge. Begin by blending it in from the middle of your face and spreading it outward. If you want to construct a foundation, you should add more layers to it, but a single pump will be enough for your complete face.
Is it a Waste of Time or is It Really My New Holy Grail Product?
I can’t imagine a better partner for me on a lonely island. I would also have to survive on my own, but at least I’d look nice doing it.
I applied foundation in shade 5.5, using a beauty sponge and rose water. Then, I sponged the foundation outward from the middle of my face, blending it around my ears. I could tell that it dissolved into my skin easily, and my skin felt really smooth and somewhat dewy afterward. There is absolutely no residue and it disappears with no trace. Even the most unskilled makeup user may apply the foundation successfully and seem great.
My face seemed perfect after applying one layer (a half pump’s worth). But in a way that still looked like me: as if I had a glass of water and a serving of veggies for every day of the week. Even with Luminous Silk, though, I can camouflage all of my terrible behaviors. I was also pleasantly surprised by how well it concealed my flaws (sunspots and broken capillaries) without seeming like I was using a thick layer of plaster to do it. I never regretted my choice to forego applying a setting powder for eight hours. My skin remained dewy at the end of the day, and no oil was evident. It was a bit startling for me to see that my face looked the same as it did eight hours before, so I had to perform a double-take.
The cherry on top, however, is -> nevertheless, the finest part is My dry areas weren’t covered by the foundation. I got them off vacation and out of sight by washing my face that evening. Additionally, I saw that it didn’t accentuate or adhere to the barely visible peach fuzz on my face. My success is owed to the Micro-Fil technology. It really delivers on its promises: the pigments are placed flat on the skin’s surface.
One last issue before we go on: its exorbitant pricing. Compared to other popular brands, this formula is more expensive at $64, but it is well worth the money. There are certain elements that make this foundation seem luxurious, but it’s hard to tell precisely what those are. It’s probably the silky texture and dewy finish. There is no other foundation out there that is quite as breathable, long-lasting, and flawless as this one. Buying a high-end foundation will be a great investment if you use it every day. It’s a wise decision if you wear foundation just for special occasions, as you can extend the longevity of the bottle that way.
Concluding Thoughts: Holy Grail
Luminous Silk Foundation is a suitable foundation for those with both oily and dry skin (since it controls oil and moisturizes skin), and it delivers exceptional coverage without seeming greasy, heavy, or melting off your skin. That’s my ultimate opinion. On the inside and out, it’s just beautiful.