Read ALL about my review process including how I take swatches, photos, and more here.
Sometime between my heading to an Armani counter about four years ago at Bloomingdale’s and the sales rep desperately trying to get me matched into something (um, lady—I know you need to make a sale but I have eyes and can tell that shade is off on me) and my falling in love with another amazing Armani foundation which is also a great light summer foundation with options for dark skin (Maestro), the brand came out with shade 14 a perfect match for my NW47-ish skin. Meanwhile I don’t wear MAC foundations, I just use the terminology since it’s so widely used on the beauty interwebs :)
But yes, even with Luminous in the name this foundation is lightweight and wears well on my oily skin. Typically I can wear a matte foundation and be luminous pretty soon on my own so foundations that offer luminous finishes are often not a match for me. But that’s why it’s important to read what the brand says about who the product is for.
Official description: Luminous Silk foundation features an exclusive Micro-fil technology. So weightless, it redefines foundation. Its hydrating fluid glides on seamlessly with a silky texture and all-day, buildable coverage. For all skin types.
While coverage is lighter, it did a pretty good job of evening my skin—I still need concealer on areas around my chin to cover dark spots until they fade (see my Hyperpigmentation posts for more info) and I still needed concealer to get the type of brightened look I like for my under eye area (in this instance I used the lighter end of Ashunta Sheriff’s Perfect Blend in Dark). The formula is built to last as well—I managed to get a full days wear (of course I had to touch-up as I went along) of coverage in a NYC 75-80 degree summer day. I set with Ben Nye Nutmeg Luxury Powder all over and Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation in N80 for the highlighted areas.
(The other item swatched is Armani Fluid Sheer in shade #4—when I photographed these about a month ago I guess I had plans on reviewing them together but have since changed my mind…lol. If you’re wondering about Fluid Sheer, it can be mixed in your foundation or worn on its own to give a glow depending on the shade. It’s a really pretty finish but IMO unless you’re a huge Armani fan, it’s too pricey to be a must-have)
Bottom line: Armani Luminous Silk is a good light to medium coverage foundation that feels like nothing on and stands up to higher temps. It also comes in an impressive 24 shade range from fair to deep.
Price and where to buy: $62 at Armani Beauty (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates). Also at Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barney’s.
You have gorgeous skin.
I have combination skin. i just became too oily with Armani luminous silk. i had to stick with the maestro.
Author
Thanks so much!!!
What were you setting Luminous with? I find that when I gently press loose powder (with either a makeup wedge or puff) it stays put longer than when I use a fluffy brush. I was surprised it lasted on me in the summer BUT we haven’t been as hot and humid here in NYC as it normally is.
I tried to fall in love with this foundation because it is so legendary, but it just wasn’t for me. I became oily in the middle of my face and the undertone seemed off.
Author
Hey Shea!
I have oily skin and it worked for me. What were you setting it with? And were you touching up throughout the day?
I set it with Mally Beauty Poreless Perfection Skin Finisher in the translucent shade. I generally don’t touch up throughout the day.
I kinda think after discovering how amazing the Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation is, I can’t really get into anything else, although I tried the Armani long before the Becca.
I’ve been trying to get the Armani right for almost three years.
Author
Ohhh I LOVE Mally! The Face Defender is one of my faves among her many products. But I personally have to touch-up throughout the day otherwise I’ll have oil breakthrough with any foundation. Shoot—even if I have nothing on my face I still need to blot…lol.
But yeah, trying to get something right for that long is no bueno when there’s SO many other options out there. I LOVE the BECCA Radiant Skin, too!
Hi!
What blush are you wearing in the after pic?
Author
Hi Latrice!
I took these pics more than 6 months ago so I don’t remember but I’m assuming it’s Illamasqua Excite: https://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/2013/04/illamasqua-powder-blusher-excite-tweak-swatches-and-review/