Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: Why Its Icon Status Is Deserved

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has delivered radiant beauty for over two decades.

I love liquid foundations, especially those that add luminosity to my normal to dry skin. The best ones give me just enough coverage for an even complexion. They never look or feel heavy. If I had to pick a favorite? Armani Luminous Silk would be a contender. And I’m not alone. The iconic formula has been a makeup artist and celebrity treasure since its launch in 2000. Kim Kardashian is said to be obsessed. Meghan Markle as well. So what makes it so popular among those whose faces fill our news feeds?

Beauty industry fanfare is just the icing on the cake for me. Sure, I notice the constant buzz. But my feelings about Luminous Silk were cemented long ago when I first tested it myself. (I mentioned it here, in 2015.) A couple dabs of this radiant foundation are all I need for natural makeup looks, and the product builds beautifully when I’m going for soft glam. It never lets me down.

Luminous Silk is luxurious in performance, feel, and, price. Retailing at $69 an ounce, is this big beauty investment really worth it? I have some thoughts!

Promises vs. Performance: Weightless medium coverage that lasts all day?

Giorgio Armani Beauty boasts that Luminous Silk should apply seamlessly for a “second-skin effect.” It has “medium buildable coverage” and provides a weightless, “satin glow finish for naturally flawless-looking skin.” Comfortable for all skin types, this foundation makes skin look airbrushed, yet it looks natural.

Having used Luminous Silk for some time, I was not surprised by its performance in this wear test. First, it applied like a dream. I easily achieved true medium coverage with just a few dots of makeup, even though I dabbed it on with a sponge. Yes, this foundation felt weightless. It gave me a healthy looking radiance and was undetectable on my skin. It wore comfortably. Aside from settling into a few dry spots by day’s end, the benefits were long lasting.

Quick Rating Rundown

Industry Standard

(4.3)

:Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Price: $69.00

1.0 oz

Value

(3.2)

Application

(4.6)

Coverage

(4.4)

Finish

(4.7)

Longevity

(4.5)

Shade Range

(4.5)

Extra Benefits

(2)

Prograde Standard

(4.6)

:Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Price: $48.00

1.0 oz

Value

(3.9)

Application

(4.8)

Coverage

(5)

Finish

(4)

Longevity

(4.8)

Shade Range

(5)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:12 Best Foundations You Need To Try

Price: $15 – $70

various Sizes

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Finish

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: Luminous Silk Foundation stands apart.

Luminous Silk is widely considered the gold standard foundation in the luxury range. I think that’s because of its lightweight buildable coverage, breathable formula, and gorgeous finish. The slightest amount of product and effort imparts aspirational radiance to any type of skin. This formula has won multiple beauty awards from outlets like Allure, Harper’s BAZAAR, InStyle Magazine, and more. It’s a makeup artist’s friend and perfect for special occasion or wedding makeup. It also comes in an impressive range of 40 shades. And if you’re still not ready to commit to the the $69 price tag, check out the travel size option, which gets you 18ml for $45. I personally like the value of the larger bottle (and won’t risk running out). To me, this special product is worth every penny.

Milabu Beauty Method: Applying Luminous Silk for an airbrushed finish.

There is more than one way to achieve the beautiful, airbrushed effect Luminous Silk is known for. I demonstrated two favorite methods in my 2015 and 2021 videos, and I’ll break them down for you here: sponge and brush.

Sponge method.

For fast and flawless application, I love to use a damp Beautyblender sponge ($20). You may find that you need more foundation for this method. That’s because, even though it’s a great blending tool, the sponge can absorb some product.

1. Pump the Luminous Silk onto the back of your hand.
2. Place dots of the foundation lightly across your entire face, cheeks, chin, forehead, everywhere.
3. Dab the product with the wider end of your sponge, blending the product into your skin.
4. Using the same dabbing motion, layer a little more foundation over any areas that need extra coverage. Just watch your redness and pores disappear! This application will quickly create an even canvass of your face.

Brush method.

To apply Luminous Silk with a brush, I like to use something soft like the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki ($25) or this one ($58) by Hourglass.

1. Place one dot of foundation onto your cheeks, chin, and forehead.
2. Use light pressure and gently swirl your brush to blend the product into your skin. Start in the center of your face and work your way out until you have evenly distributed the foundation.
3. Using the same brush, go back in with a stippling motion to dab additional product onto just the places where more coverage is wanted. This application also yields a perfected, luminous finish.