Power Fabric Compact Cream: This Isn’t My Favorite Armani Foundation

An Armani foundation for on-the-go to keep you shine free all day.

If I had to choose one foundation to bring with me to a deserted island, it would be an Armani foundation. Luminous Silk has a grasp on my heart and I can’t ever get enough of it. In fact, Armani has a lot of winning beauty products that I love. Of course, I had to try out the cream to powder formula that is said to be perfect for on the go. Though not the same formulation as Luminous Silk, it contains many of the same elements as the liquid Power Fabric, another award winning foundation. Typically, Armani foundations wear really well on my skin: no settling, no excess oil, and a long wear. But, that wasn’t true of this one. I will say, I loved the initial application of this foundation, but it was downhill the longer I wore it.

Promises vs. Performance: Power Fabric Foundation Balm sounds promising.

Power Fabric Compact Cream Foundation Balm features the same award winning elements as the liquid Power Fabric. With the use of ultra long wear pigments, this cream foundation claims an all day matte coverage. It features a unique balm to powder texture, applying as a cream but transforming to a powder for a flawless look. Armani promises shine free, non greasy wear.

As soon as you put this cream compact foundation on the skin, it transforms into a powder feel and texture. I first tested the application with the included sponge (I love seeing how good, or bad, these are). This foundation is highly pigmented and a little bit of product goes a long way! It is easy to apply and is buildable where you need extra coverage. I wouldn’t call this a full coverage foundation, but I was able to get a solid medium coverage. To me, it has more of a soft matte finish that still allowed my natural glow to shine through. I absolutely loved the initial application and look. It felt lightweight on my skin and my complexion looked even and fresh.

I’m not going to lie, I don’t live how this foundation wore on my skin. It somehow felt dry and oily at the same time. On my cheeks, nose, and around my mouth, I was met with dryness and every bit of texture exaggerated. But, on my forehead, I looked and felt extra oily. By the end of the day, the foundation seemed to exaggerate every bit of texture, every line, and every pore on my face. I definitely did not have the all day flawless, non greasy wear Armani promised.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(3.1)

:Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm

Price: $68.00

0.32 oz

Value

(3.1)

Application

(4)

Coverage

(3.5)

Texture

(3.5)

Longevity

(2.5)

Shade Range

(2)

Extra Benefits

(2)

Prograde Best Matte

(4)

:MAC Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder

Price: $40.00

0.35 oz

Value

(4.3)

Application

(3.5)

Coverage

(4)

Texture

(3.8)

Longevity

(3.8)

Shade Range

(4.5)

Extra Benefits

(3.8)

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+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: This Armani foundation isn’t a winner.

I really thought I was going to love Power Fabric Foundation Balm. At first glance, it applied easily and beautifully. I got a solid medium coverage with by using a small amount of product of this highly pigmented formula. It looked beautiful on my skin, giving me an even, fresh complexion. But, it went downhill the longer I wore it. By the end of the day, I was somehow both greasy and oily at the same time. Every texture, line, and pore on my face was exaggerated with this foundation settling and separating. While I thought I was going to be impressed, I was not.

Milabu Beauty Method: Cream foundation requires some prep work.

To make cream foundation formulas work for my skin, I have to make sure I properly prep with the right skincare.

1. Exfoliate. Summer Fridays makes one of my favorite liquid AHA exfoliants, Soft Reset ($56). It’s gentle, yet effective.
2. Moisturize. Daily Greens from Farmacy ($38) is a great daytime moisturizer that is oil free.
3. Before applying foundation on top, let your skincare sink in for a few minutes. I don’t find I like to use primers under neath because cream foundations are typically a bit heavier feeling. Though, feel free to pair your favorite primer.
4. Using a beauty sponge, pick up product out of the compact.
5. Start with the center of your face and swipe the foundation on your skin. To build up coverage, use dabbing/patting motions.