Some might say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but Armani Beauty would disagree. For the first time in 25 years, the brand has reinvented its award-winning foundation. Meet the new Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Foundation, available exclusively to Vogue readers today.
“Even for an icon like Luminous Silk, consumer expectations change,” explains Rena Hayashi, a research and development specialist at Armani Beauty. “The goal was to meet today’s demand for foundations that offer an even more seamless, skin-like match and act as an extension of your skincare routine, not just makeup.” Four years in development and backed by extensive consumer testing, Luminous Silk 2.0 promises a more precise shade range, longer wear, a refined finish, and a skin-loving formula—all while building on the beloved qualities of the original.
Vogue’s Kiana Murden tests the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Blurring Foundation
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Foundation
$69 | ARMANI BEAUTY
Why We Love It: A favorite of professional artists since 2000, the updated formula now leans further into skincare-makeup hybrid territory. With ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and botanical extracts, it boosts hydration for an undeniably silky, never-cakey finish that smooths the look of textured skin. The reformulation also expands the shade range, offering more specific undertones for a precise match. While longtime fans may be wary of change, celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez assures it’s better than ever.
Shades: 44
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin, niacinamide, white lupine extract, lily extract, tocopherol
Finish: Naturally glowy and blurred
Coverage: Medium, buildable
Size: 0.6 oz; 1.0 oz
Of course, change can be unsettling when it comes to cult-favorite formulas. Even as a writer used to inevitable reformulations, I felt a twinge of concern at first. Celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez admits she was nervous, too, knowing the foundation she’s trusted for her star-studded clients—a staple in her kit since its 2000 debut—was getting an unexpected update. After all, with a roster of clients frequently in front of HD cameras, her endorsement carries weight. “The red carpet lighting and cameras do not lie,” she laughs. “Luminous Silk is still my go-to, and I know it won’t let me down—whether covering rosacea and acne or smoothing out texture.”
“You think this formula couldn’t possibly get better, but somehow the reformulation is even more precise and perfected,” Gonzalez shares over Zoom. Since testing it in July, Luminous Silk 2.0 has become her new favorite, making the original a fond memory.
About The New Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Foundation
For Gonzalez, the most noticeable difference is texture—not just how the product feels, but how it performs on textured skin. “With the original, I always felt I had to finish with Glow Setting Powder to make clients’ skin look smooth and refined. The new formula blends right in without any harsh edges.” This is thanks to the brand’s Liquid Silk Technology, where micro-pigments scatter light as it reflects off the skin, creating an optical illusion of a glowing complexion—all while maintaining a lightweight feel. Plus, added skin-loving ingredients help the foundation smooth over texture rather than cling to it.
Armani Beauty aimed to embrace the skincare-makeup hybrid trend, recognizing that consumers now expect their cosmetics to support their skin, not work against it. Key new ingredients include a blend of glycerin, niacinamide, Mediterranean lily, and white lupine extract. According to Hayashi, this combination of nourishing activesThe blend of hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts boosts hydration while creating a glowing, plumping effect. If you’re acne-prone and nervous about breakouts from new products, you’re in luck—the new formula is completely non-comedogenic (I verified every ingredient through an acne clinic’s checker). Another plus: although fragrance is listed, the strong perfumed scent of the original is gone.
Luminous Silk now lasts longer than ever, with up to 24 hours of wear. While everyday makeup users might not need all-day wear, longevity is crucial for celebrity clients. “I’ve been on shoots that run 22 hours long. When I use Luminous Silk, there’s little need for touch-ups because the foundation holds up so well,” says makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez. “I just add a bit of concealer under the eyes and powder for oiliness.”
I first tried the formula after a long workday, applying it to bare skin. In Vogue’s beauty closet, I turned on a ring light and followed Gonzalez’s advice—focusing only on the areas that needed coverage. Two pumps on the back of my hand were enough, dabbing it over my red-speckled cheeks and around my nose. The difference was instant, like erasing rosacea with a magic wand. Throughout the day, I kept receiving compliments on my skin, despite my typically dry, rosacea-prone complexion. The new finish is slightly more radiant than the original satin version, but I’d say it enhances your glow without losing that “silk” effect.
Honestly, I was amazed by how well it wore over time. After applying it early in the morning, my end-of-day touch-ups before leaving the office were limited to blush and blotting—no major reapplication needed. And that’s not just talk; there’s science behind it. “Volatile oils evaporate after application, leaving a stable film of polymers and pigments on the skin,” explains a brand representative. “This ensures long-lasting wear and a dry, comfortable feel.”
While the beauty industry still struggles with shade inclusivity, Armani Beauty excels in this area—especially in the medium to deep complexion range. Out of 44 total shades, 18 are new. “A new green pigment allowed us to expand the range for olive undertones, providing a more accurate match, while an ultramarine blue pigment was added to deeper shades to maintain luminosity and prevent ashiness,” the representative notes.
Keep in mind that your Luminous Silk shade may differ from the original formula. Check the brand’s shade comparison chart to be sure. For those still uncertain, Gonzalez has a handy tip: the packaging has changed from frosted glass to clear. “What you see in the bottle is exactly the shade you get,” she says. “I carry every shade in its original bottle in a clear case. When matching a client quickly, I just flip it over and hold it near their face—just make sure you’re in good lighting.”
Ultimately, Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk reformulation shows that sometimes, change can be a great thing. With more shades, better skin-tone matching, skin-nourishing ingredients, and all-day wear, Luminous Silk 2.0 remains a quick fix for a flawless, glowing complexion.Alessandra Ambrosio, Ashley Park, Camila Mendes, and other celebrities are fans. Rena Hayashi is the research and development specialist for Armani Beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Your Complete Guide to the New Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Beginner General Questions
Q What is the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
A Its a luxury cultfavorite foundation known for its lightweight buildable formula that gives skin a natural luminous finishnever cakey or heavy
Q Whats new about this version
A The new formula has been upgraded with a Microfil technology for even smoother application and improved longwear It also offers a broader more inclusive shade range and is refillable making it more sustainable
Q What skin type is it best for
A Its famously versatile but works especially well for normal dry and combination skin types seeking a radiant finish Those with very oily skin might need to set it with powder in their Tzone
Q How do I find my shade
A Armani has an extensive numbering system The best way is to get matched at a counter Online use the brands shade finder tool and consider your undertone
Q Is it full coverage
A No its a lighttomedium buildable coverage It evens out skin tone and blurs imperfections beautifully while letting your skins natural texture show through You can layer it slightly for more coverage
Application Usage
Q How should I apply it for the best results
A For the signature luminous silk effect apply with your fingers first to warm up the product then blend seamlessly with a damp beauty sponge A dense brush can also be used for slightly more coverage
Q Do I need a primer with it
A Not necessarily as it applies beautifully on wellmoisturized skin For extended wear or to address specific concerns a compatible primer can help
Q Will it settle into fine lines or pores
A Its fine microfil texture is designed to blur imperfections not settle into them Proper skin prep is key to preventing any product from clinging to dry patches
Q How do I make it last all day
A Start with a