While I've yet to launch my own successful shapewear line or play an elf leader in a blockbuster film trilogy, it seems Kim Kardashian, Cate Blanchett and I do have something in common: we're all big fans of Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.
Since launching in 2000, this foundation, which comes in 40 shades, has found itself in the professional kits of Hollywood's most prominent make-up artists such as Lisa Eldridge, Naoko Scintu and Patrick Ta. But my interest in the product began closer to home with a fancy aunt who basically perfected the art of 'buying less but better'. Her wardrobe was curated but well-made, her jewellery minimal but of value, and her make-up stash was tightly edited yet reliable. One excellent powder, a multi-use blush, mascara, a fragrance and one foundation - Armani Luminous Silk.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Since it made her make-up edit, I knew it must be special. She always appeared polished, with healthy skin that never looked made up. Luminous Silk's price tag was always a little prohibitive for a teenage me but it never left my wish-list. Fast forward more than a decade later, and I found myself with access to Luminous Silk...along with a generous scatter of painful acne and scarring, as you can see in the TikTok below.
Before I got my hands on it, I was starting to become sceptical of Luminous Silk. The legion of celebs who adore it all have generally clear complexions (my aunt included). My face, meanwhile, is somehow prone to both excess shine and dry patches (fun!) with pitted marks and red, post-acne pigmentation spots. The active blemishes have recently faded, as seen in the photos below, due to a prescription medication but the scarring and redness remains.
But, Armani Luminous Silk truly lived up to the hype. The texture is, as the name suggests, silky and fluid. Fun fact: the feel of the foundation is inspired by the fashion house's well-loved fabric, charmeuse silk. There's a refined radiance in the formula that's achieved without any obvious, shimmery flecks. There are plenty of glow-giving foundations out there, but what sets Luminous Silk apart is the Micro-fil technology which, not only helps to give an overall brightening effect and blur out blemishes, but does so without feeling like you've got anything on your skin. I also love the glycerin-rich, oil-free inci list. It means that my skin stays plush and glowy, not greasy. The clever formula also makes it great for all seasons and humidity levels.
Blending is easy; I warm it up on the back of my hands and massage in with fingers to even out my complexion. For extra coverage where needed, I buff in with a medium-dense foundation brush such as Anastasia Beverly Hills A30. It's buildable, so there's little risk of looking overdone or heavy.
Most importantly, Luminous Silk looks completely natural on the skin. It doesn't offer a thick blanket of coverage, which means yes, my blemishes and scars are peeking through, but that's what my skin looks like. I'm not looking for a Photoshopped image of my complexion, just a happier, fresher, calmer version of it.
ELLE Edit: Giorgio Armani Beauty
Giorgio Armani A-Blush
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Classico Mascara
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer
It's one of the most versatile foundations out there, one that you can sheer out for daily wear and amp up for special occasions. It wears nicely throughout the day without cracking or oxidising into a darker tone, and looks good in photos. It's an investment worth making, especially now that it's currently 25% off (+ 10% additional discount on LookFantastic) Cyber Monday.
Race you to the checkout!
