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“Featherweight but ambitious, its fine particles blend effortlessly into the skin and erase red spots and shine,” reads a caption in the December 2002 issue of Allure. Said makeup artist Troy Surratt in our October 2008 edition: "It makes your skin look like you're walking around under [photographer] Michael Thompson's lighting.”
In both cases, the “it” in question is Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation. And those glowing reviews are just two of dozens that have appeared in our IRL and virtual pages since the formula launched some 25 years ago. It was, simply put, a “perfect foundation,” says makeup artist Kirin Bhatty. Note the past tense: That’s because, as of 2026, Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, as we once knew it, is no longer being produced.,
When the Internet caught wind of the news, panic ensued (“This was my holy grail!” exclaimed one Reddit user) and questions flew. But there was no need to fear: The beloved base isn’t going away—it’s merely remerging after getting a facelift. And like all the most effective aesthetic interventions, the procedure was performed before there were too many obvious signs that it was needed: Bhatty, who is not formally affiliated with the brand, is one of many makeup artists we know who felt the easy-to-blend, ultra-lightweight, perfectly dewy original left little to be desired.
“When reinventing such a beloved product, preserving these attributes is paramount,” says Armani Beauty research and development specialist Rena Hayashi. “We achieved this through extensive trials and tests, meticulously ensuring that any advancements uphold these high standards.”
Those advancements, according to Hayashi, include a “significantly expanded and refined shade range.” While the new formula is available in 44 shades, the OG came in a not-unimpressive 40. But the extra four shades aren’t the difference-maker in and of themselves: Hayashi says the revamp was more about tweaking the existing tones. “A new green pigment has allowed us to expand the shade range, particularly for those with olive undertones, providing a more accurate match,” says Hayashi. “Additionally, a blue pigment was incorporated into our deeper shades, which helps to enhance luminosity and intensity in the makeup finish, crucially avoiding the ashiness that was previously an unmet need for individuals with deeper skin tones.”
The new foundation was also built to provide more skin-care benefits than the original: The formula includes ingredients like moisture-locking glycerin and brightening niacinamide. That’s because today’s consumers “expect foundations to be an extension of their skin-[care] routine,” says Hayashi.
Longtime devotees will also notice that the original frosted bottle has been traded for a shinier, sleeker version, though the sizes on offer (30ml and 18ml) and pricing ($69 and $48, respectively) remain the same.
All that sounds well and good, but the question remains: Did the brand manage to clear the very high bar it set 25 years ago? For Bhatty, the answer is a resounding yes: “The new formula is just as beautiful, just as luminous, and just as trustworthy—it performs on the red carpet and in real life flawlessly,” she says, adding that she’s also found the wear time to be longer than the original. “Overall, I’m so impressed—and relieved!”
But what did our editors think? Scroll down for their reviews, including before and after images.
Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
Calaor before…
Courtesy of subject
…and after.
Courtesy of subject
”If you walked through the halls of Allure in 2018—when I'd first started working here—and asked editors what foundation they'd recommend, most, if not all, would say the original Luminous Silk. The way it smoothed complexions and photographed was unmatched, and I'd use it on special occasions and events: I actually used my bottle of Luminous Silk on my friend when I did her makeup for her wedding. This new formula will likely garner the same reviews. It’s so pigmented, lightweight, and creates a natural-looking, skin-like finish.
I used shade 6.8—described as ‘medium tan, warm golden’—and pumped a drop of the liquid onto my face and spread it with a dense, slightly angled foundation brush. Three drops gave me a thin veil that helped hide some of the redness and discoloration on my very dry skin. For an event where I know I'll be photographed, I'd apply more foundation to my face—but not too much because a little goes such a long way. Best of all, I didn’t need to touch it up at all.”
Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
Horgan before…
Courtesy of subject
…and after.
Courtesy of subject
“Luminous Silk has been a go-to of mine for years, not only for myself but also for doing makeup on other people. It was kind of the ultimate "your-skin-but-better" foundation that universally gave good coverage with a glowy, skin-like finish.
I grabbed shade 3.75, a fair cool pink, in the new formula; I previously used 3.75 in the winter and 4.25 in the summer. This new shade was slightly a bit light for me, but after fully blending and using my other products, it matched very well.
I would say the coverage is definitely on the lighter end, even a little lighter than the original. I could still see a couple imperfections poking through that I needed to cover with concealer, but I got a decent amount of coverage after the first layer, regardless. Similar to the old version, the lightweight formula means you don't get that heavy makeup feel while wearing or after removing it. My skin felt fresh after removing it.”
Sarah Han, commerce editor
Han before…
Courtesy of subject
…and after.
Courtesy of subject
“I found my shade—4, a ‘light golden neutral’—on the first try, which rarely happens. I'm really glad the color you see in the bottle is an accurate representation of what it'll look like swatched on your hand or face. Though it's an existing shade, I do appreciate that this shade has a neutral undertone, since "golden" shades typically lean too warm for me.
I usually reach for skin tints, and this consistency reminded me of one of my go-tos in the best way! Super spreadable, easy to blend, and just enough coverage to hide dark spots and redness. I started off with one pump for a sheer, all-over layer because I wanted to see how easily buildable it was. It's definitely on the lighter side, but I went back in with a sponge to layer coverage on discoloration-prone areas, and the finish was smooth and beautiful.
I couldn't feel it at all sitting on my skin, from application to removal. I didn't feel like I had to rigorously melt it off with my oil cleanser, either, so my skin still felt soft post-rinse.”
Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
Foresto before…
Courtesy of subject
…and after using the new formula.
Courtesy of subject
…and after using the original formula.
Courtesy of subject
"I love the original foundation for its ability to smooth and hide imperfections while not looking cakey and heavy. This thing is pricey, though, so I bought a mini only to test it. I used shade 7.8 (‘medium tan, warm olive’) on both the original and new versions.
I do think this new formulation looks more natural on my skin: I always thought the other formula looked a little too dark on me, but I did not feel the same with this new one. I applied it both with a Beautyblender sponge—my preferred way of applying foundation—and a brush. In both cases, the formula blended easily and offered a good amount of coverage without feeling thick or matte. It looks natural, but like it improved my skin a bit.
The foundation stayed on pretty impeccably through the day. I sometimes need to touch up around my lips post-meals and coffee, but that was not the case this time! I have pretty reactive skin (eczema that leads to dark spots and inflammation), so I’m always afraid foundations will make my skin dry. I had nothing to worry about here, though.”
Briana Rengifo, designer
Rengifo before…
Courtesy of subject
…and after.
Courtesy of subject
"I think the change in the shades helped balance out my fair-leaning olive skin: 6.25 is a medium, warm peach..
I used a brush to apply it and would describe the texture as satin-feeling and very hydrating. The cover was medium, but it can easily be built up—and even when I applied a couple layers, it didn’t feel like I was wearing foundation. Plus, I feel like it made my skin look a little more plump.
I did break out a bit after wearing it for the weekend—of course, it could've been something else, but I tend to be sensitive to foundations. I would say to be careful if you are acne-prone, but I'll continue to use it for special occasions."
Hannah Brower, content manager, Allure Beauty Box
Brower before…
Courtesy of subject
…and after.
Courtesy of subject
“The original Luminous Silk was one of my very first favorite foundations—I repurchased it time and time again because it gave my skin the radiant, light-to-medium coverage I was seeking. For years, during every Sephora sale, it was always at the top of my list for a restock.
I’d always used shade 3 in the original, but grabbed shade 2—described as fair neutral golden—in the new formula. Thinking back, the original formula in shade 3 was a tiny bit yellow for me, and I did notice that the new formula seems more neutralized. Plus, there was zero oxidation!
After applying with a sponge, I wore this for a night out, and after many, many hours, my makeup still looked flawless. The foundation didn't separate, slip, or feel heavy at all. I have acne-prone skin, and products can easily cause breakouts, but thankfully, I didn't notice any blemishes in the days following.
I absolutely love the new formula—even more than the original—though I will miss the classic frosted glass bottle. That said, this launch has reignited my love for Luminous Silk, and it will likely become my new go-to.”
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation retails for $69/30ml and is available now at Sephora and Sephora.com.
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