The secret is revealed—Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation has undergone a makeover, and it's even more impressive than I ever expected…

      Searching for a noncomedogenic foundation that strikes the right balance between dewy and matte? Look no further than Luminous Silk. If you're after a natural, skin-like finish that feels like you're not wearing any foundation, Luminous Silk is the go-to choice. Seeking buildable coverage that photographs beautifully and won’t wear off by midday? You can guess my answer. Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation is a legendary complexion product, cherished by makeup artists, aestheticians, and beauty editors since its debut over 25 years ago. "It's probably the longest, most reliable relationship I have with a product," celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell exclaimed during our WWW 100 Beauty Awards. For my wedding this year, choosing Luminous Silk as my long-wear foundation was an easy decision.

      When I learned that the brand was reformulating this beloved product, I (along with many other loyal Luminous Silk fans) felt hesitant to part with my treasured original bottle. The old formula was already fantastic; why change it? However, after testing the revamped Luminous Silk for months and gaining insight into its development, I can confirm that the new foundation far surpasses expectations. And I’m not alone in this view. Keep reading to see why makeup artists and even discerning Reddit users are dubbing it a new classic, along with my personal testing results.

      The Formula

      The buildable, long-wearing attributes of this foundation remain intact—perhaps even enhanced. It now features innovative "liquid silk" technology, replacing the previous patented "micro-fil" pigments which the brand's head of makeup R&D, Rena Hayashi, claims offer superior longevity. "It's a unique oil blend with advanced fillers," she explains about this cutting-edge enhancement. As the name suggests, the blend produces a smooth, velvety effect that resembles—yes, you guessed it—liquid silk.

      ARMANI beauty

      Luminous Silk Foundation

      In terms of pigments, Armani has also broadened the shade selection, adding 18 new shades for a total of 44 stunning colors. "Introducing a new green pigment has allowed us to broaden the range for those with olive undertones for a more precise match," Hayashi details. "Additionally, we've incorporated an ultramarine blue pigment into the deeper shades to boost luminosity and intensity in the finish. Each shade has a distinctive formulation, just like each skin tone is unique." The ingredients are still noncomedogenic, and the new formula includes more hydrating skincare ingredients, like glycerin and niacinamide. "Consumer demands are changing every day," Hayashi notes. Nowadays, skin benefits are expected in makeup products, not just considered a bonus. "Consumers anticipate products that care for the skin alongside having beautiful finishes," she adds. You can rest assured, though: the finish remains beautifully luminous.

      The Application and Wear Time

      The standout feature of Luminous Silk is undoubtedly its weightless, filter-like finish. There’s a reason celebrity makeup artists consider it a miracle for red carpet occasions! Carolina Gonzalez, who frequently works with stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Gigi Hadid, and Hailee Steinfeld, notes even further improvements in the finish and wear. "With the old formula, I noticed it sometimes highlighted texture," she admits. "I often added powder if I felt it emphasizing any texture, given its luminosity."

      The new (L) vs. old (R) Luminous Silk Foundations, side by side.

      The new formula (which Gonzalez has had in her kit since July—"Lucky me!" she jokes) has a noticeably smoother texture that glides on effortlessly—giving off the illusion of beautiful skin. "I feel like it doesn’t pick up texture as much," she shares. "At the same time, it remains moisturizing and wears beautifully throughout the day." The updated version even boasts longer wear than the original (if you can believe it!). "The old formula also held up well, but I didn’t know this new version lasts up to 24 hours, which is a fantastic bonus," Gonzalez adds. I can personally vouch for its extended wear—more on my experience shortly—and so can other users, who rave about it lasting all day. "I used my usual primer, setting powder, and setting spray, and it lasted until 9 p.m. when I took it off (since 6 a.m.)," one Redditor noted.

      My Experience and Results

      As previously mentioned, Luminous Silk is my go-to foundation. I wore it on my wedding day this past November, so that speaks volumes about my loyalty! I managed to test the highly-anticipated upgrade over the summer, but I didn’t get my hands on a full-size bottle until December. I wore it on an extremely busy workday featuring back-to-back meetings followed by a late-night holiday party—and I instantly became a fan.

      As Gonzalez pointed out, the application is fantastic, easily concealing redness and uneven texture