The secret's revealed—Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation has undergone a makeover, and it's even more impressive than I could have imagined…

      Searching for a non-comedogenic foundation that strikes the perfect balance between dewy and matte? Look no further than Luminous Silk. Want a natural finish that doesn’t give away the fact that you’re wearing foundation? Luminous Silk is the answer. Looking for buildable coverage that photographs beautifully and stays put all day? You can guess my response: Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation is one of the most renowned complexion products in the industry, cherished by makeup artists, aestheticians, and beauty editors since its debut over 25 years ago. "It's probably the longest and most dependable relationship I've had with a product," gushed celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell during our WWW 100 Beauty Awards. For my own wedding this year, choosing Luminous Silk as my long-wear foundation was a no-brainer.

      So, when I heard that the brand decided to reformulate this beloved product, I, along with many other loyal users, felt apprehensive about giving up my treasured original bottle. The previous formula was already impressive—why change something so good? However, after trying the revamped Luminous Silk for months and learning about its development, I can confidently say that the new foundation surpasses expectations. I’m not alone in my enthusiasm; makeup artists and even discerning Reddit users have also proclaimed it a new classic. Keep reading to find out why.

      **The Formula**

      You can be assured that the buildable, long-wearing properties of this foundation are preserved—if not improved. It features a novel "liquid silk" technology that replaces the formula's previous "micro-fil" pigments, which according to the head of makeup R&D at the brand, Rena Hayashi, provides even more lasting performance. "It consists of a unique oil blend with advanced fillers," she explained about this high-tech enhancement. As the name implies, this blend gives a smooth, velvety effect that resembles—you guessed it!—liquid silk.

      Regarding pigments, Armani has also broadened the shade range, adding 18 new shades to provide a total of 44 beautiful hues. "A new green pigment has helped us to expand the shade offerings for those with olive undertones, ensuring a better match," Hayashi said. "We also incorporated an ultramarine blue pigment into our deeper shades, which increases luminosity and intensity in the makeup finish… Each shade has a unique formulation, just like every skin tone is unique."

      While the ingredients remain non-comedogenic, the new formula includes additional hydrating skincare elements, specifically glycerin and niacinamide. "Consumer needs are changing every day," Hayashi noted. In today's market, makeup formulas are expected to offer skin-caring benefits, not just be an added bonus. "Consumers expect products that are gentle on the skin, in conjunction with stunning makeup finishes," she added. You can be assured that the luminous finish remains perfectly intact.

      **The Application and Wear Time**

      The standout feature of Luminous Silk is, without a doubt, its weightless, filter-like finish. There’s a reason why celebrity makeup artists view it as essential for red carpet appearances! Carolina Gonzalez, who often works with celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Gigi Hadid, and Hailee Steinfeld, noted improvements in the finish and payoff. "With the old formula, I sometimes noticed it picked up texture," she admitted. "I would usually add a bit of powder to minimize the appearance of texture since it was so luminous."

      The new formula (which Gonzalez has had in her kit since July—"Lucky me!" she quips) offers a much smoother consistency that applies effortlessly, resulting in the best version of your skin. "I feel like it doesn't emphasize texture in the same way," she said. "It still feels moisturizing and wears beautifully throughout the day."

      The new version lasts even longer than the original (if that's even possible!). "The old formula was good, but this new one offers long wear for up to 24 hours, which is definitely a bonus," Gonzalez shared. I can attest to its extended wear as well—more on my experience shortly—and so can numerous shoppers, who rave about its endurance from early morning until late at night. "I did my usual primer, setting powder, and spray, and it lasted until 9 p.m. after being applied at 6 a.m.," one Reddit user commented.

      **My Experience and Results**

      As previously mentioned, Luminous Silk is my holy grail foundation. I wore it on my wedding day last November, which speaks volumes about my enthusiasm! I had the chance to try the secret upgrade over the summer, but I finally got my hands on the full-size bottle in December. I put it to the test on an extremely busy workday filled with back-to-back meetings followed by a late-night holiday gathering, and I was smitten.

      As Gonzalez suggested, the application is superb, quickly covering redness and uneven texture while leaving a luminous