How does the brand new Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation compare to the original?

Our editors review the revamped version

Editor / January 28 2026

Reformulating a cult-favourite is always a big (AKA bold) move. Especially when it comes to foundation, a product we all rely on to serve as the literal base of our entire makeup routines. It's one you've gotta respect though, right? To have a foundation formula that's been heralded as the best in the business/worn by every celebrity in Hollywood and decide to upgrade it? That's commitment to your customers. And that's what Giorgio Armani just did with their iconic Luminous Silk Foundation.

Now of course any reformulation comes with fears that it'll never be quite the same (or as good) again, but you needn't worry in this case: Armani have kept everything we all loved about the OG, and added new benefits that'll only lock it in as your favourite foundation for longer.

We tested out the fresh formula and we were big fans...

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Reformulation Review

Delaney, BEAUTYcrew's Editor

I need a foundation to: Last over 12 hours, cloak my pigmentation and scars, not cling to dry areas

"I wish I was a 'light base' type of person because it seems like less effort and sounds chic, but frankly, my skin would have to be a whole lot more even for that. I don't mind my freckles peeking through, but redness and scarring simply must be disguised before I leave the house. Of course, there's a fine line between a foundation that provides genuine coverage and a foundation that looks like sludge on the skin. That's what Luminous Silk (in both the previous and freshly revamped formulas, but specifically with the new one) really gets right: it's got plenty of coverage, but glides, moves and sits like a lighter base, with plenty of spreadability and blendability as you buff it into your skin. It definitely still looked and felt like my skin, but pores were blurred, and my areas of concerns were covered up quite seamlessly."

"It's built to last, too. On work days, I apply my foundation at 6.30am and cleanse it off at 7.30pm, so the 'fresh' factor I saw when I got home was impressive to say the least. The longevity of this product has always been strong, but with the addition of hydrating glycerin, the new formula felt especially velvety all day. I also found that my blush layer lasted more effectively applied over the top. So yes, it's an investment, but it's one that's both worthwhile and enhances the efficacy of your other products."

"Now my skin is incredibly dry, so I did find that I saw the glowiest results with a full Rhode routine and a layer of pearlescent primer just before applying, but I was thrilled with how the foundation looked and lasted throughout the day. I wouldn't describe it as 'dewy' exactly, but if you want a base with real coverage and a fresh finish (that sits somewhere in the 'satin' area), it's exactly what you're looking for.  It takes a lot for my face to look 'lit from within' in any way, but I reckon the new formula (which is now powered by a bit of niacinamide too) just about got me there. Huge accomplishment, congrats to all involved."

Grab a bottle of the new Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation here:

$120 at Sephora

$124 at Myer

$124 at Adore Beauty

Briar, BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor

I need a foundation to: Not dry out my skin, not make my mascara transfer, not separate around my nose and mouth

"The older I get, the less coverage I like to wear. So when I learned that Armani had refreshed their foundation formula I was excited to try a skin-perfecting base product that didn’t feel heavy on my skin. And boy did the new Luminous Silk deliver."

"I liked the original formula too, but I must admit that the foundation’s refresh ticked a lot more boxes for me. It blends seamlessly, smooths the appearance of pores and texture, feels featherlight on the skin, and plays well with all the other complexion products in my makeup bag."

"I also love that the foundation is more luminous than it used to be — as someone with dry skin I used to reserve a bottle of Luminous Silk for special occasions when I wanted to wear a velvet-matte (but not dull) finish for a few hours. The refreshed formula is definitely more forgiving on my skin, so I feel comfortable wearing it all day, every day."

Grab a bottle of the new Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation here:

$120 at Sephora

$124 at Myer

$124 at Adore Beauty


Main image credits: Supplied

Our REVIEWcrew are also raving about the reformulated Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Here's why they gave it a near perfect score...

Delaney began her career in the Australian beauty media industry in 2015, landing amidst the glossy world of women’s lifestyle magazines (or more literally, in their beauty cupboards). Since then, she has gone on to write across a multitude of beloved Australian media brands, including OK!, NW, InStyle, and Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s covered every side of beauty content, from directing beauty editorial shoots to rounding up the best glossy serums for golden hour skin. Having spent nearly a decade immersed in the beauty realm, Delaney’s knowledge of beauty is as extensive as her collection of tinted lip oils (read: extremely extensive). Delaney is currently the Digital Managing Editor of BEAUTYcrew, and her beauty wisdom also appears across beautyheaven, ELLE and Marie Claire. She enjoys channelling her personal hobby (testing beauty products) into her professional work (talking about testing beauty products), and considers perfecting the art of a cat eye in a moving car her life’s greatest accomplishment.