Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn / Tyler Roeland
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is my favorite foundation. It’s also a go-to for many pro makeup artists and celebrities—it’s just that good. What makes it so special is its unique ability to blend seamlessly into skin and replicate what your complexion would naturally look like on a really good day, all with a subtle but luminous dewy finish.
The good news? It’s on sale during Sephora’s Spring Savings Event, so whether you’re restocking like I am or are looking to try it out for the first time, now’s the best time to do so. The retailer’s semi-annual sale is exclusive to Beauty Insiders (aka a free membership that anyone can sign up for). Your membership status determines your sale access, so Rouge members get 20% off sitewide, VIB members get 15% off, and Insiders get 10% off—just be sure to use the code YAYSAVE at checkout to secure the discount.
The sale ends April 15 so now’s your time to shine (literally). After wearing this foundation for years (and receiving compliments every time I have it on), you can trust me when I say this is the best foundation on the market.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Sephora
Buy Now $69 $55
I have oily, blemish-prone skin, and although I’d been told for years that I’d love Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation, I put it off because I was worried about the coverage (it’s medium, not full) and was petrified of looking shinier. But let me tell you: I was so wrong for not trying it sooner. This iconic foundation offers a veil of buildable coverage that blurs redness and bumps while also looking natural. It’s so thin that it never cakes (even on breakouts) and makes my skin look like I’m having a good skin day every single day—even when I’m not. As for the finish, it adds a healthy glow to the skin (rather than a greasy, shiny mess) that I’ve been unable to achieve with any other product.
The foundation comes in 40 shades, with options for all skin tones, including an array of undertones. My shade is 5.25, a medium, pink-toned shade that blends seamlessly into my skin. There are neutral, olive, peach, and golden undertones, too (rather than cool or warm), making it easier for everyone to find their match.
I find the foundation lasts all day, from my 7 AM pre-work coffee through 8 PM drinks and dinner. I apply my skincare—face wash, toner, hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C serum, and SPF—all before going in with concealer to cover dark circles and residual acne marks. Then, I add one pump of the Luminous Silk Foundation to my face in small dots evenly dispersed across my forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. I blend it with a foundation brush, and while I don’t usually use pressed powder, that would work wonders to set the formula if you’re worried about slippage. And that’s it! The final result is a fresh, glowy finish that blurs imperfections and leaves my skin looking like the best version of itself.
Make sure to add the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation while you can snag it at a discount, and browse through more fan-favorite foundations for less at Sephora, below.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation, $39-44 (originally $49)
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, $38-$43 (originally $48)
- Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Foundation, $27-$30 (originally $34)
- Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, $34-$38 (originally $43)
- Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation, $42-$47 (originally $52)
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation, $32-$36 (originally $40)
- Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation, $46-$51 (originally $57)
- Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation, $55-$62 (originally $69)
