Giorgio Armani • Silk Powder Foundation • Powder

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*TOP REVIEWER* joey_s on 11/18/2012 12:55:00 AM more reviews by joey_s

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Me - Combination skin with beginning signs of aging ie: mild melasma and some fine lines and loss of firmness in eye area. I typically like medium to heavy coverage foundations that don't look too masky or settle into pores and wrinkles.

I'm 45 now and I typically don't wear powder foundations anymore as they settle into my fine lines or look chalky and dry. This foundation is the exception -- I actually love the way it conceals and perfects my complexion! My mom commented on how flawless my skin looked when I wore it for the first time around her.

Pluses

- Covered my melasma surprisingly well and I didn't even use concealer.

- Love that this is so easy/quick to apply, great when you're in a hurry.

- Provides 34 spf PA+++ physical (Titanium Dioxide) sun protection.

- Looks even better as it settles and blends with your moisturizer/primer and natural oils.

- Can layer more on problem areas.

Cons

- Price

- I go through this fairly quickly.

I am about an NC25 and 4 (yellow/beige toned) is a bit too light while 5 is too pink/peach (and I imagine well-suited to NW skin tones). I like this so much I'm going to buy 6 and attempt to blend it with 4. I'll update with my results!

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Gaeia on 5/22/2011 1:56:00 AM more reviews by Gaeia

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I bought Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk powder at Saks in color #5 several days ago because I wanted to replicate the effect I got from the powder in an Armani palette- which is perfection incarnate. I have many compact and loose powders already but I wanted something new, spectacular and slightly smaller for my purse.
I actually would have bought #5.5 if left to my own devices (I'm @ NC25) but the salesman at Saks helpfully explained that #5.5 would be too dark- he insisted 5 was my color: "It's Perfect!" Though #5 looked too light I suspended my disbelief (the reason I own SO much makeup, after all, apart from ebay!!) and I bought it along side their lip wax, cream blush and silk foundation.

Once I got home, I applied the powder & looked at myself in the mirror- and cringed: within seconds I realized it was way too dark- and so orange! In the pan it looks like the perfect light neutral beige but this is deceiving as it instantly oxidizes on your skin- or at least it did on my skin...Also, the texture of the powder is coarser than I expected after using the powder in my Armani palette, as well as my (powder) Armani blushes & eye shadows. I had never bought powder by itself from Armani but the other stuff I do have of theirs is so finely milled that I'd been lemming after this forever, it seemed. Unfortunately this Armani Silk powder turned out to be a disappointment for me- my first bummer GA product experience- - really, since my initial foray into Armani Beauty everything has always performed wonderfully.... (my second one happened the next morning, with the foundation- but that's for a different review.)

I believe at this price point this purchase should have been effortless. What if I were also buying from their site- rather than in person?! I guess it's one way to up your sales quota (hoping customers won't return wrong color and buy a second hopefully better color match- but I seriously hope this is not a harbinger of things to come out of Armani as it would break my heart.... People rise to the expectations and standard you set, one should not lower one's standards to meet the lowest common denominator, for nothing would ever be sublime....
Lastly, If you can find it, you will fall in love with Armani's Black Gem Palette (2008?) - I have both the "light" and the "dark" version but just love the "dark" version's lighter powder on the lower level- in fact I think it would be suitable for all but the very palest beauties- try the "Light" Gem palette- but hmmm actually even they should try the dark version (of the lighter powder) during the summer! I bought both blind and am still SO loving them: they cover completely- & without heaviness- and are just incredible. Why can't Armani's Luminous Silk powder do the same?

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Flyingbabe on 9/2/2010 1:40:00 AM more reviews by Flyingbabe

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I had been searching for a long time to find the perfect
foundation for me. I was after a full coverage with yellow base,
dewy looking and lasting power. Thepowder foundation has it all.
It doesn't sink into the creases under the eyes and if anything,
softens them.

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vbirch on 9/1/2010 12:27:00 AM more reviews by vbirch

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

an amazing foundation! it is worth the price. face looks flawless and continues to look that way as the day goes on. the only powdered foundation that i can use the sponge to apply the foundation and it does not look cakey. worth trying.

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lovemakeup2much on 9/7/2009 2:27:00 PM more reviews by lovemakeup2much

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I cannot tell you how much I love GA foundations! They leave my skin looking virtually flawless. I do have dry skin but find that not only is this compact foundation really quick to use, any dry lines I have on my face disappear with this! Woo hoo! I have this in shade No. 6. I think I should use 5 but I like my skin to look warmer with a bit more colour.

It is expensive, but for me, it lasts around 8/ 9 months. The sponge is very good quality- just remember to wash it with shampoo regularly. The coverage is buildable. Natural first, if you apply allover again it's medium/full coverage. You can use it wet or dry, but I couldn't really tell much difference and as I usually do my make up on the train/bus (rushing to work) dry is better. When it was nearly finished it did break up into lots of bits, but it's still usable, I just don't take it on the bus in fear of it crumbling onto my lap!

I have only lurve for you Giorgio baby! ;)

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*TOP REVIEWER* Vittoriak on 3/28/2009 1:40:00 PM more reviews by Vittoriak

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I got the colour #6. The foundation smoothes my face out and gives a absolutely silky flawless finish. But then, it somehow oxidises after an hour or so and makes my face as orange as Giorgio Armani. Hahahahahahaha. So, I will only use it when I get tanned in the summer.

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hazel1705 on 3/20/2009 6:51:00 AM more reviews by hazel1705

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff is pretty good i must say. It is very finely milled and does tend to give a flawless finish. It gives a much nicer finish on me than the Prescriptives All Skins mineral foundation. I find that mineral makeup tends to separate on my skin and talc based products work better.

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jann8 on 4/30/2008 11:38:00 PM more reviews by jann8

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I used to love this foundation. Reordered from Saks in 5. It oxidized in to a strange orangey color. I thought my moisturizer may have caused this color change. Tried a different moisturizer. No luck, so back it goes. I wish it had worked because it gives a flawless finish.

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*TOP REVIEWER* wanyilee on 1/22/2008 12:57:00 PM more reviews by wanyilee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

I really like this powder, it looks very good on my oily skin... perfect for touch ups on the go! I don't use this with the sponge it comes with.... I find that if I use it with a velour puff it looks much better :) I bought this along with the Matt Silk Foundation, and so far they are giving the best results I have ever seen.... In the morning I use the Matt Silk Foundation with loose powder... and when I get a little shiny, I use blotting papers and this for touch ups! Too bad the color selection is really limited and it's a little ashy, otherwise this is definitely HG material

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Orangepeko on 9/4/2007 5:06:00 PM more reviews by Orangepeko

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

bought this product two month ago, and I started breaking out like hell . I went to counter for return,but the sale person just wouldn't let me to return > <...
It has a good coverage ,but it's kinda heavy to me...won't purchase it again...

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honeybeeyy on 5/3/2007 5:01:00 AM more reviews by honeybeeyy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this in Hong Kong which comes in SPF 17 and I use color #3.5

I found #4 is too yellowish and dark for me (I'm Asian yet have very light skin tone) and #2 is too pink and #3 is too white.

I think this powder foundation is a bit cakey especially around the eyes area and chin. I don't recommend to apply this on the udner eyes area as it really emphzsizes the fine line and dark circle.

The design of the case is not very good as the plastic cover sheet comes off everytime I open the case and the provided sponge doesn't provide a smooth application.

By and large, it's not a bad powder foundation but for this amount, I probably will not repurchase.

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ctgv7 on 4/17/2007 2:56:00 AM more reviews by ctgv7

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I curse Armani for discontinuing this fabulous foundation in my shade. I am Mac NW15 and I use the Silk Powder Foundation in 2. The color is slightly yellow on me, but it gives me the most flawless face I have ever achieve with any foundation. You know when you look at those models on the Armani website and think "wow how perfect and airbrushed their skins look!" Well, you can get that with this powder! I recommand using the sponge that came with the foundation. When I tried using a brush, the coverage was a little too light for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* sweetcaroline on 2/1/2007 9:38:00 PM more reviews by sweetcaroline

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I got this in shade #6 from a nice swapper and WOW I was truly impressed. I think shade 6 is too dark for my MAC NC35 skin tone, but I'm trying to pull it off...this foundation gives me a no-makeup look with flawlessness. I need to blot mid-day, but my skin isn't an oil slick. Instead, it's a bit dewy. I love the texture and the real silky quality it gives my skin. A +, next time, I will buy this in 5 or 5.5.

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tladbstjs on 1/14/2007 10:08:00 PM more reviews by tladbstjs

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

comes in many colours. gives a flawless finish and stays matte without drying skin. instruction says use a wet sponge for more coverage but must be careful because when the powder gets too wet it breaks easily. dont like the the thin black sponge either. overall its a good product for slightly oily skin that needs a bit of coverage.

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*TOP REVIEWER* vink on 10/13/2006 6:52:00 AM more reviews by vink

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I'd really want to love this foundation since it has a very nice texture and it goes on so smoothly. However, it's too dark on my skin (LM 1 & Guerlain 510) Plus, its color change during the day. It looks as if it's a perfect fit on my skin (on the darker side though) but by the end of the day, it makes me look as if I'd had a very bad day and that my face looks orangey (and FYI, I have dry skin!!!!) But the texture is really good. and the compact its self is kinda neat (Always draw some ah... everytime I use it in public). Still the powder should be on the under tier like the Clarins' since everytime when I blend, the excess powder goes everywhere and it's such a mess. Can't believe this happen with a line from the great designer. Won't repurchase coz the coloring problem.

--- Edited--- Just to mention that I got #4 which is the lightest shade at the time so anyone on the pale side should take this into consideration.

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MotherPanda on 7/29/2006 2:25:00 PM more reviews by MotherPanda

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

The one I got is Lasting UV Silk Powder Foundation SPF17 and it's only available in Japan and Hong Kong. But, I gave up the shade of #6 and sent it to the girl at MUA. Because I found that the shade of #4 is more suitable for me as I used to sweep Sheer Bronze #5 all over face after the make-up. I believe it's too pale for me if I used it singly. It's a light weight powder that you can use with the damp sponge to get the perfect coverage. As for me, I used to spray the rose water all over the face and pad with fingers. Then, dust the powder with face powder brush and sweep on the face quickly. It looks more sheer. Or, use it as a touch-up when you need.

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Monica_Lo on 6/15/2006 7:19:00 PM more reviews by Monica_Lo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Way too thick to use as a powder (which is the initial use recommended by the counter person) I have not used it as a foundation yet, but my skin is normal-dry so I wouldn't think it would be a very good idea. I think it's good for oily! The sponge looks cool, but it's useless. The packaging also looks cool, but it's not very user friendly... There is a plastic sheet that always falls out when you open your compact, but if you don't use it, then the powder gets all over the place.

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cisyc on 5/4/2006 12:11:00 AM more reviews by cisyc

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

The packaging truly sucks! My case has already broken like the Chantecaille compact and it hits pan quickly. But this powder foundation gives perfect coverage WITH SPF! I don't use it everyday - only when I have pimples (and it DOES cover up to 90% of my zits) & I use it to soften my eyeshadow. However, I found it a bit thick when using with sponge for the whole face. So I have to apply it in really really light hand with my powder brush. Good try!

Forgot to mention: Remember to use it alone - NOT ON TOP OF ANY LIQUID FOUNDATION! Use it right after the sunscreen or makeup base. Otherwise, it will run.

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*TOP REVIEWER* s70princess on 3/14/2006 3:25:00 PM more reviews by s70princess

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

After discovering GA LSF (which I adore), I wanted something similar to carry around for touch-ups ... so I made another trip to the GA counter to pick up this Silk Powder Foundation. I have very yellow toned asian skin (MAC NC25, C25, C3) and picked shade #3 (which looks like it would be too light, but was the most yellow of the light-ish shades ...#4 and #5 looked like it had too much pink and/or were too dark). Anyhow, despite it looking light in the pan, the texture is super smooth and sheer for a powder foundation type product ... and with its yellow undertones, it blends really nicely into my skin yet giving coverage in a natural looking way. I've never tried a powder foundation with such a lightweight feel and sheernees before -- really wonderful. My only complaints are of course the price ... and also the compact is a tad clunky and when you open it, a little bit of powder is always stuck to the mirror. All in all, I've kept this in my purse daily and have used it for touch-ups and it is super -- will repurchase when I run out.

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sashababy on 2/17/2006 11:25:00 AM more reviews by sashababy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

Bought this while traveling in Paris last summer, so I got a 25% percent off what with discount and tax-return, but the original price was acceptable. The powder itself is ultra-fine and non-sticky, unlike some powders I've used such as Shiseido Proudia. Color selection is very good, but the color I can use (#3 #4 #5) are all yellow-based, so the SA recommended Fluid Sheer in #7 (pink) to tone down the yellowness. It's amazing how one person can use three colors but they fit me indeed, with different results and looks though. #3 is a little pale and I can use this in the winter or brush it on lightly when my skin looks healthy. #4 is standard, and #5 is good when I get tanned in summer or want that exotic look for nights out. I got this in #4 and #5 and am going back for more :))))))

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