Giorgio Armani • Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF20 • Liquid

Where To Buy?

lipstickfashionista on 2/4/2010 12:06:00 AM more reviews by lipstickfashionista

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Well, I guess I'm still on my search for the perfect foundation. I like the smoothness of this foundation and the subtle sheen that it gives--and also like that it contains SPF 20 (most foundations only go up to 15). However, for some reason I'm having difficulties finding the right color, that looks natural. It doesn't seem geared towards Asian women like me. Something about the undertone makes it look slightly mask-like on me. For the winter months, I'm also finding it drying. I've actually switched over to Bobbi Brown's moisture rich foundation for these reasons--that yellow base undertone and the formulation is better for my skin. I like it okay to finish up my bottle, but probably won't keep buying it.

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bethschwarte on 1/22/2010 4:38:00 PM more reviews by bethschwarte

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I have to say that the hype about this product is correct! I love it . On vacation in Las Vegas , I was matched by an sales associate at the Armani store in the Bellagio and it was a perfect match. I was given number 5( I have medium neutral/warm skin in MUFE 118 and MAC NC25) .first i apply my make up for ever mattifying primer and then I only have to use a very small pump on the back of my hand and blend it on my face a bit at a time. The finish looks flawless and it lasts all day. I highly recommend this product for those with normal - combo skin.

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mule84 on 1/20/2010 10:38:00 AM more reviews by mule84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I'm sorry, I just can't get this to work for me. This foundation has glowing reviews, but it's not for me.

I purchased this foundation after trying it on instore and liking what I saw. In practice, though... it's a different kettle of fish. I find that it is difficult to apply. I found that the best way is to either moisturise, or spray my face with Fix+, put one pump on my fingers and dab and blend it lightly (VERY lightly) onto my face. This gives a satisfactory finish.

At worst, when applying with a foundation brush, or a stippling brush, I find it is impossible to blend and very very cakey.

It tends to highlight any flakies I have (and I have oily skin) and it clings to the teeny hairs on my face. I also find it difficult to blend, perhaps because it dries quiet quickly. In photos my skin looks nice, but in real life after a while the foundation tends to migrate into pores and any dry spots you may have.

Try this for yourself, because it obviously works for a great number of people, but I would suggest definitely wearing this foundation out of the store before purchasing, because it looks very different in real life...

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ligeia on 1/19/2010 12:24:00 AM more reviews by ligeia

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY. I almost don't have words to express how thankful I am for this... I have really upset skin and this stuff made my life so much easier. I was slated to act in a film two weeks before I start acne treatment and needed something that would cover major blemishes yet look natural in extreme close-ups and under heavy lights. I didn't worry about my skin at all. Yes it's expensive but if how you look on film or in photos matters to you, think of it as an investment and one less thing you have to worry about.

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*TOP REVIEWER* stingrae1625 on 1/15/2010 10:16:00 PM more reviews by stingrae1625

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I've worn this fdtn 6 out of the last 7 days and I love it. At first, I wasn't convinced that the color was right, but it does seem to be a pretty perfect match so long as I don't wear my Chanel DP powder over it (the Chanel shade is slightly orangier and was giving my face a weird shade). I wear shade 021 Linen in Dior Nude and a combo of Sweet Almond and Golden Medium in Everyday Minerals and in this I was matched to a 5.5. I wear shade 2 in Face Fabric, for comparison. I would say that my skin is dry but will tend towards shininess pretty easily. Lasting Silk UV doesn't make me shiny at all. It covers everything up but somehow still doesn't look like you are wearing makeup. It does cling to really dry spots but does not settle into lines or pores. I think you could get away with not wearing any powder over this, but I've been wearing BE Mineral Veil over it and I'm not sure it's even a good thing...I'm waiting for my Luminous Silk Powder to arrive by mail, so once that gets here, I'll see how that tops it off. Most makeup does tend to disappear on me by the end of the day but this doesn't...it really does last! I've tried two different brushes for application and I prefer a regular fdtn brush (Sephora's Professional Fdtn Brush; the other one I used was Sephora #55 Airbrush). Scent isn't noticeable, either, which is a plus. So far, no irritation or breakouts. As of right now, I'd say this is worth the money and something I will repurchase! If I change my mind, I'll be back to let ya know!

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TRGIRL66 on 1/14/2010 11:20:00 AM more reviews by TRGIRL66

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

1/29/10 Update - This foundation is HEAVY...I have tried everything and it's just not working which is a totall bummer considering the price. It just is not working and settels in every pore even with primer and pore minimizer. Will probaably be adding this to my swap list.

I am in the group who has tried a ton of foundations. Recently got into a foundation slump, using various minerals. I got two generous samples of the Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation from Nordstroms and the #7 matched me perfectly, that in itself was a miracle. I used the sample for a few weeks, and couldn't wait to make a purchase.

This goes on beautifully, I am using Stila's foundation brush. I find the brush better then fingers. It does stay on all day and I don't need to powder at all. I have normal skin. I do use Clinque Pore Minimizer to finish off.

I received a sample of the GI primer, nice but I wouldn't spend $58 for a primer.

I have NEVER in all my years buying a foundation called one my HG but would say this is (at themoment anyway).

PS for traveling just pump out into a small sample jar, it lasts a few days.

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machrina on 1/13/2010 11:01:00 AM more reviews by machrina

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I use it everyday for the past two weeks and i love it. Its light sheer to medium coverage, lasts all day ( i use on top laura mercier mineral finishing powder) covers my acne scars and most important doesnt break me out. It has a smell but it doesnt bother me. I wear no4 ( diorskin nude no.10- laura mercier silk creme Cream ivory- chanel pro lumiere no10 - nars sheer glow deauville - double wear light 1).

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*TOP REVIEWER* melissap1 on 12/22/2009 4:42:00 PM more reviews by melissap1

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I have oily skin with lots of brown spots. I like a foundation that won't make me oilier and has good coverage. I was on the hunt for Guerlain Parure Extreme when I came across this. It goes on very smoothly, has good coverage, and doesn't contribute to the oil on my face. It stays on all day and evening until removed. The color I use (4) isn't a perfect match, but with a little bronzer I can darken it up slightly. It is best applied with the Armani foundation brush. I'm really happy with it overall.

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ABB on 12/21/2009 11:54:00 AM more reviews by ABB

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy   Eyes: Green    

I do love my Revlon ColorStay, but I have a wandering eye. My only gripe with the CS is the color match isn't perfect. Buff is slightly too dark and Ivory is much too pink. So I began the hunt for a new foundation and narrowed down my list to three foundations: Bobbi Brown Skin, Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + and Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk. Whichever I decided to try, I was going to take the plunge blindly because I had no way to test any of these products. So of course I choose the one without a return policy and that just so happened to be the most expensive...

The formula of the Lasting Silk is quite thin - much thinner than my Revlon and with no detectable scent. As the name suggests, it is a long wearing foundation that doesn't slide off my face or turn cakey and orange throughout the day. It has medium-full buildable coverage that covers as well as ColorStay but manages to look more natural. I also find I get the smoothest and most seamless finish with my Beauty Blender rather than using my fingers or a foundation brush.
I haven't had any issues with breakouts or other adverse reactions...and that is saying a lot as my skin is very picky about foundations it will allow me to use. Also, and very importantly, the color match is perfect. I have this in (2) Ivory, the lightest shade. While the swatch on the GA website looks like a shocking pink shade, it is a truly neutral color. During application, the color seems almost too light, but it does adjust within minutes to suit my skin perfectly. And for this reason alone, it's worth the $58 and a "Yes" on whether or not I'd repurchase.

I really only have two complaints with this product. One, obviously, is the price and the other is its ability to really emphasize any flakiness. I use Retin-A, and it the winter it can really dehydrate my skin. The thickness and the somewhat creamy texture of my Revlon seems to glide on top of flakiness rather than exaggerate it. The Lasting Silk, on the other hand, is thin, almost watery, and I think that attributes to it grabbing on to the flakes you didn't even know you had. If you're constantly dealing with that skin issue, I can assure you that you won't be happy with this foundation. I've recently decreased my Retin-A to only a couple of times a week, and since then I've been able to resume using this foundation.

Overall, Lasting Silk is a really nice, durable foundation that looks like my skin but better. The only test remaining is how well it holds up in the hot, humid summer months...

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mlim74 on 12/21/2009 1:29:00 AM more reviews by mlim74

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This liquid foundation provides buildable medium to full coverage. I am able to apply the foundation effortlessly with the GA Foundation Brush (natural bristles), the MAC 187 Brush, and even my fingers. I am just not a big fan of the synthetic foundation brushes.

This version is the SPF version of the Luminous Silk Foundation with slightly fuller coverage. I suggest going to the Giorgio Armani counter to get color matched, as opposed to the company’s web site. The MA explained to me that because of the SPF in the formulation, it will take a minute for the foundation to oxidize on your skin, thus making it darker, and it does. I got no further oxidation for the remainder of the day.

The foundation gave my skin a very slight luminous finish and probably works best on slightly oily skin. I've tried many foundations over the years; liquid, creams, stick, mineral, etc. This is definitely one I can see myself repurchasing again. While it is one of the more expensive ones out on the market, I haven't come across a less expensive version that provides comparable coverage.

This one is great for the fall/winter months when I prefer fuller coverage. The pump dispenser is a nice feature that helps keep the product fresh and free of contamination. My only complaint with the packaging is the pump. It takes about a pump and a half to cover my face, but the pump only seems to want to dispense in full pumps. Otherwise, a great product!

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motleyutube on 12/13/2009 4:00:00 AM more reviews by motleyutube

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I was expecting wonders from this foundation. I am so dissapointed. I heard so many great things about this foundation that I was sure this one was it. It wasn't. I am about a NW25 and I bought the 5.5 this turned out to be WAY to light.

My advise. Go for the Face Fabric or the Designer Modelling Compact. Those both are awesome IMO.

I might put this up for swap.

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marsdd on 12/10/2009 7:01:00 AM more reviews by marsdd

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Overview: Not impressed, horrible scent, a bit "meh".

Pros: Really does last long. Light texture. Does its job.

So I definitely regret purchasing this, but this foundation isn't really *that* bad. It's almost there, but not quite. First of all, the shade. The shades are very limited, the LSF has a lot more. I am NC35-37, deeply yellow toned, and the closest match was 6.5, Tawny (when I think of tawny I think tanned yellow brown), but perhaps due to the SPF it's actually quite light. But all in all not a bad match for my skin, though it does look a bit cool and obvious in some situations. The next two shades are too pink and the other too dark. Since I don't think I can return it, I'm going to MAC pro and buy the airbrush formula in "ochre" to mix it in. I hope it goes well. Oh, another thing: THE SMELL! Thank god it's weak and meant as a masking fragrance but it reeks of cheap bar soap that my dad used. It just reminds me of old men, showers, and just not a happy thing. Compared to, say, Dior foundations, which has a sweet, sexy fragrance, Armani blows. He is definitely eccentric if he personally chose this scent for his foundations.

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*TOP REVIEWER* stilagrrrl on 12/7/2009 4:22:00 PM more reviews by stilagrrrl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Ever since I heard the news that Prescriptives went out of business I've been trying to hunt down a replacement for my beloved Virtual Matte foundation. While it's not quite the same, Lasting Silk comes very close. It provides medium-to full coverage but still manages to look totally natural and feels like I have nothing on my skin. I've never tried a foundation that offers this much coverage but still feels lightweight and melds into my skin rather than looking like a mask sitting on top. I find that it holds up well all day too, even after blotting. This brings me to my one complaint: I'm pretty oily after a few hours of wear. With Virtual Matte and a good dusting of powder I don't have to blot for at least 5 or so hours, but with this I'm greasy within 2-3 hours. Still, this is the best foundation I've tried in a while, and the fact that it works even remotely well for my very oily skin is a small miracle. For color reference: MAC NC 20, Prescriptives Virtual Matte in Fresh Ecru, Chanel Mat Lumiere in Porcelaine (.5), Becca concealer in Biscuit, and I wear 4 in the Lasting Silk, which is an excellent match (4.5 was a good match, but just a touch too yellow.)

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kerry2 on 12/4/2009 5:08:00 AM more reviews by kerry2

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

This is a nice product. Feels weightless and has good coverage. It is long lasting but I have tried other products which I would rate as better. Overall a good product. Packaging is nice and its always nice to have a GA product on my dresser...

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Enrilynne on 11/18/2009 10:32:00 PM more reviews by Enrilynne

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I think this might be HG material! It feels so weightless and silky. I returned my GA Luminous Silk Foundation because it was too sheer and just did not provide enough coverage for me, even with powder foundation on top of it. It made me look oily and clammy. So after reading all the rave reviews for Lasting Silk I had to exchange the LSF for it. I'm glad I did because this has much better coverage. My face looks matte but still has a hint of glow and dewiness. I set it with GA Loose Powder and I look flawless and airbrushed. Love it so far!

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woodenmeow on 11/12/2009 4:04:00 PM more reviews by woodenmeow

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

After reading all the reviews on this... I had to try it. I am pretty oily in the T-Zone. I work in a office but most of the times do not have time for touch ups for I need something that will last me all day without needing a crowbar to remove at the end of the day. So I went and got this at Neimans last night and as I have tested it today... I do have some shine breaking through at 11am. Don't get me wrong this foundation feels amazing on your face and it still looks decent but I can still feel the olies on my face. So for 58.00 I wouldn't buy again. And I probably going to return what I bought last night. 58.00 is too much to pay for just ok. I think if you werent a very oily girl this would be great. So I am on the fence about this. Going to try Estee Lauder Double Matte. Something has to work on the this oily Skin.

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burntbreado on 11/12/2009 12:35:00 PM more reviews by burntbreado

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

The quest for a HG foundation has been arduous. I have problematic skin - sensitive and dry, and prone to break outs whenever, and wherever. I've tried a handful of foundations ranging from ones anchored towards sensitive or just regular formulas. My first foundation was the NARS powder in Saint Tropez which was a near-perfect color match (I know a lot of people use MAC numbers to give a general idea but I've never tried MAC). NARS was great at first but I developed super-dry skin which made powder foundations very bad so I had to scrap it. From then on, it's been a complete and utter mess trying to find something that would work for my skin, and in my skin tone.

I had heard many great things about this foundation, and also some mediocre stuff about it so when I happened to be at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa which has the Armani make up line in the department stores, I just had to test it. The SA told me that I was closer to a 6.5 but probably a mix of 6.5 and 9. She applied the 6.5 on me, and I agreed that it was a tad too light for my skin tone. The cheapo in me wanted to just buy the 6.5 by itself and hope no one notices how slightly lighter I was than I was normally. She then applied a mix of the two, and the color match was just ... marvelous. I knew then that I had to buy both bottles ... and I knew that my bank account hated me for it.

I've been using the foundation for about two months, and I make my own mix of the two shades at home (I worked out the ratio, it's something like 5:1). Because of my sensitive skin, I was worried that it would reek havoc on my face, but it was pleasant to say the least. The coverage for me is medium which is what I was aiming for since full coverage foundations always seem to rub me the wrong way. It's enough to minimize the amount of scarring I have on my face but still seem like I'm wearing little to no make up. I have to note that I have to use a primer before applying this foundation even though I don't have oily skin because without it, it just slips right off. I love the finish which for me is slightly dewy, closer to natural. I dust some finishing powder on it (BareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil) and it's like I have a new layer of skin.

The only qualms I have about this foundation (and the reason for the lower rating) is that I find it slightly drying and the fact that it's not really transfer resistant. I would try the Luminous Silk but I'm gung ho about the SPF addition to this one. Overall, it's a pretty solid foundation with a great finish.

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*TOP REVIEWER* aznbebebabe on 11/12/2009 3:06:00 AM more reviews by aznbebebabe

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I hate to go against most here, but this product is a no go for me. I keep trying with GA foundations as so many mags and people rave about them. But for me, it is an eh for me. I used their Matte foundation before it was discountinued and it was ok, but not worth the price. I also have the Face Fabric which was ok but not enough coverage. So when this came out I thought perfect. Boy was I wrong. It was very pretty when tried on, but after a couple of hours, my face became an oily mess. And Im not even that oily. Also this covers but it doesnt cover well. It streaks and becomes quite sticky after a bit. It feels so heavy on my face too. The color 6.5 is nice but its too light for me, but #7 is too peachy. So overall a no no for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ktdetails on 11/5/2009 4:45:00 PM more reviews by ktdetails

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Other    

Pros:
This foundation lasts all day - 14 hours, no joke, like a tattoo.
This foundation is lightweight but has medium pigmentation - it can be sheered out AND it's buildable.
This foundation looks like real skin. (with my Sephora #55 brush - HG)
This foundation has a pump dispenser. (sanitary!! and a must!)
This foundation has shades light enough for my fair complexion (1 pump of shade 2 and 4 mixed is a dream for me - but if I could only buy 1 shade - I would buy shade 4-- I'm pretty fair - with neutral yellow undertones - irish/norwegian - There is pink in my skin - but I'm trying to cover it - pink based foundations look horribly unnatural on me - for a MAC comparision - they always try to match me in the NW15 family - but it's too beigey pink and NC15 is unnaturally yellow on me and when they set - they are too dark - the lightest MUFE HD foundations are pink based and way too dark to match my neck - sometimes I've used Cover FX in shade E0 - but sometimes I feel like it makes me look gray)
This foundation sets in about 2 minutes - and then the color you've got - is the color you have all day --- no oxidation surprise here.
This foundation has a luminous - but satin/matte finish --- it's not going to give you the dewy effect of the original Luminous Silk - but that means better staying power.
This foundation has the bonus of SPF20.
This foundation does not make me breakout and I am acne prone with combo skin.
Cons:
This foundation is hard to find. (Bloomingdales with Space NK's, some Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus or online at giorgioarmanibeauty.com)
This foundation is expensive - $58 bucks - geez.
This foundation has an "all or nothing" pump. If you want more - you have to get a full pump.
If you have very very dry skin - this will probably not wow you. When I first got this - my cheeks we a bit dry and I wasn't in love - then I got my Clarisonic Mia - dry patches are gone and the Lasting Silk UV SPF 20 is amazing.

Overall -
Because this foundation last all day and has shades that look amazing on me - it's my HG. I work 14 hour days and don't have time to run to the bathroom to see if my foundation is fading.
I am willing to pay the price.
I had to drive 45 minutes out of my way to find a counter that carried it. I got samples of multiple shades - tried them out and went back to purchase. Like with any foundation it's all about the color match and the right formula for your skin type. When I went back to purchase - the different MUA tried to match me with shade 6.5 - I mean what? So don't listen to crack pot MUA's - get the shades you want to try - ask for samples - try them out in daylight - match to your jaw and your neck...
When your skin looks right - everything else looks even better.

Oh and I do think that this foundation is best applied with a brush - you'll use so much less product - My sephora #55 brush is genius with foundation.


Shade 2 is VERY LIGHT. - like a pale banana yellow shade (the inside of a banana - not the outside - HA!)
Shade 4 is LIGHT slightly warmer golden fair neutral yellow.

UPDATE 12/16/09
I get a lot of people pm-ing me about this product.... (which is awesome :)
Do I still use this foundation?
YES.
Do I still love it?
YES.
Do I think it's worth the price?
I think it's overpriced - but I can NOT get the same result from other foundations - I do not have a dupe for this - my skin has been difficult to match for color and formula since I was 13 - so I've tried a lot of foundations - drugstore and department store a like and this is it for me.
Do I use a primer with it?
YES - MAC prep+prime spf 50
Do I set it with powder?
Not always - but when I do - I use Laura Mercier's Translucent Powder. It has pretty much the same wear time with out setting it with powder on me.
I have Dry Cheeks and a finicky T-zone that somtimes is normal and other times oily... and I am hormonally acne prone - like clockwork.
They don't have a million shades to choose from - so this won't work for everyone - but I love it - it works for me.
HOPE THIS RAMBLE HELPED. :)

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edensmom25 on 11/1/2009 9:19:00 PM more reviews by edensmom25

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the HG of foundations. I have combo skin, that is fair but olive. I used to be a NC20/25 in MAC, and wear a 5.5 or 6.5 in Lasting Silk. Like one of the other reviewers, I am 6.5 in the summer, 5.5 in the winter, and mix the 2 for now. This foundation gives a beautiful "glowing" look to your skin. I recieved at least 7 compliments the first 2 weeks I started wearing it!!! And as far as staying power, its awesome. I work an 8 hour day in healthcare (i.e., no time for touch-ups), and then after work teach a one hour Zumba class (high intensity, Latin dance, i.e.--lots of sweating, and wiping face with towel), and even after all that its still there!!!!!! If it can survive that, it can survive anything! I love this foundation. As far as I am concerned, it is worth every cent.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No