4 hours ago
5
Three very big hitters have new foundations: one risky reformulation of a cult classic; one addition to a wildly popular skincare franchise; and one to launch a new brand from a beauty legend.
Let’s start with Armani’s Luminous Silk (£49 for 30ml), loved by many for its buildable, versatile coverage, and perhaps the most worn bridal foundation of all time. While I’m not against a reformulation in principle (technology, regulations and ingredients move on, and that’s all for the better), Armani does seem to have reformulated here for little discernible reason beyond Google Analytics.
The new Luminous Silk contains the much-searched-for niacinamide, a beneficial ingredient in skincare but, to my mind, not necessary in makeup. Luckily, it makes little difference.
The new version is a tad dewier in finish, but nothing your usual setting powder can’t handle, and lasts just as long. Your old shade is unchanged, but eight new ones plug gaps, which is most welcome. There’s so little else to report that I wonder why they bothered, and I’m torn between relief that the almost perfect original is relatively unchanged and annoyance at what seems like a wasted opportunity to modernise.
Clarins has taken inspiration from its bestselling face serum and added a tint to make Double Serum Foundation (£49 for 30ml), a lightweight base pumped from the signature double-chambered bottle. The lid features a dial turned to your preferred coverage level, controlling the dose (I can confirm that the ratio of two-thirds pigment to one-third serum doesn’t change, meaning the chambers won’t drain unevenly and cause waste).
The shades, to my eye, pull slightly deeper than expected, but are much more forgiving on the face. The blend is easy, the finish glowy but glitter-free, smooth and only very slightly dewy (very oily skins may wish to avoid). Longevity is good – I can get six to seven hours without setting spray, 10-plus with. This foundation undoubtedly attracts compliments on your skin.
Outside In is the new brand from the Hourglass founder and creative director, Carisa Janes. She has launched with three products: a light coverage base, oil and the loveliest foundation brush I’ve ever used. The base is Silk Serum Foundation (£61 for 30ml), a soft, blurry, slightly ethereal-looking makeup in 25 shades, which again pull somewhat dark but mostly still work. The formula is smooth and comfortable. Perfect for those who hate powders, this sets itself softly – no cake, no chalk.
