Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact in #5.5

Giorgio Armani’s newest launch in beauty is the Luminous Silk Compact ($62; shop,nordstrom.com). Its a sheer-medium coverage pressed powder that can be used as a foundation or as a setting powder. The product comes with a sponge applicator that can be used on either side for sheer or heavy application, but I only plan on using this as a setting powder than a foundation, so I’ve been using it with a fluffy powder brush.

The texture is extremely finely milled and super smooth to the touch. It feels almost like a cream product until you pick it up with brush, which is when there’a a little bit of fallout, but nothing crazy. As for the shades, I ordered mine online, so I went with 5.5 which seemed like a close match (looked a tad grey and darker in the pan, but goes on just fine) and I really like the way it looks on top light bases like the DiorSkin Nude BB Cream (Medium) and the Guerlain Meteorites Baby Glow (Dore). Since I’ve only been using this mostly as a setting powder, I can’t comment on the way it would take care of blemishes or uneven skin tone, but it is a fabulous setting powder, especially on top of BB creams, Tinted Moisturizers and lighter foundations. I just pick up a little bit with a fluffy brush and dust all over or where needed. It can look a little powdery at first, but settles down well to a satin finish that isn’t too matte or too dewy. After a few hours of wear, it can make skin look a teeny bit dewy, so I can’t really vouch for the oil control properties of this one.

While the packaging is practical and nice, it does feel a little plasticky, but is sturdy enough without being overly bulky - I could have done without the extra layer that houses the sponge underneath. That apart, the product itself is something I’m absolutely loving. My other go to pressed powder compact is the DiorSkin Nude Compact (Apricot Beige 33), which is a little more natural looking than the Armani, but I’ve been switching between the two and really like them both as a sheer layer on top of my lighter coverage bases!

Wearing the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact 5.5 on top of the Guerlain Meteorites Baby Glow in Dore; NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer in Ginger with YSL Touche Eclat 5.5 to conceal blemishes and under the eyes.