Tried and True: Giorgio Armani Beauty Foundations

I'm continuing my Tried and True series (originally prompted by Barbara's request) with Giorgio Armani Beauty's foundations. I have worn them for countless years, and I continue to wear them on every day that I'm not testing another foundation or giving my skin a rest on a makeup-free weekend day. Armani foundations are superb!

My original favorite, Hydra Glow, has been discontinued, and I think that was a sad and unwise decision by Armani Beauty. Hydra Glow quickly established a cult following among women with normal-to-dry skin (women of a certain age [dry skin] and those who can afford to purchase Armani Beauty's luxurious makeup) who wanted a medium-coverage, hydrating foundation with SPF 15. Hydra Glow leaves skin supple, even, and protected with a refined, visible glow (it's rich with Armani's Micro-fil luminous pearls that add crystalline radiance to the complexion). It moisturizes, preserves, and protects the softness of the face. It lasts all day, and I'm sure it's responsible for the compliments I get on my skin!

One day, my best Armani friend, Loyd Cassler at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland, got word that Hyda Glow was to be discontinued. After a second-long chat when he told me the bad news, he got on the Saks computer and ordered every #2 that was still in stock across the country. He also gave me two testers once they were of no use to Saks anymore - God bless that guy (I hope this doesn't get him in trouble with the Saks gods, who need to know what a little profit center he is!). Of the 10 he found on the computer, eight arrived at my house. I am still wearing them. I apply them sparingly, but you don't need a lot. My need for coverage is in the center of my face. My nose and chin tend to be red, and there's some redness next to my nose. I blend the foundation outward when I apply it, ending up with very little near my hairline and jaw. The #2 shade matches my skin perfectly. It's a match made in heaven.

Last week at the Tim Quinn event at Saks, one of the artists commented on my skin and how nice it looked (wasn't he sweet?). I told everyone listening that I was still wearing Hydra Glow. I'm hoping that sooner or later Tim will carry the message back to New York that we really need a replacement - or better still, a re-introduction.

There are two other Armani Beauty foundations I wear regularly. Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20 ($65) is available in a pot, which to me is less convenient than the pump applicator. It's a double-silk-blend cream foundation. Modeling silk fibers firm and contour the face, while sculpting oils replenish and smooth the skin with elegant, weightless coverage. Luminous micro-silk particles illuminate the face for an even complexion with a radiant finish, but it's not quite as radiant on me as Hydra Glow was. Although it's recommended for all skin types, I think it's best for normal-to-dry skin.

The Armani foundation I wear most often after Hydra Glow is Luminous Silk Foundation ($59), Armani's award-winning, luminous foundation designed to create a silky look with buildable coverage. Luminous Silk foundation is an oil-free fluid that also incorporates Armani's exclusive Micro-fil technology. So weightless, it redefines foundation in a sense. This liquid foundation, in the same convenient container as Hydra Glow, is definitely appropriate for all skin types. It leaves a very natural finish and provides sheer to moderate coverage. I wore it often this summer. I'm also a #2 in Luminous Silk. If I didn't have Hydra Glow for comparison, it would be my favorite foundation.

Fortunately, there's scant likelihood that Giorgio Armani Beauty will discontinue this iconic foundation. So, it's my back-up for the sad day when I run out of Hydra Glow. I think I have a few years before that happens, and I hope Armani hears me. Bring it back, please!

Photos courtesy of Armani Beauty