I used to spend hours mooching round Debenhams as a teenager, eyeing up everything the beauty department had to offer. Back then it was always the same core brands, the classics as it were, that I dreamed of owning.

Fast-forward over a decade and the beauty world couldn’t be more different. Social media has me filling my online basket with the next must-have palette faster than I can say highlight and contour. New trends, new products, new formulas, it really is a makeup lovers dream. Modern cosmetics have turned me into the beauty equivalent of a magpie and whilst I’m constantly perusing the latest beauty brands, I find myself reaching for the classics less and less.

Looking at all my makeup, I have virtually no products from the traditional brands I once coveted. I’ve started to think of them as old and outdated. Never really grabbing my attention, I find them dare I say a little boring. So is there room in my already liquid lipstick packed collection for a classic? If so, which one?

Armani as a brand has always evoked images of luxury. The clothes are simple yet chic and frankly never go out of style. I’ve heard that this elegant sophistication is mirrored in Armani Beauty, the home of many cult makeup items. However, I’ve yet to own a single Armani product.

My curiosity finally got the better of me after I was invited to my first Armani masterclass. Centred on their new Neo Nude Collection, it was a chance for me to leave my preconceptions about “older” brands at the door and potentially start a new makeup love affair.

The Neo Nude collection is all about natural healthy looking skin. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve that “no makeup, makeup” look in minutes. Including, a powder, blush, contour and highlight, this collection has everything you need to embody Armani’s signature glow.

My favourite has to be the A-Blush. Five weightless shades from light pink to brightening orange (#30, the one I want, is already sold out!), they all deliver the perfect flush of colour. Everyone benefits from a bit of blush and this one is ideal for novices and experts alike. Each brush has been designed for easy application as well as better controllability. It never holds an excess of product and unlike other liquid blush, this one doesn’t disturb your makeup underneath giving your cheeks a healthy glow.

The Neo Nude Fusion Powder is an oily girls best friend. Upon contact with the skin, the powder transforms into a veil-like liquid with a luminous glow. The powder to liquid magic stops your face looking caky and sets foundation beautifully. My favourite part has to be the hidden brush under the pan. It has the softest bristles and allows me to look my best wherever I go.

Although not part of the Neo Nude collection, I couldn’t leave without trying the famous Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Even though I have more foundations than one woman needs, I could not ignore the rave reviews of this particular one.

Inspired by charmeuse silk, this luminous foundation glides onto my skin covering blemishes in seconds. I certainly wouldn’t call it full coverage but it can be built up easily. It gives me the most flawless and airbrushed finish that improves texture and blurs imperfections. Honestly, I cannot rave about the finish enough. As someone with oily skin who wants that slightly dewy look, this is a winner. It gives my skin the luminosity and glow I’ve always wanted, that is in no way greasy. Finished off with the Neo Nude powder, my skin looks good all day. It would be fantastic to see even more shades in this cult classic so everyone can experience the magic of Luminous Silk.

Armani Beauty has really changed my views on more traditional makeup brands. The quality is obvious from the second you use any of their products and I’m happy to say I’m an Armani convert. I now wear both the foundation and powder on a daily basis and together my skin has never looked better. Armani may not be jaw-dropping colours and blinding highlight but the products are forward thinking and in that sense, as a brand, Armani Beauty is very groundbreaking. They constantly look to get the best out of each product, whether that’s improving formula, design or application. This is all whilst staying true to their core values and traditional image and I’m really glad I’ve learnt to love the classics.

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