Luminescent compositions are provided having improved color intensity and articles incorporating said luminescent compositions as security taggants, for example as anti-counterfeiting components in pharmaceutical packaging applications, or as aesthetic colorants that are generally usable in any application where luminescent coloration is desired. The luminescent compositions incorporate a particulate fluoropolymer that is blended with one or more luminescent pigments and/or luminescent dyes. These components are provided in a liquid medium in which the fluoropolymer particles are dispersed and with which the pigment(s)/dye(s) may or may not be soluble.