NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Review & Swatches of Siberia, Oslo, Mont Blanc (fair/light skin tone)

It took me a couple of weeks, but I’m finally ready to share my review of the newly released NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, which is touted as the new “it” thing and promoted all over the internet. Considering we have so many foundations to choose from, it’s pretty difficult to stand out, but NARS managed to grab the beauty community’s attention, so let’s see what the hype is all about.

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation ($49) features a new skincare-meets-makeup formula that promises light as air, skin-like natural finish that instantly blurs imperfections, discolorations, improves the look of texture and uneven skin tone, improving the look of skin even after the makeup is removed. NARS also says that the fully vegan formula is infused with ingredients that strengthen skin barrier over time and “help defend against environmental aggressors and blue light” [I know, lol, stay with me here.]

MARKETING:

Ok, so I had the exact same thoughts as you when I was reading the marketing spiel – blue light protection, really? Perhaps there’s some new data I’m unaware of, but as far as we know, the research into the effect of blue light emitted from computer screens, TV and smartphones on the skin is extremely scarce. However, “blue light protection” is a trend on #skintok, so perhaps NARS is just trying to tap into a different demographic and get some new GenZ customers that way.

APPLICATION:

The formula is light as air, just as promised. It goes on very evenly, especially if you apply with a brush. I tried using fingers and a dampened beautyblender but the results weren’t as good, so a dense foundation brush is the way to go for sure.

FINISH:

Since I started using tretinoin, my skin changed from oily/combination to dry/normal, and there’s currently some redness and dry patches around my nose and chin. I hard time blending the foundation into the dry areas, but it applied easily everywhere else. The finish was stunning! It looks very natural, slightly powdery and almost airbrushed, but doesn’t feel heavy at all. However, the dry patches were definitely accentuated more than I’d prefer.

WEAR:

Wear time is a hit and a miss. The foundation lasted all day without changing on my cheeks where the skin is normal, but cracked around my nose and chin where I have dry patches.

You will LOVE it if:

• You have normal, combination, or oily skin type. It can work for sensitive skin as well.
• You are looking for a medium coverage foundation.
• You are looking for a luminous, skin-like finish.
• You prefer fragrance-free beauty products.
• You avoid parabens in your beauty products.
• You prefer vegan products.
• Your budget allows for beauty splurges – $50 for a small 1oz bottle of foundation is kind of a lot.

SKIP it if:

• You have dry or dehydrated skin type.
• You prefer ultra matte finish.
• You are looking for a tinted moisturizer or a full coverage foundation.
• You are on a budget. This is a pretty good foundation, but it’s not the be-all-end-all and there are other options under $50 you could explore.
• You prefer all-natural beauty products.
• You only use certified CF cosmetics.
• You are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, C9-12 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Undecane, Tridecane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Diisostearyl Malate, Glycerin, Synthetic Wax, Sodium Chloride, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Tocopherol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Sea Water/Maris Aqua/Eau De Mer, Trisodium EDTA, Barium Sulfate, Alumina, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, [+/-(May Contain/Peut Contenir): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)].

L to R: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Swatches of Siberia, Oslo, Mont Blanc on fair/light skin tone.

BOTTOM LINE:

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation is a great medium coverage choice for someone with normal to oily skin. The finish is absolutely stunning and looks beautiful in person and in photos. The wear time is impressive as well – on my skin it lasted all day without changing shade or moving around. Beware if you have any dry patches – this foundation might not be the best choice for your skin type because it tends to accentuate dryness even more. I think it applies best with a foundation brush; the finish just isn’t as natural-looking when I use a beautyblender or my fingers.

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation is available in 36 shades at Sephora, Ulta, and NARS Cosmetics.