Space NK’s Buying Coordinator Reviews NARS' New Foundation

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation summary

In a nutshell, this is a medium coverage foundation that gives skin a natural finish – it’s neither matte nor dewy, it looks like healthy skin. The formula is available in 36 shades that line up with the brand’s other formulas, so if you use Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji, you can opt for the same shade with the Light Reflecting Foundation. It’s a vegan-friendly formula, comprised on 70% skincare ingredients to ensure it hydrates, strengthens and protects even the most sensitive of skin types.

What makes the new NARS foundation different?

If you use a NARS foundation already you probably want to know how the Light Reflecting Foundation compares to the brand’s other formulas. Given the name of the new foundation, anyone who uses Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, £30.40 is probably wondering if they should consider switching. While both formulas definitely give your skin a dreamy, healthy glow, I think the Light Reflecting Foundation makes your skin look bright and dewy rather than radiant and glossy, like Sheer Glow. The more obvious difference is that the former is much lighter in texture and fluid.

If you use Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £31.20 and prefer a full coverage foundation, you might find the new formula too light. I would say that you could team it with your concealer if you wanted to try a lighter texture without forgoing coverage.

Everything you need to know about NARS' Light Reflecting Foundation

A lot of makeup brands have been touting the line “makeup with skincare benefits”, but NARS Light Reflecting Foundation is by far the most impressive one I’ve tried so far – and pretty every NARS foundation review I’ve read agrees. From nourishing algae extracts to cacao-derived peptides to smooth and plump, this foundation goes further than just camouflaging blemishes and uneven skin tone. The blend of ingredients promises to strengthen your skin barrier, protect from blue light (which is essential if, like me, you spend far too much time on your phone) and eases redness.

I haven’t been using the new NARS foundation for long enough, so I can’t vouch for the brand’s claims that is will even out skin tone and improve clarity within six weeks. However, I can say with full confidence that the formula leaves my skin feeling hydrated and stays in place all day. With combination skin, I find that by mid-afternoon my complexion can go either way; I either get a shiny T-zone or my skin can look a little bit dry and tired. I don’t get this with the Light Reflecting Foundation. My skin looks even and healthy and feels comfortable and balanced. I’m going to put this down to the ingredients in the formula because I haven’t changed my skincare routine.

I use a sponge to apply NARS new foundation, but you could just as easily use a makeup brush. I’m not sure you’d achieve a smooth finish with your fingers and the formula is looser than traditional foundations, so it could get messy. If you have oily to combination skin, you might need to powder your T-zone as this is a natural finish foundation and doesn’t mattify.

The Verdict On The Latest NARS Foundation

You’ve probably already sussed that this is a positive NARS foundation review and if, like me, you have been struggling jumping back into your old makeup routine, I would highly recommend Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, £31.20. It conceals and camouflages blemishes and uneven skin tone without looking like you’re wearing makeup – it’s the ultimate formula for anyone who wants to channel that effortless minimal makeup look. The fact that it’s jam-packed with skincare ingredients is another huge bonus and is particularly good for anyone who has dry or sensitive skin and has found some foundations can irritate. While the 36 shades aren’t exclusive to the Light Reflecting Foundation, I think it’s important to flag because regardless of your skin tone or undertone (warm, neutral and cool), you’ll find a shade that works for you.

More on NARS

While NARS might be renowned for its foundations and concealers, the brand makes plenty of other makeup buys that are worth exploring, so we’ve rounded up the NARS products makeup artists love. If you want to swot up on your makeup skills, why not check out NARS founder and the iconic makeup Francois Nars' Tinted Moisturiser trick. Francois was also kind enough to share, exclusively to Space NK, the beauty lessons he learnt from his mother.