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The NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is one of the few recent complexion product launches to excite me in the latter part of 2020.
One of the first prestige makeup products that I’ve ever tried was none other than NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer. Though my ramen noodle budget couldn’t afford it at the time, my lack of self-control (and money management skills) strong-armed me into purchasing. My inner rich aunty didn’t regret it one bit—in fact, it’s probably one of the best concealers I’ve tried to date. What can I say? Your girl LOVES a cream concealer.
But today is not about NARS’ cult-favorite soft matte concealer. —It’s about the new addition to the family—NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation.
What is it?
“A 16-hour, oxidation-resistant foundation that balances oil while maintaining a hydrated, skin-like finish. Protects from pollution and blue light.”
Sephora.com
The Deets
Number of Shades: 34
Finish + Coverage: Matte/Full Coverage
Starring (Ingredients): Micro-Algae and Bio Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate while absorbing excess sebum (oil)
Ounces: 1.5
Price: $40
Who is it for?
Skin Types: Dry, Normal, Combination and Oily.
My Skin Type: My skin is combination but strays towards the “oily” side of the spectrum—naturally, I adore matte foundations. Matte foundation gets a bad rep but the right one always has an impeccable skin-like finish.
My first impressions: Matte foundations get a bad rep and they’re really that girl.
The NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation formula boasts a natural skin-like finish which is usually a keyword for “not too matte but not too dewy”. If your skin is dry to normal, you may experience a matte-r finish than I did. However, the balanced skin-like feel of this NARS foundation recipe melted into my skin like butter. It left my skin with minimal shine but not super matte.
When I wear matte foundation, I prep my skin with hydrating products (moisturizer, primer etc). Even as a combo to oily gal, the moisture keeps my makeup from channeling a powdered donut. Natural, healthy skin has a bit of a glow—avoid layering your skin from primer to setting spray in mattifying formulas when wearing a matte foundation.
Pro-Tip: Work in thin layers to ensure a more skin-like application of the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation.
What I liked least about the foundation…
Besides the tube packaging (I generally prefer foundations with pumps), there isn’t anything for me to dislike, per say. The shade range is pretty good (although I see a few places where just a couple of shades could be inserted). It’s also more product than you’d get from a foundation in it’s price range (1.5 oz compared to the now standard 1fl ounce).
Though it claims to be a full-coverage foundation, I found it to be more of a medium to full (buildable) coverage. I have dark spots from acne-breakouts and I used 2 to 3 layers in those areas to achieve my desired coverage.
Is NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation really transfer- resistant? How about those masks?
I don’t believe any foundation is 100% transfer-proof but resistant? Absolutely. I’ve been around the block with foundations and minimal transfer is the name of the game. After all, it’s foundation not glue.
The NARS Soft Matte Complete’s transferability trumps a lot of foundations I have in my collection. I took a trip to the statue of liberty in 80 degree weather with a mask on and it still looked pretty flawless. If your skin gets oily or sweaty throughout the day, your foundation will appear (keyword) to look 100% in tact even if some transfers. It’s all about appearances, people.
Mika’s rating
Overall, I think the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is a hit. The formula is what I like to describe as a comfortable matte finish—minimal shine but doesn’t make your skin feel or look extremely dry, dull or chalky. Because my skin tends to be a bit oily, I can see myself continuing to use this foundation in the later fall/winter season.
If some of NARS’ cult-favorite foundations such as the ever so popular Sheer Glow or the Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation didn’t quite float your boat, the Soft Matte Complete Foundation may be your savior. From my experience, the skin-like finish and longwear is enough to keep you coming back for more.
Planning on try out NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation? It’s available at Sephora for $40.
1 comment
What primer do you recommend with this foundation, I have oil combo skin too xx