I may earn commission for purchases made through links in this post, however all opinions are my own—YKTV.
I think it’s safe to say that NARS has a cult following when it comes to complexion products (the girls that get it, get). As a self-proclaimed foundation snob, I was absolutely delighted when I got a notification about a new foundation launching from the brand—the NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation. I was lucky enough to receive the launch along with some other goodies in PR to test and tell you all about.
What is it?
Press play for on-skin swatches.
The NARS Light Reflecting boasts a hybrid skincare + foundation formula that helps display your skin “in the best light”. In other words, this foundation has skincare benefits, targeting redness, dark spots, and many other skin concerns (keep reading to learn more).
Number of Shades: 36
Finish + Coverage: Natural, Medium Buildable Coverage
Key Ingredients: – Biomimetic Oat(reduces the appearance of redness), Japanese Lilyturf (Supports a strong skin barrier by maintaining moisture), and Cacao Peptides and Milk Thistle (Minimizes the negative effect of blue light and environmental stressors)
Ounces: 1
Price: $49
NARS also expanded their Light Reflecting Setting Powders (both the pressed and loose) to now include 3 NEW shades in addition to the original invisible shade “Crystal”.
RELATED ARTICLE: NARS SOFT MATTE COMPLETE FOUNDATION REVIEW
What skin type is NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation best for?
Skin Types: This formula is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive according to the product description on Sephora.com. It’s intended to conceal visible redness, blemishes, and dark spots while blurring the look of wrinkles, pores, and texture.
My Skin Type: My skin is combination but strays towards the “oily” side of the spectrum. At the time of trying this foundation, my skin was experiencing some texture and dehydration in addition to healing from stubborn breakouts.
How does NARS Light Reflecting Foundation compare to NARS Sheer Glow Foundation?
At a first glance, NARS Light Reflecting Foundation looks pretty similar to the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation that many people know and love. Reading through the description of both, they are pretty similar in terms of coverage and recommended skin types—however, it may be the radiant finish of NARS Sheer Glow that may be the biggest difference. Also, if you were annoyed that Sheer Glow doesn’t come with a pump (you have to purchase one for an additional $6, FYI), the good news is that NARS Light Reflecting Foundation comes equipped with a pump.
Additionally, NARS Sheer Glow features Vitamin C and Turmeric for brightening and evening skin tone. NARS Sheer Glow is also available in 40 shades (compared to Light Reflecting’s 36) and is priced $2 cheaper at $47.
First Impression: The formula quite literally disappeared as I blended it into my skin. My texture looked less noticeable and my pores were blurred.
Is NARS Light Reflecting Foundation longwearing or transfer-proof?
The description suggests that this foundation is an “all-day wear” foundation. If by “all day” we’re talking about 6-8 hours or so (the average work or school day) then yes. It’s absolutely not transfer-proof.
This is how the foundation looked after 3 hours of wear.
Below was after 7-ish hours of wear.
Although the foundation in my experience wears pretty well, if you have oily-prone skin you may find the need to blot or powder through the day. As you can see I started to experience some excess shine a few hours after applying the foundation. Also, because I didn’t powder or blot my face the foundation looked “worn in”.
My shade: New Caledonia – D2 – deep with warm undertones, and an olive tone
Mika’s Rating
I’ll start by saying that a huge part of the reason why I took off a half a star is because of the amount of product that you receive for the price point. If you read my review for NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation (I highly suggest you read it after this review), you know that particular foundation, which I love, is priced at $40 for 1.5 ounces of product compared to the NARS Light Reflection Foundation priced at $49 for 1 ounce. For those like myself who may require a bit more product to cover imperfections, you may find that this particular foundation may not be the best option.
Other than the price point and size, I don’t have any complaints about this foundation. The formula is very liquidy and goes on skin-like. It also looks good when you get up close and personal. I’m looking forward to seeing how it pairs with similar concealer formulas in my stash. Amongst the other foundations in my collection, this may be the one I grab when I want to look “perfected” but not too made up.
Editor’s Note: I usually go for shade “Macao ” in NARS foundations, but this time around my color is “New Caledonia”. With that being said, I advise that you don’t grab your shade based on old NARS formulas. Swatch or shade match the best that you can because it seems like the shade names carried over but didn’t remain consistent colorwise.
Products I used with NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
COMPLEXION
Primer: Dr. Brandt Pore No More Luminizer Primer
Foundation: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in shade New Caledonia
Concealer: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in shade Amande
Face Setting Powder: NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
Under Eye Setting Powder: RCMA The “Original” No Color Powder
Blush + Highlight: NARS Afterglow Blush Palette
EYES
Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in shade Dark Brown
Lashes: Kiss My Lash But Better in style So Real
Lash Glue: Velour Beauty Black Lash Adhesive (USE Code “MIKA20 for $$$ off)
Eye Liner: Laura Geller Kajal Longwear Eyeliner in shade Deep Black
LIPS
Liner: Clinique Quickliner For Lips Intense in shade Cola
Lipstick: NARS Air Matte Lip Color in shade “All Yours”
Lipgloss: NARS Afterglow Lip Gloss in Shade Turkish Delight
Headband: SVNMIA Monarch Headband
Wig: HeatFreeHair For Kinks Headband Wig
