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From the Archives: FACE - NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Hello hello!
A little while back I took some photos for a review my 'Holy Grail' Foundation but sadly I seemed to have misplaced one of the 727476327 SD cards I own. Finally, I found it the other day. On my other laptop, ha!
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation? What can I say? I've been using this for well over a year and that in itself says quite a lot about just how good this really is. I purchased mine in the shade 'Barcelona'. Funnily enough, while in Barcelona recently I was foundation-less and went bare faced.
At the make up counter, I was initially matched to 'Syracuse' which in my opinion, was faaar too dark for me. This is why I rarely ask for, and always reject, assistance at Make-up counters. I'm sorry but if I want to look like an Oompa Loompa then I'll ask for it, okay?
Back to the foundation, the shade Barcelona has peachy undertones, perfect for folks that are between NC37-NC40 in MAC and have uneven skin tone. This definitely offers some form of correction and makes skin look as even as possible. Once I've applied the foundation, it actually appears to adjust to my skin tone, like magic! Any uneven skin tone I have seems to almost vanish.
For those of you who simply cannot be bothered reading the rest, check below for the summarised, bulleted bit, I can imagine this will come out being rambly, haha.
Here's what NARS have to say about it:
"A glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage
that immaculately evens skin tone. Replete with skincare benefits and
the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin hydrated, more
luminous, softer and smoother. Used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation
improves the skin's brightness and texture.
- For normal, normal-to-dry and dry skin types
- Hydrates for softer and smoother skin
- Contains powerful anti-oxidants to protect against damaging free radicals and turmeric extract to improve skin's radiance and tone
- Dermatologist tested. Non-comedogenic. Fragrance free. Consumer Testing Results:
- 100% skin felt soft and smooth
- 96% evened out skin tone
- 96% would recommend Sheer Glow to a friend"
Niiice.
Tone, Consistency and Application:
The tone is quite warm, almost golden brown looking with a slight peach tint to it as mentioned above. The consistency is quite runny but don't let that fool you in to applying layers and layers. I either apply this with the fingers or my ELF Studio Powder Brush. I use my fingers for when I do my make up in the morning for work or the weekend and only need 1 pump! FYI, you need to buy the pump seperately. 1 pump is enough to cover my entire face as luckily, my skin is relatively clear and don't need as much coverage and like it to look as natural as possible.
For special occasions or going out, I use 2 pumps for that 'done up' look without it looking cakey.
Formulation, Finish and Longevity:
The formulation is definitely buildable and it blends like a dream. When blending either with fingers or a brush, it seems to melt into the skin without settling into pores and leaves you with a flawless look.
I'd have to say even though it's named "NARS Sheer Glow", there is nothing Sheer about this foundation unless you use a small amount. This gives medium to full coverage if you use the usual 2 pumps (as with most foundations). Even with the 2 pumps this feels incredibly light on the skin, pretty much the exact opposite of MAC's Studio Fix Fluid.
For those days where I get the odd spot, I find I don't need to use concealer which is a bonus! That's how awesome this stuff is. Once I've applied it, my skin looks incredibly natural, looks super skin-like and looks incredibly ORGASMIC! The glow it gives it just enough without looking like an oil slick.
NARS recommends this foundation for peeps with Normal to Dry skin and I totally understand as to why, by midday my skin looks super glowy, maybe a little too glowy for some folk. But a dusting of powder fixes that. For those of you looking for a Matte finish, this is not the foundation for you. With this, skin looks hydrated and dewy. did I already mention that?
The longevity of this is absolutely fantastic! I find it lasts throughout my whole day and at the end of it, you find your skin looks dewy providing that you've dusted a little powder on top. However skin does still look stunningly flawless.
Would I re-purchase?
I already have. I can't look back now.
Although in between I have tested out other foundations such as Christian Dior's Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Hydrating Make Up in shade 040. Yep, as much as I love NARS, the beauty junkie within me can't stop experimenting with others brands, ha!
Diorskin gives the same finish as NARS but not enough coverage which I'm not too bothered about, however, the shade is not for those with uneven skin tone, it will not attempt to correct it. It's more for people that have almost perfect looking skin.
What I love most about NARS Sheer Glow is the shade Barcelona. For women of colour, I too share the pain of the lack of colour range out their for us. Sure, while MAC, Bobbi Brown, and many others brands now have a huge colour selection but they only 'almost' match, and for me that's just not good enough.
So congratulations NARS. You've finally hit the spot.
Priced at £29.50. Some would say it's on the pricey side, but as I use one pump, this foundations lasts me an age. A worthwhile investment if you ask me!
To summarise:
Pros:
- Medium to full coverage that looks like actual skin, yet provides enough coverage
- Finish looks skin-like, dewy and most importantly FLAWLESS
- Provides you with even looking skin if you've chosen the right shade. The peachy undertones in Shade Barcelona helped even out some of the uneveness
- This does not oxidise like MAC's Studiofix Fluid
- Does not contain SPF, perfect for photographs to avoid the white cast some SPF'd foundations can give
- Longevity is excellent, at the end of the day, skin looks dewy yet FLAWLESS
- Blends into skin seamlessly and does not settle into pores.
- Can be used on Oily/Combination skin in my opinion. Providing that you set your make up with a bit of powder
- Feels light on the skin
Cons:
- Priced at £29.50, some would argue this is on the expensive side. But if you use let's say a pump at a time, this should last you a while.
- May not be suitable for Oily skin typed folks. It may make you look 'too glowy' that some percieve as 'Shine' but can easily be fixed with some powder
- Does not contain SPF. Also a pro but for those of you looking for SPF in your foundation, this is not for you.
- It does not come with a pump. You will need to purchase this. I bought mine for £3.00 from the NARS Counter in Selfridges.
Now, as I've already talked about the foundation, thought I may as well show you what else I'm wearing, and no I'm not about to go all pervy on you... I mean my make up silly! ;)
So, a few special mentions down below:
MAC Eyeshadow in Beauty Marked
Isn't she just beautiful? However, I do know that others are disappointed with this. It looks purple in the pan but upon application it looks black/charcoal with hints of glitter in. I personally do not mind this. Sometimes I use this as a wash all over the lid or in the crease.
In this case, I've used it in the crease and it doesn't appear to be purple toned.
EYES:
MAC Eyeshadow in Brulé - all over the lid
MAC Eyeshadow in Beauty Marked - in the crease and lined under the eye
MAC Pigment in Vanilla - inner corner highlighter
Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner in True Black
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black
FACE:
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Barcelona - Obvs!
MAC Prep and Prime Powder
MAC Sheertone Blush in Gingerly
LIPS:
Rimmel Colour Show Off Lipstick in Kiss Me
I heart this lippie. It's a semi matte lipstick with amazing pigmentation but fades throughout the day, they don't call touch ups touch ups for nothing. The colour is absolutely gorgeous though. It's pink with coral undertones.
Unfortunately, Rimmel have discontinued the Colour Show Off range, so I turned to my best friend, eBay. They sell these for around £2.50. Bargain!
And there you have it!
I applaud those of you that managed to make it this far, this post is rather lengthy.
But yes! All in all, NARS Sheer Glow is my HG foundation. I think I'd cry if they discontinued it. NARS, I plead you, please do not let this happen!
Have any of you found your holy grail foundation?
21 comments
I love your makeup here! beautiful eyeshadow. looks all very flawless :) I've heard far too much about nars sheer glow! I have to get it now! xx
ReplyDeleteThis foundation looks so nice on you! this is currently on my wishlist! - my HG foundation is probably mac full coverage & pro longwear :) xxx
ReplyDeleteHey! :) I love your blog and you are stunning! Love your hair, suits your perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI have found it, I am now using Almay's Clear Complexion, I tried many many brands including Clinique, Estée Lauder, CK,... But this one is just perfect! I have never tried NARS though... I should in the future :p
xx
was looking for the bit where you said no SPF, soon as I saw it I was sold! gonna get me matched tomorrow then get it off ASOS (hiyaaa student discount!)
ReplyDeletexxx
ps I may start regular posting again, first post up in 5 months woop!
You're bloody beautiful! I've heard good things about Nars Sheer Glow. I wish I knew more about foundation to get a decent one!
ReplyDeleteNone stop hearing good things about Sheer Glow, I think I'm missing out - you look beautiful babes xo
ReplyDeleteI have heard SO MUCH about Nars' sheer glow..but why is soo friggin' expensive?! Haha.. Relly though, your skin looks amazing in that picture! I am guessing you went with "barcelona" at the end then..which looks perfect on you!..
ReplyDeleteawesome make-up!!!! tnx 4 sharin=))) xx
ReplyDeletegreat review. Nars sheer glow is also one of my favorite foundations. I currently use it in Barcelona too. Perfect for my NC30/35 summer skin tone. <3
ReplyDeletegorgeous, love the foundation. i need heavy coverage because of dark spots but i like it a lot on you
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous Halima <3 <3 This foundation looks fab!!
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea (well now you do) how jealous I am of your wing eyeliner looks, perfection!
ReplyDeleteFor the longest I have used a Clinque foundation, then two of MACs that I don't even remember now. One had a pump, the other w/o. Now I am using Revlon's PhotoReady for every day. I put on foundation with both my hands, & I pour out way more then 1 pump, I need to stop doing that.
Heard/read Nars Sheer Glow, "sheer" what kept me off it, but I think I am going look into it, get sample deff.
I love this foundation too! Every tine I wear it I get at least one lady asking what foundation I use.
ReplyDeleteI was also using Barcelona at first but I found it was a little dark for me so when I went to get my second bottle I got Stromboli instead.now it's perfect :)
Xxxx
Great post! I really should look into the NARS sheer glow. You are beautiful :) x
ReplyDeletemezmadeup.blogspot.co.uk
Your make up looks great! It was nice seeing what you use. The Foundation sounds amazing. I may have to try it out for myself. I haven't found my holy grail foundation yet, but did recently find my holy grail concealer - Bobbi Brown.
ReplyDeletenice post.
ReplyDeletehttp://sweater-for-men.weebly.com/
Still on the lookout for my HG foundation as MAC's makes me break out :( May just give this one a try though, thanks for the post x
ReplyDeleteI never tried any Nars foundatins! must do, it looks amazing on you Halima! Love the makeup look , you look stunning! Kisses dear! x Marina
ReplyDeleteI love your eye makeup and you skin looks so flawless. For foundation I love Maybelline. It really makes my skin look like perfection so I haven't had the urge to by a department store brand. If I do, it would probably be make up for ever since I've heard tons of good things about it.
ReplyDeleteXo
yes defo HG foundation, by far THE best foundation i own in terms of colour match and performance!
ReplyDeleteThe amazing shining of eyes color.I really impressed by this one and i have seen wide range of beauty products.May be its something batter for skin. zita west
ReplyDelete