Glow On! - Nars Sheer Glow - A Review

I have been using this foundation consistently for over a year now, and it has fast become one of my favourites. It was recommended to me by a dear friend (you know who you are!) and I thought it was time to share my thoughts on this particular staple item of mine.

Nars Sheer Glow is described as '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'.

It is available in a variety of 20 differing shades, ranging from 'Siberia' which is the lightest with a balance of pink and yellow undertones to 'Khartoum' that is dark with espresso undertones. This is one of the many reasons I like Nars; the brand caters for an array of skin tones and types.

The shade I currently use is appropriately named 'Punjab'. Appropriate, as Punjab is an area in Pakistan that I have a strong link to and forms a major part of my heritage :)

Punjab is described as Medium, with peachy and golden undertones and I feel it suits my complexion to a T.

Now moving on to the actual wear of the foundation. As mentioned in an earlier blog post, my skin type is predominantly dry. For such skin types, this foundation is perfect. Any oilier lovelies may want to try Nars Sheer Matte . 

I do find this foundation hydrating most of the time - I say most as its only on those days when my skin is very dry that I find it can cling to certain dry patches. 

Predominantly though, I have no problem with it. For those with dry skin or indeed any skin type, it's important to ensure before using this or any other foundation that your skin is fully moisturised. Another thing is that this foundation has no SPF, which means it photographs very well (no ghost like white faces!) However that also means, you have to ensure you're getting your SPF quota from either your moisturiser or primer or sunscreen.

Moving on to coverage, don't let the the use of word sheer fool you, I would label this as a medium coverage foundation. I find I can build up the coverage with this quite easily, without looking too overdone or mask-like. The finish it gives is really quite beautiful, satin with a natural glow.

The average wear time is dependant upon various factors, e.g. weather conditions, humidity etc however I can get at least 8 hours wear of this foundation, particularly if topped up with my Mac Mineralize Skinfinish powder in Medium plus (which incidentally is the perfect powder companion to this foundation!)

The only major gripe I have with this foundation is - Why oh Why does Nars not include a pump? I'm not sure if its because it's said that the best way to apply this foundation is to warm it between your fingers and then to apply, but I feel that a pump should definitely be included. Its not exactly an everyday, 'cheap' foundation (retails for around £29.50) so a pump would ensure less wastage of the product whilst allowing you to control how much is dispensed. It can get a tad messy trying to negotiate this out of the bottle, especially when you're nearing the end.

You can always buy a pump from the Nars website, however if you do use a pump that means you can't use the lid (!) making this potentially quite a liability to travel with.

Speaking of travelling though, I have travelled with this both locally and internationally and not had any trouble with the glass bottle breaking or getting damaged.

I alternate between applying this with my fingers (for a more natural look) or using a stippling or foundation brush for a denser, fuller coverage look. I find that once applied, you have to be quite quick in blending this foundation properly as it is relatively quick drying.

 Overall, I love this foundation for the 'glow' and finish it gives, and despite its forth comings i.e. lack of pump, I always go back to it as a trusted foundation that I can use and rely on.

You can purchase this foundation from Nars or your local Harvey Nichols/Selfridges department stores.

Give it a try and get your Glow On =)