When it comes to base makeup, I’ve dabbled with everything from high-end luxury to budget-friendly bargains — yet somehow, I always find my way back to NARS. If you’ve followed me for a while (or even remember my old blog back in the day), you’ll know I have an ongoing love affair with the brand.
There’s just something about their complexion products — the textures, the undertones, the finish — that makes my skin look effortlessly polished, even when I’ve had four hours of sleep and an argument with my eyeliner. So today, I’m breaking down my favourites from the NARS foundations and concealers lineup and explaining exactly why they’ve earned permanent residency in my makeup bag.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Let’s start with the icon. The NARS Sheer Glow Foundation was my first ever NARS purchase and the product that started it all. I’ll admit, I avoided it for a long time — as someone with oily skin, the word “glow” made me nervous. But curiosity won, and honestly? Game. Changer.
It gives the most beautiful, buildable coverage and leaves my skin looking like I’ve had eight hours of sleep, three litres of water, and an actual skincare routine. It’s dewy but never greasy, glowy but not glittery, and just pure perfection in a bottle.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
There isn’t a makeup lover alive who hasn’t heard of the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It’s one of those cult products that actually lives up to the hype.
Before discovering this, I was loyal to my old MAC Studio Finish — and then I tried Radiant Creamy, and suddenly, I understood what good concealer was supposed to feel like. It’s creamy, blendable, hydrating, and brightening without ever creasing into fine lines. It’s the only concealer I’ve repurchased more times than I care to admit.
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Now, this is the one. My holy grail. My ride-or-die. The NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is everything I’ve ever wanted in a base — high coverage, ultra-light texture, and a finish so flawless it could fool a ring light.
It somehow manages to cover absolutely everything (even my stubborn pigmentation) while feeling like nothing on the skin. I’ve worn this foundation for over five years now, and every time I try something new, I end up coming straight back to it. It’s just that good.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
When the Soft Matte Concealer launched, I was desperate to get my hands on it — YouTube made sure of that. It’s a pot concealer with a thicker texture than the Radiant Creamy, and while it’s brilliant for covering blemishes and targeted areas, I didn’t love it under the eyes.
That’s mostly personal preference — I like a more liquid texture for brightening and blending. But as a spot concealer, this is fantastic. It covers everything without caking, so if you deal with breakouts, it’s a great one to have in your arsenal.
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
When this foundation dropped, I had high hopes. After all, every other NARS foundation I’d tried had been a home run. And while I do like it — the coverage is amazing, and it photographs beautifully — it hasn’t quite replaced my beloved All Day Luminous.
That said, if you want something that lasts through a full day (and probably a minor apocalypse), this is your best bet. I still keep a bottle in my collection for long events, photoshoots, or when I know I’ll be out from morning until night.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say I’m a bit of a NARS loyalist. Their bases just get it right — coverage, tone, and texture that looks like skin but better. If you’re new to the brand and wondering where to start, my top pick will forever be the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. It’s my tried-and-true staple and one I’ll be repurchasing for years to come.
If you’ve tried any of these products, I’d love to hear your thoughts — are you as obsessed as I am, or do you have another foundation that’s stolen your heart?
