The Nars Light Reflecting Foundation Gives My Skin a Hydrated, Healthy Glow

Our writer purchased NARS Light Reflecting Foundation to put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Considering what I do for a living, it's not surprising that testing out new foundations is one of my favorite hobbies. As my skin has changed from being incredibly oily to just “normal” oily over the last few years, so too have my foundation preferences—and it’s been fun to discover new products. Rather than going for matte foundations like I’m accustomed to, recently I’ve been seeking out medium coverage options with natural, slightly glowy finishes—which is precisely what the Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation provides. As a longtime fan of their foundations and concealers, I knew I had to try this release when the brand teased it earlier this year—so much so that I went out and bought it myself on launch day. And I’m happy to report that it lives up to the Nars complexion products standard—in fact, I think it raises the bar.

So ahead, find my in-depth review of this buzzed-about foundation.

About My Skin: Oily

Five years ago, I was so oily that I found myself needing to powder my foundation almost on the hour. Thankfully, my oil levels have seemed to even out a bit as the years have gone by, but I’m still claiming myself as a member of the oily skin community. Luminous foundations tend to break up around my T-zone in a matter of hours, and I can see some significant shine peaking through even the most matte foundations after a full day of wear. Despite having oily skin, I like to look naturally luminous—if you’re oily, you know there’s a distinct difference between looking greasy and looking radiant. So, I’m consistently turning to foundations with natural, glowy finishes, and making sure to have a good powder on hand. 

The Formula: Lightweight liquid packed with skincare ingredients

Like the best liquid foundations, this one has a weightless texture that doesn’t feel detectable on the skin. When you pump it out on the hand, it runs just a bit—a good indicator that it’s lightweight and workable. It contains skincare ingredients, like biomimetic oat to help diminish redness, as well as Japanese lilyturf to add hydration and support a healthy skin barrier. While the addition of skincare ingredients often makes foundation formulas feel rich, like serums or occlusive moisturizers, this formula maintains an airy texture that feels comfortable and hydrating on the skin. 

How to Apply: Use your preferred application method

The brand recommends applying this foundation with your fingertips, but I suggest using whatever application method you prefer. Personally, I find that a damp makeup sponge provides the most skin-like finish as it helps me avoid streaks and soak up excess product. I start by applying one pump onto the back of my hand and dotting it across my skin. I then blend it out in one, even layer with my sponge, and assess whether or not I need more coverage in certain areas. If I do, I add just a bit more product where necessary and blend it out with the sponge or my fingertips for added coverage.

The Finish: Natural radiance 

One of my favorite things about this foundation is the medium coverage it provides. It’s pigmented enough to camouflage discoloration and create an even base, but it’s not so overly pigmented that it creates a mask-like effect. If you want a more sheer application, you can achieve it by using less product and blending it out with a damp sponge. If you desire more coverage, it is a buildable formula—but don’t expect it to completely cover every spot. 

As for how it looks on the skin, the brand claims it has a natural finish, but I would argue that it’s a luminous-leaning natural. It’s not wet-looking upon first application like many truly dewy foundations are, but it certainly enhances the radiance of the skin. 

The Wear: Gets more luminous throughout the day 

If I could pinpoint one con of this product, it would be that people with oily skin might not achieve much longevity with it. I’ve definitely used several foundations that look greasier  and break up more significantly than this one, but I do experience some movement and excess oil when wearing it. I can get a solid four hours of wear without needing to powder it—and applying powder absolutely helps me extend the wear—but at the eight-hour mark I find the appearance really starts to diminish.

If you have dry or balanced skin, this likely won’t be an issue for you, especially if you apply a light layer of powder where necessary. So, while this likely wouldn’t be my top choice for a super long day or a really important event, I think it’s an excellent option for daily use or a night out. 

The Value: Somewhat pricey, but well worth it

The Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation will run you $49, which I believe to be a fair price point. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a lot of money for a foundation when the market is full of more affordable options. But given the extensive shade range, the inclusion of skincare ingredients in the formula, the gorgeous skin-like finish, and the glass bottle it’s housed in, I think it’s justified. Plus, if you’re someone who is loyal to your foundation and will wear it daily, you’ll get tons of use out of it which further justifies the cost.