After years of searching and sampling, I had finally decided that when it comes to foundation, full coverage and luminosity are mutually exclusive; however, the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, which creates the impression of flawless yet natural-looking skin,  is my new favorite foundation. This product can be purchased from Sephora, Ulta, and the NARS website for $49.

The Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation contains the standard one ounce of product and features sophisticated packaging: a simple, sleek glass bottle with a pump and black matte lid. This range includes 33 shades, all with various wearable undertones; I believe that this is a fairly impressive shade range and that it takes into consideration the complexity of each individual’s unique skin tone. I wear ‘Vanuata – Medium 3.5’, which is intended for those with medium to medium-dark skin and neutral undertones.

Natural Radiant Longwear is a buildable, medium-to-full coverage foundation. Although I typically opt for a light-medium coverage and am not familiar with many full coverage products, this formula did not conceal as much as I was expecting it to in the first layer. One even layer provides a skin-like medium coverage while two provides full coverage. NARS suggests applying this product with fingertips and although this does extend the life of the product by preventing it from being absorbed, I prefer using a buffing brush followed by a damp beauty blender for both maximum coverage and maximum dewiness.

Unlike many full-coverage formulas, this one does not have a thick consistency when pumped out of the bottle or feel heavy on the skin once applied; it definitely feels much more weightless, which makes layering the product easy and effective. It blends extremely easily and does not cling to any dry patches or become cakey, which is very impressive considering how well it covers any and all problem areas. The one thing that I do not like about this foundation is that the pumps are so small and although this prevents wasting product, I do feel like I need at least two to three pumps to achieve a completely even complexion.

I have dry skin and although this product was less dewy than I expected it to be — especially when compared with other foundations I love, such as the L’Oreal True Match Lumi and the Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth — it does provide a natural radiance that perfectly mimics the finish of hydrated, bare skin. The innovative blend of fruit extracts, which includes raspberries, apples, and watermelons, is designed to promote elasticity and gradually smooth the skin’s texture for optimal illumination. I do not struggle with the appearance of my pores, but I do notice that when I wear this, my pores seem even more minimized and my skin seems more flawless and airbrushed.

Because this formula has a subtle, rather than intense, luminosity, it dries down and sets once applied, rendering it significantly more, but not entirely, fade- and transfer-resistant. Like every other foundation I have tried, this does get a little oily on the sides of my nose at the end of the day, but for the most part, it still looks polished. Although the brand claims that this will last for up to 16 hours on every skin type, I do not think this would prove to be long-lasting on oily skin.

Overall, the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is extremely high quality and if you have normal to dry skin and are searching for the ideal luxury product to achieve a flawless yet natural-looking complexion for glamorous everyday makeup looks or special occasions, then I can honestly say that I 100% recommend this one! Whenever, I wear this, I feel so confident and truly love the way my makeup, and more importantly my skin, looks.

I hope you appreciate the time and effort I put into this review; I am really pleased with how the photos turned out. If you are interested in purchasing this foundation or already  own it, I would love to hear your thoughts as well.

XOXO,
Makena

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