Did your heart skip a beat when you saw the title of this post? Did you think “Ooh! Is NARS finally here in Malaysia?”
No darlings, we still don’t have NARS Cosmetics here in Malaysia (at time of writing). I got my Nars Sheer Matte liquid foundation from Bangkok, which is our nearest port of call for all things NARS. Its been a while since I had this, and the reason I never quite got round to writing about it is because I don’t like it.
I guess that’s the review for you then. I didn’t like it. That’s it folks 😛
I actually went to the NARS counter looking to try the Sheer Glow foundation. I’d read a lot of good things about it, but after a short discussion with the Thai SAs (super friendly ladies although I had no idea what they were saying. But bits of English like “Not good” and “Good” helped 😛 ) we agreed that the Sheer Glow foundation, although dewy, as some say, is prone to oiliness. I was also led to understand that its not quite suited for normal-oily skin or if, like me, you had just come in from walking miles in the streets and markets of Bangkok. So, Sheer Matte it was then – the liquid foundation formulated for normal to oily skins.
Nars Sheer Matte foundation is an oil-free formula, that is supposed to help absorb oil from your skin and leave you looking shine free and matte all day. Sounds terribly promising, and the shade Mont Blanc, suited me to a T.
Mont Blanc is the 2nd lightest shade I believe and it is fairly neutral in tone. The Sheer Matte bottle and cap are matte as befits the name so the colour of the liquid foundation seen from outside isn’t quite accurate. You have to open it up to actually see if its your colour.
And boo! For such a pricey foundation, it does not even come with a pump! You have to buy it separately which this skinflint refused to 😛 So I have to suffer the bottle. Honestly, I do think NARS could do better by just packaging their foundations with a pump. Selling it to Make Up Artists who may prefer an open mouth bottle might be good, but the bulk of the buyers are regular consumers and to be told you have to buy a separate pump for the foundation is quite mind boggling to me.
Colour wise, as I have noted, it is good for me. Mont Blanc is a perfect match for my skin tone once I sheer it out on my skin. Coverage is sheer to medium – its called SHEER matte for a reason 😛 But it is buildable which is always a plus.
I found however, that if I try to build it up for certain areas, it would be a bit cakey and heavy. Because of the texture, it also tends to dry quite quickly so you have to work fast with this foundation or you can risk it going on streaky. Oh and it settles into lines. I mean I don’t have serious lines but with this on, I look like I should be slathering on some anti-aging potions nightly.
Texture wise, it actually is quite light. It however isn’t very runny so I have a problem getting a proper amount out of the bottle. Its either too much or too little. If you plan to buy this, please don’t be a skinflint and get the pump – it’ll save you a lot of headaches especially if you’re in a rush in the mornings!
I do also find that despite this being formulated for normal-oily skins, I actually get oily with this as the day wears on. Nothing dramatic, but still doesn’t live up to their matte claims. I actually have little to no problems with other foundations like Shiseido Perfect Refining and Dior Forever foundation, of which the latter is quite good for oil control. I’ll tell you about it next time. Remind me if I don’t 😛
All in all, I don’t think this is a bad foundation. It just doesn’t tick my boxes. Or perhaps I was just expecting too much from NARS.
In a nutshell
A relatively lightweight liquid foundation that is supposed to keep skin looking matte and oil free all day. It doesn’t keep my oil free though, and I don’t have oily skin to start. I also find that it dries quickly so it can apply streaky if you aren’t quick and careful, and it can settle into lines. In terms of colour match, Mont Blanc is a very good match for my skintone. The liquid foundation comes in a bottle without a pump, which is sold separately. I don’t like that.
Pros: Sleek packaging, Good colour match
Cons: Pump for liquid foundation is sold separately, Supposed to be oil free but made me oily throughout the day, Hard to pour a proper amount out of the bottle
Here is the ingredient list for those interested.
I don’t think this is a bad foundation. It did not break me out or clog my pores or anything like that. It just failed to wow me, or perhaps I might have built up expectations for this one. What did confuse me was how cakey it looked on my skin and how I turned oily despite its matte claims. It could be our tropical weather, who knows. But still. Not a winner for me.
Have you tried the Nars Sheer Matte foundation by any chance? Do you like it? Or have you tried the Sheer Glow and think that better? I don’t think I’m trying any more Nars foundations.
* Mont Blanc (fr) = White Mountain = highest mountain in the Alps <- express Geography lesson
Paris B
NARS Sheer Matte liquid foundation is available in a few different shades. This was purchased at CentralWorld Department Store, Bangkok. I cannot remember the price anymore but it was pricey.
The only NARS foundation I have tried is the NARS Sheer Glow and being an oily-skinned girl, I do quite like it. In fact, I just finished my 2nd bottle of it during the Raya celebrations. I might repurchase it again if I didn’t have all these other foundations lying around the house. In terms of staying power, the Sheer Glow stayed on quite well on my skin if I prepped my skin properly; a layer of Phillips Milk of Magnesia > Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer > Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying > NARS Sheer Glow > Kryolan Anti-Shine Powder; but it is by no means better that EL Double Wear in terms of wear time on me. The Sheer Glow really makes my skin look good in real life (got tonnes of compliments when I wear it) but in photographs, it does leave quite a horrid white cast even though it doesn’t contains SPF. So all in all, NARS Sheer Glow is good to have in my collection but it is no means my HG foundation. I much prefer Guerlain Parure Extreme for everyday wear and as a plus, it photographs beautifully.
There have been so many raves for Guerlain Parure foundation, that I”ve picked up a bottle! 😀 I can’t remember now if I got the white one or the Extreme, but I can’t wait to use it 😀 Perhaps I should have gotten the Sheer Glow instead of Sheer Matte. Apparently, that’s the one with the raves 😛 But I don’t do so many layers for foundation. I like to just slap it on sans primer and if it doesn’t stay around, I ditch it 😉
I have both the Sheer Matte and the Sheer Glow. I actually prefer the Sheer Glow although I have oily skin and it’s meant for dry to normal skin. It does a pretty good job of oil control and because it’s supposed to be ‘sheer’, it doesn’t feel heavy or cakey. The colour options are great too. I use Gobi which has a tinge more yellow than Mont Blanc but good for toning down any redness I have.
The problem I have with the Sheer Matte (and is the sole reason I prefer the Sheer Glow) is the consistency. It’s thick and I have trouble getting the liquid out of the bottle. It’s like a stubborn ketchup bottle! Once I do manage to though, I find it works as well as the Sheer Glow in terms of oil control and longevity. The trick is in the application. I read online that lots of people were having problems with it. I use a beauty blender and it works a treat. Try applying it with a wet sponge? That should iron out the blending issues.
It’s a pain that it comes with no pump. I read that Nars SAs will give the pump for free, if asked. I dunno if this applies in Bangkok, but not an option for me since I live in Malaysia and I get Nars from online shops in the US. I’m getting the Nars Firming Foundation which comes with a pump. I hope I can use that pump on the Sheer Matte too. Fingers crossed!
This is what we call a “facepalm moment” I should have stuck to my guns and gotten Sheer Glow LOL! I have to agree with you about the thick ketchup consistency of Sheer Matte. It is such a bummer especially when there is no pump! Perhaps I might have to decant it. I have a beauty blender lookalike which I’ve actually forgotten about. I’ll give it a go again and see how I like it. Thanks for the tip!
Hi! So were you able to use the pump from the Firming Foundation on the Sheer Matte bottle? Thanks!
Oh boo… And I was planning an online purchase to try this foundation…
Based on all the recs by others, maybe Sheer Glow is the way to go.
i’d prob never try NARS foundation, NARS doesn’t really call out for me. and I suddenly recalled that I have the super osgasm which I haven’t touched for at least a year already. LOL
HAHA I haven’t touched my Nars blushes for ages too! Just no urge to. Bummer!
My perfect colour match was Deauville! Then in summer. 😛 Unlike you, I adore this foundation. Absolutely love it. Maybe because my skin is a lot drier? I just didn’t get round to purchasing it because buying the pump separately is downright stupid. There are loads of other foundations which are just as good, if not better without making you purchase the pump separately.
Just a matter of principle, I guess. (Or being pig-headed)
But if your skin is drier, it technically shouldn’t work on you because they say its for normal-oily skins 😀 But yes, I have to agree that there are LOADS of other foundations I prefer who do not force me to buy the pump separately (darned silly marketing strategy if you ask me!)
Wow. I was hoping to get this via my parents when they go to BKK during the Deepavali holidays hmmm.
As for foundation shade, I reckoned to use the Temptalia.com foundation matrix as it has never failed me before, teehee.
Now the question is, sheer glow or sheer matte, because I have oily skin and the comments above said that sheer glow worked for them…
I think this is going to be a situation where you’re going to have to try it for yourself to see if you like it. I personally don’t find anything to rave about this one. I like the Dior Forever foundation which I think has good oil control at least for me, and I think that’s just better in texture overall too. But then again, mileage varies for everyone 🙂
I love my NARS Sheer Glow!!! I tried NARS Sheer Matte once and never like it despite my skin is a bit oily I still go for Sheer Glow and yeah..It gives me the natural grow I wanted.. 🙂
Great to know that! With the separate pump issue, I don’t think I’ll be getting another foundation off Nars but then who knows eh? Never say never! 😀
Nars’ foundations are puzzling. The sheer glow is literally matte on me. There is no glow and it remains matte the whole day even without the help of powder on my oily/combo skin. And after reading your review for the sheer matte…it becomes oily? Ehhh? Did Nars label them wrong?
Haha perhaps its just our skin’s chemistry that doesn’t work with them? From what I’m reading it would seem that the Sheer Glow doesn’t turn oily on people so I should perhaps have gone with that 😛
Ya know, Nars is really overhyped sometimes. I’ve tested their foundations and they all weren’t that great. Their eye pencils suck too. The only saving grace are their blushes and selected eyeshadows but the rubbery packaging suck. I do like the Smudgeproof Eye Base though, this is the only product I really, really like from Nars.
I have to agree with you. They are very hyped (never quite sure why) and although some shadows and blush are lovely, they can be very hard to work with. I also hate the rubber packaging. They suck sooo bad its not funny!
I’ve been using the NARS Sheer Glow foundation for almost more than a year now.I’ll usually will alternate between MUFE Mat Velvet plus foundation, which is another good choice of foundation really a good coverage.I’ve tried both sheer matte and sheer glow, Im a combo skinned girl, I opted for sheer glow as I find its easier to spread and gives that lil glow look lol.It has medium coverage and you can build up more for extra coverage.My skin looks really good whenever I wear this foundation and it stay put all day long! I’ll top up with MAC MSF powder.
As one of the forumer mentioned, the sheer glow is giving semi matte look also, I’ve noticed that on my skin.and I do find it controls oils in someway?
MUFE Mat Velvet is another good foundation too that really controls oil IMO.I got oilier after I’ve stopped taking my BC pills, and I opted this foundation and their powder foundation.I hated MUFE HD as I can’t seem to find my matching shades.Both are really good, now that my skin has normalized to combo ( more to drier part rather than shiny) Im using NARS.It has the best yellow tone for asian skin
Yeap the NARS bottle is a pain, but many will use the EL Double wear pump and it fits exactly for the NARS bottle.I need to ask one from the estee lauder counter lol!
I’d heard a lot of good things about MUFE Mat Velvet but I tried it a while back and it made me look like a plaster doll LOL I think its because I don’t have oily skin to start with so the mattifying effect was just a bit too much 🙂 Now, after reading everyone’s take on Sheer Glow I wish I’d gone with it. Perhaps I’d like it then. Sigh… Thanks for the tip for using the EL Doublewear pump! Maybe I’ll try to beg one from the counter hehe
your title tricked me! I thought you found you perfect foundation *pouts* dowan friend you
Aww… friend me laa… 😛 Mont Blanc brought out the Sound of Music in me 😛
I was thinking of trying this but I’m not so sure… That kind of packaging isn’t really practical and if it becomes oily too… 🙁
I don’t know if it’ll turn oily on you though. From feedback it would appear that Sheer Glow is the way to go although the packaging really sucks.
NARS recently came to the Czech Republic. As expected, they’re so pricey and don’t even worth the money. I’m thinking of trying out the Sheer Glow (with my 20% Sephora membership discount)!
With a discount Amanda,I think its worth giving a try. Or perhaps see if you can get a sample first. Your money could be better spent elsewhere 😉
I have oily skin and I absolutely love Sheer Glow. It goes on matte at first and when the oil comes, it sort of makes my skin glow instead of looking oily.. I hope that made sense. I love the effect. As an oily skin girl, I’ve never thought I’ll pull off that dewy look without looking greasy. It stays on pretty well for about 6 hours and then it starts to fade. My shade is Stromboli and the match is perfect. I don’t think any foundation has matched me any better.
At first, I wasn’t sure either if I should go for Sheer Matte because of my oily skin but I just went with the raves and I’m so glad I did! I live in Malaysia too and I’ll be devastated when I run out of Sheer Glow! Might get an acquaintance to get a bottle from the UK/US or wherever. =)
Hi Rachel, thanks for the input! I now wish I’d gone with Sheer Glow too instead of matte 🙁
I just love this foundation it’s easily blended with my skin tone and looks very natural. I can use it any time either I am going to work or for a party.
Glad it works for you.
I am like others here, and wear sheer glow even though I’m a combination/oily skin type prone to break outs. I find it amazing. The sheer matte, as you’ve found, accentuates fine lines and even accentuates my pores. I use Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer SPF15 as my primer, sheer glow on top, then pop on my MAC or Jurlique translucent powder. I find the sheer glow makes my skin look amazing, and I also find, if I take care of my skin with the right products, even though it’s for normal/dry skin, there’s not reason to have a reaction/become oily from this if the skin is prepared right. That, and I hate a matte finish on my face. It just doesn’t look natural. Skin has oils naturally, and should have a slight glow to it if it’s healthy. Sheer glow is a satin finish, but by no means is dewy… but offers as many say, a slight glow. It photo’s well for me too. Best I’ve found. Plus, fora sheer foundation, the coverage I get compared to other foundations I’ve tried is amazing. It just seems to act like real skin for me, and hides all my acne scars/blemishes… and i don’t have to use that much concealer for the bigger spots. I stand by this foundation, because I’ve yet to find anything that’s as amazing, and offers the best colour match for me. I too get many many compliments with this 🙂