I don’t always ‘set’ my makeup or foundations in a true sense on a daily basis. On most days, I finish off with the Guerlain Meteorites illuminating powders that for me act somewhat as a ‘setting powder’ but on days when I really want my makeup to last for as long as it possibly can, I turn to this white powder that I’ve absolutely fallen in love with since the day it came home with me from the NARS store.
This NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder was the very first item I bought from our NARS store here at Pavilion KL and it was after reading a lot of raves for this product. I couldn’t quite decide between the loose or pressed versions but as I personally prefer using loose powder to pressed, this is what I opted for.
What this very popular white powder is supposed to do, is set foundation for a smooth finish while softening the appearance of any lines on your face. It looks a scary white in the pot, but applies translucent, without any shimmer or glitter on the skin.
But what I love so much about this is just how impressive my makeup looks after a whole day!
It comes in a tub with a tight sifter. There is a sticker over the holes when you first take it home and if you don’t want too much powder coming through the sifter then just poke a few holes, or tear off just half the sticker. The loose powder version is of course not as travel friendly as the pressed version so if you like touching up your makeup and travelling with makeup then you would be better off getting the pressed version. I have also read that the pressed version works better for drier skins while the loose version works better for oilier skins.
That said, I have skin that tends to being dry and I don’t experience any problems using this product. It does not dry out my skin like how some powders do, even though it leaves my skin quite impressively shine free for hours.
How I usually apply this is with a fluffy powder brush (I use the Lunasol Powder Brush) and I dip it into the powder above the sifter, tap off excess, swirl it in the cover of the tub to make it even and then apply to my skin.
I have read many reviews where you can see a slight difference when the powder is applied and when it isn’t. So, I decided I’d try this.
Here’s a before and after picture.
On one side I have foundation on and on the other side, I have applied a thin layer of the Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder all over my face. See if you can identify which side. The answer is below 😛
There is no discernible white cast on skin and I like how silky and velvety my skin feels after I’ve dusted the powder all over my face. It does keep my skin shine free for longer and keeps my makeup on for hours so when I need my makeup to last, I use this powder. Best of all, if I need to look good for the camera, I use this powder. It has a knack of making the skin look really good and sometimes, we need all the help we can get 😀
However, I don’t personally notice any softening of the appearance of lines on my face. It just doesn’t seem very obvious to me, but it does help even everything out so your makeup does look better and smoother.
I don’t use it everyday, however. I feel it’s just too much to. I use it perhaps 3 times a week but then it’s mostly because on other days I use other products like the RMK Pressed Powder N or the Guerlain Meteorites pearls.
Is this worth the money and the raves? I say yes, it absolutely is. I love using it and I don’t regret it one bit! Larie has a review on the pressed version if you’re wondering how that fares. I have no plans to get the pressed version simply because I don’t tote my makeup around daily and I’m not fussed about using loose powder. But I’m told in store that they’re pretty much the same.
In a nutshell
The NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder is a very popular setting powder that helps makeup look better and help it stay on longer while keeping shine at bay. I find that it performs very well on all counts in particular in its ability to keep makeup looking good when you have long hours. It is also very good for when you have to face the camera because it does make your skin look smoother. The white powder applies translucent and although if you swatch it thickly, it looks like there’s shimmer, there isn’t any noticeable shimmer on skin. This powder is also supposed to help lines look less harsh but I don’t notice this particularly.
Pros: Translucent powder, Feels silky and velvety smooth on skin, Not shimmery, Helps makeup stay on longer and shine free, Makes skin look better when taking photos
Cons: Pricey
Who will like this: Anyone who uses a setting powder, Anyone who wants their makeup or foundation to stay on longer, Anyone who wants their makeup to stay shine free for longer
Here are the list of ingredients: Silica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Magnesium Silicate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorphenesin, Polysilicone-2, Maris Aqua (Sea Water), Aqua (Water), Barium Sulfate, Algae, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Mica, cl 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), cl 77491 (Iron Oxides), cl 77492 (Iron Oxides)
ANSWER: In the before/after photo above, the picture on left is with just foundation and the picture on right has a light dusting of the Nars Light Reflecting Powder all over my face. If you ask me, there is no way I can tell either so I don’t know how much people are putting on for the effects to show 😛
Have you tried this Light Reflecting loose powder from NARS or the pressed version? Do you use a setting powder?
I have to say I’m very impressed with this product and I am quite happy to repurchase it if I ever finish this. It will happen but as you do use quite little each time and as I don’t use it daily, it will last me a while. I don’t generally use a ‘setting powder’ but it’s good practice to, if you want your makeup, especially your base makeup, to last a long work day. If you’ve tried this version or the pressed version, I’d love to know your thoughts! 😀
Paris B
NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder Price: RM120 (I think) Availability: NARS store at Pavilion KL
Sounds really good! I wish I had given this a second look, but everytime I’m there, I simply forgot! Hehe… I actually could tell the difference between both photos, and indeed hat loose powder gave you a more polished look overall. I set my makeup everyday, and I do wish I could just use the meteorites instead but since I am always on the go, I cant. My meteorites are going to be used for decor purposes soon. LOL.
Oh this is seriously good! It’s always out of stock apparently so be sure to ask for it next time you’re in the store 😀 It’s funny how everyone could tell the difference between the photos but I couldn’t LOL Then again, it’s probably a good thing that the difference shows up 😀 The Meteorites doesn’t set anything to be honest. Not for me anyway. I don’t have oily skin so I don’t really have a problem but I would never use the Meteorites as a setting powder, just as one to add glow 🙂
I’m all for good loose powders! I’m extremely intrigued that this has managed to steal you away from your beloved Meteorites 3 days a week! I’ve been a loyal fan of the La Mer loose powder for a bit now. It’s non-drying which is essential to my dry skin and somehow it adds a bit of glow to my skin. It’s odd but it does. So, I’m quite happy with it 🙂 I have a backup of this that I will tear into very shortly but I might give the NARS one a go once I’m done.
Don’t you love it a tub of powder can last you for almost forever? 🙂
Absolutely! When I want to look really polished I use this and sometimes add on Meteorites over on the cheekbones etc. Overkill probably but it works 😀 I haven’t tried the La Mer loose powder but I hear it’s fantastic too! I haven’t been using loose powder for ages so it was very pleasant that my reintroduction was a good one. Oh and yes, I’ve only ever finished loose powder once and that was a sample tub! LOL
I agree with what Liyeun said – the powder gives you a more polish look and I could see the difference in your photos. I will definitely keep this in mind when I visit NARS and decide if I should get the loose or pressed version 🙂
Haha I swear I must be blind coz I can’t see the difference but I’ll take all your words for it! 😉 I definitely recommend checking it out first hand. I considered the pressed version but it’s so hard I just didn’t like it!
Nars! Every-time someone has something positive to say about Nars, my purse weeps 😛
I actually swatched this when I was in Nars the other day, and it did look quite good. I agree, it leaves no white ghost-y effects even on my tanned skin! The only reason I haven’t picked it up was probably the lack of enabling (so thank you Paris) and the fact that my current loose powder has yet to finish! Like LeGeeque says, a tub of powder lasts forever, and once I finally run out of mine( mine has lasted more than a year), i’ll be sure to pick this one up!
Haha I’m less susceptible to Nars than I first thought, which is of course a good thing! That said, I think that aside from their crazy pigmented colours, they are quite strong in their base makeup which is great. I love good base makeup and I wonder if being owned by Shiseido has anything to do with it 😀 Quick, be diligent using up your loose powder so you can get this one! 😉
I might get this~~ But I think I would must prefer the pressed powder form – easier to bring to travel. 🙂
Yep! The pressed version is definitely one for travelling but it’s really really hard which is why I wasn’t keen on it. Wasn’t sure if brushes would pick up anything 😛
I keep thinking about getting this, but honestly I probably wouldn’t use it all that much. If I set my foundation, I tend to use my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural since I get a bit more coverage and it also photographs beautifully. Glad it works so well for you!
Yep if you already have a good setting powder then stick with it. I never got into using MAC anything (although I do have that MSF! I wonder where it’s gone to LOL) nor setting powder to be honest but I can appreciate it in our humid weather!
Well it does show difference based on the photo, I see the fine lines look less obvious 😀
These days, ever since I watched Wayne Goss’ foundation trick video for oily skin I find myself using more of the loose powder. Hehe. But I am always a fan of pressed 😀
I’d love to try this thou, when I have enough budget + my other items are finishing. Hahaha.
Thanks for noticing Syaza! I think this one is absolutely worth saving up for but it’s permanent so there’s no need to go and buy it right now! 😀
Did u try the crystal setting loose powder? I think its similar to the Guerlain Meteorites..
Gosh, I don’t think so Shija LOL I didn’t see it in the store though. Is it this powder or is it a similar but separate formula, do you know?
After the Bobbi Brown workshop, I went to Nars for a visit.. I saw the Crystal setting powder at the display, and I thought is was lovely.. But didnt purchase it coz my MUFE loose powder is still full.. Its really pretty nice texture.. I think is about approx. Rm130 to 160… Similar formula but different finishing.. More like the Meteorites… But a little more fine crystal sparkle.. If u do come across it, please do tell me.. I wanna know what u think of it k, Paris?
LOL! I stopped by Nars with a friend too on the day! We must have missed each other 😀 I don’t know if the Crystal powder and this one is the same thing. I shall check! I think I’ve read that it’s a bit more sparkly than Meteorites but you have gotten me curious! Bad Shija 😛
It does make a difference! I wanna get the pressed version (forgot to look at it the last time we were at NARS) because I think the loose powder is similar to MAC’s, which I already own. I prefer using pressed powders more because they are more compact and easy to travel with.
The pressed powder is super hard though. I wondered how stiff my brush would have to be to pick up anything 😛 That said, that also means that it’s very easy to travel with albeit in THAT infamous packaging 😛
I think with the foundation, your skin looks less bright than with the setting powder
I’ve also been using this and I notice that this powder gives the skin a brighter appearance.
That’s just my opinion though. XD
Ooh that’s interesting Evan! I didn’t notice much brightening but in person I do notice a smoother appearance. All good, whatever it is! 😀
I have been eyeing this one since a long time..the price is really 120? that kinda cheap 🙂 I thought it would be around 170eeesh 😀
Yep! I think that’s what the price is. Definitely not much more than this 😀
Hey Paris, I can actually see a difference! It might be minuscule in photos, but I definitely think your skin looks even smoother with it on!
I haven’t tried this because I have pretty much found my holy grail powder combo in Guerlain Les Voilettes (T-zone) and Crazy Meteorites (cheeks). I might have to take a look at the pressed version though. I prefer pressed to loose because there is less of a chance that I’ll make a big mess!
Thanks Sunny! I don’t know why I’m the only one who can’t tell LOL 😀 Ooh you had to mention the G word gah! 😀 I haven’t tried the Les Violettes powder but I have heard that it’s really good and I love the Crazy Meteorites too! I’m told that the pressed powder is a little less “glowy” than the loose but since I don’t see much of a glow, I think it might just look the same. The pressed one is very hard though and I noticed little product pay off which is why I picked the loose but it’s definitely less error prone!
Hey Paris, I don’t really think Les Voilettes would be optimal for you unless you’re going after the matte look. Maybe if you try the loose version or use the pressed version with a powder brush, it’d work better. I can press it on with the puff on my T-zone, but for my cheeks I definitely prefer Crazy Meteorites 🙂
Ooh thanks for the info Sunny! I usually use the balls or the pressed Crazy Meteorites with a brush for a loose all over application.
I can totally see the difference! I so want this! It’s so easy to get distracted by bright and colourful new releases, but I’m always into perfecting a natural looking base.
I think you’d absolutely love it Arianne! You’re right. Colours are always distracting but a good base is already half the makeup battle won 😀
I freaking love this powder. Like LOVE.
MAC Prep + Prime loose powder used to be my favorite, until this comes along. The NARS one look so much better. Sometimes I even use it when I’m only wearing moisturizer and sunscreen. It just makes everything look more polished.
Unfortunately, the pressed version is a no-love for me. I actually bought the pressed version first, and had to return it. It’s just so hard to get product from the cardboard-like pressed powder. So glad that I exchanged it for the loose powder instead. Again, love!
Hey you know what? I think you put me on to this waaaay back! You are seriously my Nars enabler LOL 😀 I love how this looks too and as you’ve said, even just over a BB cream or tinted moisturiser, it just pulls everything together and holds it in place. I was contemplating picking up the pressed version too for travelling with but I’m concerned over how hard it is. I have never come across a powder that hard, I swear! 😛
My makeup tends to hold up pretty well on my skin, so I rarely use a setting powder. So I’m not sure I’d use this enough to justify the price, but you’re tempting me to check it out all the same. I think it may be handy for special occasions.
I felt the same way you did Gio 😀 But this truly changed my mind for me. For us here where it’s hot and humid, it does make a difference for days when I don’t want unnecessary shine but definitely, for special occasions, this is magical stuff!
Sounds like a beautiful powder! 🙂 I usually use Meteorites or theHourglass powders myself, over primer. I don’t even use foundation these days anymore, as it’s just too hot. This looks really nice, though!
I’m not sure how well this will perform on it’s own as I understand how Meteorites or the Hourglass powders work but it’ll be interesting to find out! Lucky you for not having to wear foundation! I do still wear it although I’m quite happy with the state of my skin so I’m using very light textured and ones these days 🙂
I bought this powder past saturday, i ‘ve used twice and i love it!! I used over the Aqua vita lumiere to set my makeup and also over a bb cream and it gives me a soft, glowy (but not shiny) look, it doesnt leave my face completly matte which i like and when i put it over my under eye concealer it looks so pretty and luminous 🙂
Yay glad you like this too Karla! I think it’s a very lovely setting powder that deserves all the raves it gets and then some! I’m going to try it over undereye concealer too! I hear it really brightens up the eye area 😀
Oh noooooo. Now I have to buy it.
haha, I have been putting this off because I own way too many setting/loose powder (my second weakness after blushes). But even MWS is on to this, I guess it really must be that good.
I am not so concerned about the price because I got my 10 grams of MUFE with its expensive MUFE brush, but they have lasted over 3 years now, with completely no change in quality. I still have 6-7 grams of MUFE despite daily use. It is too much to finish! haha.
So if you like this, the NARS will last you a good maybe 5 years? =D
Haha yes Jyoan, I love this one and I think it’s seriously good stuff! It will last a long time as you’ve pointed out and I love how airbrushed it makes my skin look especially in photos. People say there’s a difference in real life too but I don’t notice it. I don’t use it daily though. I feel it’s a bit overdone if I do so I use it on days when I really want to put a good face forward and it helps me a million times over 😀
Ah….my love-hate relationship with your reviews reared its ugly head again over the weekend….happened to walk pass the Nars counter & picked this up..and I have to report that its a love at 1st application..my make up actually lasted me 15 hours and I looked like I still had my foundation on as opposed to the usual oily woman after work..cost me 60sgd which I guess for 10gm and how little I use, a tub should last me a fairly long while…
Thanks P for the great review as usual..it was just what I needed for my make up to last in this horribly hot & humid weather
Hahhaa oh dear I’m so sorry Kel 😀 But on the other hand, good things have to be shared and raved about and I’m so happy that it worked out for you too! I seriously love this powder and it keeps me looking pretty flawless all day long plus it looks bloody good in photos! Try it and see! 😀 Happy to have been of service 😉
Hi Paris B,Thanks for the great post! I was wondering if you have tried the Chanel loose powder, and if so, how does this Nars powder compare to the Chanel powder. Thank you!
Hi JC Unfortunately I haven’t tried the Chanel loose powder so I can’t compare, sorry! But this NARS one is wonderful so I’ve no qualms sticking to it 🙂
Thank you so much for your reply 🙂 Love the blog!
Hi JC, thank you! Hope to see you around the comment box again 🙂