• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Face » Foundation » The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation should come with a warning : Less is more!

The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation should come with a warning : Less is more!

June 4, 2018 Paris B 27 Comments

While I often go into ruts of boredom with makeup releases, there is always one product that is guaranteed to grab my attention. Foundation. Ok, maybe two – Concealer too. Oh wait, three – Lipstick. Oh hell, blush too LOL! But foundation is most certainly at the top of the list.

The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation was released a few months back. When I first sampled it, I was quite taken aback. This is one of the fullest coverage foundations I’ve ever come across. It even beats the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-wear Weightless Foundation in terms of coverage. Because full coverage foundation isn’t my thing, I decided to pass on it.

nars natural radiant longwear foundation gobi
  • Save

Then, one day, I was given the opportunity to learn a little more about it, so I popped along to the store. The first thing I’d note is that because the coverage is so high, getting a proper shade match is key. I did not realise it until I went in-store.

I usually wear NARS foundations in Mont Blanc or Light 2. This has been quite consistent for me in most of the different textures and formula. I knew that if I stuck to Light 2, I was quite safe in getting a colour match. However, maybe because of the intensity of the pigment that delivers the coverage, Mont Blanc made my skin look a little odd, and even dull. The makeup artist suggested instead that I try Light 3 – Gobi. I wasn’t very sure, because it looked more yellow in tone than I like. But I gave it a go anyway.

Much to my surprise, it turned out that Gobi was the proper shade match for me in the Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation!

The trick to wearing the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, is to use just VERY little. I was told to use just one tiny bead of product and I rolled my eyes a little. Come on, seriously. It was so tiny, it could just about cover my nose!

But I was wrong. The texture of the foundation is rather creamy and it spreads very easily over a very wide area of your skin. One tiny half pump is more than sufficient to cover my whole face, and then some!

nars natural radiant longwear foundation gobi
  • Save

The dollop on left is one full pump of foundation. I think NARS realized how much coverage the product offers, so it controlled how much the pump dispenses each time. On right, it a teeny bit of product, blended. You can see how high the coverage is.

So, how easy is it to use the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear foundation?

Actually, very easy.

It took me a little while to get used to it, and I don’t use it everyday, because I favour lighter, sheerer foundation formula. However, there will always be that odd day when you need something a little more “powerful”, and something that can literally take you through from morning to night, and then some! That’s where this foundation comes in to play.

There are 2 tricks to using the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear foundation:-

  1. Use just a tiny bead of product. Pump a tiny bead on the back of your hand, then use your finger, gently touch to the product, and then blend into your skin. You will notice how far one tiny tiny drop takes you.
  2. Use your fingers for best results. For this foundation, you really need to use your fingers for best results. I was advised this by the makeup artist, and in this instance, they are absolutely correct. The warmth of your fingers helps the product meld better with your skin, and it also helps you spread and sheer the product out better. If you use a brush or sponge, you will find yourself using too much product, and you may end up with a mask-like base that isn’t flattering. If you prefer that Instagram-style makeup, then maybe you’d like it 😛 But from what I gather based on people who don’t like this very much, they are using far far too much product.

What I realise is that this is one of those foundations that look and wear better as it melds with the oils of your skin. Do note that I have skin that tends to dry, so I cannot tell you how this will fare for oily skin types. For me therefore, it can look a little off the first few minutes that I put it on my skin. But in about an hour, it comes into its own, and thereafter, I just look, for want of a better word, incredible. LOL 😀

I like how it isn’t drying at all, and for me, it does not settle into my pores or any fine lines. While the name is a Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, it isn’t dewy the way some foundations can be. It doesn’t look shiny, nor oily. It just looks like crazy smooth skin, and it is very long lasting on me.

When I wear this one, I skip concealer, because it offers such high coverage. I have to be careful to use just very little product. This foundation feels, to me, like how the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer would feel, when used all over.

nars natural radiant longwear foundation gobi fotd
  • Save

You can probably see in these photos, what I mean about the coverage. My skin doesn’t look flat and matte,, all redness is eradicated and blemishes are ALL concealed with just one VERY thin layer of product. It does look much better in person LOL! Gobi may look a little pale, but it settles very well and looks far more natural once I have the rest of my face on, as you’ll see below.

nars natural radiant longwear foundation gobi fotd
  • Save

Once I have the rest of my face on, it doesn’t look as flat right? LOL This was the foundation I used in this FOTD.

As I said, I don’t use this one very much, simply because it isn’t everyday that I wear such high coverage foundation. But there will always be days when you feel like looking a touch more flawless than you usually do, and this one fits the bill for those days. I like it. I just have to be a little more careful with it 😀

IN A NUTSHELL

The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is a longwearing high coverage foundation. You only need a very tiny bead of product and I would recommend that you use your fingers to blend it into your skin. Work in sections of your face, and you will find that you only need the tiniest bit of product on your fingers to get amazing coverage. For this reason, it is very important that you get colour-matched properly or you may end up with your base that looks too much like a mask. By way of example, I usually wear Mont Blanc or Light 2 bases, but in this one, I wear Gobi or Light 3. There are 33 shades so there should be one to suit most skin tones. I do like this, for days when I want to put forward a flawless face, that does not budge for the whole day because it really just looks better as the day wears on.

PROS: A tiny bit goes a very long way, A bottle will last forever and a day!, Not drying, Does not settle into my fine lines or pores, Does not look matte and flat, Very high coverage eradicates the need for concealer, Radiant finish without being greasy or shiny, Looks better as the day wears on

CONS: Coverage is very high so may not suit everyone, Pricey, You must test in store to ascertain the best colour match

WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a high coverage foundation that is lightweight on skin, longwearing, not drying and does not settle into lines or pores, May suit drier skin types better

PRICE: RM195 | US$49 for 30ml

WHERE TO BUY: Nars stores, Online (US), Net-a-Porter, Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus

nars radiant longwear foundation gobi
  • Save

Have you tried this NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation? Do you like NARS foundations?

I have been quite lucky thus far with NARS bases. I like Sheer Glow and the Velvet Matte Skin Tint. But I am also careful to pick the ones that work with my skin type 🙂 I might be feeling generous on Instagram soon, so keep your eyes peeled and get yourself shade-matched! 😉

Paris B

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

3 Shares
  • Facebook 3
  • Twitter
27 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Disclosure: Featured product is a press sample for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: YOUR SAY: Do you buy trial size skincare discovery sets?
NEXT POST: Now that Tom Ford beauty is finally here in Malaysia, I share some thoughts on what I own

27 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. shusheshe says

    June 4, 2018 at 10:56 am

    It looks great but my previous experience with NARS foundations is that it just doesn’t last very long with heat + humidity.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 6, 2018 at 10:08 am

      I have read some reviews that say that this isn’t best for oily skins. For mine, it stays put all day long and it’s really hot and humid here 🙂 But I think mileage varies as with all product 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lezel says

    June 5, 2018 at 9:02 am

    I’m glad you found someone who shade matched you perfectly. I think finding the right person who did that made all the difference in the world. Maybe its just my luck, but most cosmetics counters/stores I’ve been to always matches me few shades lighter. Do you have a fave SA/MUA for Nars? I’d like to go get shade matched one of these days.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 6, 2018 at 10:13 am

      You are absolutely right about finding the right person, more importantly, someone who will TALK to you and gauge your comfort level. I have found the best service at Nars to be at the Pavilion KL store. You can try Alan, who is very nice. I cannot remember the lady who did mine this time. I think her name might be Maggie? I’m so not sure yikes! LOL! I don’t go enough to have a fave SA anywhere because I pop in and out at odd times (and am not loyal enough to any brand) but Alan is quite good if you can catch him. He does really lovely makeovers too 😉

      Reply
    • Amalia says

      October 10, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      Hi! It helps me a lot when I leave the foundation for 15′ – half an hour on my face and then test it and see the results in daylight, outside the store. I have a mirror in my bag or I borrow their mirror, if they are not too busy with other customers at the same time.

      Reply
  3. Nabihah says

    June 5, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Ahhhh I’ve been debating whether or not to buy this because reviews says that it’s not for oily skin. But I feel like Nars is the only foundation that has the right amount of yellow in their foundation and I want to give Nars another chance lol

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 6, 2018 at 10:15 am

      I have read the reviews that say it’s not for oily skin, so I’d highly recommend you proceed with caution! What you can do is to go and ask to test it on your skin for a colour match, then give it a few hours to see how it fares. If you like the texture, but don’t like the finish, consider the Bobbi Brown longwear foundation. That one comes in yellow shades as well, is longwearing and full coverage like this one and isn’t meant to be “radiant” so maybe it’ll last better 😉

      Reply
  4. Nicole says

    June 5, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    Nice to know more about this product and how little to use of it. Sounds very value for money, you know? LOL.

    However, I tend to lean towards sheer coverage and dewy foundation. So, I would give this a miss. I’m sure those who love heavier coverage will find this useful.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 6, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Yep! It can last you forever and a day! 😀 like you, I prefer a lighter, more dewy finish for base too. It was interesting however, that this was weightless enough, despite being full coverage. It did quite impress, and I have to say, makes a great base for instagram makeup LOL!

      Reply
  5. Fion Liaw says

    June 8, 2018 at 11:49 pm

    It sounds promising! I am using NARS creamy concealer and it’s my HG! But I don’t have any NARS foundation so really would like to give it a try.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 12, 2018 at 11:18 am

      NARS concealer is my HG too! 😀

      Reply
  6. Fadzlin A. says

    June 9, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    I haven’t tried a lot of NARS bases besides the Sheer Glow (the hype of it way back when), but I just might bite the bullet after reading your review.

    The list of things Paris made me purchase has been growing steadily through the years and will definitely continue expanding. #ParisTheBeautyAndMopInfluencer

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 12, 2018 at 11:22 am

      Yay for mop influencer! HAHA! 😀 It is my goal to influence everyone beyond just beauty because hey, life is so much more than that! 😀

      Reply
  7. Vonnestagram says

    June 9, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    Hi Paris, am always a silent “stalker” and more often than not, you are my enabler. Lol. Am glad you did a review on this. Been wanting to get this foundation, after hearing some rave reviews on it. Glad that you like it, since most of the time, you are quite on point. Maybe this will be the time when i finally get this foundation. Lol.

    @vonnestagram

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 12, 2018 at 11:25 am

      Hi there! Thanks for delurking! I have certainly noticed that many people like this foundation, but I also find that so many people use way too much! Seriously, a tiny little bit is more than enough so it’ll last you forever LOL!

      Reply
  8. Debo says

    June 10, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    I’ve always been intrigued by NARS foundations, but it’s such a pain to get when I live on the other side of the sea (Sarawak hehe). As someone who is also on the hunt for a semi-matte but not bam in your face kind of glowy finish, this was a much appreciated review. Also, the fact that it’s full coverage and works with fingers cause I get so lazy sometimes to bother with brushes or beauty blenders!

    So thank you for a shot at the giveaway 🙂

    IG Username: @bubblyfruitcake

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 12, 2018 at 11:30 am

      You know something Debo, I have resorted back to using my fingers to apply most of my bases, and I’m rediscovering how easy, quick and better it looks! LOL!

      Reply
      • Debo says

        June 17, 2018 at 10:56 am

        I know Smashbox has this fingerprint sponge thing for people who are icky about getting foundation on their fingers, but I can’t help but feel that it won’t quite work the same ? It’s a nice idea though

        Reply
        • Paris B says

          June 26, 2018 at 8:47 am

          I didn’t know what that was, so I googled it and erm isn’t that just like those silicone “sponge” things people were using a few years back? LOL! I’d just go with fingers (not sure why anyone would be icky about getting makeup on their fingers – most top makeup artists use their fingers all the time, just like artists!) and then clean it off. 😀

          Reply
  9. Genie says

    June 10, 2018 at 8:11 pm

    NARS what’s not to like. Their blushes are my ultimate favourite. I would definitely love to own this foundation. I always visit your blogs for comprehensive reviews. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 12, 2018 at 11:31 am

      Thanks Genie 🙂 Their blushes are certainly worth mentioning! I only wish they’d change their packaging

      Reply
  10. @nisakrutami_official says

    June 10, 2018 at 11:05 pm

    I tried their sample at first but then it feel almost the same feel when I wear my dior foundation,, full coverage and not feeling natural at all but good bcs i can see my skin looking so flawless ?.
    After reading this I feel like i want to give a second chance to this nars since I’ve never have nars foundation before and i want one to be in my collection. ?

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 12, 2018 at 11:32 am

      I haven’t tried the Dior one (I think they do a full coverage one too) and if you follow the online recommendations, this foundation will leave you looking like you’re wearing a mask! LOL But always remember, less is more! Even for other brands 🙂

      Reply
  11. Himika says

    June 11, 2018 at 9:10 am

    I have been looking for a full coverage foundation for a long time now! The product seems promising! Hope to try it soon!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 12, 2018 at 11:35 am

      Just be sure you get a proper shade match! 😉

      Reply
  12. Vee says

    June 26, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Hi Paris,

    Just wanted to post this comment in case any other oily-skinned girl wanted to know – this is my HOLY GRAIL foundation. I picked it up when I was in the US and yes the color match is super important (I’m a Fiji in Sheer Glow but a dead-on Deauville in Natural Radiant), but actually found it a tiny tiny bit too drying in the winter. Back then Sheer Glow was my favorite.

    But now that I’m back, I’ve found myself gravitating toward this for a flawless yet natural looking base! It’s actually been difficult for me to use all my other foundations because of how much I like and rely on this. It lasts pretty decently (I’d say 12 hours pretty flawlessly) on my oily face but I also take great pains to moisturize and prime correctly before. I use the Innisfree No-Sebum primer on my T-zone and I also don’t touch my face during the day, haha. I’ve asked many male friends how this looks and have gotten very good responses, they say it looks natural and not too obvious. I’d strongly recommend this!

    I actually use more than you, Paris, (probably two pumps) because I have lots of acne hyperpigmentation and I prefer a full-coverage look, but this is amazing. I’m so happy Malaysia carries NARS!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      June 30, 2018 at 10:23 am

      Hi Vee, thank you so much for sharing your experience with oily skin and this Nars foundation! So happy to know that it works for you and oily skins too! I love how longwearing it is, but not drying, and how really amazingly flawless it can make my skin look, while looking natural. Really very impressive! 😀

      Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

RECENT REVIEWS

dr. jart ceramidin cream in a tube

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream is a must have for those with dry skin (and I don’t say that lightly!)

biologique recherche lotion p50 review

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 revisited : Is it a facial in a bottle?

mad hippie cream cleanser

This Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser is one of the better cream cleansers I’ve ever used

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 m I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 months ago. It’s one of my best purchases under RM30 so far! Read it on the blog www.mywomenstuff.com

It’s not too late to buy one 😆

#kinbor #kinborplannerweekly #kinborplanner #parisbmws #verticalplanner #weeklyplanner
This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar for the longest time! On the blog mywomenstuff.com

#parisbmws #elemismy #elemismalaysia #elemissuperfood #cleansingbutter
Let’s talk about makeup and whether your prefere Let’s talk about makeup and whether your preferences/style has changed post pandemic? One of my signature makeup items is now optional! 😱 

On the blog: mywomenstuff.com
Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur kids, one of whom is uncooperative and the other has no choice 😆
Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blu Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blue balm had me wondering if it was any similar to Blue Cocoon 😆 Review on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

#skincreamery #skincreamerybalm #naturalskincare #savannagoodness #skincarebalm #skincarecommunity #skincarejunkie #skincarelover #skincareblogger #parisbmws #over40blogger #over40skincare #dryskincareroutine
Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff. Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

This furry fella is so much a part of my life, but yet I have so few photos with him 😅 I shall remedy that this year! And I also hope to post a little more this year. Maybe quick shots that may not be so ✨aesthetic✨
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved