This article contains press samples and affiliate links, I will receive a commission on any sales I generate from it.
Best known for their high-fashion aesthetic and risque shade names, NARS is a premium beauty brand many makeup enthusiasts hold dear – myself included. Founded in 1994 by French makeup artist and photographer François Nars, it’s a brand that has consistently pushed boundaries and encouraged creativity and self-expression, earning itself cult-status around the globe.
And much like a number of relics from the nineties, such as Kate Moss, ballet flats and bag charms, NARS remains as relevant today as ever. More than three decades ago, the brand launched with 12 now-iconic lipsticks, and has since developed an entire range of powerful pigments for your cheeks, complexion, lips and eyes.
But I think what I love most about NARS as a brand is how François is endlessly inspired by legendary designers, editors and models, backstage, on set and in print. A real trailblazer in the industry, he’s even photographed his own campaigns in his bold, audacious style. If you want something doing right… right?
When I started this blog, NARS was one of the brands I could have only dreamed of having in my makeup kit – and a decade later, I’ve been able to try a number of their best-selling formulas, even repurchasing some I love the most time and time again. From the iconic Sheer Glow Foundation to the universally loved Radiant Creamy Concealer, here’s my take on the NARS products I’ve tried, including what’s worth spending your pennies on, and what I’d leave on the shelf next time.
Sheer Glow Foundation – £39
This foundation truly lives up to its reputation. It delivers that “lit-from-within” glow while feeling lightweight and hydrating on the skin. The coverage is sheer but buildable, making it perfect for a natural, radiant finish without being cakey. It does a wonderful job of evening the skintone, and is the foundation I reach for when I’m craving more coverage and longevity than my Hourglass Skin Tint Veil.
Not only does it offer immediate hydration and a smoother appearance thanks to the inclusion of glycerin, but it also contains a blend of Turmeric and Vitamin C to correct skin’s dullness and improve texture over time, too.
The foundation is available in 40 shades – I have Oslo and Mont Blanc, but I wouldn’t mind trying out Siberia to really find my perfect undertone. The only drawback is that the pump is sold separately and so I find I waste a lot of product tipping it onto the back of my hand. I really, really should order the pump.
Radiant Creamy Concealer – £27
Creamy, hydrating, and blends effortlessly – there’s a reason this is one of the best-selling concealers in the UK. Whether I’m covering dark circles or spot-concealing, it does the job beautifully. I particularly love how brightening it is under the eyes, and with a luxurious feel and luminous finish that doesn’t crease.
The concealer has been a runway success since it launched, coveted by artists and non-artists alike for its medium, buildable coverage and long-lasting finish – I’m talking 16-hour perfection for all skin tones.
It’s got a really slim applicator which is great for precise application, while the formula is enriched with skincare – such as Vitamin E – and Light Diffusing Technology to hydrate, firm, reduce the appearance of redness, and strengthen skin. It’s literally the beauty equivalent of a good night’s sleep and a cup of coffee. Coming in 30 shades, the multi-purpose concealer can also be used for highlighting and contouring.
Climax Mascara – £27
Mascara and I have always had a bit of a love hate relationship, and while I’d have previously swiped left on Climax for the wand shape alone (shallow, I know), I was actually really surprised to discover I do rather enjoy this formula. I was exclusively a thin plastic comb wand girly until I discovered Clinique High Impact, after which I’ve flirted with different types of mascara, with NARS’s adding impressive volume and length without clumping.
The exclusive ribbed bristles load up with the whipped product to deliver lift, giving that dramatic, full-lash effect without feeling heavy or crunchy. It’s designed with Lash Moisture Complex, plus, it doesn’t smudge or flake throughout the day—a rarity for many volumising mascaras.
Afterglow Liquid Blush – £33
Despite skyrocketing to industry royalty for their lipstick formulas, NARS’ blushes are some of their greatest works. Since the launch of Orgasm in 1999, François Nars has believed that blushing is a feeling, with the peachy pink shade continuing to be one of the brand’s most popular – and provocative – shades.
I’m yet to give Orgasm (the blush) a go, but I do have the shade Behave, which is more of a mauve pink. This blush gives such a gorgeous, natural flush, and I love the hydrating formula.
Loaded with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid, the seamlessly silky formula layers well and blends without streaking, making it super versatile. Buildable pigment allows for customised application, ranging from a soft wash of colour applied from the back of your hand with a brush to an intensified effect by going straight in with the doe foot applicator. Though be warned, a little goes a long way and once it dries down, it’s transfer resistant and super long lasting. If you love liquid blushes that melt into the skin and give a dewy finish, this is a great option.
Laguna Bronzing Powder – £36
This bronzer is an absolute classic. It’s the perfect warm-but-not-orange shade, however, as I have dry skin, I am much more inclined towards cream formulas like the new No7 Pro Artist Cream Bronzer so don’t reach for this as often as I’d like to.
Inspired by the bestselling shade introduced in 2001, it features nine talc-free shades for all skin tones.Finely milled powders seamlessly build and blend to create a sunkissed glow, while translucent micro-spheres smooth skin texture for a perfected complexion.
It can be used to contour, define, or enhance the look of tanned skin. I do find the powder a bit fragile, though and I’ve had issues with it breaking easily. If you travel a lot or tend to drop your makeup (guilty), you might want to handle this with extra care.
Afterglow Lip Balm – £26.50
A sheer, hydrating lip balm with a subtle tint? Sign me up. I have the shade Dolce Vita, which is a dusty rose you can pull off for any occasion. The formula feels incredibly comfortable on the lips and gives that effortless “your lips but better” look.
Designed to condition and protect the lips, it contains Monoï Hydrating Complex – a blend of Coconut Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, and Squalene – which provides moisturising, long-lasting comfort for smooth, supple lips.
Delivering a sheer rush of colour with subtle shine, it’s perfect for no-makeup days or layering over a lip liner.
Air Matte Lip Color – £27
This is purely a personal preference, but I’m not the biggest fan of matte lip formulas. I think it’s a trauma from exclusively wearing Rimmel Stay Matte when they launched in 2017. By comparison, NARS’ formulas are much more superior. Firstly, the colour payoff is insanely good. The longwear, creamy matte lip colour can be worn blurred or bold depending on how you apply it, making it a great multi-functional product.
Coming in 15 shades, it features Cloud Diffusion Complex – a weightless blend of silky polymers and micropowders to create an innovative formula that instantly diffuses colour for a soft-focus finish. I have the shade Dragon Girl, which is a vivid siren red, perfect for Valentine’s or the festive season, however, it does only seem to make an appearance at such events.
Powermatte Lipstick – £28.50
Again, this comes down to my not-so-great relationship with matte lip products, but what I will say is that these Powermatte Lipsticks are perfect for creating a high-intensity look that is transfer-proof and lasts for hours.
Featuring Power Pigment Complex – a dynamic blend of pure pigments suspended in rich, emollient oils and colour-locking ingredients – these lippys saturate lips with dense colour that glides on effortlessly and wears comfortably for up to 10 hours. If you love a long-wearing, bold matte lip, you’ll probably enjoy this, but for me, I prefer something a little more forgiving.
Overall, NARS is a brand that consistently delivers high-quality, high-performance products. While I absolutely love their complexion products – particularly the foundation and concealer – their matte lip formulas just aren’t my personal favourite. That said, if you love bold, long-wearing lipsticks or iconic bronzers, NARS has plenty to offer.
Would I repurchase most of these? Absolutely. While I have my preferences, I can’t deny that NARS makes some of the best base products in the game. That’s why they’ve remained at the forefront of the beauty space with their collection of trend-led and covetable cosmetics.
