Discover whether NARS foundations are the secret to mastering a flawless complexion for oily skin. We delve into the brand’s formulations to reveal if they truly cater to the needs of those combating excess shine and seeking lasting coverage.

Is Nars Foundations Good For Oily Skin?

NARS foundations are generally well-regarded for various skin types, including oily skin. Many of their formulations, such as the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, are oil-free and offer a matte finish that can help control shine throughout the day. Additionally, they often contain ingredients that aim to balance and manage oil production. However, as everyone’s skin is unique, it’s advisable to sample and see how a specific NARS foundation works for your individual skin concerns.

How To Choose A Nars Foundation That Suits Oily Skin?

Look for lightweight formulas

Your best option is a hydrating or satin-finish liquid base, particularly as hormone levels drop and your skin gets drier. Pure coverage foundations and a dewy luminous base match well for women who are concerned for lines and wrinkles.

 

This could probably settle into fine lines and wrinkles, preventing solid, mattifying formulas from appearing more prominent.In general, darker, matte foundations are built to provide more complete coverage, meaning they are packed with pigment, for uneven skin tone, age spots, and more. They might start to look fine, but as your skin absorbs the hydrating ingredients, the pigments might begin to look cakey. There are a few exceptions (see our experts’ cream picks below), and if you are all for maximum coverage, you can even layer in a rich face moisturizer or a hydrating primer. Look for products made with moisturizing glycerin or hyaluronic acid to improve dryness, too.

Switch up your shade

The rule that says that your foundation must fit your skin tone exactly does no longer hold up. With age, the complexion appears to become paler, so a contrasting hue will make you look pasty (or ashy in the case of brown skin tones).

Warmer base colors

Have less pink undertones, so ruddiness in light-skinned women is counteracted. By using a slightly warmer tone that’s a shade darker than her old one, Linter holds life on her face. By matching your current hue with the next darkest one, if you’re wary of going up a full level, make a custom color.

Apply with a moist sponge

This will make the skin look even more dewy than you thought possible and will help stop streaks from being added. Use the wet makeup blender to smooth the foundation over your whole face. Yeah, that means your pupils, your eyelids and your brow bones, your jaw and your spine on both sides.

Don’t forget to exfoliate

Link this to your nightly routine, 2-3 days a week. Periodically, sloughing off the outer layer of dead skin means that the makeup can go on smoothly, so you’ll need to use less and look fresher. Your skin can also absorb more moisturizing oils, collagen / elastin boosters, and antioxidant ingredients from your other skincare products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.

Best Nars Foundations In 2024

NARS – All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

Overview: ONE DROP. PURE PERFORMANCE.

This best Nars Foundation special, fluid base offers complete coverage with 16-hour, surprisingly weightless wear — all with just one drop. This breakthrough recipe, highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, builds and blends easily, the product of exclusive engineering specially engineered to provide long-lasting maximum coverage, weightlessly. Shake, pump, and blend to full coverage pieces.

With every drop, All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation produces instantly polished beauty. Its uniquely fluid, oil-free formula reinvents the basis of long wear, offering complete, natural-looking coverage with 16-hour wear that is shockingly weightless. Combinable, awesome. Skin at its best. Perfect in 20 global shades for all skin types and tones.

Benefits from the best nars foundation:

• FULL COVERAGE WITH WEIGHTLESS, 16-HOUR WEAR

An unique combination of lightweight polymers and treated pigments, Revolutionary Weightless Longwear Technology moves with the skin, providing up to 16 hours of wear. For all-day natural luminosity, the light-as-air formula sweeps on weightlessly, absorbs rapidly and blends effortlessly, 100 percent oil-free. Ultra-lightweight full coverage is given by one drop.

• NEUTRALIZES DISCOLORATION FOR MORE EVEN, UNIFORM SKIN

Tone Correcting Technology works to neutralize redness, dullness and discoloration for more even, smooth skin, immediately and long-term. Special combination of optical and skin care ingredients smoothes the skin while enhancing its natural beauties.

You can watch the video below “NARS Natural Radiant Foundation REVIEW | COMPARE Nars All Day Luminous” to find the best Nars foundation which is suitable for your skin: 

NARS – Radiant Cream Compact Foundation

Overview: I consider this as the best Nars Foundation because of reasons:

• NARS radiant cream compact foundation beautifully evolves skin with a luminous, lightweight finish. The advanced emulsion technology formula can be applied wet or dry for creative flexibility, mixing the supple feel of a cream base with the streamlined simplicity of a portable pocket. 
• Seamlessly blended with weightless medium buildable coverage, the skin feels smooth and relaxed with levels of moisture improved by 80 percent after 12 hours, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• NARS is launching the Radiant Cream Compact Foundation to expand its base lineup.This lightweight formula incorporates a cream foundation’s supple feel with the weightless coverage of liquid make-up for a truly radiant complexion. The velvety cream formula blends smoothly and uniquely, enhanced with the NARS proprietary Advanced Emulsion Technology, allows for the new creative flexibility of a wet or dry application.

The buildable formula offers medium to maximum coverage, leaving the skin moist, smooth, and sparkling in seconds.

• Modern emulsion technology for humid or dry use
• Blends beautifully with medium coverage of weightless
• Helps minimize the presence of fine lines
• Provides a luminous, lightweight finish
• A Radiant Cream Compact Foundation Sponge 

Product description

NARS radiant cream compact foundation beautifully evolves skin with a luminous, lightweight finish. The advanced emulsion technology formula can be applied wet or dry for creative flexibility, combining the soft feel of a cream base with the streamlined flexibility of a portable compact. Seamlessly blended with weightless medium buildable coverage, the skin feels smooth and relaxed with levels of moisture improved by 80 percent after 12 hours, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Formulation: Cream

Makeup Finish: Radiant

SPF: <10

Review from customers: 

“I brought this when I was getting back into the foundation. I used to use liquid foundation and I have dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. The WORST COMBINATION and this was amazing. It didn’t feel dry or cakey on my skin. It melted perfectly into my skin and my skin was not itchy or breaking out. Now that they are discontinued I am so bummed. However, I keep getting email ads from them about this product. I really hope they bring it back please!”

Latidra94 (New York, 7 May 2020): Best for beginners and dry skin

“This is a great foundation. First I’m light tone oily skin with seasonal dryness. Especially now during this coooold winter. Bc I’m oily I have to watch which foundation I choose. When I decided to try this one I found it went on smooth and had great coverage and stayed all day. I was very pleased with it. During the winter I can add a drop or two of facial oil to it to give my skin a lil extra moisture. The compact holder is also great. Lasted thru 6 compact changes. Thought that was pretty good.”

Connecticut (7 January 2018): Great foundation

NARS – All Day Luminous Powder Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 24

Overview:

This is a lightweight formula that covers without masking. Blending a foundation ‘s consistency and the comfort of a powder with the smooth feeling of velvet gliding over the skin. The effect is pure NARS perfection of artistry with a luminous finish.

Usage instructions for dual sided applicator:

• To complement the dual finish powder, Nars provides a dual-sided applicator. The side of the soft-plush is puff. The sponge is the other flat hand.

Application in dry condition:

• The side of the sponge has greater coverage, more matte finish
• The Puff side offers finer coverage and a lighter finish.

Wet Application :

• Offers greater visibility and a polished finish
• Just use the sponge side. Dampen the sponge lightly for maximum performance

Benefits: 

• NATURAL COVERAGE ALL DAY, IN ANY CLIMATE

For up to 12 hours skin looks normal and luminous. As Mineral Tone Balancing Powder works to optically correct, not cover, skin imperfections, Photochromic Technology makes skin appear natural in any light source. Micro polished powders mix smoothly so skin feels smooth and velvety, not makeup like skin.

• UNIQUE WET/DRY TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS FOR TWO DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FINISHES

NARS’ unique wet/dry technology enables two very different finishes of the foundations. For a more natural, luminous effect apply with a dry sponge. For a more smooth, polished look, apply with a damp sponge.

• POWERFUL PROTECTION TODAY, BRIGHTER SKIN TOMORROW

NARS’ exclusive innovations that improve luminosity help to keep the skin looking radiant today and tomorrow. Together with SPF 24, vitamins A, C and E help protect the skin from adverse environmental effects. With every application for a smoother, healthier-looking complexion tomorrow, Marin Fennel and Vitamin C help enhance the skin’s appearance. A special combination of 17 amino acids hydrates and increases the functioning of cells.

NARS – Radiant Longwear Foundation

Overview:

There’s longwear. And then there’s strongwear. It’s is an amazing longwear and strongwear best Nars Foundation I have ever bought.

Introducing NARS’ first 16-hour foundation that remains turned on by the force of radiance. 

• Non-traceable. 
• Non-stoppable. 
• Different from something else. 
• Longwear is essentially light-and radiant. 
• Elevated coverage is now supernatural.

It’s a breathable, fade-resistant formula enriched with extracts of raspberry, apple, and watermelon to help smooth and enhance your skin’s appearance instantly and for full-powered radiance over time. It wears longer, stays stronger and, with each hour, looks better.

Specialized equipment for skin-matching guarantees the truest match yet.

Reviews from customers:

“I bought this today. Yes it’s watery when you pump it from the bottle, but once you apply it to your face using your finger tips (not a brush or sponge) it feels like it melts into your skin, leaving a natural coverage look. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re looking to cover any major blemishes. I do think my skin felt oily but it didn’t look oily. I didn’t apply a primer first either. I’m very happy with this product.”

JessicaJ (9 August 2020): Great foundation

“This is great! I love this foundation. Yes, it is very watery but you can quickly apply it with a sponge, that’s what I did. It is really pretty and natural. I think this foundation is medium coverage. I love how light it is on my skin. I will wear this for my everyday wear! I’m glad I bought this and wish I bought this earlier. Excellent Foundation!”

Jewels777 (Los Angeles, 30 July 2020): Your True Skin!

NARS – Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30

Overview: YOUR SKIN—ALMOST BARE, BUT BETTER.

This innovative, oil-free formula offers a transparent color veil and sun safety, thus helping in just four weeks to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Infused with lush ingredients and botanicals, to make thirsty skin feel hydrated instantly. For a stronger, cleaner, and clearer natural glow, Kopara from French Polynesia and mineral rich seawater aid to revive and re-mineralize skin. The skin is delivered.

Anna Priadka, NARS UK Lead Stylist says: Use NARS Tinted Moisturiser with your NARS Illuminator (a liquid highlighter-amazing!) for the ultimate in a dewy, shiny and plump complexion. For a raw, glowing finish, mix a few drops together.

Benefits from this best Nars foundation: 

• Advanced defense against the sun
• Hydrates and helps decrease the presence of hyperpigmentation for a brighter natural glow and dark spots
• Petroleum-free. Free Paraben. Checked by dermatologists. Non-comedogenic here. FREE synthetic fragrance.

To more details: 

• HYDRATES

Lush botanicals that are naturally derived instantly help thirsty skin feel hydrated and smooth. The skin is revived and remineralized by Mineral Rich Sea Water for a softer, cleaner and stronger natural glow.

• BRIGHTENS

For a healthier looking complexion, Kopara, from French Polynesia, hydrates and helps to encourage natural cell renewal. In just four weeks, a Vitamin C derivative tends to decrease the presence of dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation. The skin looks lighter and smoother.

• PROTECTS

A transparent veil of color and broad-spectrum sun protection are given by the advanced formula.

Reviews from Nars Founder: 

According to FRANÇOIS NARS, Founder and Creative Director: “Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is super sheer and translucent. It just gives a beautiful healthy glow, like your natural skin but brighter, fresher and healthier looking than before.”

NARS – Sheer Glow Foundation

Overview: THE ICONIC GLOW

A pure, buildable best Nars Foundation with a natural-looking finish that suits the skin tone immaculately. It leaves the skin hydrated, softer, and cleaner, complete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula. Sheer Glow Makeup, when used everyday, enhances the brightness and texture of the skin, an artistry necessary for producing a natural finish.

Pump sold separately.

Anna Priadka, NARS UK Lead Stylist says: After your base, Sheer Glow Base is ideal for cleaning up those little ‘mistakes’ when applying makeup. Use it under areas such as the lips and eyes with NARS #12 Cream Blending Brush to ensure sharp lines and a smooth finish.

Some pros from the best nars foundation: 

A satin-finished, glowing base with sheer and buildable coverage. The skin is hydrated, more luminous, softer and cleaner, replete with skin care benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula. Sheer Glow Base, used everyday, enhances skin visibility, radiance and texture. For forms of mild to dry skin.

• Minimizes obvious decoloration
• Brightens and clarifies the general tone of the skin
• Enhances the luminosity and radiance of the skin
• Moisturizes for cleaner and softer skin
• Checked by dermatologists. Non-comedogenic here. Fragrance Free.

To be more detailed: 

• LEAVES SKIN PERFECTLY HYDRATED

Glycerin, one of the most powerful and well-known humectants, absorbs and maintains humidity, avoids dryness and guarantees hydration during the day.

• BRIGHTENS AND PROTECTS SKIN

The vitamin C derivative helps brighten the skin and decreases the appearance of discoloration.

Strong antioxidants protect against free radicals that harm

• EVENS SKIN TONE

A plant of the ginger family, Turmeric Extract enhances skin radiance and even skin tone.

NARS – Velvet Matte Skin Tint Foundation SPF30

Overview: THE NEW MATTE. UNCOVERED. 

Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30 introduction – best Nars Foundation:

• Gratification immediately. Application without effort. With a soft-matte finish, it protects and strengthens. Petroleum-free. All-the-day wear. Twelve global colors
• Innovation: Velvet Illusion Complex-changes the skin’s appearance instantly and over time.

Instant Results:

• Transparent Blurring Powders immediately improve the appearance of the skin by helping to diffuse imperfections with a strong optical effect. Soft-Focus Effect
• Soft-Touch Feel-the special, spherical form of the powder compresses like a pillow, offering a velvety-smooth, touchable feel and superior application comfort.

Long-term Benefits:

• Refined pores and shine management-when controlling shine, Rose Fruit Extract noticeably minimizes the appearance of pores.
• Antioxidant Defense-Vitamins C, E, and SPF 30 protect against environmental stress free-radical damage.

The Soft-Touch Look:

Only click and go for a great look that’s effortless. Glide on Velvet Matte Skin Tint to even the skin tone for a soft-matte look immediately. To instantly diffuse imperfections, follow with NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer where appropriate.

Anna Priadka, NARS UK Lead Stylist says: Using your fingers to add the Velvet Matte Skin Tint straight from the tube. It’s an on-the-go application and pigments glide on to ensure that you get an even blend that looks flawless.

NARS – Luminous Weightless Foundation Santa

Overview:

With every drop, All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation produces instantly polished beauty. Its uniquely fluid, oil-free formula reinvents the basis of long wear, offering complete, natural-looking coverage with 16-hour wear that is shockingly weightless.

Combinable. Awesome. Skin at its best. Perfect in 20 global shades for all skin types and tones.

Anna Priadka, NARS UK Lead Stylist says: “Work NARS All Day Luminous Foundation into your skin in sections. It’s long-wearing formula means it dries quickly and sets in seconds, so start with small areas and build.”

NARS – Sheer Matte Foundation

Overview:

The Nars Sheer Matte Foundation is buildable with full coverage and a soft matte finish. Application to the face makes it oil-free since it controls and absorbs oil on your skin for a matte effect and a luminous, softer look.

Nars Sheer Matte Foundation is good when used daily and provides excellent skin benefits. This helps improve skin brightness and texture. Additionally, it is ideal for those with normal skin to oily skin types.

Product Benefits:

• Minimizes skin discoloration

If your face has visible discolorations or uneven tones, applying Nars Sheer Matte Foundation will hide it. It’s like a concealer with a matte finish.

• Brightens skin

The Nars Sheer Matte Foundation helps improve your skin, leaving it radiant and young-looking.

• Clarifies skin tone

People hate uneven skin tone. This foundation will definitely help even it out.

• Oil-free

Nars Sheer Matte Foundation helps absorb oil and control its shine. 

Reviews from customers:

“It’s my perfect summertime color—bomb price for an on the higher end product. Coverage was exactly what I was looking for. I like my makeup to look more like skin. I have SUPER oily skin, and this worked well for me in the summer. I can’t wear it in the winter anymore, though, because I no longer have my tan.”

Coco_Wave, United States

Nars Foundation For Oily Skin: FAQs