Sunday, June 9, 2013

NARS Haul! Foundation and Concealer

**I kind of forgot about this post (opps!).  Work and life have been so busy that I've become such a poor blogger.  I really wanted to share this because I would love suggestions how to control oil for this foundation!

After an innocent trip to the mall, I left with an unintentional Nars haul.  Well, kind of.  For me, it's really that simple.  During the school holidays, I decided to go to a nearby shopping centre to do some browsing and maybe pick something up.  I didn't really plan on spending anything.

Mini Nars Haul
While there, I decided to go to Mecca to swatch some products.  I was eagerly waiting on my Stila Convertible Color blushes (see haul here) and wanted to look at them.  Again.  On a whim, I asked if I could get matched to the Nars Sheer Matte Foundation so I could purchase it online.  I was quite confident I was going to be Mont Blanc, but I wanted to be sure.  The sales associate (who was amazing!) decided to try the Sheer Glow on one half of my face and Sheer Matte on the other side to see how they compared.  I thought the matte would be best for my oily skin, but the sales associate said that the Sheer Matte doesn't sit as nicely on some skin and she was so right!  The difference between the two foundations was astounding!

Sheer Glow Mont Blanc

With the pump!
Sheer Glow looked flawless on my skin.  Sheer Matte appeared to seep into my skin and to be honest, just didn't look that amazing.  Certainly not $68 amazing.  Seeing how lovely the Sheer Glow looked and the outstanding service I received (taking off my makeup, putting serum, moisturiser and primer to prep my skin, foundation, concealer, powder and blush) I purchased the foundation from Mecca.

Radiant Creamy Concealer in Light 2, Vanilla
The concealer, the new Radiant Creamy Concealer, is what I have been looking for!  It's long lasting, full coverage, a perfect skin match, great for under my eyes and on spots.  I did not walk away with this the day I got my makeup done.  I bought it the next day.

The applicator
I have had two main issues with my purchase of Nars Sheer Glow.  The first was fairly easily resolved, but it took some effort.  The pump.  Why this foundation does not already come with a pump is a mystery, especially considering the price.  Why Mecca is not supplied with adequate stock is another one.  The Mecca store I bought the foundation didn't have any.  I went into the city the next day and they didn't have any.  They offered to check the two nearest stores.  Nada.  The following day I called the last store in Western Australia and after checking and re-checking their stock, they found one.  ONE! I asked them to put it on hold and I drove 35 minutes to retrieve my prize.

The second issue has been oil control.  Sheer Glow is by the far the worst foundation I own at controlling oil.  I can feel my skin getting oily, which I honestly cannot stand.  I've tried different setting powders designed for oil control, different primers and blotting papers, but every two hours or so I have to touch up my face.  Does anyone have recommendations to help?  Especially if you have oily skin yourself?  The Nars primer felt nice, but I don't know if that would help with oil any more than Porefessional or Models Prefer Mattifying Primer.

Overall, I love the look of this foundation, but I really need to make it work better for my skin.  On the other hand, the concealer is just perfection.

11 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you posted about this! I have combination skin but without a primer my makeup is gone from the t-zone after two hour. I'm seriously considering the concealer and it's not thaaaat much of a hike from the US price. Might pick up the concealer after exams!

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    1. -hours. I don't proofread before commenting lol.

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    2. The concealer is fantastic! I highly recommend it and you're right, it's not that big of a price difference.

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  2. Thats funny it doesnt come with a pump! It would annoy me too. Ah yes, I have the same issue with oil based products too. Ive always wanted to try NARS, but maybe not this one. Thanks for the fantastic honesty xx
    http://heroineinheels.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. The foundation looks beautiful on, but it has been a hassle to control the oil. With that said, I still really like it.

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  3. I was pretty lucky when I asked for the foundation pump they had it in stock! I've been trying to get the concealer in Custard though, but they're always out of stock. I don't have many tips for oil control - I mainly just do a major blot about 2 hours after initially applying it, and then blot as necessary for the rest of the day (though the first all-over face blot usually minimises most of the shine).

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    1. Wow! You were lucky! I am too optimistic that I will find some magical primer or powder that will eliminate touch ups. Until that happens, I suppose I will just continue to blot and powder.

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  4. I had the same problem with the foundation pump, I had to wait 2 weeks to get one. I only realised you could even buy a pump after already having the foundation for 2 months... I do want to try that concealer :)

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    1. Definitely try it out! I cannot praise it enough!

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  5. I bought sheer glow foundation too but haven't trialed it yet. For some reason, I assumed it would come with the pump. I just took it out now and realised there's no pump..omg how annoying.

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  6. I would definitely pick 'glow' over 'matte' too. Glad to hear the product worked well for you!

    PS: Enter the Cosima Skincare giveaway today: http://www.underlockandkeyblog.com/2013/07/cosima-organic-skincare-review-and.html

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