5 Best NARS Foundations Of 2025 – Makeup-Artist Approved
Achieve the perfect sheer glow with the radiant, creamy formulations to nail your dream looks.
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda, Vickie Winans, Jermaine Dupri, several US Presidents, authors, and politicians.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Are you looking for the best NARS foundation to keep your makeup natural-looking? We have just what you need. The no-makeup look is gaining popularity with time, and while we want to look flawless, no one wants to add unwanted layers of foundation and look like a cake. What we like best about the dermatologist-tested NARS products is that they are lightweight, give coverage that emits a radiant glow, and have options suited for every need. Who wouldn’t appreciate comfortable makeup to wear all day? You can find one that matches your skin tone and opt for the kind of flawless finish you want from creamy, sheer, and matter. Here are the 5 most reviewed foundations from the celebrity-endorsed brand that deserve a place in your makeup box.
In This Article
5 Best NARS Foundations Available Right Now
1. Best Lightweight Formula:NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is available in multiple shades. This makeup base gives your skin a natural finish that covers all the imperfections and evens out the skin tone. The dewy finish of this foundation is a result of its complexion-brightening formula that provides seamless blending. Its weightless formula is extremely hydrating and lasts all day long. The sheer coverage of this foundation is buildable, and it imparts a radiant finish. You can also check this video to learn more about a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Imparts a bright and even skin tone
- Long-lasting
- Buildable coverage
- Prevents dryness
Cons
- Need to use a hydrating moisturizer underneath the foundation
"This foundation gives me buildable coverage. It helps me achieve sheer to full coverage, as per my preference. Moreover, it does not leave behind a residue or make my skin feel heavy. It stays put all day, even during hot weather conditions."
2. Best Oil-Free Formula:NARS Sheer Matte Foundation
If you are looking for a foundation with a matte finish, check out the NARS Sheer Matte Foundation. It is perfect for building coverage on all skin tones. This foundation absorbs oil and controls shine for flawless coverage, making it an ideal choice for people with an oily skin type.. This liquid foundation improves the skin texture and tone while imparting a soft and luminous finish. Several reviews on online forums have mentioned that a small amount of this skin-perfecting foundation helps you get high coverage.
Pros
- Minimizes visible discoloration
- Brightens and clarifies the skin tone
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for oily skin
Cons
- Wears off easily
"This foundation provides a sheer glow without any heavy coverage. It helps me maintain a fresh look throughout the day. I have found my perfect shade match that lasts long. It has a smooth consistency that does not leave behind any residue."
Did You Know?3. Best Long-Wearing Formula:NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is one of the best foundations currently available whose extremely lightweight texture delivers a radiant complexion. Its innovative formula offers exceptional results and lasts a whopping 16 hours! This photo-friendly foundation blends well and gets absorbed into the skin easily to provide that natural “glow from within” look. It is highly pigmented, so you don’t need to use a lot of products to achieve good coverage.
Pros
- Long-wearing (12 hours)
- Protects the skin from sun and pollution
- Satin finish
- Blends effortlessly
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- None
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 474 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation Best Lightweight Formula | NARS Sheer Matte Foundation Best Dermatologist-Tested Formula | NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Best Long-Wearing Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | NormalColor | normal;oilyColor | - |
| Dimensions | 2.3 x 1.1 x 3 inches | - | 1 x 1 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 1.41 Ounces | - | 1 Ounces |
| Color | - | - | No |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 832 | 230 | 474 |
| Price | $40 | $54.9 | $33.99 |
4. Best Hydrating Formula:NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation
NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation is creamy, but it does not feely greasy or cakey on the skin. Its Advanced Emulsion Technology ensures that it can be applied wet or dry. This versatility makes it a popular product among makeup artists. This non-cakey foundation also imparts a luminous and dewy glow to your skin. It is hydrating and does not feel heavy on the skin. It helps in covering an uneven skin tone to make you look radiant and beautiful. This sleek compact is portable and leakproof. It comes with a foundation sponge for even and precise application to help you achieve a smooth texture. Many reviews indicate that the foundation can last up to 12 hours without any touch-ups and also keep your skin hydrated.
Pros
- Long-wearing (12 hours)
- Medium coverage
- Comes with a beauty sponge and a mirror
- Hydrates the skin
- Imparts a radiant glow
Cons
- Expensive
"This NARS foundation is blendable and offers natural coverage. It smooths out my skin tone without any stickiness. It is easy to apply and a little goes a long way. It is also easy to remove. I mostly do it with some hot water and cotton balls."
5. Best Coverage:Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
The Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation lasts for up to 16 hours. Reviewers have noted it as the perfect addition to your makeup kit if you are looking for full coverage. The semi-matte and radiant finish of this product gives a natural-looking finish. This fade-resistant foundation helps hide blemishes, under-eye circles, and dark spots and is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Blends well
- Hydrating
- Convenient packaging
- Does not become cakey
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Very runny consistency
"This NARS foundation gives my skin a pretty finish that lasts the whole day. It has a lightweight formula that gets absorbed easily. Moreover, it does not leave a greasy feel and conceals lines and blemishes without any heaviness."
Choosing the right NARS foundation is essential to get the perfect glowing look and the best coverage. The foundation effectively covers various skin issues such as acne, dark spots, rosacea, and more. There are various types and formulas available in the NARS foundation. Here is a buying guide to select the best NARS foundation for your skin.
How To Choose The Best NARS Foundation
- Skin Type
Your skin type is vital in selecting the ideal foundation for you. Creamy and liquid foundations are the best choices for dry skin. Expertly crafted powder and stick foundations will be suitable if you have oily skin.
- Finish and Coverage
Consider the kind of look you want to achieve with the foundation. For example, oily skin should go for matte foundations to avoid shine on the skin, and dry skin should opt for dewy and hydrating foundations. For daily use, select a foundation that offers sheer and light coverage. You can go with medium to full-coverage formula foundations for special occasions or big parties. For those with mature skin, full coverage is recommended as it does not settle in fine lines, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Choosing the right application method for your foundation, whether it’s a brush, sponge, or your fingertips, can also impact the finish and coverage of your makeup.
- Ingredients
Different foundations come with various ingredients, and you have to select ingredients as per your skin type and preference. For instance, if you have dry skin, opt for foundations with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. On the other hand, avoid using foundations that include harmful chemicals such as sulfate and paraben and instead opt for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and free from toxic chemicals.
- Shade Range
A foundation should have a range of shades to cover all colors of skin. And knowing your undertone is key to finding the right foundation for your skin tone. For example, most Indians have medium skin tones ranging from light brown to dark brown. And a mix of cool and warm undertones means you have a neutral undertone. Like you can see, the need to incorporate so many shades is real! You should be able to find your perfect shade match from the range to create the most popular celebrity-inspired makeup looks.
- Additional benefits
To make the most out of your statement-making NARS foundation, look for additional benefits it offers. For example, look for a foundation with SPF or sun protection to provide a smooth finish and protect the skin from harmful UV rays, if applying foundation is part of your daily routine. Additionally, if you have hyperpigmentation, ensure that your foundation can cover that as well as aid in reducing dark spots and offer a balanced skin tone. Finally, look for a sweat-resistant foundation that is transfer-proof so you don’t need frequent touch-ups.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts For Applying A NARS Foundation
While we all want to ace a glamorous makeup look, no one wants to add unnecessary layers of foundation and appear cakey! This is where you can easily trust NARS lightweight foundations. The products are non-greasy and provide adequate coverage with a radiant glow. The infographic below will help you understand the various practices that you must follow and avoid while using an appropriate NARS foundation. Take a look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
A foundation is the most versatile yet beneficial product of a makeup collection. The best foundation is the one that effectively covers imperfections and looks ultra seamless, just as a NARS foundation works. NARS foundations are lightweight and blendable and impart radiance to your skin. The statement-making NARS Sheer Glow Foundation conceals blemishes and dark spots for a non-cakey spread. These offer multiple finishes that help exude a charming, natural glow. They are available in multiple shades and textures, so you can pick the one that suits you best. Try out one of the NARS foundations listed above to transform your makeup looks! However, conduct a patch test before committing to any product from this brand for regular use.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author of this post, Baishali Bhattacharya, who holds a certificate in makeup techniques and is a certified image consultant, understands the importance of investing in a good foundation and therefore enlists this list of the best foundations from NARS. In addition, detailed information about the available shades, their consistency, and formulation will help you find the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skin type is NARS foundation good for?
NARS foundations come in formulas suitable for all skin types. Their formulas for combination skin are especially loved by their users.
How long does a NARS foundation stay on?
NARS foundations stay on for 16 hours without fading. They are transfer-resistant and sweat-resistant.
Is NARS foundation suitable for sensitive skin?
Most NARS foundations are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. They are suitable for most sensitive skin types.
Is NARS foundation suitable for oily skin?
Yes. NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is suitable for oily skin. It provides excellent coverage, longevity, and a matte finish.
Is Nars foundation OK for acne-prone skin?
Yes. The NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is suitable for acne-prone skin. The lightweight formula is oil-free, provides buildable coverage, and offers a naturally radiant finish to conceal blemishes and dark spots.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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