Beauty Review : NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

I think I'm one of the last bloggers on the face of this planet to try out and review NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. I'm already a huge fan of both Laura Mercier Silk Creme and Estee Lauder Double Wear but I decided that it was time for a change! I'm wary of trying new foundations, having had a complete disaster after trying out Illamasqua skin base. It looks beautiful on most people, it just isn't for me! I definitely lucked out when I purchased Silk Creme on a whim all those years ago and then again with the Double Wear. I thought I'd give Sheer Glow a go in the hopes that lady luck would be on my side, again.

I'd say my skin type is combination/dry. I have leftover acne scarring on my chin (this is fading thankfully!), a slightly uneven skin tone and suffer from the odd breakout. Weather depending, I suffer from dry patches so a good moisturiser and primer is always needed before applying my foundation. I'd say that while Sheer Glow is aimed at normal - dry skin, if you share my skin type then you really do need to be using primer in order to get the most out of it. I couldn't imagine using this successfully without applying primer, or a really hydrating moisturiser, beforehand.

I like full coverage. I'm a little self conscious of my skin as it's scarred and uneven, so full coverage has always been the way to go. Full coverage also means that I can skimp out on the concealer. Yet, I decided to brave it this time and go for a medium coverage as heavy foundations can not be doing my skin any good. One of the great things about this is that it's completely buildable. The first layer leaving you with only slight, visible redness while the second layer offers you full coverage should you need it. Sheer Glow doesn't leave your skin feeling cakey or heavy with makeup like some foundations out there do. I've found that while the coverage is pretty great, it still manages to feel lightweight on the skin.

Application wise, I dab onto my face with clean fingers to warm the foundation and then buff into the skin using a Real Techniques foundation brush. From the reviews I read before purchasing, it looks as though a few girls have struggled with a smooth application but I've had no problems using this technique. Saying that, I do tend to take my time buffing in foundation because I'm self conscious about streaks!

I love the subtle, silky finish of this foundation. Initially, I did wonder whether the foundation would leave me with a dewy finish. I'm gradually shying away from powders and matte foundations as they age me and make my face look very one dimensional. So, while I'm a little daunted by the word 'dewy' I think I'm ready to open my arms and embrace it. That aside, if you are looking for a dewy glow this is not the foundation for you. It leaves you with more of a 'toned down' silky finish, allowing your natural 'glow' to shine through. It works great with a good highlighter!

I'm going to join the masses and wonder aloud why this foundation does not come with a pump? Also, while this product is great for flash photography because of the lack of SPF, I do feel as though it would benefit from a touch but that's just personal preference. I'll probably purchase again if my skin type doesn't change in the coming months!

Have you tried NARS Sheer Glow?