NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder ($34.00 for 0.24 oz.) is described as a “weightless, translucent powder” with a “soft matte finish that looks luminous in any light.” It looks stark white in the pan, and there’s a definite sheen; a pearly finish that certainly reflects light. The texture of the powder is very unique; I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything like it. It almost feels like a cream and powder hybrid–not just a cream-to-powder product–but the texture has the smoothness of a cream but the thinness and dryness of a powder. Because of this texture, you really need to swirl and swish your brush across the surface (if you use a brush) to loosen the product.
I primarily used a powder brush to apply the product (I liked the results of MAC’s 134 best), and the powder, while it can swatch more heavily and look white and almost chalky, disappears and holds true to its translucency claim applied to the skin. There’s no powderiness in the pan or as seen on the skin. It absolutely softens and smooths out the skin’s texture and appearance. There is a faint reflective quality as an overall glowing sheen but doesn’t translate as visible sparkle or obvious particles. It extended the wear of my foundation by an hour or so–I have normal-to-dry skin.
Even though it’s titled a setting powder, it feels more like a finishing powder, though the category is, frankly, one that I always feels blends together/overlaps where the two are often more alike than not. In that vein, Guerlain Wulong has a similar sheen and coloring, but Wulong has a stronger shimmer-sheen finish, so it gives skin a more luminous (“glowy”) appearance. We are talking degrees, not canyons, of difference, though. It has more of a sheen to its finish than Hourglass Diffused Light, which I reviewed yesterday.
One thing I noticed about the Pressed version is that you have to be really good about the brush or tool you use to apply it, because the surface of the powder doesn’t seem to react well to anything liquid/moisture/cream. It was really imperative to wait for my foundation to dry before brushing this on, because any smidgen of foundation caught on the brush (which I only used for applying the setting powder) would slightly harden the surface of the pan. There’s a very thin sponge included with the powder, and it works for application, but I found it dirtied very quickly and resulted in far more foundation transfer into the pan than preferable.
I will be reviewing the Loose version shortly after this, and while I prefer the look of the Pressed over the Loose, I really don’t like how touchy the surface of the pressed powder is and find the Loose one is easier to apply and maintain. Also worth noting: the pan of this is on the smaller size at only 0.24 oz., though physically it seemed rather large (even the Loose version has 0.35 oz.).
There's no powderiness in the pan or as seen on the skin. It absolutely softens and smooths out the skin's texture and appearance. There is a faint reflective quality as an overall glowing sheen but doesn't translate as visible sparkle or obvious particles.
Product
10/10
Pigmentation
10/10
Texture
9/10
Longevity
10/10
Application
4.5/5
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!
Where to Buy
This product can be purchased at the following retailers:
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!
Ideal for all skin types, new NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer boasts a luxuriously smooth texture enriched with hydrating skincar benefits. When applied to camouflage darkness under the eyes and reduce the appearance of redness and skin imperfections, the multi-action formula provides medium to high buildable coverage in a natural, radiant finish with long-lasting results.
A single stroke keeps complexion looking fresh and creaseless all day – going on smoothly and blending easily. Light diffusing technology blurs imperfections and fine lines, and evens skin tone without masking skin’s natural coloring.
Skin glows with new radiance over or under foundation – and looks beautiful even when bare. Perfect as a complement to Pure Radiant
Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30 or layered with Sheer Matte & Sheer Glow Foundation.
NARS Mata Hari Blush ($29.00 for 0.16 oz.) is described as a “rose petal pink.” It’s a medium-dark raspberry pink with cool undertones and a satiny sheen. MAC Prom Princess is a touch less pink, more plum, resulting in a more muted color. shu uemura Smoky is less cool-toned. Tom Ford Narcissist is bolder and cooler-toned. MAC Supernova is redder.
This blush has really intense pigmentation, so on fairer complexions: a little goes a long way; and on deeper complexions: you’ll have no problem getting this to show up. It had a soft, finely-milled texture that made it easier to blend out the color, which is absolutely critical when you have a shade this pigmented. There was some excess powder that kicked up when I touched the brush to the blush, but I didn’t see that translate to powderiness on the skin. Mata Hari wore for eight hours well on me, and by the ninth hour, there was some noticeable fading.
Mata Hari has fantastic color payoff and a soft, blendable texture that works well on the skin. It wears for about eight hours well, but it is still visible after another hour.
Product
9/10
Pigmentation
10/10
Texture
9.5/10
Longevity
9/10
Application
4.5/5
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!
Where to Buy
This product can be purchased at the following retailers:
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!
Not so into lipstick? Or maybe you’re looking for a gloss for your Valentine’s Day lipstick? These are my five picks for this upcoming Valentine’s Day…
And God Created the Woman Eye Kit ($59.00) (Limited Edition)
NARS debuts a limited edition palette of six shimmering shadows for captivating, compelling eyes. Created exclusively for Sephora, this sleek set also includes a travel sized Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base and No 3 Eye Shader Brush. Named for “Et Dieu… créa la femme,” the classic 1956 French film that made Brigitte Bardot an overnight sensation, the six-well palette helps beauty lovers achieve the look of the season with a must-have neutral shade range based on Sephora’s top-selling browns and taupes.
The Happening Eye & Cheek Palette ($65.00) (Limited Edition)
For Spring 2013, NARS debuts a new limited edition palette, based on top-selling, universally flattering, must have shades of the season. Elevate any look with four evocative eyeshadows, paired with the brand’s iconic Orgasm Blush and Laguna Bronzer for cheeks – all in one sleek, go-anywhere compact.
Night Star Sheer peach with gold pearl
Gstaad Shimmering taupe (New/Limited Edition)
Kuala Lumpur (right side) Boysenberry infused with gold
Coconut Grove Deep taupe brown infused with gold
Orgasm Peachy pink with gold shimmer (Blush)
Laguna Diffused brown with golden shimmer (Bronzer)
