Today is an exciting day, y’all. Because today, I’m finally reviewing the one foundation that has eluded me all these year. The one foundation that, to this day, is still hyped as being one of the best foundations ever made. And the one foundation that was missing from my Nars foundation review series. That’s right, I am, at long last, finally talking about the iconic Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. This has been at the top of my review pile for literal years and I’m so excited to finally share my thoughts. Let’s get into it.
NARS SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION – $80.00 – mecca.com.au
(40 shades available)
Do I even need to describe the packaging of the Sheer Glow Foundation? I mean, we all know what it looks like. Clear, stout, rectangular glass bottle. Black detail. Black lid. Small, but very well weighted. It’s been a makeup artist’s staple for years now due to it’s compact size. The Sheer Glow Foundation contains 30ml of product.
Now, much to my annoyance, the Sheer Glow Foundation is still sold without a pump. It literally just has the opening as it’s ‘dispenser’. I personally did buy the official Nars pump for $10 at Mecca. But I am certain that you can find something more affordable elsewhere. I do like the pump though. It has the twist lock mechanism to secure and prevent leakage. Which is great because once you have the pump on, you can’t get the lid on there anymore. But in the year of our lord 2024, why is this still a thing?
When the Sheer Glow Foundation launched in 2009, it launched with 20 shades. Now in 2024, there are 40 shades in the line. Making it the widest shade range out of all of Nars’s foundations. The shades range from Fair to Very Deep and there is a wide range of undertones available. Nars has always been good at keeping their range inclusive. Which is why I’ve always been a fan of theirs. I wear the shade Deauville, described as being Light with Warm Undertones. This is also my shade in the Natural Radiant Foundation. And while I might be better suited to Salzburg (Light with Neutral Undertones), Deauville isn’t so yellow that I can’t work with it.
Now, I’m not entirely sure if this formula has reformulated over the years. I mean, it’s 15 years old. Surely it’s had a formula update or two. But there are some fun skin loving goodies in the current form of the Sheer Glow Foundation that are worth talking about. Firstly, Glycerin ranks high in the ingredient list. I love Glycerin for it’s hydrating properties. It’s also great for keeping moisture in the skin. There are also a few brightening ingredients like Vitamin C and Turmeric Extract to help with discolouration over time.
The texture of the Sheer Glow Foundation is interesting. It’s definitely on the thin side. It slides and drips very easily. It also has a little bit of slip to it. Which did initially concern me as I was applying it. But once it was blended out, it stayed in place. I used a sponge, brush, and my hands to apply. All of which worked well. I got the best coverage with my hands (it’s the recommended way according to the Nars website). But I much preferred the finish that I got with a sponge. I found that two pumps was all I needed. One and a half pumps for all over the face. And an extra half pump for additional coverage.
The Sheer Glow Foundation is described as being a sheer, buildable coverage foundation with a natural satin finish. For the most part, I agree with that assessment. But I have some quibbles. I could have boosted this to a medium coverage. But I liked it more on the lighter side. I did discover that the more I tried to build it up, it started looking a little cakey on my skin. The other thing that I noticed was that unless I used an extremely hydrating primer, it looked dry around my mouth and nose. Not uncomfortable, but still noticeable. This did shock me because even though I do have combo/dry skin, the Sheer Glow Foundation is one that is often touted as an option for dry skin. Let me know in the comments if you’ve experienced the same thing.
Heading into the wear test now. And fun fact, it rained the day I did this! God, my timing for wear tests is always impeccable. In any case, I will say that the Sheer Glow Foundation does hold up pretty well. I did notice it sinking into the lines around my mouth and brow area. But otherwise, it didn’t fade or break down at all on me. It’s not touted as a long wear foundation. So, colour me delighted.
So, was the Sheer Glow Foundation worth the wait to review? Honestly, yeah. It’s not a perfect foundation by any means. But I do see why it’s so beloved online. In my unofficial Nars rankings, I’d place it third. I like it more than the Soft Matte. But not as much as the Natural Radiant or the Light Reflecting (which is an all timer for me). And overall, I do recommend it. I’m curious to see how this wears on more oily skinned people. And I’m especially curious to see how this holds up on me during winter when my skin is much drier. Bu if you’re curious, I recommend giving this a look. Have you tried the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation? Let me know in the comments.
Cheers and love (and I’ll be back after Easter!)
Emily xo