NARS • Sheer Glow Foundation • Liquid

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*TOP REVIEWER* em1282 on 5/17/2013 1:29:00 AM more reviews by em1282

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I know this is usually a love/hate product, but I gotta add my review to the 'love' pile. Bought this a few months ago in Barcelona and it's become my go-to when I want to look a bit more polished but not overdone (date night, important day at work, etc). It's not super glowy, but I do have combination skin, which helps make it look more dewy, if that makes sense. Also I have relatively good skin with a few post-acne marks and freckles, and I find that about two thin layers of this stippled in on moisturized skin lasts me about 6-8 hours, if I wear it with a bit of setting powder on top. I have had no skin breakouts/issues relating to this product, which is a small miracle because I have had some bad reactions to products in the past. I had to knock down a few points for the price (it's pricey, buuuuut given that I don't use it every day, I can somehow justify the price...in my head at least) and the packaging (can't believe I actually bought a freaking pump for the foundation, but I do feel like one pump adequately covers my whole face and dispenses just enough product...if the pump gave too much product, I would have returned it). Definitely try a sample first to make sure you're completely sold on it. And because I'm shallow I always like the NARS product names, and the fact that I'm part Spanish makes me like it more. Sigh...

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annalaee on 5/15/2013 11:13:00 AM more reviews by annalaee

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Let me start off by saying this foundation is amazing! I'm very very fair and have neutral tones (its so hard finding a foundation colour thats right for me!) and I got this in the shade ''Siberia'' and it matches me perfectly! I have dry skin so I thought getting this foundation will make me look dewy. And it did if you only would wear that foundation and not a powder on it which was disappointing but with Urban Decay Dew Me spray it looked fine. I feel like you can build it up to full coverage without looking cakey. I usually have it about medium to full coverage. I use my beauty blender with it and it works wonders! I would highly recommend it!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Eolo on 5/12/2013 4:25:00 PM more reviews by Eolo

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

So, considering my oily skin I always thought i'd get Sheer Matte, however being back on isotretinoin, my skin is incredibly dry and I was afraid that foundation would highlight every single itty bit of dry flaky skin would show up.

I have to agree that this foundation isn't overly blowy (what a blessing) and dries incredibly fast so I apply it with my fingers blending it with my skin. I disagree that this is medium coverage, it's sheer to light coverage.

It's incredibly transfer resistant and very skin-like, it doesn't break me out and lasts some good 6 hours.

For reference, I wear it in Siberia.

Cons are obviously the lack of a pump and the texture of the cap that gets dirty very easily. Definitely a repurchase!

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*TOP REVIEWER* nattiekins05 on 5/11/2013 4:41:00 AM more reviews by nattiekins05

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

For about a year I was debating whether I should purchase NARS Sheer Glow. It is definitely a cult favourite, however some say it's not very long lasting, it's too dull, too shiny, it breaks them out, its overrated...etc etc, so I always remained on the fence. Long story short, I eventually caved to my indulgences and bought the damn thing. I'm sure everyone has either tried this for themselves, or read the many reviews already posted, but I decided to give my two cents on it anyway.

First off, the packaging looks beautiful. What I mean is that while it looks quite elegant in glass and Nars signature packaging, it is definitely NOT functional. Glass is heavier to carry around, and we all know how easily that matte black velvety material gets prints all over it! Not to mention there isn't a pump, which makes this foundation extra fussy.

The finish of Sheer Glow is honestly more matte than 'glowy', especially after you powder. The coverage claims to be sheer (hence the name) but I'd say it's more of a medium coverage that is buildable. So right off the bat this foundation is misleading, it should be called 'Medium Matte'... but um that's not exactly a marketable name. As for it's functionality, Sheer Glow isn't the best foundation I've used that accomodates dry patches, as it kind of makes dry skin look more dull. Also, maybe I matched my shade wrong (I'm in the shade Stromboli), but it applies slightly orange on my skin. Even though orange looks disturbing on your face at first, it blends very well, and almost makes my skin look more healthy and tan. I'm sure this will match better in the summer too! So i decided to keep it, instead of returning or tossing it (which some may have done after seeing the orange tint. It was $50 and i was hell bent on making it work!)

In addition, even though this foundation isn't great for tired, dry skin, it looks amazing on good skin days. No other foundation I've tried has given me more compliments, just because it gives a perfected finish to your skin. I look polished, and fresh faced, not oily or cake faced. It's not an awful foundation on bad skin days. I just find I have to sheer it out with a tinted moisturizer/lotion to add some hydration.

Here my list of pros and cons for this foundation (for quick reference);

PROS: - Great at evening skin tone and even minor blemishes - Light weight and build able - Blends into the skin quite easily - Great colour range available - Don't need a brush to apply with. Actually, Nars recommends you use your fingers - Scent is mild - non existant - Doesn't cause break outs.

CONS: - No pump! Packaging is actually so dysfunctional. - Not great over dry patches - If you like natural looking makeup I wouldn't say this is ideal - On me the foundation is a tad bit orange - Longevity isn't amazing, especially in the humid summer months.

All in all I am quite happy with this foundation. I place a high priority on quality products that don't react with my skin. Sheer Glow definitely meets that standard as I've never had a breakout problem with it. Despite the fact that it's a bit orange I'm still satisfied with the colour match. It looks amazing on good skin days, and alright on bad skin days. My biggest complaints are the lack of pump, and for me it could be a little more hydrating for every day use.

I also want to add that on top of this foundation, I was wearing Laura Mercier loose setting powder, MAC Msfn in medium deep as bronzer, and Gingerly blush... they all glided on smoothly with this foundation as a base, and all the products made for flawless looking skin <3

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keekz on 5/10/2013 6:18:00 PM more reviews by keekz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

The only reason i would not buy this product again is because of the pimples it so generously left me. I remember using this product 2 years ago and really liked it, but then i got bored and switched to MUF HD foundation. Eventually, i became bored of that foundation and decided to switch back to sheer glow. Everything was good for the first day, and then i got pimples on my forehead that were big, almost itchy, and took a while to disappear.

I really liked the finish; was not harsh in daylight, looked good at night, photographs well, and covers well. The colour matches are great, such a wide variety. I dont mind that the bottle has a cap you have to unscrew, but i sort of mind the price. It's pretty heafty for liquid foundation that doesnt last more than a month.

All in all, had it not gave me pimples im sure this would have been my HG... sadly, didnt work the second time around.

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MarjaWouters on 5/9/2013 12:25:00 PM more reviews by MarjaWouters

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

I am a great lover of NARS products but in this one disappointed, way too much shine to make it usuable, at least at my age.
Structure is okay though as is packaging.

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CateA23 on 5/9/2013 8:44:00 AM more reviews by CateA23

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Grey    

Lovely foundation with a flawless finish. Not too heavy with that "painted on" look which is perfect for me as my skin is fairly clear most of the time. Goes on well but don't link the fact that no pump comes with the bottle - this foundation is £29 surely they could include a pump within that price? Not cool NARS!! They suggest applying with fingers but I prefer a brush and sponge technique a it's less messy (I'm always in a rush). Definately one to try if you prefer a more natural foundation.

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Thegreekblonde on 5/6/2013 9:20:00 AM more reviews by Thegreekblonde

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Good coverage but terrible for dry acne prone skin, it made me breakout and my skin looked drier and flaky whilst accentuating any lines. If you have dry or acne prone skin I would not recommend this product .

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Leeleegbb on 5/4/2013 1:10:00 PM more reviews by Leeleegbb

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I am very fair and find the Siberian shade works great for me. I really like this foundation, I find I gives a natural coverage. It does give my skin a slight shine, but I am putting it on over moisturizer and sunblock. I wish it came with a pump, that would make the packaging better. It does last on my face and I do set it with setting powder. It is quite expensive for foundation, but that is true of Nars, so I would consider this a splurge.

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*TOP REVIEWER* italiana800 on 5/3/2013 1:54:00 PM more reviews by italiana800

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Next to my Christian Dior foundation, "Forever"....this is my other HG foundation of all time! I LOVE this foundation. This is so light I forget Iam even wearing foundation, makes my face look poreless/flawless, no breakouts, light-medium coverage (which is fine for me, since I have a clear complexion anyways. If you need full coverage, I would suggest another foundation or using concealer underneath.), my face never gets oily or cakey with this foundation, & this foundation stays put ALL DAY! Also, this doesn't oxidize or turn my face orange. This is expensive, but well worth every penny! I will definitely continue to buy this! Very pleased.

Also, Iam happy I didn't buy the sheer matte version because this one actually looks matte on me with a little bit of a glow, so the matte version would've probably looked too dry. (In case you are in between deciding on which version to purchase).

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BeautyLove02 on 4/29/2013 10:13:00 PM more reviews by BeautyLove02

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This was a horrible foundation for me. I have semi-large pores and it seriously looked like I had no foundation on (good) but with dark foundation dots where my pores are (gross..and not so good.) These kinds of luminous finish foundations rarely work for my skin type (combo/oily) and matte finish foundations look sooo much better on me. I can see how this would be a great foundation for someone with better skin than mine. It did look very natural (in between the "dots" :)) and with someone without noticeable pores, I think this could be beautiful on them. Foundation is a very personal thing-everyone has to see what works for them. What works for my friends never works for me and vice versa..

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Viviann19 on 4/29/2013 9:09:00 AM more reviews by Viviann19

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I really wanted to love this product, and I've tried to work with it because it has such great coverage but it makes me break out so much every time I use it. Think i'll be sticking to my revlon colour stay.

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msjohns888 on 4/28/2013 11:50:00 PM more reviews by msjohns888

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Beautiful finish on my uneven rough textures skin. Better than Armani Luminous Silk and better staying poweNot as expensive and you don't have to buy two shades of the stuff to get the right look.

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trueaddict on 4/28/2013 10:31:00 PM more reviews by trueaddict

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Within 15 minutes of trying this on my skin was irritated and itchy. Gave it a chance and tried it again later that week. Nope. Same thing happen. Maybe it's just my skin but for sure I usually don't have problems.

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Mima25 on 4/28/2013 10:17:00 PM more reviews by Mima25

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I like this foundation. It's lightweight, feels so comfortable to wear and makes my skin look really good and healthy. It doesn't cling to dry patches. It gives a really beautiful effect. I get compliments when I wear it.

The packaging looks chic but it is kind of annoying in reality.

for reference- I am NC30 and wear Punjab

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Tiptoemousey on 4/28/2013 8:01:00 PM more reviews by Tiptoemousey

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I am on my second bottle of this I love it for summer and spring my only real problem with this foundation is the packaging it needs a pump and I have heard you can buy a pump for it but with the foundation being 44-48 dollars it should come with a pump I am a huge huge fan of NARS in general I have used both this and the sheer matte I like matte skin in the winter time though. I think this is a foundation you love it or you hate it and I happen to love it I have normal to combo skin and it works well for me.

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larissa25x on 4/28/2013 1:31:00 AM more reviews by larissa25x

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i do love this product since i don't usually wear foundations this is my go to but i can't always wear it if i haven't moisturized fully because on my nose it can cling to some dry spots but that has only ever happened rarely and in the begging when i didn't apply well. Now i apply it usually with a sigma F80 or a damp sponge and it makes me look amazing but still natural and even if the price is a lot i would still repurchase great find !

PS: I am NC15-NC20 in Mac and i was matched to Gobi which works perfectly in the winter fall area and then the next one Deauville matched me to for the summer

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tinks13 on 4/27/2013 7:09:00 PM more reviews by tinks13

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I've finished my bottle of this so I definitely think I'm ready to write a review on this! I'm about a MAC NC35 and was matched to the shade Barcelona. This can turn a little bit orange in the winter but I save this foundation in general for the summer anyway. A lot of people seem to be complaining that this isn't even glowy or doesn't live up to the name but I think by the term 'sheer glow' that's exactly what it means, it's not super glowy or super matte just a teeny bit glowy hence the name sheer glow. I have dry skin and found that in the winter this was just too dry for my skin but by summer, when my skin is more on the normal side it's perfect. I'd usually apply this with my Sigma F80 which would give the most flawless finish. It has a medium to more full coverage depending on how good your skin is. It feels beautifully light and goes on easily. I do find that it isn't the most glowy foundation when first applied but I like that because when I'm running around on a hot summers day getting a little bit sweaty/oily I find this holds up incredibly well and it starts to look more glowy too. For me, this is really practical as I don't have to worry about applying loads of powder throughout the day as it starts off matte and gets glowy as the day goes on (not shiny though!). But I am a dry skinned girl so maybe an oily skinned person would find that it gets a bit too shiny. The only downfall I had with it is that I have a slightly oily T-zone and it gets really shiny as the day goes on so maybe if you have normal skin and get slightly oily throughout the day this could be a good one but I wouldn't recommed it for those who get really oily. Also the packaging could be improved. As for oxidising, I didn't noice anything major! I would definitely repurchase!

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finnybite on 4/26/2013 8:34:00 PM more reviews by finnybite

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Let me start by saying that I have textbook combination/oily skin. The first time I went to the Nars counter I was advised to try sheer matte. Poor shade match notwithstanding, I would recommend sheer glow over sheer matte unless you have VERY oily skin. I am the sort of person who has to blot/powder every few hours in the T-zone no matter what foundation I use, but I have gotten used to it because any foundation that stops my oil production will inevitably clog my pores. The reason I love Nars Sheer Glow over all other foundations that are supposedly formulated for my skin type is that it is truly invisible. I have tried powder foundations, I have tried Makeup Forever HD--it was OK but it accentuated my dry spots more than I would have liked. The coverage was too heavy and covered up my freckles, which I have recently come to terms with. If you have oily-combination to dry skin and want a natural but flawless finish, I strongly recommend Nars Sheer Glow. I am half-Chinese, half-German/English, roughly NC20-25, and I love Fiji (summer) or Ceylan (winter) because the pink/yellow balance is excellent if you are mixed-race.

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Tipsy5526 on 4/24/2013 5:32:00 PM more reviews by Tipsy5526

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have a love and hate relationship with this foundation, price is way to expensive i dont agree to it, I'm an nc41 in mac studio fix and the lady matched me to syricus way too dark for my skin tone, so what i do is apply my studio fix than apply this to contour also wen i wnt dewy skin it works very well and makes my skin look flawless, on its own last for 4 hours, i would recommend only because it does not have spf which is good for photos otherwise no for an everyday. :)

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