I already had this post in the works, but I decided it was time to finish it since NARS recently released their new Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation. With this new release, they have also expanded the shade range for the Light Reflecting Powders (both loose and pressed).
This Sleeper hit is a little different because I already knew I like this powder in the shade Sunstone, but the color was a little too orange for my coloring. After debating a long time about the translucent color, I decided to just give it a try. I often jot down notes on my makeup just in case I decide to write a blog post about something in the future. Well, when I was reviewing my notes this powder not only kept coming up, but I was also happy with it every time I used it.
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NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder, $39.00**
As you can see, I used this powder before taking any photos of it. I know it looks a little gross, so you’ll have to forgive me. But I want you to see what the product looks like and it seemed silly to clean it off.
I do have dry skin, so finding a setting powder that works for me can be challenging. The Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder ($39)** has what I would call a satin finish but it definitely has a nice luminosity to it. If applied heavily, it can look more luminous but it is never over the top. I do not have any issues with it clinging to dry patches or making any areas of my skin look dry. I was nervous that the crystal shade would make me look ashy, but it truly looks translucent on me.
Although you can see a shiny quality to this powder when you look at it closely, it does not look glittery on my face. The closest product I use that is similar is the Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder**. The NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder is not as glowy as Laura Mercier Candleglow but it still gives a sheen and radiance to my skin. For more information on the Laura Mercier Powder, check out my powders for dry skin post. The interesting thing to me every time I use this is that it doesn’t look like powder has been applied. It doesn’t mattify or sit on my skin like a typical powder and my skin still looks very natural.
The Light Reflecting Setting Powder does do a nice job of actually setting my foundation. I typically pair this with the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation and that formula transfers a lot. This powder manages to keep the natural radiant foundation from transferring as much, which is great. I also like that it takes away any tacky feeling that would cause color products to skip or go patchy.
What Brush Will Pick Up The Powder?
A big complaint you will see in reviews for this product is that it is so firmly pressed in the pan that it doesn’t pick up on a brush. I do not have that issue but if you are experiencing that, give it another try with a dark bristled brush. With darker bristles (and the translucent color) you can see how much powder is on the brush. As you can see in the image below it does transfer onto my brush. This is the amount of product on a Sonia Kashuk medium powder brush after only one dip into the pan. I have also been able to use the NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder with natural hair brushes with these same results.
Comparison to NYX HD Finishing Powder in Banana
I am only providing this as a comparison because it is the only other powder that I own that is somewhat translucent. They are not dupes or even similar, but I hope that seeing them next to each other will give you a point of reference for color and finish.
New Powder Shades and Cooresponding NARS Foundation Shades
According to the Macy’s product listing**, I should be using the new shade shore based on using the foundation shade Tahoe. However, I’m trying to be good and not buy that since I already know the translucent works for me.
Crystal – Very light to light: For foundation shades Sibera, Oslo, Mont Blanc, Yukon, Gobi, Salzburg, Deauville, Vienna, Fiji, Punjab, Patagonia, Vallauris, Santa Fe, Sahel, Stromboli, Vanuatu, and Barcelona.
Shore – Medium to medium-deep: For foundation shades Valencia, Aruba, Syracuse, Tahoe, Moorea, Huahine, and Cadiz.
Mesa – Medium-deep: For foundation shades Caracas, Belem, Macao, Marquises, Manaus, and New Caledonia.
Sable – Deep to very deep: For foundation shades Iguacu, Nambia, Zambie, Mali, Anguilla, and Majorca.
So there you have it. I was worried that I’d have trouble with the crystal shade of this powder. Fortunately for me, it not only works well, but it has also become a go-to product. I just love this powder and I’m really excited to see an expanded shade range.
If you like this kind of content, I have two other versions that you can check out by clicking the following links: Sleeper Hits: MAC Next to Nothing Bronzer and MAC x Selena La Layenda Highlight and Sleeper Hits, Vol 2: MAC Bougie Babe, Dare to Diva, and Hollywood Heroine.
Have you discovered any unexpected favorites lately?
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Nikki From HR 
I always appreciated the fact that the crystal shade truly is translucent when blended in. It bugs me when those kind of shades from other brands leave a cast. I’m glad you’ve been liking it. Sunstone took a backseat in my collection when I started to use the Dior powder, but I think I’ll have to try using it again and see how I like it. It was always a good match for me in terms of depth, but Mesa looks like it would be slightly less orange. I’m going to keep my eye out for swatch comparisons between Mesa and Sunstone, but just like you said, I’m going to try and be good and not buy the new one when I have one that still works for me.
Also, that’s a great point about the brush. I’ve heard the complaints too about not being able to pick up product, but I find Nars pressed powders always “look” hard panned, but actually aren’t. I can still see that I can pick up the product on my brush.
Are you considering getting the new light reflecting foundation? I definitely want it, and Nars foundations are on my exceptions list, but I’ve decided that I can either get it at full price in six months if I still want it by then… or I have to at least wait for to get it on sale. What I’m really hoping for is the release of a mini size or travel size in my shade. That would be perfect.
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It would be nice to see someone compare the shades. It really felt like not many people knew about the sunstone shade. It was also nice to see that all the new deeper shades were released at the same time. I was really scared that NARS was gonna make me mad again lol.
I’m not going to get the new foundation. Lately, I haven’t wanted to try out new foundations as much.
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Yeah, I’m quite surprised and happy Nars expanded. Two really wasn’t enough. And that’s a great thing about not wanting new foundations. I usually have an easy time avoiding them but lately I’m intrigued by so many.
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