NARS Loose Powder in Flesh

NARS Loose Powder has been the best in its category that I've come across. There were a few glitches down the road with my being matched to the wrong shade (Eden, two shades dark and too yellow-toned for NC20). As used cosmetics cannot be returned here where I live, one tub is sitting useless in the cabinet.) I did love the texture and coverage enough that I didn't mind investing in another one in my appropriate color, reviewed here as Flesh.

It comes in a black box, typical of NARS packaging. Most loose powders contain a maximum of 25g, and I was impressed with the hefty 35g content of NARS.

Removed from the box, behold the smooth curves of NARS Loose Powder's packaging. I was surprised that the surface doesn't feel as rubbery as that of their blushes. It actually feels smooth, although powder still clings to it easily. I found rubbing with a damp towel removes any smudges in a jiffy.

The powder comes with a mesh screen and a plastic sifter. In the picture, the mesh screen is put right on top of the powder, which is the recommended type of application for heavier coverage, since the sponge picks up more powder. 

Here is the more traditional type of plastic sifter. Beware for this does not fit snugly into the container. The sifter sits on it quite loosely and risks spillage. Since I prefer using the plastic sifter method over the mesh screen, I secured this sifter using Scotch tape on all sides. The loose powder cover is not a screw-top kind, but one that is pulled off the container. So it is actually as deep as the entire tub. To apply powder, I turn the lower container upside down right on top of the lid and tap some powder into it and put it on using MUFE's Kabuki Brush and MAC's 188 alternately.  

The puff is thin and feels like rough towel, unlike the fluffy soft cottony texture that come with most Japanese loose powders. I had no problems with this sponge when I used the mesh screen method. It gave even application and provided great coverage.

The NARS website recommends Flesh "for light skin tones to compliment pink tones or to correct yellow tones." Although it is not a perfect match, I find that this shade is nearest my NC 20 skintone among the six shades sold (aside from Becca, to my knowledge NARS has a most excellent selection of loose powder shades). The shade is a tad leaning on the pink side, but this is fine because I find that it neutralizes my yellow tones. It also blends into my natural skintone in a few minutes.

This powder also mattifies my face very well, and quickly at that, considering I use a sticky suncreen (Vanicream SPF60) directly under it. The sunscreen is one that I cannot take out of my regime because it was prescribed by my dermatologist as part of my rosacea treatment. It was for this reason that I had to hunt for a loose powder that can "tolerate" and set this unforgiving sunscreen. Another concern I had was aside from my already oily face type, this sticky Vanicream sunscreen speeds up oil production on my face. Aside from looking for a loose powder that can set/mattify the sunscreen right after application, I also had to find one that controls oil. Luckily, NARS Loose Powder really does help control oil for around 4 hours for me, which I am quite happy with. 

Although I am more used to translucent shades of powder, I do like the sheer opacity that Flesh provides. The pigments in this powder are enough to diffuse pore size, cover minor blemishes and redness, while still retaining a natural look. I daresay I haven't been touching my foundation and BB Cream since I started with NARS Loose Powder because not only does it provide coverage, it also does not feel as heavy and is not as pore-clogging as foundation. It provides me with what I look for in base makeup perfectly -- light texture, coverage, and oil control. More importantly, it did not break me out.

More information about this powder from NARS' website:

"Triple milled into a light silky texture, Loose Powder provides sheer, natural coverage to set makeup, soften color and smooth the texture of the skin for an overall radiant complexion. The ultra-smooth formula blends undetectably to absorb excess oils and maintain fresh looking skin with an imperceptible finish. Use to set foundations, wear alone or lightly layered over Primers to enhance a natural complexion."

And when I do use this to set foundation, the finished look is immaculate but still natural. 

The bottom.

The ingredients above; the website also states that this powder is enriched with Vitamin E. (Can't make it out on the ingredient list though.) Overall, I would recommend this loose powder to pretty much everyone.  

NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer

There is always a disadvantage no matter what cosmetic brand one starts out with. I chose to go for pricier brands when I was a makeup newbie, reasoning that the chances of failure is lower with well-established names. And true enough, after trying many high- and low-end brands over the years, my contention is that for most of the time the more expensive ones deliver better quality and results. The disadvantage is I was always comparing these cheaper brands to the better ones I've tried. And one of the consistently better brands out there is NARS. 

I have always loved NARS. I love the concept of simple sophistication fused into quality cosmetics. I learned more about Francois Nars' makeup philosophy in his book, Makeup Your Mind. My first Nars product was their Cream Blush in Gueule de Nuit, and every other cream blush I've used was trampled by this gem. The Powder Blush in Desire, remains a good warrior in my book. Their Multiple in Copacabana is still one of the best highlighters I've come across. Most recently, Nars Loose Powder is the only loose powder I've ever truly had spectacular results with among the many powders I've tried. 

I got a sample of Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer from the SA while purchasing NARS Loose Powder in Rustan's. Their Makati counter has moved from the basement in Essences to the ground floor and has its own well-deserved kiosk. The sample comes in a box with an introductory pamphlet attached much like a full-sized product.

The 2ml tube is quite generous for a sample product and is packaged very well.

The primer has a milky color with a very fluid consistency. It is quite cool to the touch and is very runny like water, requiring a quick hand for application. 

Above, how it looks like when just spread out. It quickly dries to a matte finish. While the product claims to be pore-refining, I did not see much help in that account. The mineral powders didn't slow down the oil production on my oily face either. Certainly, I didn't experience any "velvety-matte, makeup-ready finish." The foundations I paired it with (Nars Sheer Matte and Glow) didn't look more radiant or stayed for longer on my skin either.

The product description.

Overall, a total fail of a primer. I still wouldn't mind trying more Nars items in the future though, given that they churn out more products that work out for me (so far) than not.