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NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
What it is: A weightless, translucent powder for all skintones that creates a soft matte finish that looks luminous in any light. What it does: This setting powder enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color, extending makeup wear thanks to the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, which optimizes light-reflection on the skin. Its silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology, which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch and undetectable on the skin, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. One of the best parts? Fine lines, wrinkles, and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Additionally, revolutionary microfine mineral powders are loaded with glycerin and antioxidant vitamin E to help guard against dryness and keep skin comfortable all day. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine throughout the day and seamlessly sets foundation. This product is paraben- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens What else you need to know: NARS Light Reflecting Complex utilizes a blend of pure ingredients that work in synergy to transform light like a prism. Light-active micro-prisms are combined with algae extract and Polynesian seawater to optimize light reflection on the skin. Research results: In final clinical test results: - 84% agree that the product was non-drying - 72% agree that the product blurred enlarged pores - 72% agree that the product blurred fine lines and wrinkles - 94% agree the product smoothes out skin’s appearance - 91% agree that the product absorbs excess oil - 81% agree that the product sets the foundation - 75% agree that the product helps the foundation and other makeup to stay put all day
Questions & Answers for NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
Question
Should I see this on my brush?
I am really trying to give this product a chance but it seems like I'm having to work really hard to get the product onto my brush. When I 1st got it there was this film over it that I had to rub away with my fingers but even after that it doesn't seem like any product is coming out. Even when I try to swatch it with my finger...nothing :/ The only thing that seems to work is the puff that came with it but I don't like that because it also takes my other makeup with it...not to mention its so thin and tiny. Am I doing something wrong or did I just get a dud and need to return?
asked 2 months, 1 week ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
cdcakbchris3
(bowling green, ky)
10 answers
Answers
answer 1
I don't see it on my brush, but I can tell it's there from the way it shows up on my skin. I've read most of the answers here, and I agree that the pressed powder is trickier to apply, and I wish I had purchased the loose powder instead, but what has worked really well for me, believe it or not, is using a cheaper, coarser brush with the pressed powder (I hate returns, and am going to suck it up and deal for now). My Sephora brushes are too soft and fine for this product, but an inexpensive drug store brand brush I bought years ago works really well.
answered 1 month, 1 week ago
october5th
(Queens, NY)
answer 2
no you wont see it on your brush, its translucent.
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 3
I'd use a brush. The applicator that it comes with is useless.
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 4
Use a kabuki brush and you will not see the powder but it's there. You will see. It's a little weird at first however, it's a wonderful product. Go to Sephora and have them show you how to apply it.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 5
I have only had my compact powder for a week or so. But I do indeed see it on my brush. You have to look for it - because it is truly a translucent powder, so it's not going to look heavy on the brush. I agree about the applicator sponge that comes with this powder... it's worthless. Flimsy and takes off makeup. But my powder compact is working well with a brush.
answered 2 months ago
luckiestgirl
(Canton, MI)
answer 6
I experienced the same difficulties you did when attempting to use this product. I tried the sponge applicator that came with it, and had the same results you did...it seemed to take off my make up. I tried the big powder brush a Sephora employee suggested when I visited the store to figure out what I was doing wrong. Results were no better. I could not even see it. If I were you I would return it. At this point I am stuck with mine as I have tired various methods to get this powder to work as it claims and have pretty much ruined mine. Please take yours back and opt for a product that works better.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
crinklegirl
(Bethlehem, PA)
answer 7
Same thing happened to me. Return it.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
nashnashjean
(Las Vegas, NV)
answer 8
Sounds like you've got the pressed powder, which really isn't designed to work with a brush. It is only supposed to be used with the little white pad that it comes with. You're supposed to pat and roll the powder on with that pad to get the best application of the product. I had a very hard time with my pressed powder version too so I took it back and exchanged it for the loose version which I like a LOT better. Keep in mind too that this powder is very different than most powders you're used to using. It literally disappears onto your skin and you shouldn't see it after its been applied. Since you're having problems with the application of the pressed powder, I would recommend that you exchange it for the loose as you will enjoy the heck out of it once you get the application down. It truly is the best powder out there!!!
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
kingsgirl
(New Carlisle, Ohio)
answer 9
I had the EXACT problem. I returned it and got the loose powder instead.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
Abir92
(San Jose, CA)
answer 10
I TOTALLY AGREE with you. I have felt like I almost had to grind my brush into it. I wonder if this would be the case with the loose powder?
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
MeredithLauren
(Seattle, WA)
Question
Glitter?
Is there some kind of glitter in this powder?
asked 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
mimille
(Ottawa, ON)
10 answers
Answers
answer 1
No glitter at all, which was a relief for me, because I have a few NARS blushes that are too glittery for my taste. Just a beautiful, pearly, luminescent finish, that feels like velvet, and looks like you're glowing from within.
answered 1 month, 1 week ago
october5th
(Queens, NY)
answer 2
looks like there is glitter in it, but once its on your face, there is no shimmer what so ever. It does nothing.
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 3
No glitter in this product.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 4
No glitter at all. The minerals in the powder reflect the light. It doesn't even have shimmer or sheen.
answered 3 months ago
lilinah
(San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
answer 5
Sorry I had a typo. I compared the effectiveness of this product with Disposable blotting paper. (Auto-correct added glitter when there is none! ) Boscia is a good example of matte-finish blotting paper. A common example is rice powder blotting papers, often sold in professional artist's supply shops.
After ten days of use this NARS Powder as certainly pulled it's own weight.
After ten days of use this NARS Powder as certainly pulled it's own weight.
answered 3 months ago
mon2cents
(Burlington, VT)
answer 6
No.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
pattianne
(Richmond, VA)
answer 7
It contains Light Reflecting Complex which will give your skin a gorgeous light reflected finish.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
melissabt
answer 8
No, there isn't any glitter in this powder.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
nayajen
(Chicago, IL)
answer 9
No. Imagine it as pressed powder from paper glitter face products. But there is no paper!
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
mon2cents
(Burlington, VT)
answer 10
There are light reflecting particles, but they're so fine; you'd need a magnifying glass to see it. The powder gives a dewy finish, not sparkly or sheen like a highlighting powder. Your skin feels really soft after application, as well. Big fan of this stuff.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
pickmeupmakeup
(Boston, MA)
Question
Good in photographs?
does this make your face look too white in photographs?
asked 2 months, 1 week ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
ilovecandy
(Los Angeles, CA)
8 answers
Answers
answer 1
no doesn't make your face look too white, its translucent. If you cake it on, maybe. But when i used it it didn't make my face white.
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 2
Not at all. It you use powder and really piled on you might. Normal application doesn't show the product.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 3
No. It does not make your face looks white in photo. It blurs the imperfections making you look really great in photos.
answered 2 months ago
phuong
(Orange, CA)
answer 4
No, not in my experience. It's not noticeable in photos. It's the HD powders that typically show up, and this is not an HD powder.
answered 2 months ago
luckiestgirl
(Canton, MI)
answer 5
This product is white but it doesn't show when you apply it . It doesn't matter if it's face to face or a photograph you won't (yes, i'm that sure) shine or appear whiter.
answered 2 months ago
CamiParot
(Santiago, Chile)
answer 6
I am fair skinned and no it does not on me. It makes my skin look really smooth in pics too.
answered 2 months ago
KristanDo
(Washington, D.C.)
answer 7
My experience with it is that it does nothing. It does not make your face at all white, nor does it have any shimmer.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
Nancy53
(San Francisco CA)
answer 8
Hi! This powder will not make your face look white in photos at all! I had my hubby take a bunch of different photos of my face (in different types of light) and I wasn't pale in a single shot. The main culprit in powders that turns people white in photos is zinc oxide, which this powder does not contain. The only way you might look like Casper the Friendly Ghost in your photos is if your foundation or concealer or primers have zinc oxide in them. This powder, however, is never going to bring you anything but joy!!!
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
kingsgirl
(New Carlisle, Ohio)
Question
Does this go on before or after foundation?
asked 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
headon
(New York, NY)
8 answers
Answers
answer 1
This powder goes on after your foundation! Apply it before or after blush/bronzer.
answered 5 days ago
melissabt
answer 2
after
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 3
after, it is used to set your foundation so it stays on longer and doesn't move
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 4
This goes on after your foundation. It's the setting powder. You can use BB cream then this as well.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 5
it is a setting powder. I would definitely use it after you have applied your foundation.
answered 3 months ago
femmebroker
(Lawrence, KS)
answer 6
It is a setting powder, which means it is used after foundation to set the foundation.
answered 3 months ago
lilinah
(San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
answer 7
After foundation.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
mon2cents
(Burlington, VT)
answer 8
It's a setting powder; so apply after foundation.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
pickmeupmakeup
(Boston, MA)
Question
Is the compact mirrored?
asked 3 months, 1 week ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
SunshineAndMe
(Los Angeles, CA)
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
Yes! I love it!
answered 1 month, 1 week ago
october5th
(Queens, NY)
answer 2
no
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 3
Compact comes with a mirror - stop into a Sephora store and you'll see.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 4
Yes, it is.
answered 3 months ago
femmebroker
(Lawrence, KS)
answer 5
yes.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
pattianne
(Richmond, VA)
answer 6
Yes it does have a large mirror that is included on the compact.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
melissabt
answer 7
Yes, it has a large mirror.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
nayajen
(Chicago, IL)
Question
How does this compare to Albatross or Nico when used as a highlighter?
asked 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
Tahlmorra
7 answers
Answers
answer 1
This isn't a highlighter, it is a setting powder that has light reflective technology and has a flawless smooth texture.
answered 5 days ago
melissabt
answer 2
It isn't a highlighter at all. It's a translucent setting powder that you put over after you have applied your foundation. It may look like there is shimmer in the compact but once you put it on there is none.
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 3
This product is not a highlighter. It's a finishing powder. Great product but not a highlighter.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 4
This powder does not look white on when used as intended. So it is not a highlighter. It has no sheen, shimmer or glitter. So it is not comparable to shimmery highlighters like Albatross or light-colored powders like Nico.
answered 3 months ago
lilinah
(San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
answer 5
As the others said, this is not intended as a highlighter, but if you were going for an incredibly subtle look I think you could try it. I find it gives a light dewy glow. I own all three and in order of least highlighting to highest it would be: setting powder, Nico, then Albatross. But for the most part, it does disappear on your face.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
ahbuddha7
(missoula, mt)
answer 6
it dosent really work well as a highlighter its more so an all over setting powder...but there really isnt ALOT of glitter like those that u mentioned
answered 3 months, 2 weeks ago
reesiibabe
(Hollis, Ny)
answer 7
It's not a highlighter at all so it wouldn't replace Albatross. It's setting powder so it's meant to set your makeup, absorb oil and create a soft matte look on your face.
answered 3 months, 2 weeks ago
earcega
(toronto, on)
Question
Pressed or loose powder
Which one is better? Pressed or loose powder?
asked 3 months, 1 week ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
Inasaf
(Washington, DC)
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I tried the pressed and I was not impressed. Try the lose version, I think it must be better.
answered 1 month ago
GalaxyGirl111
(Easy Bay, CA)
answer 2
I prefer pressed that way it doesn't go everywhere on my clothes.
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
stacy525
(Roswell, GA)
answer 3
Depends on what you like to use. I like pressed powder. I don't have a mess to carry around or explode in my purse.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 4
I have the loose only because they were sold out of the pressed version and I was just really eager to get this powder. They've finally restocked the pressed version and I'm going to pick it up as I'm a little disappointed with the messiness and "clouds" created by the loose version, even though I try to be really careful.
answered 2 months ago
dancingdream99
(Toronto, Ontario)
answer 5
Consider your lifestyle... if you reapply make up thru your day go with the pressed.. it's simply more convenient and cleaner. The pressed powder comes inside a compact. A small nylon wrist bag, with black NARS logo on.black nylon. Similar.to a les sportsac change purse. It's great packaging. Usefully classy and sporty.
The loose powder is best used by a make up artist. Perhaps ask at.store.for.some.tips.or.online.
The loose powder is best used by a make up artist. Perhaps ask at.store.for.some.tips.or.online.
answered 3 months ago
mon2cents
(Burlington, VT)
answer 6
I have the pressed powder. I use a brush with it. It glides on, leaving a smooth poreless finish.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
pattianne
(North Chesterfield, VA)
Question
Can it be used alone?
Can this powder be used alone on bare skin without foundation???
asked 3 months, 1 week ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
tigerlilyyy
(Suffield, CT)
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Sure, if you have really even skin tone, and just want a velvety, luminescent finish, knock yourself out. Just remember it is translucent and colorless, so it provides zero coverage or color correction. So let's just say that if you're able to do that, most of us are very envious of you!
answered 1 month, 1 week ago
october5th
(Queens, NY)
answer 2
no
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 3
Yes this can be used alone. I always have an SPF lotion on my face then I put the powder on my face.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 4
Yes. I only occasionally wear foundation. Most often I use this powder on my bare skin - after applying skincare and sunscreen.
One "answer" complained of lack of applicator. The black pouch the compact comes in has two pockets, with the compact in one and the thin white applicator in the other.
.
One "answer" complained of lack of applicator. The black pouch the compact comes in has two pockets, with the compact in one and the thin white applicator in the other.
.
answered 3 months ago
lilinah
(San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
answer 5
there was no applicator. You'd think for the money they would throw one in!
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
filmla
(New Orleans, LA)
answer 6
Sure, I believe so, tho it may be drying. I used it over a Tarte product and it lasted all day.
answered 3 months, 1 week ago
filmla
(New Orleans, LA)
Question
Good for acne skin? Does it make bumps stand out more with shimmer?
I have combo skin with some acne. In store this powder looked like it would be shimmery which I would imagine accentuate bumps and flaky spots (from a healing blemish) . The lights in Sephora are really bright so it might make it look more shimmery than regular lighting. Anyone with my skin type and issues use this? Also did it worsen breakouts? Thanks!!!
asked 3 months ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
jjvb
(montreal)
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I personally have experienced no problems with it. And it's actually the first one that did NOT accentuate pores, bumps, or other undesirable skin issues.
answered 1 month, 1 week ago
studiodummies
(West Bend, WI)
answer 2
It's actually not as 'shimmery' on than you would think! I have a similar skin type and tend to have the same problem of flakiness whenever I apply on powder at a time I have acne. I have the compact version and it goes your face as a really light/sheer cover so I didn't notice any extra flaky/dry acne appearance!
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
hsch
answer 3
The Nars pressed powder doesn't shine up your face. It helps keep the oil off. I love this product. There's one by Urban Decay as well but I'm sticking with NARS.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 4
Hi! This powder is not shimmery at all when applied to your face, even though it might look that way in the pan. It has light diffusing technology, which means it adjusts itself to whatever setting you're in. It's really pretty cool! Anyway, I would highly recommend this for acne prone skin because of the way it diffuses wrinkles and blemishes. It's almost as if the powder deflects the light off of the bad parts of your face, leaving you with a very smooth and polished looking complexion. It's excellent at staving off the oilies too! Its not cakey and allows your skin to breathe (you wont even know its on). I would highly encourage you to try this powder as I think you'll like what it will do for your skin.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
kingsgirl
(New Carlisle, Ohio)
answer 5
I didn't experience any enhancement of my break outs and the product did look slightly shimmery in store. Its perfectly mat for me over foundation or otherwise though and I have acne prone skin that is also sensitive. I think you'll enjoy this powder!
answered 2 months, 3 weeks ago
emselizabeth
(Los Angeles Ca)
answer 6
I have combination skin with some acne bumps. I was skeptical about a white shimmery powder, too, but I love this one! It doesn't shimmer on one's face, it just diffuses light and blurs imperfections. It mattifies the skin without drying and I haven't found any issue with acne-exacerbation, and I've used it for a month now. I totally recommend it as a finishing powder to set liquid foundations :-)
answered 3 months ago
grrrlie
(Toronto, ON)
Question
I don't wear foundation, but my face is oily...could I still use this?
asked 3 months ago on Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
littlelolagirl
(austin,tx)
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Without foundation under it? Yea you can and it will be good for absorbing the oil and helping control it, but it wont cover anything. Also, any setting powder would help with oily skin.
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
kknicole
(aliso viejo, ca)
answer 2
Absolutely! I use an SPF lotion on my face when I don't wear foundation. It's best to have something on your face because of the UV Rays. This powder works great with the oil slick.
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
mirabellesmom
(Sacramento)
answer 3
Absolutely!
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
AVH777
(Arizona)
answer 4
TOTALLY I use this on my days off just to mattify the face... its perfect!
answered 2 months, 3 weeks ago
emselizabeth
(Los Angeles Ca)
answer 5
I think it would give you a great finish and mattify your skin. I love this product.
answered 3 months ago
LuluAddict
(Yorba Linda)
answer 6
Yes, most definitely.
answered 3 months ago
lgrstar
(NY)