I like a foundation that gives proper coverage, but I do not want it to look like a mask.

That is why NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation has stayed interesting to me for so long. It sits in that middle ground between a full coverage base and something that still lets the skin look like skin.

NARS says it gives up to 16 hours of wear with medium to full buildable coverage, and that is really what I wanted to test. I was less interested in whether it could survive an unrealistic all day and all night experiment and more interested in whether it would still look presentable several hours later, especially around the areas where foundation usually starts to break down first.

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What the finish actually looks like

Despite the name, I would not call this an especially dewy foundation.

The finish is more polished and skin like than glossy. There is some radiance, but it is controlled, so the complexion looks healthy rather than wet.

That balance is one of the reasons I think it works so well for a proper full makeup look. It has enough coverage to even everything out, but it does not immediately flatten the face.

I can still see natural dimension through the skin, especially when I use a light hand.

One pump is usually enough for me to get a medium level of coverage. If I want more, I add a little extra only where I need it rather than applying a heavy second layer everywhere.

That is the easiest way I have found to stop it looking too makeup heavy.

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How I apply it

I prep my skin first, let my skincare and SPF settle properly, then apply the foundation once the base no longer feels wet.

I do not apply this to damp skin.

For everyday makeup, I like using a damp sponge because it keeps the finish softer and helps me control the coverage.

A brush gives me a little more coverage and a slightly more perfected finish, which is useful for events or evenings.

The formula blends easily either way, but I think the main thing is not overapplying it.

This is already a medium to full coverage foundation. Adding too much can take away the skin like finish that makes it so good in the first place.

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My shade is Oslo

My shade is Oslo, and shade matching is one area where I would take a little extra care.

NARS has a broad shade range, but the same shade name can look slightly different across different foundation formulas because the finish and coverage affect how colour appears on the skin.

I also let this dry down before making a final decision on the match.

A foundation can look a touch different a few minutes after application, so I would not choose a shade based only on the first swatch.

I prefer checking it in natural daylight and looking at both the depth and the undertone.

That is especially important with a foundation this pigmented because a slightly wrong undertone becomes much more obvious once you have built up the coverage.

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Does it oxidise?

I have not found it turns noticeably orange on me through the day.

There is a difference between a foundation drying down and proper oxidation.

Dry down is simply the product settling after application. Oxidation is when the colour changes more dramatically later and starts looking darker or warmer than it did originally.

NARS specifically says the formula is designed to resist oxidation, and on my skin the colour stays fairly consistent once it has settled.

I would still always give a shade a few minutes before deciding whether it is right.

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How it wears through a long day

This is where the foundation performs particularly well.

NARS claims up to 16 hours of wear, but I am more interested in what happens during a normal long day than trying to prove an exact number.

On me, the foundation stays presentable for hours without disappearing from large areas of the face.

The nose and chin are usually the first places where I notice a little movement, which is fairly normal for me. I can also get some shine through the centre of my face as the day goes on.

What I like is that it tends to wear down gradually rather than suddenly breaking apart.

Blush and bronzer also seem to stay visible for longer because the base underneath them remains more stable.

For especially long days, I sometimes finish with the L’Oréal Infallible 3 Second Setting Spray, which gives the whole makeup look a little more security without changing the foundation itself.

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How transfer resistant is it?

I would call it transfer resistant rather than transfer proof.

Once it has settled and I have finished the rest of my makeup, it does not move around easily with normal wear.

But if I rub my face against clothing, press a tissue firmly into the skin or repeatedly touch one area, some transfer is still possible.

That is normal.

I do not expect liquid foundation to become completely permanent.

What matters more to me is that it does not feel fragile once everything is set.

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Does it work on dry skin?

It can, but skin preparation matters.

Because the foundation has decent coverage and good staying power, it can highlight dry texture if the skin underneath is not properly moisturised.

I make sure any flaky areas are well hydrated before applying it and avoid using too much powder afterwards.

When my skin is prepared properly, the finish looks smooth and natural.

If your skin is extremely dry, though, something more luminous and forgiving may be easier to wear every day.

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What about oily and combination skin?

I think combination skin is probably one of the best matches for this foundation.

The finish has enough radiance to stop the skin looking flat, but it still has the structure and longevity needed to handle areas that become oilier.

On my own T zone, I may still get some shine later in the day, but the foundation does not simply disappear when that happens.

Very oily skin may still want primer, targeted powder or a fixing spray through the centre of the face.

I would not describe Natural Radiant Longwear as mattifying. Its strength is that it balances longevity with a more natural looking finish.

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NARS Natural Radiant Longwear vs Light Reflecting Foundation

These are both beautiful foundations, but I would choose them for different reasons.

Natural Radiant Longwear gives me more coverage and feels more suited to long days, events and times when I want the base to stay looking polished for hours.

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation gives a lighter, more luminous effect and feels more relaxed on the skin.

If I wanted a more natural everyday base with less coverage, I would lean towards Light Reflecting.

If I wanted stronger coverage, longer wear and a more perfected finish, I would choose Natural Radiant Longwear.

Neither is automatically better. It depends on how much coverage and staying power you actually want.

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Is it worth the money?

I think it is expensive, but the performance makes the price easier to understand.

There are cheaper foundations with good coverage, but Natural Radiant Longwear combines coverage, shade range, wear and finish particularly well.

The fact that I can get away with around one pump for most applications also helps.

I would still compare retailers before buying, especially because NARS is regularly included in beauty promotions.

I usually check where I can currently save on NARS at Lookfantastic before ordering.

My usual code to try is LFTFNICOLAL, which gives 20% off eligible products when accepted at checkout.

NARS may already be reduced or included in another promotion, so I always look at the final basket total before paying.

I also check the Look Fantastic makeup offers I am currently using if I am ordering several products together.

Sephora UK also stocks Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, so I compare the Sephora makeup savings I check before buying alongside the live product price.

With foundation, retailer availability can also matter because one store may have your shade in stock when another does not.

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Who do I think it suits best?

I think this foundation makes the most sense for someone who wants more than light coverage but still wants the skin to look alive.

It is especially good for combination skin, long work days, events and occasions when you want the base to last without looking heavily matte.

I would also recommend it if you like building coverage only where you need it.

I would be less enthusiastic if your skin is very dry and textured, or if you prefer a barely there foundation.

The formula is not trying to disappear completely into the skin. It is trying to give a polished, perfected finish while still keeping some radiance.

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Can I wear it every day?

Yes.

I simply adjust the amount I use. One light layer feels much more suitable for everyday makeup than building it immediately to full coverage.

Do I need powder with it?

Not necessarily.

I usually powder only where I need extra control, particularly through the T zone.

Using too much powder can take away the natural radiant finish.

Does it need primer?

I do not think primer is essential if the skincare underneath is working well.

I use one when I want extra smoothing or longevity, but I would not add primer automatically just because I am wearing this foundation.

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NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is one of those bases that manages to give proper coverage without immediately looking old fashioned or heavy.

The finish is not extremely dewy, despite the word radiant in the name. It is more of a polished natural finish with enough luminosity to stop the skin looking flat.

I like that I can use one pump for a medium coverage base and build only where I need more.

It also wears well. My T zone may become shinier over time and the nose can show some movement after a long day, but the foundation generally fades gracefully rather than breaking apart.

The shade range is another major strength, although I would always let the foundation dry down before committing to a match.

It is definitely a premium foundation, but I can see where the money goes.

For me, the combination of coverage, finish and longevity is what keeps it relevant.

Final rating: 4.6/5

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Looking for another beauty essential? try Armani Si Eau De Parfum

Kisses, Nicola xxx

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