New NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ Review

I was very excited to try out the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++. There's been much buzz about NARS' very own tinted moisturizer. It comes out today at Sephora stores. NARS founder Francois Nars envisioned tinted moisturizer unlike any other — a complexion-perfecting fluid with anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits. Nonetheless, he wanted skin to show through and not caked on makeup. This is the result of his vision, and I have to say that I'm quite impressed.

First of all, what is the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++? It is NARS' very own tinted moisturizer that hydrates skin (hence it's a moisturizer) and evens skintone. It subtly blurs imperfections and fine lines, and protects the skin with its broadband sun protection. SPF30, no less! In a clinical test, studies show that 84% of the testers felt that their skin was more radiant and luminous, 81% felt the product smoothed out the surface of their skin, and 90% felt the product gave them a healthy glow. I haven't tested this for four weeks, but in the photos, it did look like it gave a radiant, healthy finish to the skin.

As for its ingredients, here's what NARS has to say:

The key to its effectiveness lies in ingredients derived from the waters of François’ beloved French Polynesia, where he spends much of his time on his island in the region. These ingredients include Kopara, natural polysaccharides that hydrate, condition and help encourage natural cell renewal; Oceana Saffron, a plant known for its antioxidant and soothing properties; and Galaxaura, a red deep-sea algae found in the islands’ lagoons that is known to be rich in calcium, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene. Also included in the formula: sea water and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a vitamin- C derivative that brightens and protects the skin against free-radical damage, to revitalize and re-mineralize the skin.

Annapurna (Medium 2)


Left, St. Moritz (Medium 1), Right, Annapurna (Medium 2)


Left, St. Moritz (Medium 1), Right, Annapurna (Medium 2)
Below the blobs of product are the blended versions






Wearing mix of St. Moritz and Annapurna

I have always liked full coverage foundations just because I have some discoloration from acne that I'd like to conceal. However, I learned that I can always spot-conceal that area but leave the rest of the face looking fresh and natural. NARS envisioned this tinted moisturizer to be the makeup enthusiast's go-to product on weekends, when a more casual look is desired, or in summer, when a lighter consistency is preferred. NARS even suggests that this can be used with powder foundation for those who want more coverage.

The things I loved about this product are the consistency and finish on the skin. First of all, as you can see in the photos, the product is not runny at all, unlike some tinted moisturizers I've tried. Therefore, you can see that this will cover minor imperfections and even skintone, unlike other tinted moisturizers that are way too sheer. It goes on really smoothly on the skin and has a pleasant scent, something plant-based. Second, it does give the skin a luminous quality, like an inner radiance of some sort. I was pleasantly surprised about that.

As for my shade, I was given the choice to choose my shade for the press sample, but I chose the wrong shade which is Annapurna. It was way too dark for me. It is described as a medium with a neutral peachy undertone. I was able to snag St. Moritz which I think is the perfect winter shade for me, described as a medium with a neutral yellow undertone. I will be mixing the two during summer to come up with my summer shade. They do mix well and I like to have two shades in my stash so I can custom blend my makeup accordingly.

The only thing that is lacking for me is that I would like a little bit more coverage for days when my skin is acting up. Of course, since this is a tinted moisturizer, it is supposed to be lighter in texture and coverage than a regular full-coverage foundation. For those bad-skin days, I apply my mineral foundation over NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, and it gives the perfect coverage I need, without losing the luminous quality. I love it.

All in all, if you want a light, not-too-sheer-but-not-too-heavy base with a luminous quality to it, this is your product. I like that it lets my natural skin shine through, but covers slight imperfections and evens skintone, and gives the skin a luminous quality. What I like best of all is the relatively high SPF. I really think NARS has a winner in the new Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.5 out of 5

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ is available at narscosmetics.com, Sephora stores and Sephora.com

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.