Makeup products have come a long way, especially in the case of foundations. These days, there are many types of foundations out there that are used, either cream, liquid, or even powder. Each has its own unique way of giving uniform coverage and even skin complexion. One such brand that makes foundation is NARS!
Nars foundation gives sheer and full coverage with a natural finish. As this is a lightweight foundation, this improves the appearance of the skin. There is some confusion about whether it is water-based or not. Nars Foundation has different types. So, it depends on that particular foundation and its ingredients. Whether it is water, oil, or silicone-based, there are some identifiable marks of the product that can help you determine whether NARS Foundation is water-based or not. So let’s find out how you can differentiate between them!
Is Nars Foundation Water-Based?
Nars offers a range of foundations with different formulas. Depending on the specific product of Nars, it can be said whether Nars is a water-based foundation or not. Some of the foundations of this brand are water-based while others are silicone or oil-based. Checking the ingredients of this foundation is the easiest way to know whether this foundation is water or silicone-based. If it is a water-based foundation, water will be the first ingredient while in a silicone-based foundation, silicone compounds will be the first ingredients.
Nars brand has different types of foundations for different skin including water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based. For example-NARS Natural Radiant Longwear foundation is water-based, the NARS Soft Matte Complete foundation is silicone-based and NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is oil-based.
To determine whether the NARs foundation is water or silicone-based, you can see the ingredients list on the packaging on the NARS website. The ingredients are usually listed in descending order of concentration. So, the first few ingredients listed will give you a good idea about the primary base of the foundation.
3 Ways to Know If It’s a Water-Based Foundation
There are some ways to know about the foundation type. They are as follows-
1. Ingredients List:
This is one of the best ways to know if a foundation is water-based or not. In the case of Nars foundation, the same tricks can be applied to know whether it is water or silicone-based. You can do some research online to find out the result. For example- In water-based foundations, the common ingredients are water, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin while in silicone-based foundations, Silicon will remain the main ingredient. In some cases, there is both silicone and water as the base ingredients.
2. Texture and Consistency:
You can also look at the texture and consistency of a foundation. Water-based foundations are mostly thinner and more liquid than oil-based foundations. And they give a lightweight feel to the skin. Water-based foundations are mostly suited for dry skin. But it is also good for oily and combination skin. In the same way, you can see the texture and consistency of Ners foundation to know its type.
3. Reaction with Your Skin:
Another way of knowing a foundation’s base is the reaction with your skin. As water is the primary ingredient of Nars foundation, it is best for dry skin. Moreover, water-based foundations are also good for oily or acne-prone skin because they don’t contribute to access to oil production.
Ingredients of Nars Foundation
Nars foundation contains many ingredients. The ingredients include water, silicone, and glycerin as the main components of the formula along with different other ingredients that contribute to the foundation’s texture, coverage, and longevity. It is important to note that different shades of the foundation may have slightly different ingredients. So, it is always recommended to check the ingredient list of the specific product you wish to buy.
1. Dimethicone: This is the most common silicone used in any product. It helps to form a protective barrier and makes the skin smooth. This also helps to fill the wrinkles and fine lines. Besides, it also helps to increase elasticity and soften the skin.
2. Water/Aqua: Water is the most common ingredient of any skincare item. Water is very important to build up this foundation. Water can be considered as a solvent for other ingredients. The water used in this product is deionized and purified.
3. Phenyl Trimethicone: This is a silicone fluid that gives a non-oily finish to the formulas. It is also used to reduce the tackiness and stickiness of the other ingredients used in a product.
4. Glycerin: This is one of the most common and effective ingredients which works as a natural moisturizer. Most significantly, glycerin helps to treat severely dry skin.
5. Polymethylsilsesquioxane: This is a powder that helps to enhance the texture and it is a soft focus agent. It gives a softness like silicon to any product which helps the product to have a soft finish.
6. PEG-10 Dimethicone: This ingredient helps the water and silicone to mix nicely with one another. This can also be used for plant oil and silicone oil mixtures.
7. Dimethicone CrossPolymer: This works as a thickening agent in any product. This is basically blended with a base of silicone fluid. For giving the formula a silky and smooth feel, this product helps.
8. Cyclopentasiloxana: It is a cyclic structured silicone that is water-thin and provides a silky and smooth feel. For getting a breathable and protective skin barrier, this ingredient may help.
9. Boron Nitride: Boron Nitride works as a multi-tasker in any product. It helps to improve the texture of the product and gives a creamy feel to any product. In makeup products, it increases the comfortable feel of the skin.
10.. Tocopherol: It protects the skin from UVB rays and provides the skin with vitamin C and vitamin E which makes the skin healthy and shiny.
11. Mica: Mica is added to the foundation to give it a smooth, silky texture and to help it adhere to the skin. Mica is a translucent powder that helps to create a glowing effect on the skin. Mica also helps to absorb oil and moisture in the skin.
12. Potassium Sorbate: Potassium Sorbate is used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause the foundation to spoil or become contaminated. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms such as yeast, mold, and bacteria.
13. Tin Oxide: This helps to improve the consistency and texture of the product. It gives a matte finish which helps to control the shine of the skin. Tin oxide also helps to reflect light which can make the skin appear more even-toned.
14. Alumina: It is a white and powdery substance that is derived from aluminum oxide. It helps to create a smooth and even finish on the skin. Alumina also has the oil-absorbing capability. It can help to absorb excess oils and swat which helps to keep the skin fresh.
Characteristics of Nars Foundation
The characteristics of Nars Foundation are as follows-
1. Buildable Coverage: Nars foundation provides full coverage which means it covers imperfections such as blemishes, redness, and uneven skin tone.
2. Texture: Nars foundation has a lightweight, creamy texture that blends easily into the skin.
3. Natural Finish: This foundation has a natural, radiant finish that gives the skin a healthy glow.
4. Different Shades: Nars foundation comes in a wide range of shades to match different skin tones and undertones.
5. Long-Lasting: Nars foundation is known for its long-lasting formula which can last up to 16 hours.
6. Dermatology Tested: The foundation is clinically tested. There is no allergic reaction in this foundation.
7. Oil-free Formula: Nars foundation is oil-free, making it suitable for people with oily or acne-prone skin. This oil-free formula makes it a good option for people.
8. SPF Protection: Some Nars Foundations contain SPF protection to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
9. Breathable on Skin: Nars foundation is lightweight and it feels comfortable and breathable on the skin.
Pros and Cons of Nars Foundation
There are some pros and cons of Nars Foundation. They are as follows-
Pros:
- Nars Foundation is known for its buildable coverage. You can start with a light layer and add more for a full-coverage look. This can be helpful if you want to get different makeup looks with the same product.
- People found Nars Foundation to be long-lasting, even though a full day of work or activities.
- This foundation has a lightweight formula which makes it comfortable for people.
- Nars foundation is a water and sweat-resistant product. This helps to absorb the sweat and water and gives a natural look.
- Nars foundation has a variety of shades. So people with very fair or very deep skin can also choose their desired shades for their skin tone.
- This foundation is suitable for all skin tones. The formula used in this product makes it suitable for all skin types including oily, dry, and combination skin.
Cons:
- Nars foundation is relatively expensive compared to some other brands. So, not all people can afford this.
- Some people may be sensitive to some of the ingredients used in NARS foundation such as different types of oils, fragrances, etc.
- While some people love the matte finish of NARS foundation, others may find it too dry to match their skin.
- The packaging of Ners Foundation seems inconvenient. As it comes in a glass bottle with no pump, this can be difficult to control how much product you use at a time.
- Some users may find it heavy or uncomfortable for their skin, especially if it is not applied properly.
FAQs
Nars foundation is designed for a variety of skin types including normal, dry, oily, and combination skin. Their foundation has different types to provide different finishes, to suit different skin types and preferences.
Yes, Nars Foundation can cover a variety of skin tones including dark skin tones. The Lightweight Nars All Day Luminous foundation is a favorite for people as it gives full coverage and matches all skin tones.
Not all of the Nars foundations are waterproof, rather some of them are. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is waterproof.
You should check the ingredient list for knowing whether that specific foundation contains heavy oils, silicones, or alcohol which are acne triggers.
Final Thoughts
Nars foundation is a glowing, natural finish foundation that gives buildable coverage on the skin. This foundation has different types; some are silicone-based, some are water-based, and others are oil-based. It depends on the particular foundation that you are talking about. The ingredient list of any foundation is the primary indicator of its base and type. The water-based Ners foundations are lightweight and hydrate the skin. It is mostly applicable for people with dry skin while the silicone-based Ners foundations help to give a smooth finish and help the foundation to last longer. So, people with all skin types can choose Nars Foundation based on their preferences and skin tone.
Key Points
- Nars is a lightweight, glowing foundation that gives a soft finish to the skin.
- Nars has different shades available for dry, oily, combination, or natural skin types.
- There are some ways to know the type of foundation which include the ingredients list, texture, consistency, and reaction with the skin.
- Some of the Nars foundations are water-based, while others are silicone or oil-based. The ingredients list may help you to know whether it is water or silicon-based.
- The formulas used in Nars Foundation make it a good choice for people with all skin types.
