I have been using this NARS powder combo for some time now. Neither on its own is perfect, but together? It comes quite close.
Some might think using two different setting powder is unnecessary and even bothersome, but I find this is a great way to perfect complexion without looking too done. I usually skip concealing, so this makes up in a sense.
(ingredient list)
I would call NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder a happy medium of silicone based HD powder and traditional talc-based powder. The top ingredient is talc, but silica and dimethicone are following not far behind. It controls oil fairly well yet it does not feel tight nor dry. Plus it comes tinted so you can expect some coverage and color correction.
Flesh is the second lightest shade from the range and has a great neutral undertone - a really pretty color that is not too yellow nor too pink. It is a close shade to my natural skin tone. The evening-out effect is great but not so much with color corrections because of that. I think NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder Flesh would be a perfect pick for both NC15 & NW15.
I mainly use this to set my liquid foundation applying with a fluffy synthetic brush (Real Techniques blush brush is currently my powder brush. Does anyone else think they make brushes a tad too big in general, or is it just me?).
NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder is also great to neutralize that white cast from the use of an all-mineral sunscreen, which comes in handy on a low key day when I skip foundation.
I like NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder and have used up a whole tub a few times, so initially I wanted a pressed version which I could carry around for touch-ups. This didn't pan out so well because the packaging is a bit awkward not to mention the applicator is practically useless (oh, no other sponge will fit in due to the slim compact with no give).
Interestingly, NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder isn't all that same as the loose powder and still works best to set the base. It smooths out the surface and minimizes the looks of my pores. If that's not enough, it also adds the most subtle kind of sheen so that I can easily skip a highlighter.
On its own, each of them gets a solid A-, and together it bumps up the end result to an A.
However, I don't think I would repurchase this combo very soon, only because I know a better option with a better price point. And I have to make a note that the loose powder jar isn't very convenient to use since I have to bang it pretty hard to get the amount I need each time. The pressed setting powder? The corners of the pan get inevitably stained over time, and the OCD in me silently hates it.
Thanks for reading!
Do you set your foundation with powder? What's your favorite if any?
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