Unpopular Opinion: NARS Sheer Glow

Oh, what's this? A cult favorite and a go-to/holy grail among some bloggers? That's exactly what it is — just not to me.


I'm a fan of NARS and their products. There's no denying that! That said, this foundation and I didn't get along at all which was partly heartbreaking, but I've learned not everything that is hyped is worth it. Remember when I wrote about buying NARS Pro-Prime (which I now love)? This was bought at the same time, in December. Since then I've used it a total of four times (including the above shot).

I was unsure about it from the beginning but thought I'd buy to take home anyway — silly me. So many of my favorite bloggers love this stuff, so wouldn't I? Upon applying with a Real Techniques buffing brush, something just didn't feel right to me. It seemed so unnatural, unlike my YSL and Laura Mercier foundations. I don't have dry skin but it seemed to cling to any spot with even the teensiest bit of dryness, especially around my nose. I tried it with a light hand, with my hands, with numerous brushes and nothing seemed to work for me. I even tried switching up my bases and letting it warm up in my hands. I didn't ever get the dewy/natural finish that people said this gives. To me it just felt a bit too heavy. Maybe I need to step up my application game? Who knows.

Then I wondered how the NARS MUA had made it look so good. Was it the lighting in Harvey Nichols? Or maybe the fact that I'm way too impressionable and if you try to talk me into buying something by sweet talking me, I probably will?  Either way I'm sad to say that this foundation just isn't for me. I'm not saying that it's awful — many a beauty blogger love this stuff (just ask Meg or Estée) — it just isn't my cup of tea! So now... I'm selling it.

Where do you guys stand on the NARS Sheer Glow front?