NARS' New Face Primers

In addition to the new Soft Matte concealers, NARS came out with 3 oil-free primers! Specifically formulated to enhance the look of makeup and improve makeup wear, each face primer has different properties to target specific issues.

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To start off, the Smooth & Protect Primer. Formulated to leave no residue on the skin, this smoothing primer provides potent daily skin protection (SPF 50). It blurs pores and fine lines as well.

This product is quite thick, but don't let that fool you! It doesn't feel heavy or overly greasy on the skin. I love that it doesn't make my skin look super oily like it's often the case with some sunscreens. In fact, the formula is moisturizing but the finish is matte!

The Smooth & Protect primer makes my makeup last longer than usual, smooths out pores and provide protection against UV rays. What's not to love?

Next up is the Pore & Shine Control Primer, which is supposed to mattify skin and minimize pores. I had high hopes for this one, but it was my least favorite out of the 3 formulas. Unfortunately, the mattifying properties weren't that great. The difference is so minimal that I simply can't justify the price. Maybe because my skin is too oily?

I think it would be a great mattifying primer for normal to combination skin, as it doesn't dry out the skin like most primers for oily skin. I tend to prefer a super matte primer for my extremely oily skin, though.

Last but not least, the Radiance Primer is said to boost radiance and warm up the complexion, thanks to the fine pearl particles it contains. It features SPF 35 to protect from harmful UVA/UVB rays and contains a plant extract (Evodia Rutaecarpa) to enhance skin vitality.

Surprisingly enough (considering the fact that my skin is super oily) I really love this luminous primer! It gives such a gorgeous glow to the skin, a must have for those days when my skin looks a bit dull.

It has a beautiful pearly finish (no glitters!) and the peachy pink color is translucent enough to be worn by the fairest skin tone.

Please note that if you purchase the Smooth & Protect or the Radiance primers in a Canadian store, the packaging will be different and il will look like these primers don't contain any SPF. The sunscreen regulation is different in Canada, and although the brand can't claim SPF on these products here, the ingredient list is the same and they do have a sun protection factor.

The NARS Face Primers retail for $45 CAD for 30ml and are available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Narscosmetics.com and Selfridges.

(I received these products in order to evaluate them and give my opinion, but rest assured that my comments are always honest and impartial. This post contains affiliate links.)