I Just Tried a Full Face of Nars Makeup—These Are the Products I'll Repeat Purchase
Nars has so many iconic makeup products, and one beauty editor shares her favourites from the brand.
The year is 2014. I've just got home from school, popped on my Topshop onesie (IYKYK), and I'm sitting down in front of my laptop to watch beauty videos on YouTube. Amongst the Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms and Mac Paint Pot eyeshadows is a brand that every OG beauty guru swears by. A brand that feels like the ultimate window into the world of luxury makeup. A brand that has so many cult products, it's hard to keep count. That brand is, of course, Nars.
From the iconic Laguna Bronzer to the somewhat daring Orgasm Blush, Nars quickly cemented itself as a brand that delivered across every single makeup category, whether that be foundation, concealer, mascara or eyeshadow. While it actually launched back in 1994 (it's the brainchild of makeup artist François Nars), it still has a legion of celebrity and beauty editor fans to this day. Which is why I thought it was about time I created a full makeup look using only Nars products, to prove to you just how versatile they actually are.
I called upon some cult classics (hello Sheer Glow Foundation, my old friend), alongside some of the brand's newest releases (think Christmas beauty gift sets galore), and sat down to create the glowiest of makeup looks, which I will be sure to recreate into December and beyond.
Whilst the packaging definitely made me feel somewhat nostalgic, working on this article reminded me just how good this brand really is. So, if you want to know which Nars products I would actually spend my hard-earned cash on, keep on scrolling.
The Best Nars Makeup Products, Tried & Tested
1. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Possibly the most famous product from the brand, the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is a bestseller for a reason. If you know me, you'll know that I tend to favour a skin tint over a foundation (I'm a big fan of the Nars tinted moisturiser for day-to-day use); however, this is one of the only foundations that I could see myself wearing daily.
Why? It feels incredibly lightweight on the skin, yet manages to deliver impressive coverage, reducing redness and minimising any blemishes that I may have. It has a wonderfully natural, luminous finish, but isn't too glowy for oily skin types. It can occasionally cling to dry patches, but this is nothing that a good moisturiser beforehand can't fix. If you're looking for a new base product to see you through both day and night, I highly suggest checking out the 40 shades on offer.
Pros
- Naturally luminous finish
- Medium coverage
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Bottle doesn't come with a pump dispenser
2. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Nars really is known for its base products, and another of the brand's bestsellers is the Radiant Creamy Concealer. I am incredibly fussy when it comes to concealers, but even I can't deny how good this is.
As the name suggests, it has a beautifully creamy consistency that blends into the skin like a dream. It does feel a little thicker than other concealers I have tried before, but because of this, it delivers really impressive coverage. Not only does it help to blur imperfections, but similar to the foundation, it adds a naturally glowy finish and lasts for hours. Yes, even under the eyes.
Pros
- Creamy consistency
- Good coverage
- Impressive lasting powers
Cons
- Might be a little too heavy for some
3. Nars Laguna Bronzer
This bronzer gives me such nostalgia. When I was growing up, this was the product everyone used for a sun-kissed finish. The thing is, the bronzer is so good that I still use it to this very day.
The powder formula is incredibly pigmented, so a little goes a long way, but it's perfect for adding a hint of warmth to your makeup look. I would usually use a separate product to contour my face, but this powder is so seamless that it makes light work of subtly sculpting my complexion. The finely milled powders add this soft-focus effect that I can't get enough of, and although it doesn't contain any shimmer, it still helps to add a natural glow. If I could only buy one Nars product for the rest of my life, this would be it.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Adds a natural, sun-kissed finish
- Can also be used to add a sculpting effect
Cons
- Some may prefer a cream bronzer for contouring
4. Nars Aura Illuminating Face & Body Powder
Speaking of glow, now that party season is here, I know I will be reaching for this illuminating powder on the daily. Part of the Nars 2025 Christmas collection, this product can be used on both the face and body for a subtle hint of shimmer.
I'd actually sworn off powder highlighter products as I felt that cream formulas looked a lot more natural on my skin; however, since testing this out, I've been converted. It doesn't have that dreaded glittery finish; instead, it relies on light-relecting pigments to add a silky, pearlescent shine.
Pros
- Can be used on both the face and body
- Adds a soft hint of shimmer
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
5. Nars Cheek Set
One product category that Nars really excels at is blush. The brand's powder blush is pretty much an icon at this point; however, they have since released liquid and cream versions that are just as good. If you're not sure which one to try, I highly recommend giving this holiday collection a go, which contains all three variations in the popular Dolce Vita shade.
I'll be honest, I'm a big blush person, so while these products can be used separately, I prefer to layer them for a statement finish. I like to start with The Multiple, a multi-purpose makeup stick, which adds a gorgeously sheer flush to the cheeks, before finishing things off with the powder formula to add a vibrant pop of colour.
Pros
- Comes with all three blush formulas for you to try
- Can be used together or separately
Cons
- Only available in one shade
6. Nars Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette
This eyeshadow palette is one of those products that I will never travel without. It's compact enough to pop in my handbag, but it contains just the right amount of eyeshadows to create a range of different looks.
The warm pink and golden tones perfectly complement other products from the brand (especially the Orgasm blush), and the mix of matte and shimmery finishes feels perfect for this time of year. The best part? These eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented but also easily blendable. Whether I want a soft, smoky eye or a winged liner look, I know I can rely on this palette every single time.
Pros
- Pigmented eyeshadows
- Easy to blend
- Last a long time
- Mix of matte and shimmery finishes
Cons
- More of an investment
7. Nars Climax Mascara
When I first heard about this volumising mascara, I was convinced I wouldn't like it. I favour a long, fluttery eyelash look, and this sounded like the sort of formula that was going to add serious volume instead. While it certainly does deliver on volume, it does so in a soft, defined and delicate way.
The larger wand manages to coat my lashes from root to tip without any clumps, and if you do want a super voluminous finish, the buildable formula will work in your favour, too.
Pros
- Adds volume and length
- Defines each lash without any clumps
Cons
- Might experience a little bit of smudging throughout the day
8. Nars Lip Shine & Lip Duo
No makeup look would be complete without a little bit of lip gloss, and the Nars Afterglow Lip Shine is a personal favourite of mine. It feels hydrating, with a high-shine finish that doesn't disappear the minute you eat or drink something. When I want a more statement finish, I like to pair it with the Precision Lip Liner. As the name suggests, this lip liner is ideal for creating a sharp lip look, and I'm always amazed by the long-lasting colour.
Pros
- Lasts all day
- Lip liner is super precise
- Lip gloss adds a high-shine finish
Cons
- Lip liner can be hard to smudge out for a softer look
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
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