Review: NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

photo from Sephora.com

We are all on a quest for a flawless finish. NARS claims to deliver with its new light reflecting pressed and loose powders. According to narscosmetics.com, the powder "enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color and prolongs makeup wear. This silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Fine lines, wrinkles and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed." It also claims to set makeup and prevent shine.

First Look: the powder is STARK WHITE, with GLITTER! Well, it's not really glitter, but that's what it looks like at first. As a dark skinned girl, the last thing I want on my face is white powder with glitter. However, when I swatched it with my finger it is very soft and finely milled, and disappears leaving a luminous kind of sheen.

After a week: I really like this powder! The first time I wore it to work, I felt like I was a vampire from the Twilight series...I was literally sparkling in the sunlight! I clearly put too much on. Be careful.

• If you are darker-skinned, when you first apply, you will see a white cast, but it doesn't last; if you apply with a sponge. Just press the product into your skin. It's very hard to pick up product with a brush, and I feel like it sets much better with the sponge. 

• I didn't really need to do many touch ups after the first application. I definitely noticed that I was not as oily as I had been using other powders.

• Go ahead and invest in some $3 powder puffs or round sponge foundation applicators. The sponge provided is cute, but thin, and really impractical, in my opinion.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

This product does what it says it will do. It's an investment at $34, but that's not terrible given the quality and ability to return if you absolutely hate it. The packaging for the pressed powder is great if you want to throw it in your bag, although I haven't needed to. It photographs well, and is indeed light reflecting.

Natural Hair- its me, not you.

It's not you...It's me

Well, I said I'd give it a try, and I did. After almost 6 months of letting my hair "go natural," I think I'm over it. It's not that I don't LOVE my natural hair...but I just don't have the TIME to dedicate to making sure it's healthy. I work full time, go to school part time, and am active in a lot of outside things. I have learned that natural tresses take a lot of time, care, and dedication.  Sadly, at this point in my life, I don't think I have it!

But, I am searching for ways to treat my hair much better this time around. First of all, I will no longer be perming my hair, rather, I'll go back to the old texturizer I used to get when I was younger. Yes, I know, its still a chemical, but it is less harsh than a perm. I'll also be processing my hair less often, but visiting the salon more frequently. I have discovered lots of natural products that I think will also benefit me, and am looking for ways to incorporate them into my hair routine.

The natural hair fanatics will call me a traitor and a blasphemer, but I gotta do what's right for me! Maybe I'll give it a go when I'm done with grad school. (MAY 2014!!!!!!!)

I'll post pics, post texturizer!