A Velvety Revelation: Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation Review

Nars has long been a frontrunner in creating foundations that cater to diverse preferences, from the radiant glow of Natural Radiant Longwear to the sheer beauty of Sheer Glow. However, the brand took a bold step with the Soft Matte Complete Foundation, offering a natural matte finish in a convenient squeezable tube. As a devotee of Nars foundations, I was eager to test this new addition and see if it lived up to its promises.

The first thing that caught my attention was the natural matte finish, a departure from the dewy radiance of its predecessors. Using the Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer and L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion beforehand, I applied the foundation with a foundation brush, and the satin finish left me enchanted. It provided a flawless base for my makeup, giving me that coveted airbrushed look without feeling overly matte.

What impressed me most was the coverage. Promising to conceal scars and discoloration, the Soft Matte Complete Foundation delivered admirably. It evened out my skin tone effortlessly, creating a smooth canvas for the rest of my makeup routine. Despite being a matte formula, it felt surprisingly lightweight on the skin, dispelling any reservations I had about overly matte finishes.

Choosing my shade was a breeze, thanks to Nars' consistent color range. I opted for New Caledonia, a shade that worked well with my neutral brown skin. While not a perfect match, it blended seamlessly and provided the coverage I desired.

As someone who typically shies away from super matte formulas, Nars converted me with the Soft Matte Complete Foundation. The velvety texture not only maintained a flawless finish throughout the day but also controlled oil—an added bonus for those with oily skin.

Makeup artist Ashunta Sherriff's insights into matte foundations echoed my positive experience. The formula excels in covering imperfections, offering a more substantial alternative to nude formulations. Sherriff's recommendation of a flat vegan foundation brush proved effective in application, targeting areas that require more coverage and ensuring a seamless blend.

While I won't be parting ways with my dewy formulations, Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation has reintroduced me to the allure of matte foundations. For $40, this product is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking velvety, airbrushed skin. Available at Sephora, it's a must-try for those wanting a flawless, long-lasting base that strikes the perfect balance between matte and radiant.