Feb 15, 2015

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi

I was a bit worried that this new NARS foundation might not be a great fit for me considering the mixed reviews out there. Unswatched online foundation purchase is always a scary thing, too.
Thank God, I love this foundation! I have been wearing it almost everyday for a week or so, and the result is quite consistent.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi




NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi
It comes in a heavier and masculine packaging which seems to be NARS' new thing.
A pumping dispenser comes with it, finally. 


NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation description
The description is pretty much on point.
I haven't worn it for 16 hours, but I do see it lasts for all day on me.
I also find the suggested application method is rather specific and effective. So far I've had no problem covering my whole face with 1 pump using my finger tips only.


NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ingredients
Dimethicone and water are the top ingredients.
I am rather fond of base products loaded with silicones. That's only because I haven't found any silicone-free product that gives that synthetic silky smooth finish (not even close). I feel lucky that I am not allergic to them (knock on wood). If you don't like silicones, this foundation is not for you.


NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi swatch
I chose the shade Gobi which is a cool pale yellow.
My skin tone is not as yellow, but I am slowly learning that a clean yellow foundation is the thing I need to achieve the ideal complexion for me. 
(It is ridiculous how many years it took until I realized that chasing the closest match to my skin isn't the best answer.)

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi swatch
The foundation has a liquid-y consistency and spreads on easily. 
Unlike my assumption, it still gives me enough time to work with it although that largely depends on how I moisturize before.


I've also put together a comparison swatch.
These are the 4 foundations I curently use on a regular basis. 
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi fills the void where a long lasting foundation with coverage was missing.

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi swatch comparison
Shu Uemura Face Architect Illuminating Moisture Fluid Foundation 784 (alternative)


NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Gobi swatch comparison


I still think the Shu Uemura is possibly the prettiest foundation shade for me (which is why I can't ditch it despite of its melty nature), but the NARS comes quite close plus it wears infinitely better. 
I am scratching my head trying to figure out why the Koh Gen Do doesn't look superb on me because it is the closest shade to my natural skin color. (Its forte is actually the comforable wear throughout the day with decent coverage.)
The Shiseido is easy to wear on a low key day, but the more I wear this, the more I think it isn't the best shade for me.

As I mentioned briefly, NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation does require a properly moisturized base to reach its full potentials. Granted it is blistering cold and dry in New York lately, but I need to put on a generous amount of a hydrating sunscreen on my normal/combination skin before applying the foundation. This way, the foundation will glide on and quickly set to last. 
The finish is between luminous and demi-matte. I would say it feels quite light on skin for a foundation with more coverage.
I want to make a note that NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation does not dry out the skin while lasting all day and keeping oil in check.
I am hoping this long lasting effect would be the same in summer when I switch my sunscreen accordingly.


I am very happy with this new foundation from NARS. 
I do not think it is a type of foundation that will satisfy everybody, but then again, when did any foundation do that, ever? 


*Edit*
I am adding a FOTD here. This foundation photographs quite nicely!





Thanks for reading.
Have you tried NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation?
Are you planning to give it a go?





Join the conversation!

  1. Nothing has been has able to top Sheer Glow for me so I'd love to try this. I have very high expectations from Nars x

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    1. Sheer Glow is an awesome foundation. I enjoyed the sample I got a while ago. I didn't get to buy a full bottle but that's how I found out Gobi was my shade. :)
      They are two very different animals, imo. I think it's worth having both!

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  2. I'd love to see some comparison faces!

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    1. I'd second that! I'm always interested in seeing how different products preform and appear on the face.

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    2. Thanks for the input, ladies.
      I myself don't particularly enjoy foundation reviews with before & after faces. Which reflects how I do my foundation reviews, I guess. If you mean faces with different foundationds, you can find tons of them on this blog. :)

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  3. I do like an extremely yellow foundation but Gobi may be too light for me. I need to get colour matched asap!

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    1. I think there are more than a few yellow based shades with different intensity from NARS offerings. I have respect for that. It is quite difficult to find light yellow foundation color here.

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  4. I still want to try this! But I think it won't work for me. And like you, I need something quite yellow lately to match me. I'm glad this works so well for you! I should get a sample I guess!

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    1. I think you should still try a sample. I find it interesting that this foundation stays put but is not drying at all. There's no trace of warmth in Gobi but it is so great to even out the ruddiness from my broken capillaries. ;(

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  5. Hey Lena, this sounds great! I like foundations with a yellow undertone as well. Most foundations are a bit too beige for me, even though I can make do. If I can get a a little sample, I definitely wouldn't mind giving it a go :)

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    1. I am with you, Sunny! Even the lightest beige always end up looking a little weird on me. For example, I really like how Sheer Expert (by Terry) wears on me but just can't find a nice match.
      On top of the great shade match for me, I believe this will be a great foundation for spring and summer. :)

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  6. I really want to try this. My shade is Gobi as well! My ideal foundations are always yellow based. I can go with a neutral beige but anything too pink makes me look like a beetroot. Lol!

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    1. I think you will really like this, Lily! Especially when you know your shade. :)
      Neutral beige works for me as well, but lately I am favoring yellow more and more.

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  7. Thanks for this review- I've been super curious about this! I think my combo/oily skin will really like this. Definitely going to grab a sample :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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    1. My pleasure, Jen. :)
      This foundation stays put but feels comfortable. That annoying tight feeling at the end of the day isn't there. I really like that.

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  8. Oh this sounds great! I generally go for more glowy foundations but this is something to keep on the list. Glad they finally included the pump though!

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    1. It does give a natural luminous effect but definitely not glowy if you ask me. I love that it doesn't look flat like some of the long lasting foundations.
      All Day Luminous Weightless is priced $3 more than other NARS foundations, so I'd say well done! (Wait, did NARS start including pumps for other ones, too?)

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  9. I just swatched this yesterday and I'm still on the fence because (as with Sheer Glow) there doesn't seem to be a perfect match me. But I like how a little goes a very, very long way and how light it feels!

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    1. Aw, that's too bad. I can think of a few brands that make great foundation formulas but not a great match for me, too!
      I didn't believe the "one drop" clain at first, so was surprised to see how a little goes a long way. :)

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  10. Hmm, now I don't know! The 'cones will prolly make it more forgiving, texture-wise, but I think eventually everything from NARS breaks me out. :( Still, it looks beautiful on everyone! And I think NARS has a really good color system.

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    1. I didn't know NARS products made you break out! ;o I don't think you like full coverage foundation that much anyway. I'm happy with NARS color system, too! Why is it so hard to find a pale yellow foundation. WHY. -_-;;;;

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  11. Glad to hear the positive review! I was so sure I was going to pick this up but mixed reviews I have read lately kind of made me hesitate. Sephora is giving out samples of these right now but too bad, none of them is my color. LOL. Go figure!

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    1. I'm really glad this works for me, too! The bottle is hefty (even manacing?), so it would have been a pain if I didn't like it. LOL.
      I'd still try out the samples. At least you can find out how the formula works for you. Of course, the right shade match is the single most important factor to choose a foundation. :)

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  12. happy to see you like this foundation. I, too, "prefer" silicone in my foundation to give my skin that sheer healthy glow. You're so brave in buying foundation online without swatching. Next time to Sephora, for sure, I will try to swatch to find my shade for this.

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    1. LOL. My bravery was backed by Beauty.com return policy, I think. :) Still, I'm so glad the shade and everything worked out cause it would have been a hassel with or without the policy. ;)
      Let us know what you think of this foundation when you get a chance!

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  13. It's always nice when a product actually lives up to it's description! And the color worked out too. It can be so hit or miss with foundation shades. This NYC winter is doing a real number on my skin. I've been moisturizing with oil and adding a serum to my BB cream and I still fell dry. Hope you're staying warm Lena!

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    1. Hi Rowena! Hope you're staying warm and dry! It's been too much lately, right? I'm trying to mix oil in my body moisturizer and layer serum and cream for my face as well.

      BTW, have you been to the Brooksfield Place on Vasey street? I really enjoyed visiting the Hudson Eats there, and thought about you! :)

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  14. This is probably the one foundation I want to try out the most. I really like foundations that are lightweight but still gives decent coverage. So hopefully I get on with this one!

    blush and simplicity

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    1. You just summed up the merits of this foundation, Vicky! And it is long lasting, too.
      Hope you find it agreeable for yourself. ;)

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  15. Thanks for the review, Lena! I like the NARS sheer glow and have been curious about this one.. I am just worried it will be too similar to GA maestro or the Loreal Nude Magique which both I like but I am not a huge fan.
    But i will def try this one once Because the finish looks very nice on you :)

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    1. Ah, since you mentioned, the NARS does remind me of of those two but I can't say the consistency is exactly the same. It is much creamier and covers better. Hope you get to try a sample and see for yourself soon. :)

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  16. This sounds fabulous Lena! I've been thinking about getting the sheer matte foundation but now with this review I think this is more of what I'd like. My skin is only a tiny bit oily now and I too realize that a light yellow tone foundation makes for the perfect canvas on my skintone. The finish sounds lovely and I think it's totally worth the price tag, I totally must swatch these in person!

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    1. Oh, I still think a sheer coverage foundation is a must in our wardrobe if you don't have one already. I'm glad NARS is careful bringing out a new foundation and each is quite different.
      NARS has a great color range for the base products. I'm sure you can find something that suits you beautifully. :)

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  17. I got a sample of sheer matte and it just balled off my skin and didnt work at all! Im thinking the tester they had out may have been a bit old? Anyways, I really want to try this one but I feel like I'd be in between colours! >.<

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    1. Sorry to hear about the sheer matte balling up on you! Sometimes matte formulations react to certain types of moisturizer, it seems. I did not have any similar issue with this one, though. Hope you can find your shade. :)

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  18. You look gorgeous; lit from within :)

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  19. Great post, Lena. Wow, that finish looks so glowing and flawless on you. The coverage looks fuller, but still so natural.

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    1. Thank you, Jane. :)
      Many people say it is similar to Chanel Perfection Lumiere. I'm just glad I've found a good shade for me cause Chanel foundation colors are not ideal for me.

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  20. I've never tried a NARS base before and thank goodness they finally came out with one that has a pump. (Seriously... who doesn't want a pump?!) If I do go for a NARS base, it'd be this one, I think. If there's a shade just a little darker than Gobi with similar tone, I think that would be my match. Your KGD looks a touch more pink and more traditionally "beige." (Not a good match for typical East Asians.)

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    1. I think you'd like this in summer. Ceylan would work nicely for you. The pump nicely dispenses a perfect amount for 1 use, which is even nicer. ;)
      Koh Gen Do 112 is actually quite yellow compared to other pale neutrals out there. Next to the NARS and Shu, I agree it looks quite beige. (Gobi and 784 are extreme cases of yellow. ^-^) I suspect it has to do with the fact KGD is kind of a mineral foundation that lacks silicone.

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  21. Ah! This is so beautiful on your skin, Lena! I too recently realized a slightly darker foundation with a bit of yellow in it is the magic for me after years of seeking "perfect match" shades. I bought a drugstore foundation blind and it wasn't a perfect match and it's changed my whole view on foundation shades! I have a sample of this NARS foundation coming my way via Sephora and I can't wait to try it out!

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    1. Thank you! :)
      Formulation wise, I think drugstore foundations are just as fine as higher-ends. It is quite difficult to shade-guess, however. I actually really like Revlon Colorstay for dry skin, but unfortunately nothing really works for my skin.
      Let us know what you think of this new NARS foundation. I'm excited to hear about other opinions. :)

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  22. I've been so intrigued with this foundation since I saw press images online! The sleek packaging and new formula seems to be too good! I love that the swatch above shows the true yellow colour - I dislike foundations that have even the slightest tinge of pink because it tends to oxidize! I think I'm going to get a sample of this from Sephora!! Very excited to try it =]

    Stephanie | theFantasia.com

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    1. Hope the shade you're going to try is a close match, too!
      I didn't know pinkish shades oxidize more than yellow ones! Interesting! It kind of makes sense as I've noticed those colors look quite dark and blah on me at the end of the day. ;o

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  23. i think the yellow tone would work for me, too. i've never tried NARS...yet. the pump is a definite plus for me, too!

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    1. I think NARS has a good range of yellow based shades. I hope NARS will include pumps in all their liquid foundation. I won't mind paying a bit more for that. :)

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  24. Hmm. I am still not sure as my skin is more on the oily combo side...though I can be dehydrated. The weather is also so humid here. I think this is one that calls for a sample. But it looks so incredible on you! You're skin is great anyway. :-)

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    1. I'm actually looking forward to seeing how this foundation performs on me in warm weather. It is designed to be long lasting. I have my fingers crossed since I have normal/combination skin with oily t-zone. :)

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  25. It looks amazing on you! I'm loving this foundation too, I was scared it would be too mat or drying but actually the thinnest layer covers everything and looks fab! Much better than Nars Sheer Glow in my opinion ;) xx
    Gyudy's Notes Of Beauty

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    1. Glad to hear it wors nicely for you, too! I wish the color was a bit warmer (Gobi is a very cold yellow if that makes sense), but I can't complain much, honestly. :)

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  26. I really want to try this foundation but I am definitely going to get a sample from Sephora first. It looks great on you though.

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    1. This foundation also works great mixed with other liquid-y foundation. Let us know how you like this foundation for yourself when you try it! :)

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