NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder vs Loose Setting Powder
BY JENNY JUNG
The lowdown on what you need to know about the newest powders from NARS.
23 NOV - 2022
Pick your fighter: pressed powder or loose powder?
Choosing between a loose or pressed powder has never been easier. The new NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Translucent Powders have undergone some major renovations in terms of shade range and packaging so we’re going to share the ups and downs so that you can make the right decision.
NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Powders, $66 NZD.
NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Powders, $66 NZD.
NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Translucent Pressed Powder
At first, this powder looks like a highlighter due to the light reflecting complex. However, on application, these particles diffuse into the skin, smooth over pores and adjust to the changing light sources. The shimmery particles are so finely milled, the product itself does not show on the skin whatsoever.
We recommend this powder for people who want to set their makeup without diminishing the glow or finish from their favourite foundation. Yes, this is a powder that feels matte to the touch but won’t detract from the radiant finish of your base makeup. Instead, the Light Reflecting powder leaves a weightless veil of softly mattifying powder that creates the most genuine skin-like finish. An absolute godsend for those with dry skin, there is finally a powder for you: non-drying and feather light.
However, keep in mind that once you near the end of this powder, it is much more prone to breaking. If this bothers you, try the loose version as they both perform beautifully.
NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Translucent Powder, $66 NZD.
NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Translucent Loose Powder
Although the NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Translucent Loose Setting Powder may feel like the HD loose powders that we tend to stay away from, this powder is not chalky or patchy at all. Rather, it has a feathery light feel that melts into the skin and pores.
If you tend to stay away from loose powders due to the inconvenience, the packaging is very well thought out so you won’t get powder all over the place. Not only is there a mesh opening, but there is also a cap that safely secures the product. As such, we think that the loose powder is a much better option for travelling than its pressed counterpart.
We also recommend the loose version for those with deeper skin tones who like using peach/ warm orange powders underneath foundation for colour correcting. The shades Mesa and Shore would be perfect for this purpose! Furthermore, if you want to try the powder before foundation technique, the loose powder would be the best option for this.
NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $66 NZD.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you are wondering whether the pressed or loose version will be best, the answer is rather simple because the effect on the skin is practically identical. However, if you are looking to travel or you would like to use the powders for a special reason such as colour correcting or priming, you can make your decision according to the above.
If you like using powders with a sponge, we would recommend picking up the pressed version. This is because a sponge will pick up a lot more powder when it is loose, so you will be getting the best value with a pressed powder. Otherwise, if you like using a brush for your powder application, the loose version will be perfect as the brush would pick up a more even amount of product this way.
NARS Light Reflecting Crystal Translucent Powder, $66 NZD.
RELATED STORIES
GIVEAWAY
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Chatty Chum's mailing list to receive the latest in beauty and lifestyle news, giveaways and the launch of our Editor's Collection boxes.