In this series we call Tried & True, we shortlist the holy grails and the OGs, the top-shelf regulars, under-the-radar picks, as well as the new and fresh-off-the-lab and the viral sensations worth the hype from reputable brands that we’ve road-tested ourselves.
Behind the name, we explore what makes a brand worth discovering, whether how it has redefined beauty, its founder’s inspiring story, or how its range of offerings gave consumers what they truly want and need.
This edition features none other than the makeup artist-founded brand, NARS.
Amid the prominence of beauty trends and the pressure to look a certain way, there exists a brand that’s not afraid to defy the norm, championing every individual’s uniqueness. For NARS Cosmetics, beauty is not about conformity; it’s about self-expression, experimentation, and the freedom to embrace our true selves without reservation.
Born in France and raised in Paris, François Nars launched NARS Cosmetics in 1994 after years of honing his craft as a makeup artist in the fashion and beauty industry. His bold and daring approach to makeup garnered much attention and he soon became one of the top makeup artists in the scene. His artistic background and expertise in makeup brought something new to the table that shaped the brand’s identity and products. NARS Cosmetics debuted with 12 iconic lipstick shades sold at Barneys New York, paving the way for a beauty empire in the making.
Nars’ fresh perspective as a makeup artist set the tone for the ethos of NARS Cosmetics, emphasizing bold colors, exceptional formulations, and being unapologetically ourselves. Over the years, they’ve expanded their range to include makeup, skincare, and even fragrance, all infused with Nars’ signature blend of artistry and ingenuity.
Today, NARS Cosmetics continues to be a powerhouse in the beauty industry, adored by makeup enthusiasts and professionals worldwide for having a lineup of classics they reach for again and again.
EDITOR FAVORITE
NARS Eyeshadow Palettes
NARS Eyeshadow Palettes are renowned for having a diverse range of shades and finishes. From soft neutrals to shimmery metallics, and even limited-edition collections for special occasions, these palettes provide a comprehensive selection of colors to create endless creative eye looks. They’re also known for their luxurious formula as they’re smooth, blendable, and give good color payoff.
NARS Quad Eyeshadow – Limited Edition
P2,850, Rustan’s
HERO PRODUCT
NARS Powder Blush
The NARS Powder Blush is a makeup bag staple for many reasons. This blush offers an impressive array of shades, from the iconic Orgasm peach to bold berries and cool mauves. Plus, the finely milled powders are blendable and buildable, allowing you to create a sheer wash of color or build it up for a more intense look. Formulated with micronized pigments, this blush also stays put for hours on end without fading or oxidizing.
NARS Powder Blush
P1,900, Lazada
CULT CLASSIC
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
The NARS Light Reflecting Foundation has been creating a buzz for the radiant, “lit-from-within” look it gives with the added skincare benefits. This foundation indeed delivers on its namesake, giving a soft glow that looks like your skin but better. It’s not a dewy finish, but rather a natural radiance that flatters most skin types. While the coverage is buildable, many users find that a single pump is sufficient enough to even out the skin tone and give off a healthy-looking glow.
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
P2,950, Lazada
TIMELESS ICON
NARS Bronzing Powder
The NARS Bronzing Powder, especially its iconic Laguna shade, is a beloved product with a loyal following. This bronzer is like butter—smooth, easy to blend, and almost impossible to get patchy. It applies seamlessly for a natural, sun-kissed look. A light touch can provide subtle warmth, while layering on the product can provide a more sculpted definition.
Another great feature of the bronzing powder is that it has a decent shade range with options from fair to deep complexions. There’s also a choice between the original formula with a subtle shimmer and a newer matte version.
NARS Bronzing Powder
P2,250, Lazada
UNDERRATED HOLY GRAIL
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
This foundation is best known for leaving a soft, dewy glow that flatters most skin types. Its serum-like formula makes it feel weightless on the skin which makes it ideal for everyday wear. It can also be layered on for slightly more coverage without losing the natural finish. Plus, it’s hydrating enough so it won’t cling onto dry patches on the skin or accentuate skin texture.
While the foundation offers decent wear time on its own, applying a setting powder can significantly improve its longevity, especially for oily skin.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
P2,750, Lazada
UNDER-THE-RADAR ESSENTIAL
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
Despite its matte finish, this lip pencil applies smoothly without tugging or dragging. Once applied, the creamy formula sets to a comfortable matte texture that feels featherlight on the lips without any dryness or discomfort. A single swipe can already deliver a rich, opaque color that lasts so one won’t need multiple layers to achieve full coverage. This product has become a go-to choice for a lot of users because it can be used as a lipstick for a full lip look or as a lip liner to define and outline the lips.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
P1,600, Rustan’s
HARDWORKING MUST-TRY
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
A little goes a long way with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It can effectively hide blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections without the product feeling heavy on the skin. The lightweight texture and soft-matte finish make it ideal for those with normal to oily skin types.
It’s also noteworthy for its ability to give off a radiant and natural-looking finish. Unlike matte concealers that can leave the undereye area looking dry and creased, its formula can provide a dewy glow that instantly brightens the complexion.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
P1,900, Lazada
MULTITASKING MARVEL
NARS The Multiple
This product is the master of all trades because this single stick provides a range of uses, simplifying one’s makeup routine and saving space in one’s bag. It’s lauded for its versatility and ability to function as a blush, bronzer, highlighter, and even an eyeshadow. With its creamy and blendable formula, it can be swiped onto the skin and blended using the fingertips, a brush, or a makeup sponge and one can already achieve a multitude of looks—from a pop of color on the lips to a light shimmer on the cheekbones.
