NARS · Velvet Matte Foundation Stick

This Fall, NARS is introducing Velvet Matte Foundation Stick, a format that’s a first for the brand. Coming out the gate in an impressive amount of 20 shades, the colour range will definitely meet a wide variety of complexions but over & above that, is the utter portability of this product. Busy lifestyles have definitely met their … match.

I am such a total sucker for original (and versatile) press packaging — how fabulous is the little zippered case these came with? I’m already planning on re-purposing it!

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Velvet Matte Foundation Stick (CAN $55.00/each) | Up until this came along, my favourite foundation from NARS has been the Velvet Matte Skin Tint, but that’s now in danger of being bumped down to #2. With its creamy feel that dries out to a soft matte finish upon the skin but which still manages to display a subtle luminosity, the texture of each Velvet Matte Foundation Stick is one that really needs to be felt to be completely understood. Conveniently built into one end is a removable later-free sponge that is not only great for spot touch-ups, but can also be used for harder to reach areas of the face (i.e.: around the nose). Coverage can range from semi-sheer to medium and is easily layerable without worry of product moving around beneath, with no oxidation seen throughout the wearing. As if all of the aforementioned weren’t enough, these sticks can also perform double-duty as a contouring and/or bronzing product, extending their versatility even further than conventional foundation. Long-wearing, this texture is perfect for normal to combination/oily skin but there’s also enough slip in the formula that makes it suitable for drier skin types as well — I suggest testing them at the counter first to see about compatibility.

Factoring in that skin tones come with differing undertones, this foundation is available in four colour groups bearing either cool, neutral, or warm tints — making it even easier to find a shade that will truly be your exact match. Regarding application, I prefer using my fingers as the warmth of my skin helps to really fuse this product in for the most flawless finish, and the sponge is great for stippling on areas that may need a touch more coverage. That said, it should be noted that dabbing/stippling is the best way to use this sponge as I found that a swiping motion left some light streaking behind.

Siberia Light 1 – light with neutral balance of pink & yellow undertones
Mont Blanc Light 2 – light with pink undertones
Fiji Light 5 – light with yellow undertones
Ceylan Light 6 – light with yellow undertones

Punjab Medium 1 – medium with golden, peachy undertones
Vallauris Medium 1.5 – medium with pink undertones
Stromboli Medium 3 – medium with olive undertones

Syracuse Med/Dark 1 – medium dark with brown undertones
Cadiz Med/Dark 3 – medium dark with caramel and red undertones

Trinidad Dark 1 – dark with warm yellow undertones
Khartoum Dark 4 – dark with espresso undertones

Found my match! Look how beautifully Fiji blends out along my skin

As someone who has often struggled with finding an exact foundation colour match that also combines an easy-to-work-with texture that won’t leave my skin looking oily an hour after application, I couldn’t be happier with these Velvet Matte Foundation Sticks. Add to that how travel-friendly this format is PLUS the built in sponge (which means you don’t have to cart around extra tools), and what you’ve got here is the makings of one stellar product. NARS, you’re making it almost too easy — but thanks just the same.

Available September at all NARS counters