NARS | Velvet Matte Skin Tint | ommorphia beauty bar

Velvet Matte Skin Tint (CAN $54.00/available in 12 shades) is the latest entry from NARS onto the foundation playing field; combining oil-busting properties with a lightweight skin feel, this product will change the way you look at matte face products.

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Included in the formula are:

Rosefruit Extract to visibly minimize the appearance of pores and for shine control
Vitamins C & E to protect against free-radical damage
Transparent Blurring Powders to reduce the look of imperfections

Housed in a convenient squeeze tube with a flip-top lid (my fave), this oil-free formula glides effortlessly along the skin and can be easily blended out with either fingers, a beauty sponge, or a brush. The finish mimics the soft nap of velvet and like its namesake fabric, bears a similar plush feel along with a soft-focus sheen. Staying power is excellent without oxidation (when the colour changes on the skin), and does a good job of keeping oil at bay throughout the wearing.

When it comes to foundations, my preferences fall on the sheer to lightweight types of formulas, although I’ll go as far as medium coverage – especially when attending an event where I’ll want my makeup to stay pristine. That being said and with the exception of the brand’s Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, I haven’t always had much success with NARS foundations … until now. Velvet Matte Skin Tint is absolutely perfect for my combination/oily skin providing buildable coverage, a soft touch/oil-absorbing finish, and feels so featherlight along the skin that I forget I even have anything on. Having tested this product out for a few weeks now, my preferred method of application is to dot it along the skin first, then go in with a Beauty Blender (that I first lightly mist with a face primer spray), and if needed, finish up by buffing in with a brush (the Real Techniques Sculpting Brush is a current favourite). One thing I noticed, however, is that Velvet Matte Skin Tint behaves much better on my skin without primer layered underneath – something to note.

Of the five shades I was kindly sent to test, two are good matches for my complexion now, while one will be a great fit once the warmer weather hits and I get a bit of colour on my face. The two extremes (palest & darkest) may not work on me straight from the tube, but by mixing them with any of the others, I’ve been able to create customized shades that I’m still able to use.

NARS | Velvet Matte Skin Tint

NARS | Velvet Matte Skin Tint swatches

NARS | Velvet Matte Skin Tint swatches (lightly blended out)

Terre-Nerve Light 0 | The lightest of the five shown, this shade will suit those with fair complexions and rosy undertones.

Finland Light 1 | While still quite light against my skin, this shade has enough of a peachy tint to the base that makes it wearable for those with fair to light-medium complexions.

Alaska Light 2 | An excellent match against my skin, this neutral shade has just enough pink and peach in the base to make it workable for those with light to light-medium complexions.

Groenland Light 3 | With a pink undertone in the base, this makes an great shade to add brightness; those with golden/yellow undertones can still get away with wearing this shade when applied as a thin layer and ensured it’s thoroughly buffed in.

Annapurna Medium 2 | The obvious darkest of the five, I suspect a sheer layer of this shade will look amazing against lightly tanned skin, although it’s not wearable on me right now. In a pinch, it can also double as a creamy bronzer on light-medium complexions; just make sure to buff it thoroughly into the skin for a seamless effect.

If you’re looking for a foundation that applies with the ease of a moisturizer, evens your skin tone (and betters it over time), will not grease up by day’s end, AND has a weightless feel, then look no further than NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint. A combination treatment/beauty product (don’t you just love multi-tasking makeup?) the formulation here is quite revolutionary and absolutely worth the hype. Those with very dry skin should certainly test drive it at counter first; those with combo/oily complexions should run to the counter now.

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint is available at The Bay, Sephora, Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom stores across Canada. Find more information via www.narscosmetics.com