NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30 Review

What is tinted moisturiser?

Tinted moisturiser has the same components and texture as facial moisturisers. Added to the moisturising liquid are pigments (the colour part of foundation), which provide a lighter coverage than traditional foundation. Tinted moisturiser is sometimes used as a summertime replacement for heavier foundations, but we love using it all year-round.

Tinted moisturiser won’t cover or sit on top of your natural skin tone or complexion. It will help to create an even complexion, smooth out discoloration, and bring a healthy, hydrated glow to your face.

Nars Pure Radiant Ingredient Review

NARS have created a cult following with this tinted moisturiser – and for good reason. Available in 12 different shades, NARS’ Pure Radiant is a staple in the WIW world.

1. Apply tinted moisturiser after any serums, facial oils and moisturiser. Most tinted moisturisers (including Pure Radiant) are made with SPF30.
2. For a no-makeup, au naturel look, apply two-parts Pure Radiant with one part facial moisturiser.
3. For medium coverage, apply a smallish drop on each cheek, forehead, nose and neck, and blend into your skin.
4. For fuller coverage, mix a little foundation with your tinted moisturiser.
5. Concealer, bronzers, and blushes are applied on top of Pure Radiant.

Complexion

No more disappearing freckles: natural beauty spots are still visible when using Pure Radiant. We can also still see natural rosiness across our cheeks. Dark under-eyes and discolouration on the other hand are smoothed out, and washed over with our tone of choice. The result: we have even skin tones, which makes a good base for applying bronzer or blush over.

Coverage

Pure Radiant provides light to medium coverage, depending on your usage. A few small drops acts as a kiss of colour, to provide an even appearance. It’s a buildable product though, so the more you use, the heavier the coverage will be.

Wearability

Pure Radiant lasts as long as heavier foundation would. Because of it’s moisturising component, it also doesn’t dry out, so your skin stays dewy all day. The pigmented component of Pure Radiant sticks around too – our application tends to last for a full working day.

Pure Radiant for different skin types

Those of us with dry skin use Pure Radiant as a second moisturiser. Pure Radiant isn’t moisturising enough on its own to replace our non-pigmented facial moisturisers, but it does help to lock it in. Skin is noticeably softer, and looks plump throughout the day. We suggest using a facial oil and moisturiser before applying Pure Radiant to help it absorb fully into your skin.

For those with an oily base, Pure Radiant won’t clog pores or make your face shiny. It’s not a matte product, but it does absorb into skin rather than sit on top. For those of us with oily skin, Pure Radiant actually helps to balance our natural oils.

Price point

At $69 (from Mecca stores), Pure Radiant is at the higher end of tinted moisturisers. The 50ml quantity and long-lasting wearability means it’ll last the stretch. WIW editors tend to go through a bottle between 4-6 months.

Final Thoughts about the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

Overall: 4/5 stars

Our favourite benefits of Pure Radiant (in no apparent order): It’s buildability, making it a versatile product. It doesn’t hide our natural glow or complexion, which means we’re celebrating our natural appearance. And it’s a great base for products like cream blush or powdered bronzer. We love it, and we think you will too.