NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint

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Hello, class! I’m so excited to be able to talk about the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint today. I am more than confident in my ability to review this item because not only have I tested it in below-freezing New York temperatures, but I also wore it for a full week in the balmy climate of Cuba.

Product Claims

According to NARS, the instant results of this product are:

SOFT-FOCUS EFFECT
Transparent Blurring Powders instantly enhance the look of skin by helping to diffuse imperfections with a powerful optical effect.

SOFT-TOUCH FEEL
The powders’ unique, spherical shape compresses like a cushion, delivering a velvety-smooth, touchable feel and superior comfort on application.

The alleged long-term benefits of the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint are:

REFINED PORES & SHINE CONTROL
Rose Fruit Extract visibly minimizes the appearance of pores, while controlling shine.

ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE
Vitamins C, E, and broad spectrum SPF 30 protect against free-radical damage caused by environmental stress.

THE SOFT-TOUCH LOOK
Simply touch and go for an effortlessly perfected look. Glide on Velvet Matte Skin Tint to instantly even skintone with a soft-matte effect. Follow with Radiant Creamy Concealer where needed to instantly diffuse imperfections.

I tested the shade Terre-Neuve, which is the lightest option available.

Let’s get to grading (be sure to check out the grading policy!)

Grading

Ease of Application: 5/5
I’ve applied the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint using both a beauty blender and my fingers. I have had success with both methods. No complaints here!

Formula: 5/5
As I mentioned, I was able to try this in great dryness and crazy humidity. I found that regardless of environment, it lasted a full day with no touch-ups necessary. I do usually apply over a primer that counteracts whatever I’m feeling that day (dryness, oiliness, etc.) though I have also used it on its own and experienced no issues. The SPF 30 did prevent my face from burning in Cuba, and I do believe this product does have a pore-minimizing effect. It is very light on the skin, though not impossible to rub off if you happen to scratch your face over-zealously.

Color: 5/5
Again, I used Terre-Neuve (Light 0) which is recommended for the lightest skin tones with pink undertones. I am a touch lighter than MAC NC20 right now, and this shade blends perfectly on my face, though it does lean a bit pink on my hand. It offers quite a full coverage- I did not need any concealer when I used this over blemishes.

pre-blending

post-blending

Packaging: 4/5
The NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint comes in a 50mL black squeeze tube. It is very sleek and easy to use; the cap also stays on quite firmly. My only issue is that beneath the cap I have some excess product building up. This could easily be user-error (or the plane ride), so no need to panic about it.