Radiance On Repeat: NARS Cushion Foundation and the Light Reflecting Line
The Light Reflecting line from NARS has been around for a couple of years now, but recently, they’ve expanded it into a full-fledged makeup collection—from skin prep all the way to finishing touches. I had the chance to try the entire lineup at a recent NARS event, so I wanted to share some thoughts on the collection.
The five-piece collection is all about helping you "see your skin in its best light," thanks to makeup-skincare hybrids powered by innovative technology. At the heart of the lineup are two standout complexes: the Radiance Retention Complex, which helps protect skin from blue light and pollution, and the Light Reflecting Complex, designed to enhance luminosity by optimizing how light bounces off the skin’s surface. Whether used individually or layered together, each product is formulated to deliver a brightening, light-reflecting effect, which is true to the name of the collection.
Starting off the makeup routine is the NARS Light Reflecting Tone-up Veil SPF 27/PA++ (P2,300 for 30ml). This primer helps correct dullness with a Brightening Pearl Blend that gives skin an instant, softly diffused tone-up effect. It also comes with skincare perks, thanks to the Triple Sugar Complex and Radiance Retention Complex. Together, they boost hydration, lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, and even improve skin texture in as little as four weeks.
You only need a small amount, and it’s best to let it fully absorb before applying base makeup. It feels incredibly lightweight, almost like there's nothing on the skin, but it leaves your face looking smoother and naturally radiant. I’ve actually started using this alone on no-makeup days. The added SPF is a great bonus and definitely cuts down on prep time.
Aside from the now iconic NARS Light Reflecting Foundation (P2,950), the collection now includes the new Light Reflecting Serum Cushion Foundation SPF 42/PA++ (P2,300 for the refill and sponge only). Both base products offer medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish. They're non-acnegenic and feel breathable on the skin, which makes them comfortable enough for everyday, all-day wear.
When it comes to shades, the original Foundation offers a wider range, though unfortunately, not all of them are available locally. The Cushion has fewer options, but it’s great for on-the-go touch-ups or those who prefer a more compact format.
While the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation doesn’t have SPF, it leans heavily into skincare benefits. The brand claims it can "improve skin clarity after six weeks of daily use, even after makeup is removed". This is a bold promise, but one that’s backed by a blend of thoughtful ingredients like Biomimetic Oat, Japanese Lilyturf, Cacao Peptides, and Milk Thistle. It's also worth noting that the formula is free from mineral oil, silicone, and parabens, which is a nice plus for those who are particular about what goes on their skin.
The Cushion Foundation brings its own skincare perks to the table. It’s said to improve "skin barrier function by 27% in just four weeks" and gradually brightens the complexion, thanks to the Triple C Brightening Complex. It also includes the Radiance Retention Complex for protection against blue light and pollution. While both bases are skincare-infused, the Cushion puts more emphasis on radiance and hydration throughout wear.
Its Skincare-coated Pigments and Breathable Hydra Veil work together to create a skin-like finish with up to 24 hours of radiant, non-drying, dewy wear. It comes in eight shades, which may be limiting depending on your undertone, but if you find a match, it wears beautifully.
Swatches from Top to Bottom: NARS Light Reflecting Serum Cushion Foundation SPF 42/PA++ and NARS Light Reflecting Foundation; both in shade Punjab
I use the shade Punjab, a medium with warm undertones, for both base products. When swatched, the Foundation initially looks a bit lighter than the Cushion, but once applied to the face, it adjusts and blends slightly darker. On the skin, the Foundation gives more of a lit-from-within glow, while the Cushion offers a soft radiance filter effect that’s noticeably dewier.
Coverage-wise, both do a solid job evening out the skin, though I still reach for a concealer to fully neutralize my under eye circles. They’re not full coverage, but they strike a nice balance between looking polished and still letting your skin shine through.
NARS Light Reflecting Serum Cushion Foundation SPF 42/PA++ in Punjab, before and after 10 hours of wear
To set everything in place, the collection includes two setting products: a pressed powder and a mist. The NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (P2,250 for 3g) is a translucent formula that became the number one best-selling NARS product in Asia back in 2021, and it’s easy to see why. It’s incredibly lightweight and sets makeup without adding any extra color, making it perfect for touch-ups or keeping shine at bay.
It contains the Light Reflecting Complex for a soft-focus finish, while Photochromic Technology helps the powder adjust to different lighting conditions, so there’s no flashback in photos. There are two shades available, but only Crystal is currently available here.
The newest addition is the NARS Light Reflecting Setting Mist (P2,150 for 90ml). It works just like you’d expect from a good setting spray, with the added bonus of skincare benefits. Infused with the Radiance Retention Complex, it helps protect the skin while keeping everything in place. It also features Invisible Lock Technology, which claims to lock in hydration for up to 24 hours and set makeup for up to 12 hours—hence the tagline, “Keep your light on lock.”
NARS products may be on the pricier side but no one can deny the quality. The Light Reflecting Collection is no exception. These are products that give value for money when you consider the performance, ingredients, and technology involved. You can check them out online at the Look PH website, the Rustan's website, or at the NARS Lazada Flagship Store. For in person store locations, you can find them here: Rustan’s Department Stores, Central Square BGC, Power Plant Mall Makati, Pop Up Store at SM Megamall and Robinsons Magnolia.
Nars Light Reflecting Tone-up Veil SPF 27/PA++ Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Titanium Dioxide, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxyphenyl Trimethicone, Triisostearin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Xylitol, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Aluminium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, BHT, Polysilicone-2, Mica, Tin Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Erythritol, Triethanolamine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isostearic Acid, Trehalose, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Nars Light Reflecting Foundation Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, C9-12 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Undecane, Tridecane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Diisostearyl Malate, Glycerin, Synthetic Wax, Sodium Chloride, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Tocopherol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Sea Water/Maris Aqua/Eau de Mer, Trisodium EDTA, Barium Sulfate, Alumina, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, [+/-(may contain): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)]
Nars Light Reflecting Serum Cushion Foundation SPF 42/PA++ Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Titanium Dioxide, Decyl Cocoate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Isoamyl Laurate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dioctyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glyceryl Oleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Triheptanoin, C9-12 Alkane, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, [+/-(may contain): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)]
Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder Ingredients:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Squalane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sea Water/Maris Aqua/Eau de Mer, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Magnesium Silicate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Tin Oxide, [+/-(may contain): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)]
Nars Light Reflecting Setting Mist Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Polyimide-1, 1,2-Hexanediol, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Polyimide-1, 1,2-Hexanediol, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate
