For this Sample Stash Sunday, I have chosen to review the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska. I forgot to do this last Sunday, so here ye are! I got it for a purchase of an eyeshadow trio (Ramatuelle) and a Sheer Lipstick (Vendanges), but I thought of using it only recently, when I was going through my samples.

I don’t usually use foundation or face things because it breaks my skin out and they don’t really set properly. My face can’t handle compact powders either (though Shu Uemura’s works wonders for my sister). Go figure. For an even base, I only look for the lightest coverage, because I just look like a cake face and then break out afterward.

My go-to face product is Ahava’s Light Foundation, topped off with a pore minimiser from The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil line. Being the lemming that I am, though, I love trying out new products.

The Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer has a light cream consistency and goes on the skin smoothly. I only need about three times the amount shown on this picture to cover my entire face. Alaska is a fairly light shade, the second lightest one of nine, though it didn’t really give me a white cast, so that’s good. It’s described as “a light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones.”

Here it is, blended out.

Here’s a swatch with flash.

I was super impressed with the product because it gave me a dewy glow. It smells super nice, too, much like their sheer lipsticks, which has a light, fresh scent that I like. It’s not an overpowering smell, though. It tends to cling to dry skin and highlights patchiness, so I like using this when my skin is clear as opposed to when I have less-than-stellar skin.

I used the tinted moisturizer on this face of the day!

While I liked it already (for a light-feeling, dewy finish!), I became even more impressed upon reading the product description.

Pros of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer:

• oil-free
• paraben-free
• synthetic-fragrance free
• non-comedogenic
• SPF 30/PA+++ — Broad spectrum UVA/UVB Protection
• cleaner, brighter complexion after 4 weeks of use

Wow! I’ve debated against buying a full bottle because of how I can’t really wear it when I have dry skin, but I am thinking maybe it needs to be used continuously to be effective. I think I’ll pick up a full bottle when my Ahava Liquid Foundation runs out.

UPDATE: I’ve been getting a few bumps on my face and when Krysty said that she gets weird bumps from this product, I immediately thought that it might be the same thing! So I’m back to using my regular light foundation, and let’s see if it clears up.

VERDICT: Impressive tinted moisturizer with translucent coverage (for a dewy finish) and SPF. Bonus for being oil-free and paraben-free.
Would you purchase again? Yes!
How much? $42 for 1.9 oz. I forgot, but I think it’s upwards Php 1,000 for the full bottle.
Where to purchase in Manila? NARS Counters in Rustan’s department stores.