NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Review

NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
8.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation has to offer:
 
  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.0 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer Well-Suited for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a high humectancy of 6.0 out of 10, entirely due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈2.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Dimethicone (est. ≈40.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a significant concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for dry skin.

The occlusive profile of NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation also contains Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Pros & Cons of NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of NARS Cosmetics All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-packed
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Boron Nitride
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone/PEG-2 Soyamine/IPDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-2
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.0
4
2
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
40.3
40.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6 10
6.0
4
2
Occlusivity All occlusives 40.3 20
10.0
40.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
All humectants 6 10
6
All humectants
6.0
4
2
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
40
0.3
All occlusives 40.3 20
10.0
All occlusives
40.3
40.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Dimethicone
Est. %40
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Water
Est. %22
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Boron Nitride
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Boron NitrideA synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption.
Propanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer

A synthetic ingredient registered as Penstia Powder trademark. It gives a silky and creamy texture to a formula, allowing a product glide smoothly on the skin. It also helps bind other ingredients together and achieve desired consistency and thickness.

PEG-10 Dimethicone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-10 DimethiconeA polyethylene-based emulsifying ingredient. It has a water-loving portion and an oil-loving portion that help to keep the water and oil phases connected to form an emulsion.
Isostearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearic AcidA saturated fatty acid used to mix oil and water and to remove dirt from the skin's surface. Isostearic acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Decyl Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl Isostearate
Isododecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone/PEG-2 Soyamine/IPDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone/PEG-2 Soyamine/IPDI Copolymer
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
Isostearyl Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl IsostearateA synthetic ingredient that softens the appearance of skin and can suspend small particles.
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boerhavia Diffusa Root ExtractA soothing extract derived from punarnava, an Ayurvedic herb. It contains anti-inflammatory and wound healing rotenoids, terpenoids, and organic acids.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Polysilicone-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-2
Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.