Product Review -- NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

As a general rule, I don't believe in spending a lot of money for on a tinted moisturizer.

They're basically just a super light coverage foundation, and while I always try to use products that contain good ingredients for my skin, I don't think you always need to spend an arm and a leg to do that.

That said, I have bought a couple of high end tinted moisturizers over the years so when a friend told me how she loves the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, I got a little curious.

It's $44, though, which is a hell of a lot to spend on a tinted moisturizer in my book, so I waited until NARS was recently having a 20% off sale to pick it up.

But even at $35, this is a super pricey tinted moisturizer so I can't help being pretty critical of it.

I want to feel like I'm really getting my money's worth, you know?

The Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer comes in a black plastic squeeze tube. You get 1.9 ounces, which seems fairly generous.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

The tinted moisturizer has a fairly thick, creamy consistency. It blends easily into the skin, though, and feels super lightweight on the skin so it's very comfortable to wear. While it's not drying, it isn't particularly hydrating so if you have dry skin, you'll still need to apply a regular moisturizer underneath.

It does contain SPF30, though, so you may not need a separate sunscreen.

The coverage is sheer as is the case with all tinted moisturizers. It does a nice job of evening out the skintone, though, so if you have fairly clear skin, you can probably get away with just wearing this.

If you're dealing with more discolorations, you'll probably want to pair it with a good concealer and apply a powder  foundation over it for extra coverage.

The finish provides a nice natural glow without looking greasy so you won't necessarily need to powder it if you have normal to dry skin.

I purchased the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in the lightest shade, Finland (Light 1). It is supposed to be neutral, with a balance of yellow and pink tones. Personally, I think the shade leans much more toward the yellow end of the spectrum, which is the best match for me. However, because it's sheer, I can get away with it.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Finland (Light 1)

(Honestly, I feel like most of NARS' light foundation shades are too yellow for me. I don't know why they think neutral = hella yellow, but they definitely seem to.)

All in all, I think this is a pretty nice tinted moisturizer -- is it $44 nice, though?

I don't really think so.

Don't get me wrong -- if your budget allows for a $44 tinted moisturizer, you'll probably be happy with this one.

If you want your beauty budget to stretch a little further, I think you can find a tinted moisturizer that's just as good at a lower price point.

It's available on the NARS website, Sephora, and anywhere you can buy NARS products.

Have you tried the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer? What's your favorite tinted moisturizer?