For me, NARS is tied to some of my earliest memories of makeup. As a kid born in the mid-’90s with a surprisingly clear memory of my toddler years, I remember sneaking into my mom’s jade-green acrylic makeup case and pulling out products from the brand—including its famous powder blushes with bold, risqué names I was still too young to read.
These days, my own makeup collection is much more varied, and my heavy-makeup phase as an alternative teenager is behind me. Still, there are moments that call for formulas that can really go the distance—like the Met Gala. And while my relationship with makeup has changed a lot over the years, one thing has stayed the same: blush is always a must.
Whether in fashion, film, music, or beauty, ’90s aesthetics always come back around (though I’d argue they never really left). When it comes to mid-’90s to early 2000s beauty, few brands are as closely linked to that era as NARS. Founded in 1994 by French editorial makeup artist and photographer François Nars, the brand arrived when matte complexions, softly diffused blush, vampy or neutral lips, and heavily smokey eyes were the look. Despite the bold products used to create these styles, the overall effect still felt effortlessly cool.
Vogue’s Favorite NARS Products
– The Mascara: NARS Notorious Mascara, $29
– The Powder Blush: NARS Powder Blush, $36
– The Cream Concealer: NARS Complete Concealer, $36
– The Longwear Liquid Blush: NARS Insatiable Liquid Blush, $36
– The Longwear Foundation: NARS Natural Matte Foundation, $55
– The Sheer Tinted Balm: NARS After Glow Lip Balm, $30
– The Liquid Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $36
– The Subtle Shimmer: NARS Sparkling Seduction Liquid Eyeshadow, $28
– The Multipurpose Color: NARS The Multiple, $40
Nars’s (the founder, not the brand) experience behind the camera offers some insight into the brand’s lasting approach to makeup. The brand became known for long-wearing, highly pigmented cosmetics that held up not only through long days, but also under the harsh glare of flash photography. That focus on performance is still clear in many of the brand’s formulas, even as its approach has evolved significantly since the ’90s.
Today, NARS complexion products like its Light Reflecting Foundation are a far cry from the heavier, full-coverage formulas of the ’90s—better reflecting the skincare-rich, skin-like complexion trends of the 2020s. These formulas have certainly helped set the standard for skincare-makeup hybrids, and the same can be said for its Orgasm blush—a matte, peachy-pink pigment that has been a bestseller for over 25 years since its 1999 debut. Whether you’re inspired by past decades or simply want products that last—and enhance your skin in the process—we’ve put together a list of the best NARS makeup formulas of 2026 for your reading and shopping pleasure.
The Mascara: NARS Notorious Mascara
Vogue’s Conçetta Ciarlo uses NARS’s Notorious Mascara.
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NARS Notorious Mascara, $29 (also at ULTA)
Why We Love It: Having only launched earlier this month, NARS’s latest mascara isn’t for minimalists or no-makeup makeup fans. Instead, lovers of volumizing mascara may have just found their new holy grail, especially those who want volume without clumping. The formula uses flexible polymers for density and argan oil to condition lashes. Even though it’s not a tubing or waterproof mascara, this pick still offers up to 16 hours of flake- and smudge-free wear, and it comes off easily with water and a gentle cleanser.
Key Ingredients: Rice bran wax, glycerin, jojoba esters, sunflower seed wax, argan oil, flex polymers.
Shades: 2
Size: 0.28oz / 8g
Love It / Leave It
– Ophthalmologist tested
– Not for extreme, dramatic volume
– Lengthening and defining without clumping
The Powder Blush: NARS Powder Blush
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NARS Powder Blush, $36 (also at ULTA)
Vogue’s Kiana Murden uses the NARS Powder Blush.
Why We Love It: It’s impossible to think of NARS without the brand’s iconic Orgasm powder blush.Launched back in 1999, this product has shades with names ranging from subtle to outright suggestive, but the color payoff is impressive across the board. More than 26 years later, the formula still holds up—both in lasting popularity and wear time of up to 16 hours. A little goes a long way with this powder blush, and achieving a soft, blurred finish takes minimal effort.
Key Ingredients: Mica, kaolin, zinc stearate.
Shades: 35
Size: 0.17 oz / 4.8 g
Love It: Long-lasting wear with great color payoff
Leave It: Not as suited for acne-prone skin
Easy application and blending
The Cream Concealer: NARS Complete Concealer
Vogue’s Conçetta Ciarlo uses NARS Complete Concealer.
Why We Love It: Unlike a liquid concealer that might feel weightless but doesn’t last, NARS’s Complete Concealer takes a more substantial approach—both in texture and longevity. This cream pot formula has a smooth, dense feel that melts into the skin with fingertips or a brush, offering buildable, full coverage. That makes it especially good for covering hyperpigmentation spots or dark circles.
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin, paraffin wax, tocopherol
Shades: 30
Size: 6.2g
Love It: Long-wearing, waterproof, and crease-proof formula
Leave It: Not entirely non-comedogenic, with two potential pore-clogging ingredients
Excellent coverage for dark circles
The Longwear Liquid Blush: NARS Insatiable Liquid Blush
Vogue’s Conçetta Ciarlo uses NARS’s Insatiable Liquid Blush.
Why We Love It: While the brand’s powder blushes have historically gotten the most attention, the Insatiable Liquid Blush is just as good—and it’s relatively new, having only launched in May. This lightweight formula delivers vibrant (but buildable) color that blends effortlessly. Plus, it’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides and peptides. Even better, the formula lasts up to 16 hours, taking your makeup from morning coffee to after-work cocktails.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, jojoba esters, sunflower seed wax, cocoa seed butter, ceramides, peptides, tocopherol
Shades: 16
Size: 8.5 ml
Love It: Intense color payoff
Leave It: May not last as long on very oily skin types
Skincare-infused ingredients
The Longwear Foundation: NARS Natural Matte Foundation
Vogue’s Conçetta Ciarlo uses NARS’s Natural Matte Foundation.
Why We Love It: Sure, NARS has always been known for its long-wearing, high-coverage foundations, but this one feels like a 2.0 version. We’ll admit, the texture isn’t weightless. That said, what makes it an upgrade is the skincare-focused formula, featuring peptides, niacinamide, and microgreens to smooth skin and balance oil. This foundation also helps soften the look of pores, texture, and other imperfections while keeping excess shine in check all day—making it a great pick for special occasions. If you want something lighter, the Radiant Finish Foundation offers similar benefits with a slightly glowy result.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, micro greens, microspheres, film formers, squalane
Shades: 49
Size: 1 fl oz
Love It: Wide shade range
Leave It: Some find it clings to dry patches if skin isn’t well prepped
Extra long-wearing formula
The Sheer Tinted Balm: NARS After Glow Lip Balm
Vogue’s Conçetta Ciarlo uses NARS Afterglow Lip Balm.
Why We Love It: The Afterglow Lip Balm sits perfectly between a classic lip balm and a sheer lipstick. Its buttery formula glides on easily, giving a soft, buildable wash of color while still feeling as comfortable as a balm. The non-sticky finish adds a subtle shine, and nourishing ingredients like mango seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid keep lips hydrated.The lipstick feels smooth and keeps your lips hydrated. It comes in nine shades, from clear to shimmery to bold red, so there’s a match for everyone. Key ingredients include mango seed oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. It’s available in a 3 g size. You’ll love the super hydrating formula and that it’s fragrance-free, making it safe for sensitive skin. On the downside, the color doesn’t last as long as some might hope.
Next up is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, a favorite of Vogue’s Conçetta Ciarlo. Priced at $36, it’s available at NARS and ULTA. We love it because, unlike the heavier Complete Concealer, this one offers a lighter touch. Its fluid, creamy texture gives medium, buildable coverage that hides imperfections while still looking natural. It feels weightless on the skin and includes skin-care benefits, like a botanical blend that helps with hydration and reduces redness. Plus, it lasts up to 16 hours without creasing. As a Black woman, I found this concealer to be a game-changer. NARS was one of the first brands to offer shades and undertones that matched our skin, making it easier to cover dark circles and hyperpigmentation. It blends seamlessly and is still a go-to for me today. Key ingredients are dimethicone, glycerin, grape seed extract, and tocopherol. It comes in 30 shades and a 0.22 oz size. The wide shade range and natural finish are big pluses, though some users notice the color can oxidize slightly after drying.
For a subtle shimmer, there’s the NARS Sparkling Seduction Liquid Eyeshadow, also used by Conçetta Ciarlo and priced at $28. This new liquid eyeshadow gives a sheer, light-catching finish with just the right amount of sparkle. The gel-like texture glides on easily before drying, and you can layer it for more color. Whether you want a soft shimmer or a bold metallic look, it’s all about how much you apply. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested, so no worries about irritation. Key ingredients include glycerin, urea, allantoin, sodium PCA, sodium hyaluronate, and tocopherol. It comes in 5 shades and a 0.15 oz size. The texture is smooth and non-scratchy, and the color is buildable, but it dries quickly, so you’ll need to blend fast.
Finally, there’s the NARS The Multiple, a multipurpose color stick priced at $40. While these sticks are common now, back in 2001 when NARS launched it, the idea was fresh. A simple swipe could add color to cheeks, lips, and lids, making a coordinated look much easier. The formula has been updated with botanical extracts and a smooth cream-to-powder finish. Key ingredients are peach kernel oil, rhubarb root extract, and meadowfoam seed oil. It comes in 12 shades and an 8 g size. It’s versatile and blends quickly, but some find it can disturb foundation underneath. The large stick makes it easy to apply color to eyes, cheeks, and lips.
Here’s what you need to know about how we test products. We take a full approach to give well-rounded recommendations. We rely on Vogue’s network of experts, like fragrance specialists, to get professional insights on standout products they’d actually use on clients. We combine their knowledge with our editorial standards to create the thoughtful selections you see on our site.Based on the following characteristics—formula, texture, and wear time—we determined the best option. To do this, we combined our own testing of each formula with expert advice and reviewer feedback to decide which one we’d recommend to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the longevity of NARS products written in a natural tone
General Beginner Questions
Q What does it mean when people say NARS products last a long time
A It usually means two things the makeup stays on your face for many hours without fading and the product itself lasts for months or years before you run out
Q Which NARS product is the most famous for its staying power
A The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer are legendary for staying put all day The NARS Light Reflecting Foundation is also a top pick for long wear
Q Im new to makeup Is NARS worth the higher price if it lasts longer
A Yes for many people Because the formulas are highly pigmented you use less product each time A 30 foundation that lasts you 8 months is better value than a 15 one you use up in 2 months Plus you wont need to touch up during the day
Q Do NARS lipsticks actually last through eating and drinking
A The NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment is the one for that Its a liquid lipstick that dries down completely and easily lasts through coffee and a meal The regular sheer lipsticks wont survive a meal but they fade evenly
Specific Products Benefits
Q How long does the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer actually last on the skin
A On most skin types it lasts 8 to 12 hours without creasing or fading Its very resistant to settling into fine lines making it perfect for undereye areas
Q Is the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation good for oily skin
A Yes While it has a radiant skinlike finish its oilresistant It wont break down or slide off your face You might need a light powder on your Tzone after 6 hours but the foundation itself stays intact
Q What makes NARS blushes last longer than drugstore ones