REVIEW! | NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska (Light 2)

In life, I am very decisive.  I do not struggle to choose between protein bars.  I do not fret over whether or not a paint color will live up to my expectations.  I can narrow down a purse in two colors that I love to one winner in 60 seconds.  For the most part, you can change something if you don't love it.  Repaint!  Buy new protein bars!  Exchange that turquoise purse for the coral one!  It's something I pride myself on, my ability to "love it or leave it" and not carry around the baggage of regret.  All of these deep thoughts are leading up to an important topic: tinted moisturizer (obvs)!

When it comes to foundations, I do not dole out the kudos easily.  I like to really use the foundation I'm testing for a long time so I can experience it during times of joy, stress, sad TV commercials, rain, sun, humidity, hormones, etc.  I LOVE foundation; it's one of my favorite items and has been since I started wearing makeup.  It's the most important step in your makeup routine.  It's called "foundation" for a reason!  You build on it, and no one wants to build on shaky ground.  So I definitely spend more time mulling over a foundation before declaring my love/loathing for it than normal people do.  :) 

I have combination oily skin, and the thought of "sheer coverage" does not set my world alight.  I like full coverage.  However, I decided to try lighter coverage in the summertime just as an experiment.  Could I ever identify with those people who have a "summer" and "winter" foundation routine, as opposed to my using my usual full-coverage pick year-round?  For three months (I know!!) I have been testing NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (hereinafter PRTM) and I had an interesting "meh-to-marvelous" turnabout!

Originally, I wasn't wildly impressed.  I'd apply the PRTM in the morning after cleansing and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of coverage.  Then I'd see myself around mid-day and I'd need a barrel of oil-absorbing sheets to tamp down the shine.  Frankly, I gave up and went back to the full-coverage foundation I'd been using and loving.  Maybe I'm just not a tinted moisturizer kinda gal?  But then something fun happened.  I got tan.

I went to Florida with my fiance and came back with some sun (even though I was applying SPF 80 like a maniac on a mission).  I'd also started Beautisol-ing and that was deepening my natural color dramatically, which made me look like I was clocking hours at the pool.

I'm thinkin' you guys can identify the before versus the after... ;)  With makeup // No makeup

Suddenly, I had no foundation that even remotely matched my new summer skin color.  I'm typically the second lightest shade offered in almost every line.  Casper with a hint of pink?  C'est moi!  However, after my tanning adventures, I couldn't use my normal base without ending up with a painted-on pale face and a dark neck and chest.  I remembered that the NARS PRTM was a little darker and yellower than my regular foundations, and had a lighter consistency.  I am so happy I gave it another try because that's when I started to LOVE it!  All caps LOVE, y'all!

Alaska, described as "light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones", is the third lightest shade in the spectrum, and magically worked well on my NW20 skin AND my new tanned hyde.  I don't know what my current color is specifically (I should go to MAC and get shade-matched right now just to find out!), but I'm going to wager it's close to NW30-35.  That being said, Alaska does have a good bit of yellow to it, like most NARS foundations, but I don't think it looks overly warm on me.  And it has SPF 30!  Which is fantastic!

Unblended / Blended

First of all, don't make the mistake I did and over-apply!  It's tinted moisturizer; lotion with bit of pigment - not pigment with a bit of lotion.  The term "slather" should not be used!  Apply the same amount that you would of your regular daily moisturizer.  Sure, the coverage won't be as impressive, but you won't find yourself shining like a new dime the next time you look in the mirror!

Coverage-wise, I think this is one of the best options I've ever used in TM or BB creme format.  So if you're not ready to go for minimal coverage, this is perfect for you!  This level of coverage was enough to make me not worry about my imperfections so much, and just enjoy the simplicity of using a 2-in-1 product.

Wearing only NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

As far as moisture, it's awesome.  If you have normal to dry skin, this could be HG material for you.  The PRTM does leave a dewy finish that looks really healthy and youthful.  If you're on the oilier side like me, I highly recommend finishing your makeup off with a dusting of powder to set.  Set it and forget it!  Once I made these two small tweaks, I had an Oprah lightbulb moment!  I finally *got* the point of having a lighter summer foundation!  It's lighter and breezier, and looks more like "you're skin, but better"!  This never broke me out, either.  Bonus chips!

NARS PRTM Only // NARS PRTM with a dusting of MAC Mineralize Skinfish Natural in Medium*

*Sorry I look like I'm contemplating robbing a convenience store in that one on the right.  ???

This was only foundation I used for a solid month and I just love it.  I'm wearing it in my NARS Douce France post here.  My tip?  Keep it in the bathroom so it's handy when you're done washing your face.  That way you're less likely to apply your regular daily moisturizer out of habit and then realize you've totally failed.  No one needs two coats of hydration during July!  

Wearing NARS PRTM

If you're looking for a solid tinted moisturizer option with SPF that still provides medium coverage, I cannot recommend this enough!  

My Rating: A
Cost: $42.00
Where to Buy: NARS, Sephora

Do you change up your foundation in the summer / winter?  What's your favorite summer face product?