Why I Reach for It on Oily Days — and When I Don’t
Powder is usually the last thing I think about when makeup feels off. Most of the time, if something looks heavy or uncomfortable, I blame the base underneath — not the powder.
This one made me rethink that.
The NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder isn’t a product I noticed immediately. What caught my attention wasn’t how it looked, but how little it interfered with everything else I was wearing.
What I Expected vs. What Actually Happened
With oily skin, I usually assume setting powder will do one of two things:
- keep shine down but feel dry or tight
- feel comfortable but lose control halfway through the day
This one sat somewhere in between — and that’s not a compliment or a criticism. It just means it made different trade-offs.
I used it over a light base, paired with the same concealer I tested recently:
https://getbeauty.net/nars-radiant-creamy-concealer-oily-skin-review/
No baking, no heavy brush pressure, no layering. Just a single pass where I normally set.
How It Behaved Throughout the Day
In the morning, it barely registered. No visible powdery finish, no immediate mattifying effect. If you like powders that announce themselves, this won’t.
By late morning, I noticed something more important: my makeup hadn’t shifted. The areas that usually feel crowded — around the nose and inner cheeks — stayed calm.
In the afternoon, shine came back, but in a controlled way. Not oily, not slick — just skin doing what skin does. I didn’t feel the urge to reapply, which is rare for me.
Where It Falls Short
Oil control is not aggressive. If you need your T-zone locked down for long hours, this won’t replace blotting or touch-ups.
It also doesn’t blur texture dramatically. It keeps things natural, but it won’t mask pores or unevenness the way heavier powders do.
That’s not a flaw — just a boundary.
Who This Powder Actually Works For
This is for oily skin that hates feeling managed.
If you want your makeup to stay put without constantly reminding you that it’s been “set,” this works. If your priority is maximum matte or long-event durability, it may feel underwhelming.
I don’t use it every day — but I keep it close.
Final Take
The NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder doesn’t try to control your skin. It cooperates with it.
For oily skin, that’s either exactly what you want — or not enough. Knowing which side you fall on is what makes this powder worth considering.
Source
Written by Hana Lee — A beauty reviewer exploring K-beauty and global beauty through makeup, skincare, fragrance, fashion, and how they come together in real-life settings.