I finally bit the bullet and paid six dollars for a NARS foundation pump. Those who own NARS Sheer Glow or Sheer Matte foundations are familiar with the fact that these foundations do not come with pumps. They have a simple screw top cap. For a long time, I used my NARS Sheer Glow foundations (
see my foundation review here) by dabbing foundation onto my finger. The product tends to leak down the insides
of the cap so that the outer neck of the bottle is always covered in
foundation. It was quite messy, as you can see from the cap above. I could deal with the mess; what bothered me more was the hygiene. After several months of everyday use, my foundation caused me to break out. While I was very careful to wash my hands immediately before use, regular contact with skin is bound to promote bacterial growth. For my newest bottle of NARS Sheer Glow foundation, I invested in a foundation pump, hoping that it would extend the life of my foundation. The foundation pump works quite well. It's the same one you see on NARS foundation testers. The pump dispenses even amounts of product and eliminates mess. There is a locked position, so it is possible to pack the bottle in pump form. The only downside is that the original square cap can't fit on top of the pump and will therefore change the aesthetics of your bottle.
Overall, I think the NARS foundation pump was a worthwhile buy for me. It's a quality pump, plus it reduces mess and bacterial contamination of my foundation. I am certainly irked that I had to buy it; this kind of 'innovation' comes standard on most high end foundations, including ones that need to be shaken (e.g. MAKE UP FOR EVER Face + Body foundation). I hope NARS will seriously consider adding it to their standard packaging. It's not a stretch of imagination, and would really improve the consumer experience. Thanks for reading! Would you buy a foundation pump if it didn't come standard with your bottle?
Love, Dovey.
Oh no! This is good to know. I am thinking about buying a bottle. Do they sell the pumps at counters and at Sephora, or just through NARS's site?
ReplyDeleteHi Larie, I think they're tough to find in stores. I remember asking at Nordstrom once and the SA said they were 'out' or didn't get them, or something. I feel like NARS made it so we actively have to seek them out.
DeleteI didn't know this foundation doesn't come with a pump! It's a little ridiculous! I would buy the pump separately if I REALLY love the foundation, just because I don't want to deal with product leaking all over the place and so on. I just don't think it's reasonable to sell it separately. Come on, who doesn't need a pump on their foundation!
ReplyDeleteHi Sunny, I know! You would think that the large square cap would be hiding a foundation pump, but nope :)
DeleteI think the trick to using this foundation without a pump is turning the bottle over (with the cap still on), and then, the product that's left on the cap is the perfect amount for a full face of makeup. You get that with your fingers, but you don't contaminate the rest of the product in the bottle!
ReplyDeleteA pump is a great idea though, and if I were to repurchase this foundation (I'm now starting to use tinted moisturizers rather than medium coverage foundations), I'd definitely purchase the pump too!
Hi Maria, that's a good suggestion ; I think I did try dabbing the inside of the cap at one point. It does cause some contamination still since the liquid still sloshes around when you shake it, but I suppose not as much as touching the neck straight on!
DeleteI would definitely spring for the pump because the inside of my cap cracked from constantly screwing off and on. I had to transfer it to a different container. And I agree, for a high end foundation it should come with a pump with a lid to fit over it accordingly.
ReplyDeleteHi Megan, good point; that happened to one of my bottles too! The lid cracked and now the bottle can't travel. Sigh.
DeleteThe only reason I never tried NARS foundation despite all the acclaim is precisely because of the pump issue. I think it is total bogus that they do not provide it in the first place.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, exactly! I think they're missing out on a large crowd because of that issue!
DeleteI found it extremely annoying that I had to buy a separate pump. And lo and behold, it cracked within a matter of weeks. I am very disappointed with the packaging of this product; and the SA who looked at me condescendedly as I had not known. I still love the product though, but jury is out on if I will repurchase.
ReplyDeleteHi ahhsoNeo, oh no! That's horrible. I'd probably be beyond grumpy if that happened to me (plus I'd do my best to make them give me a new one if possible).
DeleteI think all foundations should come in a tube or pump form. The hygiene factor is so important. But I think some of the cheaper brands (not that NARS is cheap) sacrifice functionality and they are so cheap anyway that consumers would more likely throw them away more quickly and purchase the next new thing.
ReplyDeleteHi Yuming, I totally agree about hygiene. You make a good point about the cheapies; no biggie if they can be replaced more quickly!
DeleteWhat I'm most curious about is why NARS sells the pump separately. What do they feel is so advantageous about it?
ReplyDeleteIf they have a really good reason, then maybe... Otherwise it seems silly, and hopefully will be corrected soon.
Hi Dee, I think a cap is just easier (and cheaper to make). It is silly, considering how much we're paying for it!
DeleteAhhh, you know I've been looking forward to your review of this. I'm irritated every morning I use this foundation that it didn't come with a pump. Convinced - will start checking to see if I can find a pump locally at Sephora or Nordstrom. If I have to order from the website something like the single 413 BLKR may fall into my cart as well! : )
ReplyDeleteI still think that a foundation of this caliber that is sold in a bottle should come with a pump included. Hmmmph!
That is my biggest complaint about this foundation. I may have to invest in a pump this go round. I tend to pour it out on the back of the hand and when it's getting low I tap it against my hand. I try to avoid putting my fingers inside. I know I end up wasting some foundation and make a mess. I view Nars as a nicer brand, maybe not top shelf, but nice and not inexpensive. A pump should come included.
ReplyDeletei actually stopped using sheer glow a few years ago because of how annoying it was without a pump! I only used it for a few months before i gave up lol. I agree, the pump should come with, and the square lid should fit! But, at least, the pump exists. That is something!
ReplyDeletewhich pump did you use ? the lid cracked and now it refuses to open so i pulled the upper part and now i cant close it not install a pump .. i hate this so much !!
ReplyDelete