I am hooked, a NARS convert in fact. I've hit the bottom of the pan on Orgasm and have bought plenty of their lip products, but NARS' face makeup has been unfamiliar territory for me up until now. I will do anything to minimise my morning routine in order to get a few extra minutes of sleep - why yes, let me hit snooze button just once more. Thank you Francois. But what was with the delay? First introduced in January, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer finally hit makeup counters nationally in the US in March. However, Aussie folk had to wait until early May - typical. Although, It's not due to the usual host of import issues; I have it on good authority Mecca Cosmetica had to wait for a new batch with altered labelling for the purpose of selling. You see, "SPF 30/PA+++" could not be listed on the label, because the ingredients used did not meet the Australian standard as conveyed below:

"If to the reasonable consumer a product name suggests that the product is likely to be used in, or in connection with preventing, diagnosing, curing or alleviating that disease, ailment or defect, the product will be held to be a 'therapeutic good', and therefore subject to the full provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989." [1]

While my tinted moisturizer is the same as yours, I cannot expect the same sort of protection thanks to the fact "Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, at nearly four times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK." [2] In the mornings, I will stick to my regular skin care regimen of putting on moisturiser with an SPF of 30 and then dab on a bit of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Sure, I might be doubling up, but at the end of day I know I'm covered.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Finland

Right now it's almost winter here and my skin is parched; I drink enough water, but with the drier climate my skin is left screaming for a bit more. I am hoping with the double up in product use, my skin will begin to breathe a sigh of relief. Two days in to wearing NARS Tinted Moisturizer, I've already received compliments about my skin looking noticeably better. Perhaps I've purchased a low-maintenance product with an increased rate of return.

When it comes to application, I squeeze a dime-sized amount (equivalent to a five-cent piece in Aus.) onto my fingers; first, starting at my nose and then I smooth out from there. After, I perform a spot touch-up with my powder. All told, it takes less than a minute to apply in exchange for an even complexion.

In the picture above is me at my (al)most natural. Tinted moisturizer, under eye concealer and chapstick. Not too shabby.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer:

$68.00 AUS / $42.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

8 out of 10 bags – While prices are coming down, it's still on the higher end IMHO. And I'm waiting to see if my skin becomes smoother from continued use.

Likelihood to purchase again:

Hello, it's NARS! I'll continue to purchase lip and cheek colours, as long as they continue to produce.

Sources:

[1] Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing; Therapeutic Goods Administration. "Cosmetics Claims Guidelines." Australian Government, Therapeutic Goods Administration 1997. Web. 3 May 2011 <http://www.tga.gov.au/archive/cosmetic-claims-guidelines.htm>.

[2] Cancer Council Australia. "Skin Cancer Facts and Figures." Cancer Council Australia. Web. 3 May 2012 <http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Skincancerfactsand figures.htm>.