Walk into any Sephora and you’ll see it. That sleek black tube with the frosted glass. It’s basically the "Marlboro Man" of makeup—an icon that everyone knows, even if they don't use it. But honestly? Choosing between the 30 different nars creamy concealer colors is a total nightmare if you don’t know what you’re looking at.
One minute you’re "Vanilla," the next you’re "Custard," and suddenly you’ve spent $32 on something that makes your under-eyes look like an orange peel. It happens.
The thing about NARS is that they don't just do "light" or "dark." They do nuances. They do the weird, specific skin tones that other brands ignore. You've got peach undertones, olive hints, and true neutrals all living in the same display.
Why Finding Your Shade Is So Frustrating
The struggle is real. Most people think they can just grab the "Light 2" and be done with it. Nope. NARS uses a mix of names (mostly delicious-sounding desserts) and codes like L2.5 or MD1.
If you get the undertone wrong, the concealer will either look gray or way too yellow. It’s science, kinda. For example, "Honey" (L3) is legendary for covering dark circles because it has a cool, peachy vibe that cancels out blue tones. But if you put "Honey" on a blemish on your forehead? You’re going to look like you have a weird pink spot.
Cracking the Code: The 30 Nars Creamy Concealer Colors
Let's break these down into groups that actually make sense. We aren't going to look at a perfect 1-through-30 list because skin doesn't work like that.
The Fair and Light Squad
If you're pale as a ghost, Chantilly (L1) is your best friend. It’s a true neutral. It doesn't pull pink or yellow. Then there’s Affogato (L1.25), which is slightly warmer, and Vanilla (L2), which is the most famous fair shade but can lean a bit pink on some people.
- Nougatine (L2.2): Light with a yellow undertone.
- Madeleine (L2.3): Light with neutral-to-pink vibes.
- Café au Lait (L2.4): Light with a subtle peach tone (great for brightening).
- Crème Brulée (L2.5): Light with cool, pink undertones.
A lot of people skip Café Con Leche (L2.6), but it’s a sleeper hit. It’s light-to-medium with a solid yellow base. If you have "light" skin but you tan easily, this is usually the winner.
The Medium Heavy-Hitters
This is where Custard (M1) lives. If NARS had a Hall of Fame, Custard would be the MVP. It’s a medium shade with neutral undertones, meaning it works for a massive chunk of the population.
But what if Custard is too yellow? That’s where Tiramisu (M1.75) comes in. It’s a neutral-toned medium that doesn't have that "banana" look. If you’re a bit more olive, you probably want Ginger (M2). It has a golden undertone that matches that Mediterranean or light South Asian skin tone perfectly.
Deep and Rich Tones
NARS was one of the first brands to actually care about deep skin. They didn't just make "dark brown." They looked at the red and blue undertones that actually exist in human skin.
Amande (MD3) is a medium-deep to deep shade with neutral undertones. It’s incredibly popular because it doesn't turn "ashy." If you need something warmer, Cacao (D2) is a deep shade with golden-brown tones that looks stunning on rich, warm complexions.
The "Olive" Problem
If you have olive skin, you probably hate most concealers. They're usually too pink or too orange. NARS changed the game by adding specific olive-friendly nars creamy concealer colors.
Walnut (MD2.6) is specifically described as having an olive tone. It’s medium-deep and warm but has that green-yellow hint that olive-skinned folks need. Before this, people were mixing shades like Ginger and Caramel (MD2) just to get it right. Honestly, it’s about time they made it official.
How to Choose for Your Specific Goal
You shouldn't use the same shade for everything. That’s a rookie mistake.
For Under-Eye Brightening
You want to go one or two shades lighter than your skin. If you are a Ginger, try Custard or Macadamia (M1.5) under your eyes. The goal here isn't just to hide circles; it's to make you look like you actually slept eight hours.
For Spot Concealing
This must be an exact match. If you use a brightening shade on a pimple, you’re just putting a spotlight on it. "Look everyone, here is my bright, glowing zit!" No thanks. Buy the mini size of your exact match for blemishes and the full size of your brightening shade.
The Formula Secrets Nobody Tells You
It’s called "Radiant Creamy" for a reason. It has light-diffusing technology, which is a fancy way of saying it has tiny particles that reflect light away from your wrinkles.
It’s also infused with a "Multi-Active Botanical Blend." According to NARS, this includes Magnolia Bark Extract and Grape Seed Extract. Basically, it’s trying to hydrate your skin while it hides your mistakes. Does it work? Most pros, like NARS Senior Artist Julia Sone, swear by it because it’s buildable. You can go from a light wash to full-on "I don't have pores" coverage.
Real World Application: The "Three Dot" Method
Forget those giant triangles you see on TikTok. That’s way too much product. This stuff is thick.
- One dot in the inner corner (where the darkness is).
- One dot in the outer corner (to lift the eye).
- One tiny dot on the side of the nose.
Blend it with your ring finger. The heat from your skin melts the oils in the concealer, making it look like actual skin rather than a layer of paint.
Actionable Steps to Finding Your Perfect Match
Stop guessing. Here is exactly what you should do next time you’re at the makeup counter:
- Check your veins: If they look blue, you’re cool-toned (look for names like Crème Brulée or Honey). If they’re green, you’re warm (look for Ginger or Nougatine). If you can't tell, you’re neutral (Custard or Vanilla).
- The "Jawline Test": Swipe three shades on your jawline. The one that literally disappears into your neck is your spot-concealing match.
- Wait 10 minutes: This formula can oxidize slightly (turn darker) as it dries. Walk around the store, look at a few sweaters, then check the color in natural light near the window.
- Buy a Mini first: NARS sells $15 minis of most nars creamy concealer colors. It’s the cheapest way to "test drive" a shade for a week before committing to the full $32 tube.
If you’re still stuck between two shades, always go with the more yellow/golden one. Most humans have some yellow in their skin, and yellow-based concealers are much better at neutralizing redness than pink ones.
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Don't overthink it. It's just makeup. But once you find that "holy grail" shade, you'll never go back to drugstore brands again.