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If there is one step in my evening skincare routine that I genuinely look forward to, it is taking my makeup off. There is something very satisfying about seeing a full face of makeup disappear, and I’ve been really enjoying testing out the new NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil. Here’s what you need to know.
What is NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil?
NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil is a 150ml makeup-removing cleansing oil that costs £37. The formula is designed to break down even longwearing makeup while leaving the skin feeling clean, soft and hydrated.
It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is both dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. It is also non-comedogenic, so it is designed not to clog pores.
If you are looking for a different type of cleanser, make sure you check out Best Cleansers for 2026 for all Skin Types & Budgets.
How does NARS Light Reflecting™ Cleansing Oil work?
NARS has developed what it calls Triple Action Cleansing Force, which combines three elements to dissolve makeup and make the oil easy to rinse away.
There is a pore-purifying dissolving technology designed to dissolve makeup residue, pollutants and impurities, a Smart Melt Technology that targets longwearing makeup without stripping the skin’s natural lipids, and an Instant Emulsifying Technology that allows the oil to mix quickly with water.
In practical terms, you massage two to three pumps onto dry skin, add water to emulsify the oil and then rinse.
My Review of NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil
The texture
This is a really lovely cleansing oil especially if you don’t want anything too heavy or thick on your skin.
The texture is very light and incredibly fine. It glides over the skin beautifully and has that gorgeous silky feeling that makes cleansing feel much more like a little bit of self-care than a chore.
It doesn’t feel thick, sticky or greasy and I find I can massage it over my face really easily without feeling as though I’m dragging the skin around.
Removing makeup
This is where I think it really performs. It melts away everything really easily and I love how little effort is needed. You can literally feel the makeup breaking down as you massage the oil over your skin.
One of the things I particularly noticed is how comfortable it is around my eyes. It makes quick work of every mascara I’ve removed with it and unlike some cleansers it doesn’t make my eyes feel sensitive or leave a film over them.
I’ve loved using it to remove the new mascara from NARS actually. If you want to find out more about that, read NARS Notorious Mascara Review: Before & After Photos.
Emulsifying
This is another thing I really like about it. As soon as you add water, the oil emulsifies very easily into a really lovely light milk. You simply massage it over the skin with the water and then rinse.
Rinsing
It rinses away beautifully and, actually, you don’t even need to use a flannel. I tend to use a flannel anyway because that’s just how I like to cleanse, but if you prefer to simply rinse your cleansing oil away, you absolutely can with this one.
There is no residue left behind, instead, my skin feels clean but not squeaky-clean, if that makes sense. It feels supple, comfortable and soft, rather than tight or stripped.
That is exactly the sort of cleansing experience I want, particularly as I don’t want my first skincare step of the evening to leave my skin feeling depleted.
Key Ingredients
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil – plant oil included to help condition and soften the skin.
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil – helps give the formula its cleansing and skin-conditioning properties.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – leaves skin feeling supple, smooth and hydrated while supporting the skin barrier.
My Verdict
I really like this cleansing oil. For me, it hits that sweet spot between being incredibly gentle and actually doing the job properly. The texture is light and silky, it glides over the skin beautifully, melts makeup away without making my eyes uncomfortable and then emulsifies almost instantly into a lovely light milk.
And once you’ve rinsed it away, your skin feels clean, soft and supple rather than coated in oil or stripped of all moisture. I also really like that I don’t have to reach for a flannel to remove every last trace, although I probably always will because old habits die hard!
If you like a cleansing oil that feels light, luxurious and very easy to use, I think this is a lovely new addition to the NARS skincare range.
Where to Buy NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil
It’s £37 for 100ml and available now via the links below:
Offers
Sephora UK Discount Code
Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off
FAQs
Is NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. NARS says it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and it has been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.
Does NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil remove eye makeup?
Yes. It is designed to break down and remove makeup, including longwearing makeup. I found it particularly comfortable around my eyes and it removed my eye makeup without making my eyes feel sensitive or causing them to stream.
Does it leave an oily residue?
No. Once emulsified with water and rinsed, I find that it leaves my skin feeling clean and supple rather than oily or coated.
Do you need to use a flannel with NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil?
No. It emulsifies easily and rinses away cleanly without needing a flannel. I personally like to use one, but it isn’t necessary.
Is NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil non-comedogenic?
Yes. NARS states that the formula is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores.
How much does NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil cost?
The NARS Light Reflecting Cleansing Oil costs £37 for 150ml in the UK.
