Makeup artist, visionary and founder of NARS Cosmetics François Nars made appearances in Los Angeles (May 14th; Nordstrom Topanga) and Chicago (May 21st; Nordstrom Michigan Avenue) to kick off the launch of his newest beauty book Makeup Your Mind:Express Yourself!

EXCLUSIVE Q&A with FRANÇOIS NARS:

Why did you decide to create a sequel to Makeup Your Mind?

We originally planned Makeup Your Mind as a three-part book set. The first book featured models, the second showcases real people, and the third will feature notables, tastemakers and celebrities. This felt like the perfect moment to come out with a book focused on real women and men wearing NARS. It was nice to have the opportunity to showcase NARS on every-day beauties—to make NARS feel more accessible.

How is this book different from the original book?

While Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself is a continuation of the first book, it features more inspiring and complex looks. The difference lies in the people featured: they’re everyday beauties hand-picked from the streets of New York City. They represent a range of ethnicities and ages, as one of my main goals this time was to capture as many different people as possible.

How did you come up with the looks for each subject?

Instead of crafting each look based on what suited the individual’s personality, I focused on bringing out her or his natural beauty rather than concealing it. Ideally, you want someone to say to you, ‘You look great!’ rather than, ‘Your makeup looks great.’ You should always see the person first and the makeup second.

What’s your advice for real women reading this book?

Regardless of what look you are trying to achieve, less is more. Always go for transparency no matter what—even with very intense colors.

Visit makeupyourmind.com to take part in the global gallery NARS has created to showcase looks from the book, and compete for your chance to win a trip backstage with NARS at New York Fashion Week.