As NARS turns fifteen this year, the brand’s commitment to creating products that defy convention remains unwavering. The NARS woman has never been content to fade into the background, and this summer is no exception.

“The look for the Summer 2009 collection is sophisticated, but colorful,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics.

Whether your vision of perfect summer conjures up images of Morocco’s kaleidoscopic bazaars, the pristine Art Deco structures of Ocean Drive or the endless white sand beaches and cerulean waters of a Caribbean island, this season’s vivid yet versatile color palette is the perfect complement.

GET THE LOOK: For the Summer 2009 campaign, Ayako, International Makeup Director for NARS, wanted to fashion a look for model Guinevere van Seenus that was arresting yet approachable. To create a seamless foundation on which she could build her beauty vision-a harmony of muted tones punctuated by a shot of
vivid blue-Ayako first prepped Guinevere’s face with NARS Makeup Primer, followed by Firming Foundation in Siberia and a sprinkle of Loose Powder in Snow for a high-definition finish.

For the eyes, the focal point of the look, Ayako used the Large Domed Eye Brush to apply Tropic Single Eyeshadow over the entire lid, from lash to crease, blending beneath the lower lash line with the Smudge Brush. She finished with two coats of Mascara in Black Orchid on the top and bottom lashes. Brows were filled in with the Blondie Single Eyeshadow, and defined with the help of the Eyebrow Pencil in Panama. Lastly, for Guinevere’s multi dimensional nude lips, Ayako traced her pout with the Tonga Lipliner Pencil, painted it with Lipstick in Outsider, and finished with a swipe of Lip Gloss in Belize.

NARS Summer 2009 Makeup Collection the highlights:

NARS Tropic Single Eyeshadow– $22

For the latest eye shadow, there was only one blue François Nars had in mind. “The tropics are always inspiring for me,” says Nars. This lush, silver-flecked teal is a precise image of the ocean’s reflective, rolling waves.

 NARS Scorching Sun Duo Eyeshadow– $32

The glazed apricot and radiant orange duo, is designed “to imitate the effect of the burning sun,” according to Nars. The sun-drenched colors allow for surprising wearability. The pair can be blended together to form a rich, burnt orange, or worn in tandem.

NARS Irresistiblement Bronzing Powder– $30

Nothing evokes the feeling of summertime quite like bronzed skin. The newest shade, a rich golden terracotta, offers a flattering faux glow when dusted across the areas of the face where the actual sun would hit.

NARS Falbala Lipstick– $24

On the lips, this high-shine bronzy rose lipstick has a sweet, insouciant quality about it.

NARS Outsider Lipstick– $24

This is definitely not your grandmother’s coral. This deeper, glistening variety is a modern take on a time-honored classic.

NARS Belize Lip Gloss– $24

The pale pink mauve sprinkled with specks of gold simulates the color of a Central American sunset and gives nude lips a sultry boost.

NARS Tonga Lipliner Pencil– $20

A creamy, long-wearing lip pencil in a shade of pink amber plays dual roles. Use it traditionally, to outline lips and prevent lipstick from feathering; or color the entire lip with the moisture-rich pencil.

NARS Adelita Nail Polish– $16

This shimmering pearlescent shade of pink, is simultaneously sweet and saucy, the ideal embodiment of feminine strength.

The Summer 2009 collection is currently available at narscosmetics.com