allure.com December 2009 issue is celebrating the 15th anniversary of makeup legend Francois Nars. He has an intriguing story on coming from small town France to the worldwide fashion stage—and why he credits his mother with much of his success. He dishes on some of his favorite products (why Orgasm blush looks good on everyone) and his most famous images. The Allure December 2009 issue hits stands November 24.

From left: Francois Nars, MADONNA, 1991 “I know every inch of her body from applying makeup.”

Here is a sneak peek to the article by Lindsy Van Gelder in Allure:

The word “genius” is flung around the fashion world like confetti at a parade, usually as an adjective (as in “J’adore that genius lipstick”). But if there’s anyone who deserves the noun form, it’s François Nars. Younger fans of Nars’s 15-year-old cosmetics line might be forgiven for not having realized that there is indeed a man behind the compacts. “I don’t like to make too many appearances or talk too much to people,” Nars acknowledges. Somewhat reclusive for the past decade, he leaped back onto the fashion-genius radar earlier this year with his work at the Marc Jacobs fall and spring shows.

In celebration of 15 years of iconic beauty and François Nars, the limited-edition15X15 book (ONLY 1,500 copies available!), individual portraits from the book, and photographic interpretations taken by the participants, will be available for purchase on the 15X15 Online Gallery (www.15X15project.com ) beginning tonight at 8pm EST through December 12, 2009. 100% of the proceeds from the project will be distributed among the 15 charities chosen by the participating celebrities.

SNEAK PEEK – see below a never seen before behind-the-scenes image of Marc Jacobs! Once the site launches, behind-the-scenes images and videos of the participating celebrity icons will be available.

For more exclusive details leading up to the launch become a fan of NARS 15X15 Project on Facebook!

CELEBRITY PARTICIPANTS:
· Amanda Lepore
· Amber Valetta
· Carla Gugino
· Daphne Guinness
· Dayle Haddon
· Francois Vincentelli
· Isabella Rossellini
· Jennifer Jason Leigh
· Lisa Marie Smith
· Marc Jacobs
· Naomi Campbell
· Natasha Poly
· Olivier Theyskens
· Shalom Harlow
· Tyson Ballou

This Holiday season, NARS wraps up the year and its 15th Anniversary with a color collection offering shades that are deep and bold with festive shimmer – ideal for designing a look that is both sophisticated and sultry.

“For the holidays, I think it’s a great time to feel beautiful and sexy…with a little bit of movie star attitude,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics.

NARS SOFT TOUCH SHADOW PENCIL – $24: Sure to be a favorite for the holidays, the soft touch shadow pencil is a new addition to the NARS product line that offers a convenient delivery system and multi-purpose formula. Available in three playful shades:

Goddess: A cool, divinely ethereal, glistening pink champagne that’s worthy of worship.

In celebration of NARS 15th anniversary, François Nars will be making a special personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue – signing copies of his books X-Ray and Makeup Your Mind as well as the limited-edition NARS Loves New York Set. X-Ray (1999), the wildly successful photography book and collector’s item, Makeup Your Mind (2001), the ultimate instructional makeup manual featuring the world’s most recognizable models and the NARS Loves New York Set containing an assortment of four classic products resurrected from the archives by François Nars specifically for the women of New York and re-named after iconic names in the city, will be available for sale at the NARS counter during this time.

A talented team of NARS makeup artists will also be offering customers in-store consultations with the NARS Loves New York Set and the Fall collection.

WHERE:
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
611 Fifth Avenue at East 50th Street
New York, NY‎
NARS Counter (212) 753-4000 X 2643

WHEN: Thursday, October 8th, 1:30-3:00pm

Foundation is one of my favorite thing about makeup! I’m all about getting that flawless skin whether naturally with great skin care, or faking it with the perfect foundation. The right foundation has the power to give you an instant makeover and that wow factor. Needless to say, applying foundation is a very important step in my makeup routine.

Here are some foundation tips from top makeup artist and NARS Cosmetics founder, François Nars:

François Nars (left) with model

What is the best way to identify the right foundation for your skin tone?
Natural light! Make sure you are in natural light when choosing a foundation shade. And, it should match perfectly with the base of your neck.

What is the biggest mistake women make when wearing foundation?
Wearing too much foundation or the wrong shade – either too dark or too light. Finding the right shade and right foundation texture is crucial. The skin’s natural highlights should be shining through.

How often/what time of year should a woman have her foundation shade matched?
As often as needed; every time the skin tone changes. You should have several shades of foundation in your makeup wardrobe.