Hosted by Barneys New York Fashion Director Amanda Brooks, makeup artist, visionary and founder of NARS Cosmetics, François Nars, visited Los Angeles this weekend to continue celebrating the launch of his newest book Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself!

L to T: François Nars and Barneys New York Fashion Director Amanda Brooks

L to R: James Boehmer (who I met in NYC at the NARS offices he actually picked my NARS foundation shade:) François Nars, Amanda Brooks, and Lena Koro

· Friday, June 24: Barneys New York Fashion Director Amanda Brooks hosted a cocktail for François Nars at the Soho House penthouse in West Hollywood. Guests were treated to an informal Q&A session with both Brooks and Nars, and makeup consultations with NARS artists.

· Saturday, June 25: Barneys New York Fashion Director Amanda Brooks hosted an appearance at the Beverly Hills store. Nars signed copies of Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself and NARS artists were on hand to offer makeovers from the book to customers throughout the day.

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.

In May 2011, François Nars will be launching his newest book, Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself, the sequel to his best-selling beauty manual that launched in 2001. Readers will not only learn about makeup application from François himself, but are encouraged to express their beauty, individuality, and creativity through makeup.

Back in 2001, François Nars published Makeup Your Mind, the globally celebrated, best-selling beauty manual that boasts two shots: one of a model without makeup, and another shot of her with makeup.

In between lies an acetate overlay that details where on the face the makeup products were applied. Building on the first books success, Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself brings together Nars’ two passions-makeup and photography. Taking the before-and-after concept to the next level, François turns the lens on 60 beauties – both men and women all of ages and ethnicities hand-picked from the streets of New York City.

NEW YORK, NY FEBRUARY 9, 2011 – NARS Cosmetics, Inc. announced today the unveiling of its first flagship boutique in New York City’s famed West Village. Located at 413 Bleecker Street, the 525 square-foot space boasts a design conceived by Founder and Creative Director François Nars and long-time artistic collaborator and friend Fabien Baron, of Baron & Baron.

François Nars and CEO, Louis Desazars, along with an intimate gathering of close friends of the brand, convened for the celebratory ribbon cutting to signify the official opening of the boutique. The flagship location, created as a unique destination where artistry can be cultivated and consumers educated, will be officially open to the public on February 10, 2011.

François Nars

“I love Bleecker Street, it’s a cool fun area with great shopping,” said François Nars. “The boutique is very intimate and chic, and the exterior is very ‘old’ West Village, which is nice. The Bleecker Street storefronts are extremely charming.”

The boutique fuses elements of modernity and artistry with the feeling of a residential space that is inviting and uniquely NARS. The black and white color scheme echoes the brand’s signature packaging. A red, high gloss lacquer block (color matched to Jungle Red Lipstick) stands at the rear of the boutique, positioned against a matte black wall. Offsetting the vintage accents are modern elements including floor-to-ceiling mirrors that feature hidden illuminated frames and a series of three screens featuring a loop of various films created by the brand.

In addition to the full NARS cosmetics product line – displayed in a custom-designed unit – and exclusive products, including a special Bento Box and 413 Bleecker Pure Matte Lipstick, the boutique also carries items both accumulated by François Nars throughout his travels and those that have served as inspiration in his product development (such as Exhibit A, by Guy Bourdin; or Belle de Jour, a film starring Catherine Deneuve).

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EDITORIAL CREDIT: NARS flagship boutique

IMAGE CREDIT: © 2011 DAVID X PRUTTING/BFANYC.COM

REVEALING MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE NARS FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE, OPENING FEBRUARY 10, 2011! As it gets closer to the official opening date when NARS will open the doors of its first flagship boutique to New York City’s West Village, Marta Walsh and Talking Makeup has the scoop about the details including exclusive products, photos of the interior, and a Q&A session!

L to R: Fabien Baron, François’ longtime friend who collaborated on the boutique’s design, and François Nars

The 525-square foot space fuses elements of modernity and artistry with the feeling of a residential space that is inviting and uniquely NARS. The black and white color scheme echoes the brand’s signature packaging.

A red, high gloss lacquer block (color matched to Jungle Red Lipstick) stands at the rear of the boutique, positioned against a matte black wall.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick 413 Bleecker

Offsetting the vintage accents are modern elements including floor-to-ceiling mirrors that feature hidden illuminated frames and a series of three screens featuring a loop of various films created by the brand. Exclusive products will be offered within the store, kicking off with a newly-developed (and bigger!) version of the Bento Box and a warm rose-brown hue of Pure Matte Lipstick, appropriately named 413 Bleecker. A collection of François Nars’ favorite things (from books to film) will also be sold within the boutique.

François Nars takes a moment to discuss:

Q: What are your favorite elements of the boutique’s design?

A: It’s very sleek and very open. I love the lighting and the use of technology. We incorporated video screens which preview NARS films—it’s all very interactive. The colors are very basic, but strong. Everything is white and black, with touches of red lacquer. It reminds of Guy Bourdin.

NARS will be rolling out all the details on their Facebook page including additional questions answered by François Nars and Fabien Baron (François’ longtime friend who collaborated on the boutique’s design), so head to facebook.com/narscosmetics for more!

NARS Cosmetics introducing Pure Matte Lipstick. “A matte lip is very modern, whether nude or deeply pigmented. Try a color close to your skin tone for a universally flattering look. Pair darker hues with a fresh complexion and little makeup. But, always choose a formula that has hydrating ingredients to condition lips.” -François Nars, Founder & Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics

Before its release there was a TON of buzz over NARS Pure Matte Lipstick- it was used as a staple backstage at New York Fashion Week and has graced the faces of celebrities all over the red carpet (see the most recent coverage from the Emmys here) !

Finally, making its debut on September 1st, 2010, NARS Cosmetics introduces Pure Matte Lipstick!

Over 15 years ago, François Nars created a collection of 12 perfectly edited lipsticks. Nars’ passion for lipstick never wavered. Introducing Pure Matte Lipstick– the newest addition to the NARS lip category. Pure Matte’s luxuriously rich texture glides on effortlessly, without drag, cakiness or resistance. Defying the traditional challenge of long-wearing lipsticks, it won’t dry out lips. Rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin E and Acai Oil, as well as containing Wild Mango Butter, Pure Matte nourishes and conditions lips.

Six deeply pigmented colors go on soft and creamy for an audacious pout: Volga (Deep Aubergine), Bangkok (Soft Rose), Tonkin (Cinnamon Plum), Terre De Feu (Black Cherry), Tashkent (Nude Beige), Vesuvio (Full Bodied Red).

Pure Matte Lipstick will be available for $25 each exclusively at Saks beginning September 1st. NARS will be releasing a special short film to celebrate the launch of Pure Matte. Stay tuned!

Celebrity Inspired Makeup. NARS Q&A With Daphne Guinness!

When it comes to describing fashionista Daphne Guinness, the passion of Founder & Creative Director François Nars knows no boundaries. And when it came to designing and photographing this futuristic makeup look for Fall 2010, François created a look worthy of his leading lady. It was only fitting that Nars chose to name an eyeshadow after his muse, Daphne, a color that is as bold and beautiful as the woman for whom it was named. To magnify the arresting impact of the magnificent Ms. Guinness, Nars designed and photographed her in a kaleidoscope of mirrors, creating a virtual funhouse of reflective images.

But enough about François…Daphne Guinness talks about her experience as the face of the Fall 2010 campaign and it can all be found exclusively on Facebook – just click through to our NEW tab “The Latest” which will constantly be updated with exclusive information to bring you one step further into the world of NARS. Check out facebook.com/narscosmetics now for more questions and answers with Daphne!

Here’s a sneak peek:

NARS Cosmetics: How would you best wear a bold color, such as the NARS Daphne Eyeshadow?
Daphne Guinness: I love the color. As I am a painter, I am able to integrate it into a palette of what I am wearing that day.

Watch: NARS for Marc Jacobs Autumn/Winter 2010 Fashion Week. Key Products Used: Enchanted Cream Blush, NARS D. Gorgeous Eyeshadow, NARS Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo, NARS Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil, NARS Barbarella Lipstick.

The Makeup Look & Inspiration: “This look is what you would see on a girl from the East Village or St. Germain des Pres-an existentialist with a modern twist,” said François Nars (Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics) whose application technique included using his fingers to achieve the faded effect. “These girls are sexy and cool. Their makeup looks dirty and worn out as if it has been on all night but still translates beautifully on the runway.”

Via NARS YouTube Channel

NARS introduces its Fall 2010 Collection, an assortment of bright, matte colors and cool shimmering shades. The collection features François Nars’ inimitable muse Daphne Guinness in the campaign.

Throughout his illustrious career, NARS Founder and Creative Director François Nars has been inspired by iconic beauties whom, he says, “are larger than life, unforgettable and posses an elegance that’s timeless.”Perhaps no one fits that description better than Daphne Guinness, Nars’ mesmerizing muse and inspiration for the NARS Fall 2010 campaign. Sexy, sultry, daring and decadent, Daphne “is the ideal icon to capture Fall 2010’s old-Hollywood meets futuristic look,” says François.

Below are the highlights, including Daphne Single Eyeshadow, named for Daphne Guinness:

Douceur Blush: For the first time ever, this soft pink-brown hue is etched with the NARS logo. Douceur. Fr.: Sweet, gentle, delicate. NARS Douceur Blush: A soft pink-brown hue that lightly imparts a honeyed brown kiss of innocence on cheeks. Use to contour from the apple of the cheek upward; warm forehead, jaw line and nose.

Daphne Eyeshadow: Named after Daphne Guinness herself, this eyeshadow is a hypnotizing matte,deep-violet hue

Mangrove Eyeshadow: A soft mellow yellow laced with lime, inspired by the tropical Mangrove tree

Coconut Grove Eyeshadow: A dark chocolate-cum-taupe named for Miami’s magical neighborhood on Biscayne Bay

Rouge Basque Lipstick: Inspired by the inside cover of a book from the famed French countryside, François Nars envisioned the quintessential red from the Basque region

Strawberry Fields Lip Gloss: Imagine juicy, mouthwatering strawberries, just picked. Then delight in the serious, yet sexy shine of this bright pink confection

Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil: This sparkling turquoise soft touch shadow pencil rocks with all the vibrancy and sex appeal of its namesake NYC hotspot

Rajasthan Duo Eyeshadow: An exotic pair of shadows playing glazed almond against cool charcoal

Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow: Platinum gold infused with silver is paired with a bold, steel grey in this duo

Daphne Guinnes NARS Makeup Look:

When it comes to describing fashionista Daphne Guinness, François Nars’ passion knows no boundaries. And when it came to designing and photographing this futuristic makeup look for Fall 2010, François created a look worthy of his leading lady.

Central to this ultra-sophisticated, ethereal look: A canvas of impeccably, smooth skin. Under Nars’ direction, Makeup Artist Kabuki primed the skin with line-erasing Skin Smoothing Face Prep, followed by a base of Siberia Sheer Matte Foundation and finally a light application of Snow Loose Powder. To contour Daphne’s complexion, he dusted Douceur Blush to the cheeks and blended it with the Yachiyo Brush.

To create scintillatingly dramatic eyes, Kabuki applied a coat of Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base, followed by a wash of Daphne Single Eyeshadow. Using the Wide Contour Brush, he built color and intensity along the outer eye. For brightness in the inner eye, he applied Mangrove Single Eyeshadow and lightly lined the top and bottom lashes with Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo. Brows were defined with Ipanema Eyebrow Pencil. The look was finished off with two coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara to both the top and bottom lashes.

The pièce de résistance: Daphne’s lips, stained with Rouge Basque Lipstick and highlighted with Scandal Lip Gloss for ultimate shine and fullness.

Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS

Why did you cast Daphne Guinness in the Fall 2010 campaign?
I loved working with Daphne Guinness on the 15X15 Project and wanted to work with her again. She is very creative, elegant and so high society. So very decadent with a British background. She is THE NARS woman—we even named an eyeshadow after her this season!

Why did you name an eyeshadow after Daphne?
When I saw her wearing the bright purple hue at the campaign shoot, I immediately knew it should be named after her. The eyeshadow looked like it was made for her—so mesmerizing and regal, like Daphne herself. I’m always inspired by so many different things when it comes to naming products—art, people, fashion, travel, music and nature.

Why did you build a set of mirrors to photograph Daphne?
Daphne herself was the inspiration for the campaign. She is so amazing to look at that we thought, why not have more of her! So we used the mirrors to multiple her image 5, 10 times.

What did you want to achieve with this collection?
I wanted a collection that was Old Hollywood meets futuristic, which is also very much Daphne’s style. I love the bold hues—the deep red in Rouge Basque, the intense brown in Coconut Grove, and of course the regal purple in Daphne.

How should women update their makeup look for the Fall?
I hope women aren’t confined to trends and take the change of seasons as a chance to experiment! This season, there are so many great bold hues for women to try—vibrant reds, deep brown, fresh blues. Mix the shades and textures and don’t forget to have fun!

FALL 2010 COLLECTION

Douceur Blush $26
Rouge Basque Lipstick (Limited Edition) $24
Strawberry Fields Lip Gloss (Limited Edition) $24
Daphne Eyeshadow $23
Coconut Grove Eyeshadow $23
Mangrove Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $23
Tzarine Eyeshadow Duo $32
Rajasthan Eyeshadow Duo (Limited Edition) $32
Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil (Limited Edition) $24

NARS Fall 2010 Collection is available from July 15, 2010 at narscosmetics.com

The Wall Street Journal profiled NARS Cosmetics Founder & Creative Director François Nars. Highlighting his favorite things, François named objects found on Motu Tane, his very own Tahitian island and a great source of inspiration behind many of the products he creates for NARS.

Tiare Flower: a gardenia that grows on Motu Tane; also the inspiration behind NARS Monoï Body Glow II. François has over 70 bushes in his garden.

Coconut: “I could just eat Coconut and be the happiest man in the world,” says François, who eats it daily while on Motu Tane. Coconut lover, also? Its extract is used in NARS Body Glow (the shimmering counterpart to NARS Monoï Body Glow II-both have the same scent).

Chawanmushi: a Japanese steamed-egg custard dish. François is “mad about Japanese food.” However food isn’t the only object of Japan close to François’ heart. Check out his Japanese-inspired NARS Kabuki Brushes.

Roi Soleil Candle, Cire Trudon: a mix of French oak, pine and citrus inspired by the scent of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. For another Versailles-inspired product, check out new-for-summer NARS Versailles Nail Polish.