Multi-platinum singer and songwriter Beyoncé wore NARS cosmetics on the red carpet at today’s Billboard Women In Music Awards, where she received the award for “Woman of the Year.” Beyoncé’s celebrity makeup artist Jackie Gomez explains her look: “I loved the color of her dress so much so I wanted to mirror the effect that it had against her skin- the Cleo Duo Eyeshadow (see image below on right) was perfect.” And, Jackie informed us that Beyoncé is a BIG fan of NARS!

The following NARS products were used to achieve her look:

-NARS Sedona Sheer Matte Foundation
-NARS Sedona Powder Foundation
-NARS Albatross Highlighting Blush Powder

The Show: Maria Grachvogel
Lead Artist: James Boehmer, NARS Cosmetics International Lead Makeup Artist
Trend: Bold Red Matte Lips and Strong Brows

Inspiration: Maria Grachvogel used iconic references of Princess Margaret as photographed by Lord Snowden and Tippi Hedren in “Marnie” to convey the mood of her collection in a modern way- polished yet glamorous.

Look: The look is polished and strong- inspired by a glamorous and modern twist of Hitchcock’s femme fatale. “This look is not about the glowing skin underneath- it’s about the makeup- the brows need to be long and sketchy and the lips need to be rounded and bee-stung,” said lead artist James Boehmer. A flat, matte lip paired with a strong brow was balanced by a bare eye. “The lip,” James warns, “has to be really rich and vibrant- the focus is getting that rich lip otherwise the look can appear as if something is lacking.”

Below are some key products and steps for recreating the look:

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.

Meet François nars at Nordstrom San Francisco Centre and discover the exclusive Nars Loves San Francisco Set!

François Nars at backstage at Marc Jacobs.

After making a comeback to the runway and creating 65 different makeup looks at the Marc Jacobs show this past February, François Nars will be making his first personal appearance in about 10 years!

Nars Loves San Francisco Set outer packaging.

WHEN & WHERE:
Saturday, June 6th, 2:00-3:30pm
NORDSTROM SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE
865 Market Street
San Francisco, CA‎
NARS Counter (415) 243-8500 X 1098

Nars Loves San Francisco Set.

In celebration of NARS 15th anniversary, François Nars will be making a special personal appearance at Nordstrom San Francisco Centre – signing copies of his books X-Ray and Makeup Your Mind as well as the limited-edition NARS Loves San Francisco Set.

Taylor Momsen was spotted at Marchesa and Anna Sui’s A/W 2009 shows wearing NARS Cosmetics.

Taylor Momsen portrays the character Jenny Humphrey on The CW television series Gossip Girl.

“Taylor wanted a smoky, strong eye – her signature look,” said NARS Makeup Artist Sharon Brown. “I used Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil to rim her eyes and smudge over the entire lid.”

…Blue shadow was layered for a pop of color. Finally, Cyprus, a bronze shadow with shimmer, was added for a flawless transition into her next outfit.

“She was wearing a beautiful dress with copper accents later that night so I wanted the look to work well into the evening.” With the eyes as the focus, the cheeks were kept soft and highlighted, and the lips were delicately glossed with a new sheer pink grapefruit shade for spring.

Below is Sharon’s step-by-step to recreate Taylor’s look: