NARS created the makeup look for the Creatures of the Windpresentation. LEAD ARTIST: James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. MAKEUP TREND: Ethereal, radiant skin.

Backstage at Creatures of the Wind for Fall 2012

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: “We were inspired by a book from the 17th century called, The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns and Faires,” said designer Chris Peters. “The clothes all have an element of parallel existences – the real world versus the fairy world – manifesting itself in the combinations of fabrics and the idea of transformation and transition.”

MAKEUP LOOK: “The look is about ethereal, forest-wet skin,” said James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. “You can’t use enough moisturizer – it’s dewy and really radiant. The eye should be defined in its shape but worn-in with its effect. As if you can see the eyelid through it, which we get from the gloss.”

How to get the Creatures of the Wind fashion show makeup look with NARS makeup:

FACE

· Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++

EYES

· Cayenne Single Eyeshadow

· Mambo Eyeliner Pencil

· Bengali Single Eyeshadow

· Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow

· Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow

LIPS

· Rouge Tribal Larger Than Life® Lip Gloss (new for Spring 2012)

· Triple X Lip Gloss

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

Introducing the new NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++, available exclusively at Nordstrom starting February 1st, 2012, launching on www.NARSCosmetics.com on February 15th.

NARS Tinted Moisturizer

The key to its effectiveness lies in ingredients derived from the waters of François Nars’ beloved French Polynesia, where he spends much of his time on his island in the region. These ingredients include Kopara, natural polysaccharides that hydrate, condition and help encourage natural cell renewal; Oceana Saffron, a plant known for its antioxidant and soothing properties; and Galaxaura, a red deep-sea algae found in the islands’ lagoons that is known to be rich in calcium, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene. Also included in the formula: sea water and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a vitamin- C derivative that brightens and protects the skin against free-radical damage, to revitalize and re-mineralize the skin.

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ boasts a 100% naturally derived fragrance of Peony, Violet and Rose Water.

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ is available in nine shades to complement all skin tones.

1 Finland Lightest with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones

2 Alaska Light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones

3 St. Moritz Medium with a neutral yellow undertone

4 Annapurna Medium with a neutral peachy undertone

5 Cuba Medium with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones

6 Malaga Medium dark with warm caramel undertones

7 Seychelles Medium dark with golden olive undertones

8 Martinique Medium dark with warm red undertones

9 Polynesia Dark with warm chocolate undertones

Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS

1. How did you incorporate French Polynesia into the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++?

I love being at my home in French Polynesia, so I wanted to bring as much of the islands into this product as I could. The Galaxaura, for instance, is a mineral-rich, deep sea algae that grows in the warm tropical waters of the Polynesian islands’ tidal zones.

2. How is Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ different from other tinted moisturizers?

It has a serum-like consistency and feel, which is really unique. We’ve also added anti-aging ingredients for preventative measures greater than those found in just a simple moisturizer. And we’ve included more broad-spectrum sun protection than typical tinted moisturizers — SPF 30 versus the usual 20 or 15 — and PA+++, the highest index measurement of protection against UVA rays.

3. What kind of a finish does Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer give the skin?

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is super sheer and translucent. It just gives skin a beautiful, healthy glow. Like your natural skin, but brighter, fresher and healthier-looking than ever before.

NARS Cosmetics expands its presence at fashion weeks globally with participation in its first show during Paris Haute Couture! Show: Bouchra Jarrar’s AW 2012 runway show. DESIGNER: Bouchra Jarrar. LEAD ARTIST: Christophe Danchaud for NARS Cosmetics.

BACKSTAGE AT BOUCHRA JARRAR PARIS HAUTE COUTURE AW2012

MAKEUP INSPIRATION & LOOK: “It’s an evolution of the Bouchra Jarrar brand,” explained designer Bouchra Jarrar about her collection. “The look is elegant, luminous and detailed, with a focus on the bottom eyelid,” said lead artist Christophe Danchaud, for NARS Cosmetics. “The skin is transparent, with the cheek lending a touch of color. Woody, pink lips, and a dark, smudged liner give it a feeling that it’s a bit worn in, because Bouchra wanted to communicate a feeling of warmth through her collection and the makeup.”

KEY NARS PRODUCTS USED:

FACE

· *Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (NEW for Spring 2012!)

· Douceur Blush

· Gina Blush

EYES:

· Thunderball Eyeshadow

· Goddess Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

· Misfit Duo Eyeshadow

· Paris Duo Eyeshadow

· Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara

LIPS:

· *Bilbao Lipstick (NEW for Spring 2012!)

· Tiber Larger Than Life Lip Gloss

Introducing NARS Spring 2012 Collection + NARS Makeup Removers. NARS MAKEUP REMOVING WATER-a backstage staple, and now NARS has created their own formula. Soap-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free. Infused with cucumber, chamomile and hyaluronic acid, Makeup Removing Water leaves skin feeling soft, soothed and refreshed. GENTLE OIL-FREE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER-For long-wear eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and highly-pigmented eyeshadow, NARS has created the new Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.

NARS Spring 2012 Collection

NARS Makeup Removing Water

NARS MAKEUP

The Spring 2012 Collection, created by Founder and Creative Director François Nars, stars a mix of bright and playful colors balanced with rich, saturated hues. Nars chose to photograph model Ginta Lapina for the spring campaign, explaining, “Her delicate features and classic beauty made her an ideal fit for a collection that’s at once fresh and fierce.”

To achieve the makeup look in the campaign image, Ginta’s skin was made radiant with Santa Fe Sheer Glow Foundation and set with Eden Loose Powder to create an Immaculate Complexion. Next, Zen Blush was applied to the hollow of the cheek and blended toward the temple for contour; Gaiety Blush was brushed onto the apple of the cheeks for a pop of color.

After prepping with Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, Lhasa Single Eyeshadow was blended onto Ginta’s lids, extending the color to the upper inner corner of the eye. Her brow bone was highlighted with Albatross Highlighting Blush before Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil was swiped across the upper lash line. It was further defined with Rue Saint-Honoré Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner; a winged effect was created in the outer corner. The lower lash was lined with the same pencil and gently smudged. Brows were defined with Blondie Single Eyeshadow; lashes were curled, then brushed with two coats of Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara. Lips were lined and filled in with Amazon Lipliner Pencil, then topped with Valparaíso Pure Matte Lipstick and Misbehave Lip Gloss for shine. The look was completed with Écume Nail Polish on the nails.

The Spring 2012 Collection is a study in contrasts: Bold color underscored by sophisticated shimmer. Eyes glisten in muted tones of lavender and pink, or shimmer in bronze shades accented with rich navy. Cheeks are flushed with candy pink. Lips gleam in topaz or pop with berry. Metallic violet nails add the finishing touch to a collection that’s bright, strong and iconic.

DOUCE FRANCE

Named for the 1942 song by French singer-songwriter Charles Trenet. The Trio Eyeshadow features three gorgeous pink shades—shimmery icy pink, shimmery rose-petal pink and matte deep rose—that can be mixed to create a range of looks, from delicate and innocent to bold and sophisticated. Wear each alone or use one as a base, another to highlight and the third as a liner or contour.

LHASA

One of the highest cities in the world, Lhasa is the home to many significant Tibetan Buddhist palaces. This shimmery lavender-gray Single Eyeshadow lends lids a luminous look worthy of its spiritual namesake.

PARAMARIBO

The capital and largest city of Surinam, a tropical state in South America, was the inspiration for this Duo Eyeshadow, with its metallic shades of brass and bronze. Wear each solo, or use one as a base and the other as an accent or highlight for a richly burnished effect.

GAIETY

A bright candy-pink Blush that’s as cheerful as the state of joyful exuberance for which it’s named.

MEXICAN ROSE

Just like its namesake flower, known for its long-lasting pink blooms, this hot-pink Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil leaves lips soft and gorgeously glossy thanks to moisture-rich hyaluronic spheres, which make pouts appear plumper.

VALPARAÍSO

The Chilean city is becoming increasingly known as the country’s cultural capital. The rich raspberry Pure Matte Lipstick delivers long-wearing color with a comfortable finish.

BILBAO

A smooth and super-conditioning Lipstick in a shimmering topaz named for the Basque region of Spain, which has been revitalized by the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum.

DARK RITE

The navy blue Soft Touch Shadow Pencil complements any warm-weather look. Use the creamy, long-wearing formula alone, as a base for layering with powder shadow, or to line and sculpt the eye.

DIAMOND LIFE

Sade’s 1984 debut album inspired this metallic violet Nail Polish. “Smooth Operator” indeed.

Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS

Why did you choose Ginta as the face of the Spring 2012 collection?

“I am constantly amazed by Ginta and how she completely transforms with makeup from the girl next door into an exotic beauty. Of course, her complexion is flawless and her features striking—both great assets for a makeup artist. In this case, she just really embodied the radiant, sophisticated look we envisioned for spring.”

What’s unique about the collection?

“At first glance, all the pinks and shimmer can look very sweet and innocent, but actually there is a lot of bold and contrasting color—a gray-lavender eyeshadow, a navy blue Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, a hot pink lip color, for example—that make the collection edgier and more sophisticated than it may seem.”

What are the must-have products from the collection?

“I would say our Douce France Trio Eyeshadow, because it allows for many eye looks, as well as our Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil. I also love the Valparaíso Pure Matte Lipstick, a rich raspberry that looks absolutely delicious on the lips.”

Speaking of matte lipstick, it seems more like a cold-weather staple. How do you adapt it for spring?

“I never pay attention to rules like, ‘No matte makeup in warm weather.’ Matte is perfectly appropriate for spring, especially in a strong berry shade. In fact, it’s the perfect transitional color and texture to bridge winter and summer. If you have to have shine, you can add a little gloss on top.”

There are a lot of shimmers and metallics in the Spring 2012 collection. Any tips on how to wear them?

“I’m not a big fan of rules, but if you are concerned about overdoing it, I would recommend keeping it to one feature: eyes, or cheeks, or nails. Wearing it everywhere can look a little too disco.”

SPRING 2012 COLLECTION

Douce France Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $45

Lhasa Single Eyeshadow $24

Paramaribo Duo Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $34

Gaiety Blush $28

Mexican Rose Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil $24

Valparaíso Pure Matte Lipstick $25

Bilbao Lipstick $24

Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil $24

Diamond Life Nail Polish (Limited Edition) $18

Available: January 15, 2012 at narscosmetics.com

The NARS Holiday 2011 Collection is decidedly decadent. Bold, shimmery lips are paired with rich eye color and a classic cheek. Lips offer the perfect balance of luminous and matte shades. Eyes smolder in exquisite, mysterious black hues infused with red, purple, gunmetal pearl, or shimmer. For a dramatic finishing touch, skin is set aglow with rose cream laced with gold. Staring Italian beauty Mariacarla Boscono, the campaign was designed and photographed by NARS Founder and Creative Director François Nars.

The NARS Holiday 2011 Collection is available beginning October 15 at narscosmetics.com and includes:

Arabian Nights Trio Eyeshadow, $45 (Limited Edition)

Black with gunmetal shimmer, black with purple pearls, and black with red pearls

Ponderosa Cream Eyeshadow, $23 (Limited Edition)

Mink

Mandchourie Duo Eyeshadow, $33

Golden-infused denim and rich navy

Campo De’ Fiori Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner, $23

Antique brass

St. Marks Place Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner, $23

Bright violet

Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush, $27

Soft, shimmering peach

G-Spot Multiple, $39

Rich gold-infused rose

Joyous Red Lipstick, $24 (Limited Edition)

Amber red

Albatross Lip Gloss, $24 (Limited Edition)

Luminous glow

Space Odyssey Nail Polish, $17 (Limited Edition)

Aluminum

Endless Night Nail Polish, $17 (Limited Edition)

Black grape

Available: October 15th on narscosmetics.com

“Bar Rafaeli‘s Marchesa dress was so intricate that we thought the makeup should be more fresh and elegant to give her an ethereal look. It was unexpected to see such a natural look stand out on the red carpet” said Nico Guilis, celebrity makeup artist who created the look for the model.

BAR REFAELI WEARS NARS COSMETICS TO THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART GALA

Here are the products that Nico used to create Bar’s glamorous look:

· Malibu and Copacabana Multiple (on the cheeks, eyes and forehead)

· Mata Hari Blush

· Laguna Bronzing Powder

· Lola Lola Eyeshadow

· Nico Blush (on the eyes)

· Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

NARS International Lead Makeup Artist Uzo created the makeup look for Emmy Awards 2011 attendee Olivia Munn.

OLIVIA MUNN WEARS NARS LARGER THAN LIFE LIP GLOSS AND LONG-WEAR EYELINER TO EMMYS 2011

“This look was all about channeling Olivia’s inner 1940s ‘siren’,” said Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist. “A strong arched eyebrow was coupled with a very feminine lip for a modern look while the skin is luminous and highlighted.”

Here’s how to…

FACE

· PRO-PRIME Pore Refining Primer

· Orgasm Illuminator

· Orgasm Blush

EYES

· Key Largo Duo Eyeshadow

· Fez Single Eyeshadow

· Via Appia Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner (NEW for Fall 2011!)

· Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner (NEW for Fall 2011!)

· Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara

LIPS

· Rosebud Lip Liner Pencil

· Montego Bay Pure Matte Lipstick (NEW for Fall 2011!)

· Piree Larger Than Life Lip Gloss (NEW for Fall 2011! Exclusively available at Sephora.com)

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

NARS worked with celebrity makeup artist Toby Fleischman to create the look for Mildred Pierce’s Emmy-nominated Evan Rachel Wood. ”Evan always brings something edgy to the red carpet and we wanted that to shine through for her first Emmy appearance,” said Toby Fleischman for NARS Cosmetics. “This look is ultra-feminine but show-stopping and fun.”

EVAN RACHEL WOOD WEARS NARS LARGER THAN LIFE LIP GLOSS & LONG-WEAR EYELINER TO THE 2011 EMMYS

Here’s how to…

FACE

· PRO-PRIME Skin Smoothing Face Prep

· Sheer Matte Foundation

· Zen Blush

· New Order Highlighting Blush

EYES

· Ashes To Ashes Eyeshadow

· Night Rider Eyeshadow

· Madison Ave Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner (NEW for Fall 2011!)

· Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS

· Como Larger Than Life Lip Gloss (NEW for Fall 2011! Exclusively available at Sephora.com)

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

NARS created the look for the Naeem Kahn runway show. LEAD ARTIST: James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry . TREND: Metallic eyes.

Backstage at Naeem Kahn for Spring 2012, New York Fashion Week

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: “I was very much inspired by Spain – its culture, its heritage and the colors and style,” said designer Naeem Kahn. “The woman I’m designing for is glamorous – but vibrant. She’s sexy and confident.”

LOOK: “The starting point for the makeup was the Ava Gardner inspired eyebrow. With the bold, graphic eye, but not-so-bold lip, the makeup is reminiscent of Ursula Andress,” said James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. “I wanted to create contrasts between the eye and lip. The skin is very cool – there’s no warmth to it, and the eyes are a wash of metallic silver.”

How to…

FACE

· Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – new for Spring 2012; for now try a light application of Sheer Glow Foundation

· Dolce Vita Blush

EYES

· Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil

· Lhasa Single Eyeshadow – new for Spring 2012; for now try Ondine Single Eyeshadow

· Paris Duo Eyeshadow

· Larger Than Life Volumizing & Lengthening Mascaras

LIPS

· Fantasia Lip Liner Pencil

· Bilbao Lipstick – new for Spring 2012; for now, try Pago Pago Lipstick

· Gold Digger Larger Than Life Lip Gloss (available at Sephora)

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com

NARS created the look for the Marc Jacobs runway show.LEAD ARTIST: François Nars, Founder & Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics. TREND: Strong eyes, glowing skin and nude, glossy lips.

Backstage at Marc Jacobs for Spring 2012, New York Fashion Week

INSPIRATION & LOOK: “Marc had a lot of images of Patsy Klein, Amy Winehouse, and Cowboy Kate, a book from the 60′s whose character Kate had heavy eyelashes,” said Founder and Creative Director François Nars.

“The complexion is meant to look like it’s glowing, like the girls have been dancing, and by eliminating the blush it gives a strange, otherworldly effect. The focus was really on the eye, with a well-defined brow. The combination of different touches creates a decadent, French sensuality and makes the girls more like characters.”

Here’s how to…

FACE

· Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – new for Spring 2012; for now try a light application of Sheer Glow Foundation

BROWS

· Pandora Duo Eyeshadow (on brows)

EYES

· Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

· Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS

· Madere Pure Matte Lipstick

· Striptease Lip Gloss

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

François Nars, on the look created at the Spring 2012 Marc Jacobs runway show.

1. What kind of look did you want to create for Marc’s show?

Marc showed me images of Amy Winehouse, Patsy Klein, and Sweet Charity – all of whom had inspired him. Because the girls are to be staring into the eyes of the audience when the curtain opens, we decided to focus on the eyes. We were inspired by this book from the 1960s, Cowboy Kate, whose character wore false eyelashes and Marc mentioned Bob Fosse (the choreographer) and so it was really important to make the girls look like dancers, to treat them like characters not models. The skin is meant to look like it is dewy, like the girls have been dancing – it’s very Cabaret. We used the new Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer instead of foundation.

2. What beauty technique did you use to bring Marc’s vision to life?

We used three pairs of false eyelashes for each girl! We actually had to cut them very precisely. The inner corners of one pair were cut off and applied to the inner corners. Then, we cut the remaining two pairs in half and used the outer halves on the outer corners, not at the same time of course. We applied one set, and then followed with the next.

3. What kind of affect does this create?

It makes the eyes look really full along the outer corners. It’s very decadent, very French, very Marc. We used Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner to line the eyes and eliminate the space between the lashes and the lash line. And then applied Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara for additional emphasis.

4. What about the rest of the look – especially the brows? They are very defined.

In order to keep the focus on the eyes, we needed to create a frame around them, which is exactly what brows do to the face. We made them very dark with the black side of Pandora Duo Eyeshadow, so that they look like dancers. In the past we’ve always done really minimal brows or bleached them completely so this was different for us. The brow is sharply defined from inner to outer ends. It’s very monochromatic.

5. Hence the reason for no blush and nude lips?

Yes- there is no color. The lips have Madere Pure Matte Lipstick applied for a nude, very couture look and topped it with Striptease Lip Gloss for shine. And absolutely no blush- when you look at the girls, it’s really like you are looking at a black and white film – there is no color.

6. You mention Amy Winehouse- what about Amy inspired the look exactly?

The look for Marc was very similar to Amy’s in that the skin is transparent. The direct inspiration was not a literal reference but to evoke the overall feeling or essence of her. The hair, the lashes and also her skin. She never wore a lot of foundation; just eye makeup.

IMAGE CREDIT: © 2011 Wireimage