NARS PRO PRIME PRIMERS

A primer is a must in the makeup regimen. Every good makeup artist will tell you that the primer is the first step to a successful makeup application - it locks in color, allows makeup to last hours longer and evens out skintone for a flawless canvas from which to paint.

For a quick recap on how to use a primer, click here. It's a must read!

Well, ladies, it's been years in the making but Nars has finally launched their Pro Prime Primer and... it's fantastic! It comes in two formulas - the PRO-PRIME Pore Refining Primer and the PRO-PRIME Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 and the makeup artists - and their celebrity clients - are going gaga over the product.

I tried the Pore Refining Primer and loved how it kept my makeup in place sans the shine, yet it didn't make me break out or irritate my skin. It's oil-free (which I love) and  it didn't have that waxy, silicone feel that so many quality primers seem to have. In fact, it felt infinitely lighter. The consistency was a bit liquidy, but once rubbed into the skin it absorbed easily and the makeup applied without a problem.

Here's the word on the street regarding Nars' latest and greatest product:

“It was perfect to achieve a smooth and flawless finish and perfectly matte skin,” said makeup artist Fabiola, on the primer she used for Mila Kunis’ look at the Cosmopolitan’s Fun, Fearless Female Of The Year  event in NYC (the honor of which was given to Mila!)

“ I am a huge fan of the Pore-Refining Primer and love using this before a big event or red carpet,” said Monika Blunder about the primer she used on Amanda Seyfried at the LA premiere of Red Riding Hood. “Pores instantly look smaller and skin looks more matte. When I apply foundation over the primer, it just glides on and make up stays on for hours.”


“I use this primer because it's an amazing lightweight primer that creates a silky, smooth, nourished surface,” said KC Fee, who used the product on Kate Mara at the 2011 SAG Awards. “The added bonus is the SPF which is perfect for daytime red carpet events. It's become my go-to primer.”


“This multi tasking primer soothes skin and provides a lightweight and creamy texture. The SPF is perfect for on-the-go and the formula smoothes lines for an immaculate finish,” said NARS artist Jenny Smith who used the new primer on JULIA STILES for her attendance at Cynthia Rowley’s Fall 2011 show during New York Fashion Week.

Stock up before they sell out!


PRICE TAG: $32.00
available exclusively at www.sephora.com

NARS HOLIDAY 2010

The mood for the NARS Holiday 2010 Collection is audaciously bold. Just as in the Fall 2010 campaign, François Nars once again explores the many facets of his versatile muse Daphne Guinness. Her smoldering, cobalt-rimmed eyes, platinum hair and peach-glazed cheeks are captured not once, but in multiple kaleidoscopic images. According to François, “when you have Daphne Guinness for a campaign model, you just let her be who she is.  Daphne fits the brand so well – she has such a modern approach to fashion and beauty.”

 

Here is the collection:

OKINAWA TRIO EYESHADOW, $45 - The first trio eyeshadow for the brand is a striking triad of black onyx, silver and cobalt blue

ETRUSQUE SINGLE EYESHADOW, $23 - An antique gold hue reminiscent of Etruscan cast bronze art

MELUSINE DUO EYESHADOW, $32 - An ultra-modern union of rich purple orchid and silver-spun lilac

SEX APPEAL BLUSH, $26 - A soft peach blush, perfect for foolproof contouring

PETIT MONSTRE LIPSTICK, $24 - A luxurious berry pigment with a satin finish

LITTLE DARLING LIPSTICK, $24 - A classic, nude beige with a sheer finish

DOWNTOWN  LIP GLOSS, $24 – A metallic-pink lavender lip gloss that vibrates with party-perfect iridescence

BOUGAINVILLE LIP GLOSS, $24 - A sensual pomegranate lip gloss that appears deep in pigment but sheer on the lips

POKERFACE NAIL POLISH, $16 – A vibrant, magnetic, purple orchid

BAD INFLUENCE NAIL POLISH, $16 - A smoky taupe nail polish that is a unique yet universal hue


Available now at www.narscosmetics.com

MARC JACOBS BACKSTAGE

Probably the most highly anticipated show of the season, definitely when it comes to hair and makeup, is that of Marc Jacobs.... faces by Francois Nars of Nars Cosmetics. He always does something very non-traditional, most likely unwearable, but a work of art none-the-less.

This year was no exception. The trend here was glossy green eyes and deep matte lips. Here are the deets:

LOOK & INSPIRATION: “The look is very reminiscent of Angelica Houston in the 70s-the bleached brows and the deep eyes,” said François Nars. “I wanted them to look like iconic models from the 70s with a modern approach. Marc had images of what he wanted the makeup to look like – mimicking the colors of the clothing but not matching exactly.”

GET THE LOOK:

Face:
-Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (NEW for 2011-for now try a light application of Nars Sheer Glow Foundation)
-Nars Orgasm Blush

Eyes:
-Nars Night Porter Eyeshadow
-Nars Nouveau Monde Duo Eyeshadow (NEW for 2011-for now try the olive side of Earth Angel Duo Eyeshadow)
-Nars Celebrate Soft Touch Shadow Pencil (New for 2011-for now try the green side of Rated R Duo Eyeshadow)
-Nars Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

Lips:
-Nars Volga Pure Matte Lipstick (now on counters exclusively at Saks!)
-Nars African Queen Lip Liner Pencil
-Nars Mambo Eyeliner Pencil

Nars Introduces Pure Matte

Just in time for fashion week AND award season, Nars is launching their Pure Matte line of lippies. They were used on Sunday night at the Emmys: Both Kerri Russel and Lea Michele wore Pure Matte on the red carpet.

“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

"Over 15 years ago, François Nars created a collection of 12 perfectly edited lipsticks. Nars’ passion for lipstick never wavered. Now comes 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."

COLORS:
Volga (Deep Aubergine)
Bangkok (Soft Rose)
Tonkin (Cinnamon Plum)
Terre De Feu (Black Cherry)
Tashkent (Nude Beige)
Vesuvio (Full Bodied Red).

Launching September 1 at Saks!

PRICE TAG: $25.00

NARS FALL 2010

Free FALLing! Nars' fall 2010 campaign pays homage to the face of Daphne Guinness. To hype up the collection, Founder & Creative Director François Nars photographed the futuristic makeup look "in a kaleidoscope of mirrors, creating a virtual funhouse of reflective images." He even named a bold and bright pigmented purple shadow after his muse. The Nars Daphne Eyeshadow is the mainstay color for fall.


Here's the campaign:

"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!" -- Francois Nars


Here's the collection:

Douceur. Fr.: Sweet, gentle, delicate. NARS Douceur Blush: A soft pink-brown
hue that lightly imparts a honeyed brown kiss of innocence on cheeks. Unique
to the Fall 2010 collection, the powder is lightly etched with the NARS logo.
Use to contour from the apple of the cheek upward; warm forehead, jaw
line and nose.


Daphne - Style icon. Designer. Model. Heiress of haute couture. Named after Daphne
Guinness herself—François Nars’ inimitable muse—this hypnotizing matte,
deep-violet single eyeshadow exudes excitement. Apply liberally across the lid
up to the brow, blending outward. Head-turning.

Mangrove - The magnificence of this tropical tree, captured in the softest, mellow yellow
laced with lime. Richly pigmented and crease-resistant, use this single
eyeshadow to highlight the inner corner of the eye, as a bright base shade for
the lid or to diffuse a deeper shade by sweeping it into the bridge.

Grooving in the Grove—Miami’s magical neighborhood on Biscayne Bay—has
attracted musicians, artists, and writers for decades. Dense, dramatic, and
daring, this dark chocolate-cum-taupe confection increases depth on the lid
and doubles as a lash liner when used wet.


Rouge Basque - Inspired by the inside cover of a book from the famed French countryside,
François Nars envisioned the quintessential red from the Basque region. The
result is lipstick with a luminous satin finish. It is as deeply pigmented as the
region’s history and as bold as the wine for which the area is known. Pair with
NARS pencils, or apply with a NARS lip brush.

Strawberry Fields - Imagine juicy, mouthwatering strawberries, just picked. Then delight in the
serious, yet sexy shine of this bright pink confection. Worn alone or over NARS
lip products, the gloss’ Vitamin-E enriched formula seals in moisture. Lips feel
supple and hydrated.

Palladium- Once the NYC hot-spot, characterized by glamour, glitz, and decadence. This
sparkling turquoise soft touch shadow pencil rocks with all the vibrancy and sex
appeal of its namesake. Layer it with other NARS eye products—or go it alone—
to line, accent, highlight or illuminate unforgettable eyes.


Tzarine - Love, sex and power. Russia’s empresses had it all. Inspired by royalty, the
eyeshadow duo pairs the majesty of platinum gold infused with silver reflections
with a bold, steel grey. Swipe and shadow along the upper lid or smudge along
the lower. Positively regal.


Rajasthan - Sacred temples and scorching deserts. Bengalese tigers and Bagaru prints.
India’s largest state fascinates and tantalizes. Like its namesake, the Rajasthan
Eyeshadow duo is an exotic palette, playing glazed almond against cool
charcoal. Worn solo, blended or layered, the look signals drama.

And you can go to facebook.com/narscosmetics to read a Q&A with Ms. Daphne!

Here's a sneak peak:

How would you best wear a bold color, such as the NARS Daphne Eyeshadow?
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.





What's your attitude towards makeup? What does makeup mean to you? Does it have the power to change people?
Historically, people have thought that makeup had the power to change people and I would agree: Take the theatre or the opera for example, or Boudicca, Cleopatra, Japanese rituals, Egyptian primitive tribal makeup or even drag queens or the cinema....

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Nars Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment

The jury is in (and by jury I mean Hollywood starlets), Nars Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatments are the must-have lippy for summer! 

Says fan Rachel Weisz: “NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment is the softest of moisturizers for my lips.  It also has this amazing light, sheer color that not only leaves my lips with a sexy tint but has sun protection built right into it.  I simply slide it on for natural, silky lips.”

In 6 summery shades including a clear, there's a hint of color for everyone. Wild Mango Butter, with superior moisturizing benefits, leaves lips feeling soft and supple. Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Acai Oil provide antioxidants and long lasting hydration. You can wear alone or paired with your favorite NARS lip products.

The slim stick allows for easy application and convenient on-the-go touch-ups.  SPF 15 protects lips from the sun's harsh rays making this the perfect choice for a pinch of moisture, color and protection all summer long. Other celeb fans include Sienna Miller, Katherine Heigl and Malin Akerman.

PRICE TAG: $25.00

NARS MULTIPLES

NARS has launched their new Multiple Tints just in time for summer. With bright, vibrant hues, these tints give cheeks, lips and even eyes a bright yet translucent pop of color. These limited-edition shades can be worn alone for a flush of color or layered with your favorite face and lip products for a bolder bling.

The NARS Multiple Tint comes in 3 shades:
Beverly Hills (bright red)
Turks & Caicos (bright orange)
Cadaqués (bright fuchsia).

Available for a limited time at NarsCosmetics.com

PRICE TAG: $38.00  

Inspired By: Dangerous Beauty

One of my favorite movies -- amazing cast and costumes -- and great inspiration for spring/ summer beauty: Dangerous Beauty, the film about Venetian Courtesans.

The lead actress, Catherine McCormick plays Courtesan and Poetess, Vanessa Franco. She exhibits grace, style and a flair for perfectly pastel makeup.






Collections to check out:

La Prairie Spring


Dior Lace (the Dior Addict Lip Glosses are a lust-have!)




Nars So Famous Set (Sephora Exclusive) - peachy delight

Nars Summer 2010

Summer is almost here (yay!) and the good folks over at NARS have just released the summer collection images and campaign. Shot by NARS Founder and Creative Director François Nars and staring Amber Valletta, the campaign -- and collection -- is an homage to François’ vision of Catherine Deneuve’s character Sèverine in the movie Belle de Jour.


“Her character is beautiful and elegant. Her look is effortless—she has an incredible inner sophistication,” says François.

Here is the collection, available April 15!

Enchanted Cream Blush, $26
A soft-peach cream blush that delivers a hint of shimmer and smooth, silky color


Burn It Blue Duo Cream Eyeshadow, $32
This iridescent ocean-blue paired with turquoise creates a lively duo cream eyeshadow

Cayenne Cream Eyeshadow, $22
A spicy, deep brown cream eyeshadow that is intensely rich yet carries a weightless texture


Love Devotion Lipstick, $24
A nourishing, long-lasting sheer guava lipstick


Coup de Coeur Lip Gloss, $24
Just like the French phrase it’s named after, this shiny, sheer apple-brandy tinted lip gloss is sure to yield love at first sight


Lamu Multiple, $38
A fresh, glazed-apricot shade with gold sparkles to create shimmering accents


Versailles Nail Polish, $16
Regal and opalescent, this champagne-gold nail hue shimmers, creating a light-catching tint and gilded sophistication

I'm hearting the Lamu Multiple Stick.

What product(s) are you dying to try?

NARS Vintage Polish

Bring back the oldies!

In honor of NARS’ 15th anniversary, François Nars has resurrected some of the brand’s long-lost nail polishes from the archives. For a limited time, experience the signature high-gloss, extra durable formula in an assortment of five vibrant nail hues. It seems some shades never go out of style...

Blue Lagoon (Originally launched in 2001) – Lagoon is an iridescent powder blue that feels as fresh as an ocean breeze after months of navy tips

Cha Cha Cha (Originally launched in 2001) – A semi-sheer tangerine with gold reflections, it is as sensual and vivacious as the Cuban dance it is named after

Hunger (Originally launched in 2001) – A hot orange red that offers a summer respite for classic red devotees

Tallulah (Originally launched in 1998) Like Demi Moore's daughter! – A slightly moody and entirely elegant shade of rich grape, gives tips a taste of the good life

Zizi (Originally launched in 1999) – This clear with peach and gold glitter polish dazzles both on its own and atop of other polishes

PRICE TAG: $16.00
available now! click here.

Nars Summer 2009

Nars' Summer Collection is features glowing, sun-kissed ski, shimmering peachy-hued lips and high-drama eyes in deep-tones of metallic-flecked topaz or sparkling azure. Inspired by the tropics, the compacts are filled with bold blues and shimmering golds.

"The look for the Summer 2009 collection is sophisticated, but colorful,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director. “The tropics are always inspiring for me,” continues François. “I lived part of my life in Tahiti and the Polynesian Islands and there is so much incredible blue there.” Hence, the blue shadow below. It definitely is a notable hue.

Here are the deets:

Single Eyeshadow- $22
Tropic- Matte teal with silver particles


Duo Eyeshadow- $32
Scorching Sun- Glazed apricot/Orange with delicate sheen **Beauty Banter Favorite**


Bronzing Powder- $30
Irresistiblement- Golden terracotta


Lipstick- $24
Falbala- Shimmering bronzy rose
Outsider- Shimmering burnish coral


Lip Gloss- $24
Belize- Pale pink mauve with flecks of gold

Lipliner Pencil- $20
Tonga- Pink amber

Nail Polish- $16
Adelita- Shimmering pearlescent pink

P.S. Happy 15th Birthday, Nars Cosmetics!

Nars: Fall 2008 with PICS!

As we previously mentioned, the Nars Fall 2008 colors are currently available -
Just in case you've forgotten:

Cheeks:
Dolce Vita Blush Dusty rose $25.00

Eyes:
Fez Single Eyeshadow Velvety cocoa $22.00
Isolde Duo Eyeshadow (pictured below) Frosted ginger & shimmering copper $32.00
Cordura Duo Eyeshadow Shimmering warm rich brown & shimmering sooty dark brown $32.00
Lips:
Beautiful Liar Lipstick (pictured: below, left)/span> Sheer spiced coral $24.00
Señorita Lipstick (pictured: below, right) Sheer shimmering cherry blossom $24.00
Female Trouble Lip Gloss Lilac mauve $24.00


Nails:
Rebell Yell Nail Polish Dusty pomegranate $16.00

We finally had the chance to test the goods.... and here's what we're feeling:

This is SUCH a wearable collection! Everything shimmers! The lippies are gorgeous (**Senorita's our fave**), the blush is the perfect shade of rose for wind-blown cheeks, and **Isolde eyeshadow duo** is insane! This is our absolute favorite shadow that we've tried for Fall - it's two of the best golden hues ever (great for brown or hazel eyes). All of the products pair together perfectly with each other... must, must haves!

Do YOU have a favorite Nars Fall product??? Let us know!

Nars Red For Summer...

Beauty maven, friend, screenwriter (of the upcoming Eloise staring Uma Thurman), Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood featured starlet, and all around rad chick (at the tender age of 21), Hallie Meyers-Shyer debuts her favorite summer red:


Nars Red Square Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (note to self: it's an orange red, so people with more olive skin tones, beware! This hue may be a bit too orange for you. It is, however, great for people who inherently have more red in their skin as it offsets the natural redness with a slight burst of orange-red.)


Says Hallie: "It's a very "in" color. And I like that it's matte, not shiny. It stays put on my lips without needing to constantly reapply. It reminds me of New York City - like a giant red apple."

When Hallie glams up in her Nars Red she wears a pretty bare face otherwise. A little mascara, some bronzer and that's about it!

Summer is all about keeping it simple and sexy. This look does both...

NARS FALL 2008

Yep, it's that time again... the summer heat is still ablazin' but fall is right around the corner. Which means...

Fall Color Collections (insert Stadium CLAPS here)!

This just in... Nars, Fall 2008! (images to come....)

The look:

"Designed to complement fashion’s bold, solid hues and ultra feminine textures, fall’s glowing palette combines brilliant neutrals in shimmering tones for a look of intrigue and sophistication. Velvety eyeshadows impart an alluring sheen in a range of chocolate and ginger hues, while lips enchant in sheer shades of coral, cherry and mauve for a creation of true beauty."

The Deets:

Cheeks:
Dolce Vita Blush Dusty rose $25.00

Eyes:
Fez Single Eyeshadow Velvety cocoa $22.00
Isolde Duo Eyeshadow Frosted ginger & shimmering copper $32.00
Cordura Duo Eyeshadow Shimmering warm rich brown & shimmering sooty dark brown $32.00

Lips:
Beautiful Liar Lipstick Sheer spiced coral $24.00
Señorita Lipstick Sheer shimmering cherry blossom $24.00
Female Trouble Lip Gloss Lilac mauve $24.00

Nails:
Rebell Yell Nail Polish Dusty pomegranate $16.00

Available in August on narscosmetics.com

We're really feeling the Isolde Duo shadows... What product(s) are you just DYING to get your hands on???

NARS Spring 2008

I can't believe the Spring Collections are actually here! I'm still in NYC in 18 degree weather freezing my little buns off!
But alas, Spring is only moments away...

From Nars, Shanghai Lily, Spring 2008

What it is: "The ultimate dichotomy of innocence and seduction, Spring 2008 mystifies with a melange of hues delicate yet robust, creating the modern hybrid of feminine temptation."

The Products:

• The Multiple in Orgasm (yes, the infamous blush color)
• Alahambra Duo Eye Shadow - muted golds
  
• Abyssinian Single Eye Shadow - neutral beige
• Lipstick in Success and Manhunt (Red)
• Dolce Vita Lip Gloss
• Greek Holiday Lip Gloss
• Belle De Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (again, a very neutral shade)
• Stolen Kisses/ Pampa Lip Gloss/ Lip Stain Gloss Duo

So the look seems to be light eyes, lots of cheeks and a juicy lip. We're loving all of the neutrals and beiges!

Check out a few of the pics of our favorites:







And to view the entire collection, CLICK HERE.

The Calm After the Storm

New Years holiday was a blast. I would have posted sooner but I've been recuperating. I spent five days in Florida with my dear friend Kimberly Stewart. We started off the trip in Palm Beach where I hung out and beauty shopped with hair-crazed Jenny. Then we ventured to Miami for the big New Years Eve bash (and stayed for about 24 hours). I returned back to Los Angeles on the 1st and it has literally rained every day since!

Florida left my skin very tan and my hair very blonde. I used spf 30 on my face and pranced around in a straw hat and yet I still came home with blotchy dark spots from the sun!!! I have decided to up the spf to a 40 for my next tanning adventure!

As far as make-up is concerned, while lounging poolside, less is more. My advice: invest in a great sunblock, a hydrating lippy with a dash of color, a black mascara, a fun hat and a kick-ass pair of shades (mine are vintage gold... love them!)

I kept my beauty routine very very simple. MD Forte Aftercare Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30 on my face, my very favorite au natural, vacation go-to chap stick, Labello in cherry, for my lips. It provides the perfect splash of red and yet it still moisturizes! And for my eyes, my new must-have mascara... Fresh Supernova. I'll be doing an entire post on this incredible product later today. But I will say this - I convinced Kim, Jenny and guest-blogger, Di, to purchase the mascara and so far, no complaints from anyone!

Here's a pic of my straw hat, my kick-ass shades, and Labello-glossed lips tanning poolside/ beach side in Palm Beach (yes, that was the view that I woke up to EVERY morning... sigh):



As for NYE make-up, here's what I used:

• MAC Eye Shadow Quad in Gentle Fume - 4 sultry greys and blacks to produce the perfect silver smokey eye.
• MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack - I was going for the dramatic cat eye liner look. This MAC liner is malleable and very easy to navigate. I lined the bottom of my eyes with MAC Soft Sparkle Eye Pencil in Night Sky, a black pencil infused with silver sparkles - perfect for party eyes!
  
• Nars Outlaw for my cheeks with a dash of MAC Northern Light Skin Finish to highlight my cheek bones.
• On my lips, I wanted glossy and nude. I chose MAC Lustre Glass in Instant Gold AND MAC Lustre Glass in A37 from the Holiday Curiosities Kit.
• And, of course, I finished it all off with about 8 coats of Fresh Supernova Mascara!

Here's a pic from NYE:


Kimberly actually designed that AMAZING dress that I'm wearing... I love having talented friends!!!


On Kim's lips, my new favorite red lippy from MAC's Originals collection, Russian Red, an absolute god-sent red hue! (that's it pictured on the left!)



Well, that's all for now! Hope you had a beauty-full Holiday!

The Very BEST Blushes

Once again, Guest Editor Di Gaeta is sharing her beauty expertise with you!

Hello, Darlings.

So, Sarah has asked me to share with you my favorite blushies and why, because I seem to have a knack for choosing them. As I’ve had every hair color in the book and am sometimes tan and sometimes not, I am offering up my various picks.

When I’m a pale blondie, like now, I LOVVVE the Apricot Face Tint by Laura Mercier. This blush looks scarily bright in its little jar but one dip, blow, and puff right on the apples of the cheeks and you look healthy and adorable. This is also a really great universal “I’m just in from the cold” color.

When I’m a tan brunette, I’m all about Nars Outlaw. The color is a deep sexy rose, and while too strong on fair skin, is STUNNING on darker tones. This color gives you that “own personal lighting team” effect for it has tiny flecks of gold in it.

Lastly, my two constants that fit everyone no matter what time of year are, Nars Lovejoy and Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon. The Lovejoy is a blend of the best-selling Orgasm blush (a golden peach) and their medium bronzer. This is a perfect pick for when you are ill, sallow, or need a general pick me up. The Beach tint comes in a cute, tiny, little, tube and it is the loveliest shade of, well, watermelon. This is my absolute fave because not only is it a beautiful “on the apples” blush but it is also the most fabulous “Angelina Jolie” lip color because it is both matte and just bitten looking.

Enjoy,

Xxx Di


What's your must-have blush???