Cosmic Love: Florence Welch in Nars Beauty

NARS worked with makeup artist Tasha Brown to create the look for Florence Welch, of Florence & The Machine for both her red carpet and performance looks.

ON THE RED CARPET: “I was inspired by the thought of a beautiful English rose. With Florence’s lacy Valentino dress, we wanted to round out the look with warm shades,” said Tasha about the singer’s red carpet look. Below are the NARS products that Tasha used:

FACE
PRO-PRIME Pore Refining Primer (NEW for Spring 2011; exclusively available at Sephora)
Sheer Matte Foundation
Desire Blush

EYES
PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Lovejoy Blush (as eyeshadow)
Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara
LIPS
Tzigane Lipstick (NEW for Spring 2011!)

ON STAGE: “Florence has such flawless skin so I added a bold color to complement her copper dress,” said Tasha about Florence’s performance look, for which she added the following NARS products:


FACE
Gina Blush

LIPS
Heat Wave Lipstick

Credit: Getty Images and Nars PR

The Real Orange County: Nars Illuminators

Following the success of the Orgasm Illuminator, NARS introduces three new iconic shades to the Illuminator category. This collection of light-reflecting liquids glides on to refresh the skin, enhance the complexion and create a shimmering incandescence. The Illuminators can be used to highlight bare skin or to light up your makeup as it lights the skin from within.

COPACABANA - Like its namesake Multiple, Copacabana Illuminator will impart a pearlescent sheen and can be applied all over the face, mixed with foundation, and used to highlight the neck, shoulders and décolleté.


SUPER ORGASM – Infused, like the blush, with golden shimmer and a peachy-gold hue that can be applied all over the face, mixed with foundation, and used to highlight the neck, shoulders and décolleté.

LAGUNA - A golden-bronze hue, just as in Laguna Bronzer, that will give a sun-kissed glow and can be applied to the face or mixed with foundation.

Key ingredients include Polar Berries, known for their antioxidant properties; Bisabolol, known as an anti-inflammatory (obtained from the Chamomile plant) and Indian Frankincense, known for its soothing and comforting properties. Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist-tested.

PRICE: $29 each
AVAILABILITY: www.narscosmetics.com
CREDITS: Nars PR

Nars Bento Box: A Gush and Review

I purchased the NARS Bento Box Set during a Saks beauty event. It was a mixture of destiny, a discount and a saks gift card.

It is a limited edition (but I still see it online!) set of "two Kabuki cups that were hand-poured with a new exclusive-to-NARS lipstick formula in highly pigmented shades".
The cups are engineered to fit perfectly in your hand. It triggers a crazy tactile response. You just enjoy handling them. Now some of you beauty addicts...with your thoughts in the gutter...might be giggling. The cups are just a glamorous addition to your makeup ritual. Your inner geisha girl is released!

The cups are "coated" with the lip product.
There will be a moment's panic that you paid $125 for very little product.
This feeling will pass.
The red lip shade is called Maiko. It is a vibrant geisha red. Maiko has no blue cast and is more warm blooded.
Sakura is a bright, yet cool fuchsia pink. My local Nars girl suggested pairing the lippies together. That was a magnificent combination. It was traffic stopping!

The texture is a lipstick-like formula.
Nothing revolutionary.
I expected something thicker with more pigment power. I was pleased that it did not create any lip issues. There was no dryness or flakes.

The handmade bento box houses a Kabuki lip brush, "designed for precise application by dipping the brush into the cup and blending until desired coverage is achieved". This was a tricky endeavor for my thumbs. The tip is pretty stiff. It took a lot of swishes and applications to get sufficient pigment. The brush is so lovely to look at. It is hand wrapped like the other Nars Kabuki brushes.

It retails for $125 and is available www.narscosmetics.com, Saks, and Neiman Marcus

Disclosure: I bought this!
Photo Credit: Blogdorf Goodman

I am weak as water...

Nars Bento Box came home with me!

A love fest and all kinds of gushing will be coming soon.

Let It Snow!

Kose Addiction by Ayako
Cream Shadow in Snow Venus

This is part of my Japanese haul courtesy of Miss Koneko. Addiction was created by Ayako, NARS International Makeup Director. It has a Nars vibe with some clever tinkering.

Ayako has developed 6 white and 6 black eye shadow shades. The white shades are Paper Doll(matte), Sugar Angel(pearl), Snow Magic(sparkle),Snow Bouquet(sparkle), Snow Bird(sparkle) and Snow Venus(sparkle).

Snow Venus(pictured) is a parchment white shade. It has a quirky pale yellow, grey flash. The formula is a light cream enthused with a sparklefest. Cream shadows are generally difficult for me. It is a mixture of a lack of skill and oily eye lids. Jill Stuart and Addiction cream shadows seem to "stay put" with no primer aids. The sparkle fire range is at a "Jill Stuart" level.
In beauty blogging terms, this level means NIRVANA.

So...another Japanese beauty crush begins.

Visit the official site at http://www.addiction-beauty.com/
Addiction products can be found for sale at http://ichibankao.com/default.aspx

Tonight I'll Be Your Naughty Girl

INSPIRATION: "I was inspired by the film La Vie des Autres. I wanted the models to have a dirty look as if the hair and makeup had been slept in," said designer Marc Jacobs, who specifically requested Barbarella lipstick to be used on the models’ lips.

LOOK: “This look is what you’d see on a girl from the East Village or St. Germain des Pres-an existentialist with a modern twist,” said NARS Cosmetics Founder and Creative Director François Nars 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.”

FACE

· Sheer Glow Foundation

· (Enchanted Blush NEW for Summer 2010); try Gina Blush for a similar look

EYES

· D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2010)

· Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil

· Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo

· Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS
· Barbarella Lipstick

Credit: Nars and Flicker

The Good Wife

Mr Buckle really had a great night at the Golden Globes. He is responsible for many of the stunners of the evening. For Julianna Marguiles he went with a light hand. Her skin glowed and she rocked a very light smoky eye. Kristofer also showed us how to use the Orgasm Illuminator.
I am entranced yet slightly nervous about this product.

From Mr Buckle's mouth: “Julianna has such beautiful skin and a gorgeous beaming smile, that I wanted to keep the colors subdued and let her natural skintone shine through,” said Kristofer Buckle for NARS Cosmetics. “I didn't want to use too much color because it might have taken away from her. I wanted it to be all about Julianna so I focused on highlighting her skin by encouraging shine and glow.”

Below is Kristofer’s step-by-step to recreate Julianna’s look:

Complexion:

· Using fingers apply Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) down the center of the nose, across cheekbones, and on the apples of the cheeks

· Apply Firming Foundation all over face, mixing in with the Orgasm Illuminator

· Re-apply Orgasm Illuminator over the entire complexion to encourage shine [Kristofer’s tip: “I used the Flat Concealer Brush to apply the Orgasm Illuminator on top of the foundation creating high gleam.”]


Eyes:

· Apply both sides of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow into the crease and all over the eyelid

· Dab the sooty dark brown side of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow on the outer part of the eye [Kristofer’s tip: “I love the shimmering iridescent in this eyeshadow. A metallic iridescence softens the smokiness of an eye allowing it to look like it is part of the skin rather than looking gothic.”]

· Next, use the sable shade from Brousse Duo Eyeshadow and lightly dust under lower lash line

· Then, lightly tap Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) on the inside corner of the eye

· Curl the eyelashes and apply Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara


Lips:

· Apply Cruising Lipstick (NEW Spring 2010)

· Next, layer Ophelia Lip Gloss (NEW Spring 2010) over the lipstick [Kristofer’s tip: “I love this soft pink, it adds just the right amount of color.”]


Cheeks:

· Dust Super Orgasm Blush onto the apples of cheeks


Body:

· Blend Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) all over neck and décolletage

Orgasm Illuminator will be available at Sephora on February 1 and all other NARS Cosmetics are available at www.narscosmetics.com

Credit: Nars

What A Girl Wants

Christina Aguilera has never looked so soft and lovely like last night at the Golden Globes. I do not know who this Kristofer is...but he is a damn genius on all levels. Those eyes!!!!

It makes me want to get India Song today.

Words from the genius Mr Kristopher Buckle......

“I wanted to create a soft natural look on Christina to compliment her gown and new haircut,” said Kristofer Buckle for NARS Cosmetics. “Her dress choice was a beautiful pastel peach with silver. I didn’t want the look to fight with her gown. The final look is chic and seamless, with a earthy colored smokey eye and glowing skin.”

Well...Mr Kristopher Buckle...you hit it out of the park!

Below is Kristofer’s step-by-step to recreate Christina’s look:

Complexion:

·Use the Balancing Moisture Lotion and apply the Makeup Primer as a base

·Apply Firming Foundation and set with Pressed PowderEyes

Eyes:

·Apply the vanilla side of India Song Duo Eyeshadow as a base, over the entire lid and up to eyebrow

·Next, use the shimmering walnut shade of India Song Duo Eyeshadow and apply to the outer corner and under the bottom lash line

·Then, use the warm rich brown side of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow just under eye rubbing into the lower lash line to create smokey eye

·Curl the eyelashes and apply a coat of Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara to top and bottom lashes, following with 2 coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara for full lashes

·Take Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo and dot in between individual lashes [Kristofer’s tip:“I used the Push Eyeliner Brush to blend the eyeliner in between the lashes, which helped to apply just enough without looking to heavy.”]

Lips:

·Use the Fantasia Lipliner Pencil and Niagara Lipstick

·Next, apply Easy Lover Lip Gloss (NEW for Spring 2010) over [Kristofer’s tip:“Applying a sheer pink gloss on top of a nude colored lip provides a nice modern pop of color.”]

Cheeks:

·Generously apply Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) to cheekbones, décolletage, and shoulders for an all over glow

·Use Malaysia Multiple Bronzer to contour cheeks by blending under cheekbones

·Apply the Mata Hari Blush to the apple of cheeks and lightly tap on browbone [Kristoper’s tip: “Lightly dusting a blush on the browbone gives life to the eye and melds the whole look together.”]

·Next, with short, back and forth quick strokes use Nico Blush to highlight cheekbones

Orgasm Illuminator will be available at Sephora on February 1 and all other NARS Cosmetics are available at http://www.narscosmetics.com/

Credit: Nars

Do We Need Any More Orgasms?

The answer is yes.

This arrived in my email box yesterday. As a fan of the blush and The Multiple, this is exciting news. Let us know if you are looking forward to this Orgasm flanker in the comments.

Straight From Nars: Introducing ORGASM ILLUMINATOR, a scintillatingly sheer, weightless fluid that instantly makes skin refreshed, radiant and glowing. Flecks of gold, peach and pink shimmer softly diffuse light, melting into the skin to allow natural luminosity to shine through. (sounds pretty)

Apply ORGASM ILLUMINATOR all over the face for a barely-there, healthy glow. (This is a recipe for disaster for me!)Use as a highlighter for a glimmering accent on the cheekbones. Layer it under, over, or mix directly with NARS Foundations for added overall brilliance. Wear it on the neck, shoulders or décolleté for a silky, subtle, eye-catching sheen.

The ORGASM ILLUMINATOR, a new product category for NARS, joins the cult-followed collection of NARS Orgasm-hued products, which includes Blush, Lip Gloss, Nail Polish and The Multiple. Revered by makeup artists and consumers worldwide, NARS Orgasm products have been the recipient of numerous beauty accolades.

NARS ORGASM ILLUMINATOR contains raspberry and black currant; bisabolol; Indian Frankincense, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate. (This could smell fabulous!)It is non-comedogenic.



Nars Orgasm Illuminator retails for $29.00 and will be available February 2010 at Sephora.


Credit: Nars PR

True Love Waits

The spring press releases are arriving in my mail box. I got excited by the Nars offering based on the description below.

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

I was stoked until I saw the pictures. The lippie looks Chamade worthy but the grape nail polish has me at a loss.


“I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed.”

NARS Cruising Lipstick- $24

This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color

NARS Lip Gloss- $24

Easy Lover-Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss

Ophelia- This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive

NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish - $16

This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic. (nothing says Catherine Deneuve like a Prince song!)

NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow-$23

This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark

NARS Camargue Duo Cream Eyeshadow-$32

Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula

NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow-$32

Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts—rich and subtle, traditional yet modern

NARS Glitter Pencil-$24




This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending

The Spring 2010 collection will be available on January 15, 2010 at narscosmetics.com

Has this collection arrived at your counters yet? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Credits: Youtube and Nars PR