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The NARS Holiday 2009 Collection was photographed by NARS Cosmetics
Founder and Creative Director, François Nars who also cast the Canadian-born
model Heather Marks for the campaign: “I chose her for her doll-like appearance,
but also for her ability to conjure an air of knowledge, of confidence, and a
sort of sublime sexiness. A great model needs to embody a really broad and
complex range of emotions.” |
The look for the NARS Holiday 2009 Collection is sophisticated and sensual,
featuring shades that are deep and bold with festive shimmer. “For the holidays,
I think it’s a great time to feel beautiful and sexy…with a little bit of movie
star attitude,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS
Cosmetics.
Beauty for the NARS woman doesn’t concern aesthetics alone. “It means
having innate style and turning heads, but not necessarily in a conventional
way,” adds Nars. Makeup is not meant to define, but rather to help express (and
keep pace with) ever-changing attitudes and moods. There are few rules absolu,
except to experiment, express and never disappoint.
Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS
What does the NARS Holiday 2009 Collection say to women?
Makeup never defines a woman; it emphasizes a mood, an attitude or a look,
which will (and certainly does) change seasonally, daily, even minute-to-minute.
Makeup is just one way for a woman to express herself, like her clothing, the
way she speaks. That said, I always hope my makeup helps a women look and
feel better about herself.
Since the creation of NARS Cosmetics in 1994, the names of the shades
have been as compelling as the shades themselves. Why do you name the
shades in this style?
I choose names that transport you to a time and place. It can be done by using
iconic people and locations, or else by choosing strong references. I do it to give
the shades (and by extension, the NARS brand) an identity.
Does your work as a photographer affect the way you create makeup?
My work as a makeup artist (and makeup creator) and photographer is very
connected. It doesn’t matter whether I am taking pictures or working as a
makeup artist, my goal is to make people look beautiful and bring out what is on
the inside. I truly believe that beauty lies within our characters.
You live between New York and Tahiti - how do your two different bases
influence your work differently?
I always need both. They are such wonderful places, and so inspiring! In Tahiti,
it’s all about the beauty and colors in nature - they are so unique! New York is
great for creation because of its energy and culture with the arts, opera, and
museums.
How do you choose the shade pairings on the NARS Duo Eyeshadows?
I try to take an unusual approach – sometimes surprising, always interesting.
The colors won’t necessarily match in a traditional sense, but they will always
make you think; always make you want to explore the different ways of using
the two shades together.
Why did you create the new Soft Touch Shadow Pencils?
I love pencils – they are handy, easy to use and this pencil has a really great
texture, plus the shades are fun.
About the Collection:
SOFT TOUCH SHADOW PENCIL New for the NARS Holiday 2009 Collection – the Soft Touch Shadow Pencil has a
convenient delivery system and multi-purpose formula. “Pencils are always very handy
and easy to use – this one has a wonderful texture and comes in fun, playful shades,”
says Nars. It has a smooth, cushiony feel on the lids and great playtime for optimal
blending. Use it subtly to line as a highlighter, or more intensely as a base for powders.
GODDESS A cool, divinely ethereal, glistening pink champagne that’s worthy of worship.
AIGLE NOIR A smoky, bold black infused with gold shimmer named for the dark, noble raptor that soars the Himalayas – graceful and rare.
SKORPIOS An irresistibly iridescent copper named for the alluring Greek isle of the famous
and flamboyant.
POP LIFE VELVET MATTE LIP PENCIL
Coat lips instantly with this bold, bright and modernly matte holly – red hue that
slips on with a velvety texture – a holiday staple with portability and ease of
application.
TOUNDRA VELVET MATTE LIP PENCIL
This richly pigmented Barolo wine shade is creamy, long-lasting and matte for
strong, seamless color and a perfectly defined pout.
ROUGE ANDALOU NAIL POLISH
Lasting and lustrous, like its namesake region – this classic, incandescent candy
apple red nail hue is sultry, sexy and steeped in tradition.
BROUSSE DUO EYESHADOW
Deep, subtly shimmering hues of eggplant and the darkest wood create an
earthy, yet sophisticated palette – a perfect pairing for layering up to the brow
or lining for shape and definition. Try swiping one shade over the eyelid and
applying the other beneath the brow bone to highlight. No matter the technique,
the effect will be decidedly dramatic.
EURYDICE DUO EYESHADOW
Bordeaux with hints of iridescent blues and coal rich with metallic greens make
for a modern holiday pairing. They can be used along the upper or lower lash
line: Swipe on the upper lid for use as a shadow or use underneath the eye as a
liner. Layered or alone, these shades are bold and impressive.
TAÏGA DUO EYESHADOW
A surprising contrast of bright, yet intense hues in the sheerest of textures. Apply
the twinkling frost shade to the inner eye, extending up to the brow to illuminate;
line the upper lid with the glittering garland green for a look that’s faultlessly
festive.
MOUSSON EYESHADOW
This shimmering, spicy pine cream eyeshadow is named for the monsoon –
natural and unpredictable. It has richness and depth, yet is lightweight in texture,
allowing for a surprising range of color and intensity – from daring to delicate.
LUXOR THE MULTIPLE
The Multiple in Luxor is an iridescent pink to be used on eyes, cheeks, lips and
body. The luxuriously creamy formula delivers sheer color to create shimmering
accents, contours, dynamic highlights and a perfect, glowing complexion.
Multi-purpose product with monumental versatility.
