NARS Spring 2010 Collection

The NARS Spring 2010 Collection was photographed by NARS Cosmetics Founder and Creative Director François Nars. François created the makeup look and cast supermodel Amber Valletta, who is a long-time collaborator of his. Elegant and versatile, the look is confident, cosmopolitan and polished. And although all of the new shades for this collection are gorgeous, my favorite product is by far this eyeshadow duo!

Kuala Lumpur Eyeshadow Duo ($32) is a perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing influenced by contrasts - traditional yet modern, like is namesake.  The rose gold (left) part of this duo is absolutely stunning.  It's a shimmery metallic almost peachy looking color in the compact but applies with a hint of rosey-pink for an unexpected femininity that is gorgeous on every eye color.  The plummy boysenberry is the perfect companion setting off the lighter shade in a contrast that just works!  This is a shadow you really must see in person to appreciate.  I've worn it every day since purchasing last week and I'll be wearing it again tomorrow.  For a great multi-tasking use of this duo, apply the lighter color to the lid and the darkershade in the crease for definition.  Take a fine eyeliner brush and dampen with water, then use the boysenberry shade as liner as close to the upper lash line as possible. Complete the look with several coats of your favorite black mascara. Stunning!

Need a little more purple in your life?  Hot, hot, hot for spring is every shade of purple on the fingers and toes.  Walking a line between gothic rocker and regally refined, the deep, jewel-toned perfection of NARS Purple Rain ($16) is fast becoming a go-to accessory for gals wanting to get a headstart on springtime trending.

Many other lovely products grace NARS' spring collection.  View them online at NARS Cosmetics, at NARS beauty counters or Sephora.

New from NARS: Eyeliner Stylo

NARS has introduced Eyeliner Stylo, a super-fine precision tip liquid eyeliner that allows for maximum control during application. The unique tip ensures a precise, even line with just one stroke. I'm drooling at the promo image. Regular readers will know I'm a huge fan of Lancome's Artliner eyeliner pens and haven't found anything close to its brilliance in application. I don't know, this just may give them a run for the money. I know I'll be trying them for sure.



The waterproof, quick-drying formula delivers a high dose of pigment for optimum coverage and intense color.

High pigment formula provides optimum coverage and intense color
Long-wearing, quick-dry formula shapes and defines eyes - lasts all day
Super-fine precision tip ensures an even line - thick or thin

NARS new Eyeliner Stylos come in three shades, Blue Bayou (that's the one I'll be buying first), Nuits Blanches (a shiny black), and Nabucco (a chocolate brown), each retails for $27. They are available exclusively at NARS Cosmetics online.

Ok, gotta go put my face on and get to work ... have a beautiful day, lovelies! xo

Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 RTW + Video Presentation with Francois Nars

Beauty editor Aja Mangum went backstage to talk with François Nars about the makeup. In keeping with the theatrical aesthetic of the entire collection, Nars describes his inspiration as "ballerina, cabaret girl, Broadway show meets opera meets Martha Graham with a touch of gothic." Watch to see the look applied.




Makeup artist genius François Nars gave models’ faces a pale, almost ghostlike appearance using Nars’ sheer matte foundation in a shade called Siberia. Nars applied a loose powder, Snow, over foundation to set. Eyes were dramatic lined with a shade called Black Moon. On top of that, black lines were drawn across the outer corners of the eyes with a liquid liner called Stylo, giving a catlike effect. The lids were given a vertical smudge of Pandora, a white-and-black eye shadow duo. Nars also used two pairs of falsies on each model. Finishing off the graphic look was a dark red, wine-colored lip, a shade called Pop Life.

“It’s very powdery, white, pale — nothing that looks like makeup,” said Nars. “The idea was Gothic, romantic, like ballet dancers coming off stage. “We wanted the girls to have an edge, give girls a lot of strength, like characters, performers in a show.”

Redken hairstylist Guido Palau stuck with the theatrical theme, creating a sort of knot at the top of the head. It's broadway show meets opera meets Martha Graham. He pulled hair up tight into a ponytail, then twisted and pinned it back on itself. Palau used Redken’s Glass 01 Smoothing Serum for a slick look and finished the updos with Redken’s Forceful 23 Super Strength Finishing Spray.

“She could be a dancer or an actress,” said Palau, “not pretty, but a dark ballerina with an edge. “It’s a very severe look,” he said, adding: “It’s simple but dramatic, as well.”

Though planning for a completely celebrity-free show this go 'round, Madonna and Lady GaGa showed up for a view on the fly wanting seats in the front. What is everyone else saying about the Jacobs' collection? The Associated Press is calling Marc Jacobs NYFW's bellwether designer.

Jacobs' spring collection had lots of frou-frou ruffles and pearl embellishment, yet his muse still seemed to be a strong woman with an obvious edge. The woman he dresses is the cool, creative type who can find the best thing in a vintage store, or buy a Jacobs' blush-colored ruffled jersey dress that mimics it. Always-popular Marc Jacobs' shoes, this time a clunky, chunky futuristic sandal that didn't have a high heel, bucked another emerging trend from the other runways. His collecton definitely has the feel of Geisha. Oh, and be sure to checkout those handbags, always a huge drool item by the designer. I'm loving the size of them; I need a big bag to haul around all my "stuff".

Our favorite fashion stylist the adorable Rachel Zoe said, "He is so incredibly influential with so many people," as she walked into the Armory building that has hosted Jacobs' show for years.

images/information: wwd, NY Fashion, Associated Press