I must say, every season I eagerly anticipate what Mr. François Nars has up his sleeve. Each season is more elegant and edgy than the last. I’m amazed how much the line has grown since I first sold his product all the way back in 1997. Even then his formulas, product names and, of course, his gorgeous packaging were way ahead of their time. The NARS Fall 2012 Collection is no exception: shadows, multiples, trios, matte lips, glossy lips and a signature limited edition nail polish. I also am stoked that he is using a supermodel to showcase his latest collection from my youth, Kristen McMenamy.
Kristen McMenamy
Angelina Jolie rocking the gray St. John dress
François describes this collection as “bold and breathtaking… Eyes are piercing in smoky jewel tones accented with lavender and amethyst sparkle. Skin glows subtly in nearly nude pink with a whisper of silver. Lips are strong in striking metallics or soft in warm brandy and rose shades.” I don’t know why, but I keep picturing Angelina Jolie in these shades. They are as mysterious and edgy as she is! I keep picturing these colors on her when she donned that flowing, pleated gray St. John dress to the Golden Globe Awards back in 2007. Simply breathtaking!
Speaking of lips, those were the two categories I was able to sample from this season’s collection. The Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil ($24.00) in More and the Pure Matte Lipstick ($25.00) in Amsterdam. I must say I love the texture of the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil this over the Amsterdam and it looked quite nice! Amsterdam is a gorgeous, rosy shade that is going to look fantastic with all the rich textures of the fall clothes. Mr. Nars does matte lipsticks like no one else. They don’t get dry on the lips or pull; the lipstick feels comfortable, and the long-wearing factor goes without saying.
Last but not least, I was also able to try the Opaque Nail Polish ($18.00) in Storm Bird. At first, I thought the color was odd — I will admit. However, when you see the whole collection, you understand the finishing touch of the gray color! In the color ad it looks absolutely stunning. I will also admit that I didn’t like it on my short nails — if you have longer talons, with the right outfit, it will be stunning. That is in my own opinion, of course. So there you have it, just a quick glimpse into Fall 2012 with NARS.
How To Get The Smokey Eye Look Using NARS Fall 2012 High Society Trio Eyeshadow
Number one rule of thumb when creating smokey eyes: the correct brushes are key. I can’t live without my Smudge Brush ($26.00) from NARS — essential to the look, and I also love the small dome brush to create a deeper outer contour. Also recommended to create the look is the Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Bourbon Street ($23.00) and, of course, lots and lots of black mascara.
I first start out by prepping my eye with a primer. Then, layer the entire eye with a matte skin tone eye shadow all over the eye from lash to brow. Next up, I layer on the darkest amethyst shade in the High Society Trio Eyeshadow ($45.00) along the upper lash line. Then, you take the small dome brush and take the medium green shade and brush the color back and forth with the small dome brush, in the crease; I like this brush because it picks up a lot of pigment, and creates a very detailed contour.
On the small section of the lid, I add a dot of the lighter lavender shade. Now that you have the color on the eye, I take the Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner and rim my entire eye with the pencil — on the lash, in the lash, and, of course, on the inner rim. Take the Smudge brush and dip back into the deepest amethyst shade and smudge the color to really smoke out the line. Sometimes I go back and add more of the crease color and blend over the line and the contour to make sure everything is blended seamlessly. I like to go back and then add a brighter shade under the brow to really make it a dramatic eye. Add tons of black mascara and you’re done!
Enjoy!
So, tell me… Are you going to rock a smoky and mysterious look this fall?
– Erin Sutera, senior writer and makeup artist
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