Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Nigel Barker, renowned fashion photographer and judge of America’s Top Model, at his book launch party at Citibabes in Soho. Beauty Equation is more than just a book of advice and tips; rather, it’s like a fun trip to beauty school, and a workbook that includes assignments and a camera. Far from being a dry text book for the perfect lip or smoky eye, Beauty Equation truly engages the reader with its candid prose.
The chapter headings are Nigel’s equation for beauty:
You + Allure + Confidence + Compassion + Spontaneity + Radiance + Health + Honesty + Charm + Energy + Humor = BEAUTY!
So if you were wondering where beauty comes from, put the equation together for your own unique celebration. This is exactly what Nigel poses to the reader, the “be your own judge” mentality of how to come to your own final equation of what you think is beautiful. Nigel talks about how his ability to take a stellar picture hinges on whether or not the subject he photographs lets his or her beauty be captured by the lens. For example, what makes his subject smile, feel good, excited and serene.
Additionally, Nigel’s workbook provides simple tips on how to take self-portrait pictures. In each chapter he challenges his reader vis a vis the beauty equation. The weapon is the camera. The end result is revealing a better more inspiring you by creating a montage of portraits that chart your own transformation.
I had the opportunity to sit with Nigel for a few minutes for a Q&A:
How does one find a suitable makeup look?
Nigel Barker: “Authenticity is a key component to finding your signature look. Experiment with makeup. Look at yourself in the mirror after trying colors. Learn from beauty advisors at makeup counters. See what makes you feel comfortable and brings out your inner beauty. Take pictures. Discover you.”
If you only have a few minutes to devote to makeup on a daily basis, what is the most important feature?
Nigel: “The eyes are the window to your soul. Eyes draw you in.” He recommends changing up your eye makeup for a day and nighttime look.
What do you think about injectables such as botox and Restylane?
Nigel: “Injectables are a waste of time. Wrinkles are who we are and what we have experienced, they tell our story”
What’s your take on red lips?
Nigel: “I’m not about trend makeup, but if red lips rock your world, go for it. Makeup is about knowing what you like and what looks good on you. It’s about your personality and what you love.”
We are giving away one copy of “Beauty Equation” to our lovely readers. Simply enter a comment below to tell us why you need a BOOK to make you look more pretty.
– Elizabeth Reid
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