The groundhog hasn't yet seen his shadow, and the buds aren't showing up on trees just yet, but there already is an undeniable sign of spring: The NARS Spring 2013 color collection is here! This well edited collection is, as always, beautiful, trendy and yet completely wearable. The "90s-esque" palette that is described as: " fresh, fierce, and sexy."
The "face" of the campaign is the fierce and sexy model, Stella Tennant. She's not just a model, is is the granddaughter of Andrew Cavendish who is the 11th Duke of Devonshire, and Deborah, who is the last of the famed Mitford Sisters (for those who haven't heard of their exploits, the six sisters were outrageous aristocrats who would have made the tabloits of today, simply sizzle)!
One look at the makeup collection above, and you might assume that the colors are not for the shy. You would be correct that the colors are dramatic, but incorrect in thinking they're too bold. For example, the Duo Eyeshadow ($34.00) of Cyan and parakeet green called: "Mad Mad World" initially looks really bright, but it is layer-able, blend-able, and beautiful, no matter how you wear it. Try it bold and color blocked, or tame it to a wash that looks magical but not harsh. The look is not startling, but it is startlingly pretty. That's the beauty of NARS. Wear it as you wish. You can't miss!
For a hint of sparkle or all over glamour, The new, limited edition Corcovado Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in 24-karat gold (the name, not the metal) is a $24,00 party on your eyes. The soft, blendable pencil is seriously metallic if you pile on the pencil, but used sparingly and blended out, you'll get a surprisingly subtle glimmer that you might even get away with in the daytime. This pencil alone will take a day look to an evening look. Keep one in your makeup bag and you'll always be ready to party!
Based on how the NARS colors perform, the rest of the collection will be equally lovely and versatile. If you're wondering how the colors will enhance your Spring look, go to a NARS makeup counter or boutique, and test them out. You'll be amazed, and will find a few new "must-haves." Then again, you might just have to have all of these new makeup pieces!
Here is a rundown on the rest of the NARS SPRING 2013 color collection:
BOUTHAN DUO EYESHADOW, $34 (Soft pink tulle and bright pink with gold shimmer_
PERSIA SINGLE EYSHADOW, $24 (Matte paprika)
SEDUCTION BLUSH, $28 (Sangria)
CYTHèRE VELVET GLOSS LIP PENCIL, $24 (Soft metallic rose)
DRESSED TO KILL LIPSTICK, $24 (Fuchsia rose with gold shimmer)
DISCO INFERNO NAIL POLISH, $18 (Iridescent silver green - Limited Edition)
Also new and very exciting is the new NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder, which helps skin “shine through makeup,” enhancing the look of foundation and extending makeup wear - all without a trace of color. If you are lucky enough to be near the NARS flagship boutique at 413 Bleeker Street in Manhattan, you can try it now or find it on the NARS Cosmetics Web Site. There is also a pressed powder version that you will be able to find exclusively at Sephora on February 1, but it won't be available on narscosmetics.com until March 15th. The price is $34.00
This columnist first saw NARS makeup artist James Boehmer use the Light Reflecting Powder at the Naeem Kahn runway show in September, to create a 1940's "Wallis Simpson" matte-ish complexion on the models. The pressed powder is handsomely packaged in a NARS cardboard outer box and then nestled into a satin-y fabric pouch with NARS logo on it.
This mineral setting powder has NARS’ exclusive Light Reflecting Complex along with Vitamin E and glycerin (to help deal with dryness), this translucent powder "optically" fades fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, so your skin somehow instantly looks smoother and slightly matte but still somewhat luminous. It will also help to set your foundation. On bare skin it dulls imperfections a bit, but over foundation, the benefits were more apparent.
The loose powder is in a shaker jar which isn't the best choices for klutzes, but loose powder buffs onto your face so beautifully without any effort, so the choice to get the loose or the compact, is just a personal one. The makeup is Paraben-free. Fragrance-free and Non-Comedogenic. The pressed powder in a compact is great for travel and once you try it, you'll take with you everywhere. You can't go wrong adding this to your makeup collection.
LOOSE POWDER: Available: January 15 at 413 Bleeker Street boutique and narscosmetics.com
PRESSED POWDER: Available: February 1 at Sephora and sephora.com, and March 15 at narscosmetics.com
Did you enjoy this feature? Please leave a comment in the comments section below. Follow me (Alison Blackman, aka. "Advice Sister Alison" )on Twitter @advicesisters; on Facebook; If you would like to learn more about my work, you can also visit my personal web site
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