I’ve loved NARS for years, so I was ecstatic when the brand was finally available in Dubai! i recently had an exciting opportunity to meet lead NARS International Lead Makeup Stylist, Jane Richardson to discover the Fall/Winter ’15 make up collection, speak to her about the collection and get my make up done using the products. I personally loved the products – especially the velvet shadows and the highlighter blush in Tribulation. Here’s an exclusive interview with Jane on the collection as well as tips on how to contour and highlight.

Hi Jane, can you talk me through the fall collection?
Francois Nars created a beautiful collection of modern and sophisticated shades for eyes, lips and cheeks. There are two Dual-Intensitty Eyeshadows that I absolutely love; vivid metallics that transform dramatically when used wet or deliver a sheer veil when used dry. For the lips we have VIP Red Lipstick which is a stunningly beautiful dark brique red that suits most skin tones whether buffed into the lips with a brush or worn as a atatement making bold lip. The blusher, Tribulation delivers the most elegant rosy sand sheen to the skin and is great to use where you want to bring light and radiance to the skin. We have two big selling lip shades, baby Doll and Chelsea Girls returning in new formula glosses and are introducing the new Velvet Shadow sticks. It’s a very exciting collection!

What was the inspiration behind the collection?  
Francois Nars was inspired by the eyes. The imagery he created was inspired by ho w 30’s makeup inspired the makeup in the 70’s and he wanted to combine the mood of today with the references to the past. With the collection revolving around the eyes it was about how eye colour and textures can convey not just character and mood but a period in time, be it an era, a decade or a season.

What tips can you give with contouring? 
The right brush makes all the difference! Once you have that take a minute to study the shape of your face and note the high and low points. Keep in mind that Contouring should ideally enhance your own natural shape, gently pushing back the low points. Push too far and it can look too theatrical and hard. Blend!

The Fall blush makes the perfect highlighter. What are your tips on how to use it? 
I love using it over a more intense shade for more interest or as a highlighter when swept over the tops of the cheekbones, nose, cupids bow and chin.

The collection has quite a few metal hues. What tips can you share for someone that is quite subtle with their make up?
The beautiful part of working with the Eye products is that they are so versatile and very sophisticated. Blend them out with a brush for a stunning wash of colour when using the Dual intensity eyeshadows or apply and buff out up to the lid wen using the Velvet shadow Sticks. They will bring a natural reflective quality to the eye and will not be what you expected!

The eyeshadow sticks are a little intimidating, how much control do we have with pigment and blending?
You have total control as they are essentially creams. This means you can buff them out to a softer finish or layer them up for more intensity. Make a mistake and you can easily correct it with your finger or a cotton bud. Layer your favourite eyeshadow over the top or simply use them on their own. They are a lot of fun to use and can actually create a beautiful eye look in minutes! I personally use at least one or two every time I make up my eyes!

What makes the audacious mascara different to other ones?
The control that you have. The unique formula that allows you to build up to the level that YOU want and the brush that is like a comb really gives you the chance to apply the mascara just how you want it. It makes the lashes look and feel incredible, doesn’t clump or flake and removes like a dream.

Lastly, any sneak peeks you can share on upcoming NARS launches? 
If you thought this collection was Audacious… Francois Nars always delivers the most amazing Collections and collaborates with the most inspirational people. It is one of the many reasons that I love working for this brand. I’ts always so exciting…I just can’t give anything away!

Incase you were wondering what was used on my face, here is the list:

Skin:
NARS Multi action Hydrating Toner 
NARS Luminous moisture cream 
NARS Pore Refining Primer 
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Groenland Light 3 
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard and Vanilla 
NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder in Eden 
NARS Blush in Tribulation

Eyes: 
NARS Kohliner in Minorque 
NARS velvet shadow stick in Oaxaca and Hollywoodland 
NARS Audacious Mascara in Black Moon 

Blush: 
NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna

Lips: 
NARS Lipstick in VIP Red and Lip Gloss in Chelsea girl