BellaSugar

Nars Celebrates 15 Years With 15 Stars and a Book

BellaSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:26 -0700

When couples celebrate their 15-year anniversary, the traditional gift they might give their mate is crystal. But when François Nars celebrates his company's 15th anniversary, he makes a book, with all proceeds going straight to charities. And as you might expect, it's not your ordinary coffee-table publication. To commemorate the company's quindecennial anniversary, Nars plans to release 15x15 ($80) in mid-November, with only 1,500 copies hitting the presses.

The book, which will be available for 30 days at 15x15project.com, will feature photos of 15 celebrities, from Marc Jacobs to Amber Valletta to Naomi Campbell. "Basically, I wanted people who reflected my taste, friends, and people I admired for their look and talent," Nars told WWD. Inside the book, you'll find two inspirations behind each photo, along with a featured makeup product. Nars promises, "You don’t get bored." And after looking through some of the photos below, I couldn't agree more.

To see more images from 15x15, just keep reading.

The Look For Less: Nars' Hot Fall Nail Polish

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:18 -0700

Every time I hit Sephora, I gaze longingly at Nars Tokaido Express nail polish ($16). It's a deep, sophisticated purple with subtle gold flecks that a cool girl like Kim Gordon might wear if she were invited to a fancy-pants brunch. If you're looking for a similar shade at a smaller price, you're in luck. I've found a drugstore dupe that's pretty close to this shade. To hop aboard that train, just keep reading.

Love It or Hate It: A Rainbow of Colors at Derek Lam

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0700

With the rainbow of colors featured at Derek Lam for his showing at 2010 New York Fashion Week, I think we all sensed a bit of an '80s vibe. Tom Pecheux for NARS Cosmetics created this vivid look. "I wanted to dot the lips red with my fingers rather than draw a straight line of color," he said. "Instead, I chose to do that with the eyes. I love when the multiple colors are drawn straight across and outward for a very tribal effect . . . It was Coney Island chic," he added. Of course, runway looks are meant to look a bit extreme, but could you see yourself wearing a more toned-down, less heavy-handed version? I have to confess; I most certainly can.

Eight Bronzers to Brighten Your Day

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:01:26 -0700

Calling all sun goddesses. You know that I'll never advocate baking yourself in the sun, and that's why I'm such a proponent of SPF. 'Tis the season to get your glow on, so let's practice some safe sunning by means of bronzers. I've scoured the Product Reviews section to find the most popularly reviewed bronzing items. Whether your budget is tight or has a little more wiggle room, here are eight top-rated options. Source

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2009 Fall New York Fashion Week: Thakoon

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:03 -0800

When Michelle Obama wore a dress by Thakoon at the Democratic National Convention, political junkies and fashion fiends alike took notice. It's no surprise, then, that eyes from New York to DC were on this in-demand show. Although Fab loved the clothes, I cannot fathom a world in which I wear yellow fur. Not even if I marry Big Bird. (This is why Fab does fashion and I do not.) What I did like was the smoky-eyed makeup, which looked modern and effortless.

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If you're liking it, too, get the details when you read more.

Lead makeup artist Diane Kendal was inspired by surrealist photographs from the 1940s, updating the inspiration with a hint of rock 'n' roll attitude.

Face: Kendal previewed Nars Sheer Glow Foundation at the show, but it won't be out until Fall. Until then, cover imperfections with concealer and lightly apply a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer - preferably one with illuminating qualities to reflect light. She swept Nars blush in Gilda on the apples of the cheeks.
Eyes: Kendal lined the upper lashes and the crease of the eyelid with eyeliner pencil in Mambo, a chocolate-brown shade. Then she blended over the entire lid, leaving most of the color near the lash line. She filled in brows with powder eye shadow, keeping them full. A razor-thin line of black liquid eyeliner along the top lash line finishes the look - no mascara needed.
Lips: Apply a clear balm to lips, then lightly dab concealer on lips to mute their natural color.

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Reader Review of the Day: NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:00:03 -0800

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you'll know that NARS Orgasm blush is a favorite of makeup artists and customers alike. The warm pink shade with golden shimmer really does seem to flatter most skin tones. Last year, the iconic brand with the iconic product introduced a lip gloss and nail polish in the same shade. But, when reader Mizz_Jennii tried NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm ($24), she wasn't that impressed, calling it "easily duplicated." Ouch. Here's her review below:

I had to try this gloss after hearing so much great stuff about the blush and nail color. OK, not impressed at all! It's a pretty color - very universal. I prefer my MAC Lipglass in Nymphette: same color match and it's cheaper!

Would you like to be part of this daily post? Just voice your opinion on the Product Reviews website and perhaps you'll be featured.

How-To: Salma Hayek's Makeup at the Golden Globes

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:40:48 -0800

You were applauding Salma Hayek's makeup and hair last night, and I've got to agree. The sexy 42-year-old (can you believe it?) mixed old Hollywood with a contemporary twist for this sophisticated look - one that was directly inspired by her Dior dress.

Nars makeup artist Matthew Vanleeuwen said, “I made her eyes the focus and added a lot of rich, jewel skin tones and fresh color to her cheeks and lips. Her look was very classic and chic, with some modern textures.” Wowza. To see what shades and techniques he chose, read more.

Eyes: To the top and bottom lash line, Vanleeuwen applied Single Eye Shadow in China Blue ($22). Next, Cream Eye Shadow in Corfu ($21) was used as a base, all over the eyelid. The golden champagne side of the Duo Eye Shadow in Alhambra ($32) was applied to the lid, and Single Eye Sadow in Bengali ($22) was placed all along the lash line and smudged. For a smoky effect, he went back over the lash line with Single Eye Shadow in Night Clubbing ($22). Two coats of black mascara finished off the look.
Lips: Vanleeuewen used Lipliner Pencil in Marnie ($20) and Tutti Frutti Lipstick ($24).
Blush: He applied Blush in Desire ($24) to the apple of cheeks and Bronzer Powder in Laguna ($29) from the back of cheekbone forward.

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Nom Nom Nom, Nars Nars Nars

BellaSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:54 -0800

If you think this makeup looks good enough to eat, that's because it is. Miami Beach-based Dots Treats created these adorable cupcakes for a Nars event at Neiman Marcus, and they're pretty much the cutest cupcakes I've seen all year.

I spy a duo eye shadow in Rated R, single eye shadow in Party Monster, and blush in Orgasm. Though, to be honest, I'd rather gobble these sweets than worry about their precise inspiration.

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The Look For Less: A Blush and Bronzer Duo

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:00:34 -0800

The buzz around Nars Orgasm blush is huge, so much so that Nars has released multiple products based upon the peachy-pink hue. I've had my eye on the blush and bronzer duo ($37), which packages Orgasm with Laguna bronzer. Both are beautiful colors, but until I finish my full-size Orgasm blush, I can't justify buying it.

Then again, one drugstore brand is hoping you'll "cheat" with their lookalike product. To see the look for less, read more.

Eyes Lips Face clearly took a cue from Nars in creating its Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder ($3). While the shades aren't identical, they're pretty close. And at $34 less than the original, it's a recession-busting option for anyone looking for an affordable "O" glow.

How-To: Carmen Electra's Luminous Summertime Tan

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:02 -0700

This week, at the Disaster Movie party in Cabo San Lucas, actress, model, and fitness buff Carmen Electra played on the beach looking gorgeous and glowing with her quintessential summertime tan.

Besides her electrifying eyes (I wonder how many times she's heard that one), her skin oozed an undeniable radiance. We know that she's been hanging out at the DKNY House soaking up the rays, but something tells me that she's being careful with SPF, because her wrinkles are minimal. Are you interested in learning how to create this luminous look at home? If so, read more.

FACE: Begin with moisturized skin. Then, apply a dollop of sheer foundation to the back of your hand along with an equal part of luminizing bronzer. Mix with a foundation brush and apply to your face and to you neck. Then, add some concealer and some eye brightener, and blend using the same brush.
CHEEKS: Apply a touch of translucent powder everywhere except to the apples of your cheeks, because you're going to add a touch of bronzer there. Tip: You don't want the bronzer to be too dark, so be gentle with your application. I suggest trying a color such as Juicy Couture's Beachy Bronzer, which contains shimmer and looks great on all skin tones. Next, add a touch of peach blush like The Balm's Hot Mama to your cheekbones. Blend well using a large, fluffy brush, and if your face feels unbalanced, add a little bit of bronzer to your temples, nose, and chin.
EYES:This is one of the easiest eye makeup looks to pull off, so novice players, don't shy away! Simply smear a pale gold cream shadow all over your lid and add a touch of shimmery white or champagne eye shadow just under your brow bone. Next, apply black eyeliner to your upper eye rims, and gently line your lower rims with a deep purple liner. Top the look off with two coats of black mascara and apply a touch of shimmer (the same color as your highlighter) to your inner v.
LIPS: No lip liner or lipstick is required to achieve this sex-kitten lip look. Just apply a thick coat of a pale pink gloss such as Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight to your pout and you're ready to go!

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