For Spring 2015, NARS Color Collection features Tilda Swinton in the second of four Portraits by The Artist, a series of acts developed by NARS Founder and Creative Director François Nars. Act 2 is a nude scene, but it is daring and baring, anything but neutral. Bare tones in spectral effects highlight a new natural state. The cheeks are dusted with provocative pink shimmer and the barely-there effect extends to the eyes. The lips are tinged with tan pigments, topped with an opalescent gloss.
To check out the collection, I booked an appointment with NARS and was attended by Sim who is a professionally trained makeup artist. She enlightened me on the soft, orange-toned neutrals available in the collection and proceeded to give me a makeover using some of these products. Check out what she used on my pale skin to give me a look that’s perfect for everyday wear:
Before applying any makeup on, Sim got my skin ready with the Multi-Action Hydrating Toner (RM126), Optimal Brightening Concentrate (RM301) and Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturiser (RM201). These three products made my skin plump, hydrated and soft, creating the perfect base for makeup.
She first primed my skin with the Pore Refining Primer (RM146). This primer isn’t silicone based and worked very well to control excess oils. With just one drop of the All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (RM171), Sim managed to cover my entire face with extra product left on the back of her hand. I was amazed at the amount of coverage this foundation provided me, and yet it didn’t feel heavy or cakey. I wear the shade Light 4 – Deauville.
After that, the Radiant Creamy Concealer (RM106) in the shade Medium 1 – Custard was used to cover a few hormonal pimples around my temples and on my nose. She applied it directly onto the skin and blended it in with her finger. She then sealed in all her hard work with the Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder (RM138) in Translucent Crystal.
To add dimension to my face, Sim dusted the famed Laguna Bronzing Powder (RM161) to the hollows of my cheeks and along my hairline. To make my nose look slimmer, she also used a small blending brush to sculpt the shape of my nose with the bronzing powder. For a pop of colour, she used the 4013N Blush (RM121) (also known as Orgasm elsewhere) on the apples of my cheeks. She finished off the face with a little Reckless Blush (RM121) which acts as a shimmery, glowy highlighter.
For the eyeshadow, Sim first primed my eyelids with the Eye Paint (RM96) in Porto Venere. The soft, pale pink cream is used to bring out the vibrant colours of the eyeshadows she was yet to apply. From the St-Paul-De-Vence Duo Eyeshadow (RM121) palette, she used the shade Shimmering Nectarine, which is a gorgeous shimmery peachy colour, all over the lids. With the other shade Chestnut, which is a bronze chestnut brown shade, Sim carved out the socket of my eyes and added depth to the eyeshadow. Then, she used the Shimmer Eyeshadow (RM93) in Valhalla on the inner corners to bring in extra brightness.
Sim perfected the winged eyeliner look with a small angled brush and the Eye Paint (RM96) in Black Valley. She added dramatic length and volume to my eyelashes with the Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara (RM96) and shaped my eyebrows with the Brow Perfector (RM81) in the shade Caucase.
Usually, lip gloss is applied on the lips after lipstick. However, Sim first applied the Guyane Lip Gloss (RM89), which is a very pale pink gloss, on my lips and then dabbed on some Audacious Lipstick (RM96) in a coral pink shade called Natalie with her fingers for a glossy, sheer colour that is just enough to make a subtle statement.
I was very impressed with the finished look! It is flawless, very fresh and natural, which is perfect for everyday wear, whether you’re at work or at college. This look would make anyone look put together and extra presentable without being over the top. The little wash of colour on the eyelids and the cheeks really did make a difference in bringing the simple look to a whole new level. I also loved the lip combination that pulled the entire look together. To transition the look for night time, I would add on more dramatic eyeshadows and switch the lip colour for a bolder, darker shade.
I have pretty prominent enlarged pores on my skin, and as you can see from this photo that is completely unretouched, the primer and foundation did a fantastic job at covering my pores up. Even up close, my skin looks smooth, radiant and bright. This foundation does wonders for my skin and feels comfortably lightweight. It isn’t sticky and provides a satin finish that isn’t too dewy or matte. If you’re looking for a good high-end foundation, you NEED to get your hands on this one! Even though it is a little pricey, one bottle would last you a very, very long time.
Here’s another look by NARS using the Spring 2015 Color Collection:
For more details and information about the Spring 2015 Color Collection by NARS, do access the brand’s official website or visit the NARS store located in Pavilion KL.
