A very NARS night out…
OK, so it’s a grainy photo. And it has obviously been put through one of the more flattering Instagram filters. And I do look more like a deer in the headlights than anything else. But, if you can get past all this, hopefully you’ll see that there has been an attempt at a look of some kind.
I don’t know what to call this look exactly, but it is largely down to NARS.
For my base, however, I stuck to a tried-and-trusted combination of Oil-Free Foundation Primer and Silk Crème Foundation, both Laura Mercier, which I set with a light dusting of Sheer Finish Pressed Powder by Bobbi Brown. (I’ve used these three products for years and find them hard to beat, particularly when it comes to perfecting my bothersome complexion.) I then used Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla in the inner corners of and underneath my eyes. As the name suggests, this stuff adds radiance wherever radiance is needed – just remember that a little goes a long way.
On my cheeks, I used Blush in Douceur, a ‘soft pink-brown’ which has long been my favourite colour, NARS or no. When applied with the Yachiyo Kabuki Brush, Douceur imparts a subtle flush which is neither too pink nor too brown, with nary a hint of shimmer. I then swept Blush in Nico, described as a ‘natural glow’, across my cheekbones in order to add extra light and warmth. (I often use Highlighting Blush in Miss Liberty for the same purpose; the two are similar, however Nico has a more natural-looking matte finish.)
As you can see, this look involves a defined brow. This was achieved by using Matte Eyeshadow in Bali with the #48 Brow Defining Brush. Bali is a brilliant shade for brows as it is completely neutral and therefore suited to a variety of hair colours.
Next, I applied a dab of Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base to each eyelid, preparing them for the application of colour. Then, using the #41 Diffusing Brush, I patted Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Himalia into the centre of each eyelid, gently blending the colour outwards with the #13 Brush. I then took the same brush, dipped it into Bronzing Powder in Laguna, and blended this into the socket until a seamless finish was achieved.
I curled my eyelashes using my trusty Shu Uemura eyelash curler before applying a coat of Secret Eyes Mascara by Dolce & Gabbana, a lengthening formula, and a coat of Grandiôse Mascara by Lancôme, a thickening formula. For added definition, I then applied Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, by Bobbi Brown, in a thin line close to the lashes.
To finish off the look, I applied Audacious Lipstick in Anna – described as a ‘smokey rose’ – straight from the bullet. The Audacious collection comprises forty new shades, each named after a woman who has inspired artistic director François Nars.
Anyway, I must have done something right, as my make-up lasted longer than I did that night. It even survived some truly awful dancing to Daft Punk and Depeche Mode.
This piece was originally published on alisonlaurabell.wordpress.com in December 2014.