PRODUCT REVIEW - NARS Fall 2009 Collection

Last month I wrote a article previewing NARS Fall 2009 makeup collection. I promised that I would create a follow-up posting that featured a makeup look using products from Nars' new collection and here it is!
I made a trip to Sephora in the new J.C. Penney's inside the Manhattan Mall to preview the NARS products before purchasing them online. It's very hard to tell true colors and textures just by viewing images on a computer. As a Makeup Artist I need to see, touch and smell products before purchasing them so I avoid buyers regret or don't buy duplicate products. (I can't tell you how many times I've brought products that were almost identical.)

As part of my makeup look I used the following products from NARS Fall 2009 collection "Brumes Duo Eyeshadow", "Fast Ride" Lipstick, and "Tokaïdo Express" Nail Polish. I also used some standard products from the NARS line to complete my Fall Beauty Makeup Look:

"Montenegro" Cream Blush ($25) - Mahogany

"Palm Beach" Multiple ($37) - Rich Bronze

"Black Moon" Eyeliner Pencil ($20) - Dense Black

"New Orleans" Firming Foundation ($50) - for medium to dark complexions with yellow undertones

I also tried NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara in "Black" ($25) * Sephora Exclusive!!!

Here's my finished Fall Makeup Look....

Outside pics (low flash):

My favorite from the NARS Fall 2009 collection was the “Brumes Duo Eyeshadow” but the grey color shadow was duplicate for eye shadows I already own so I passed on buying it. The "Fast Ride" lipstick was more of a stain and if I’m going to wear lipstick I want lots of pigment. The "Tokaïdo Express" Nail Polish was nice too but once again, it was too close to shade I already own. Unfortunately I didn’t purchase anything from this collection but NARS still remains one of my favorite cosmetic lines. I can’t wait to see what products/colors NARS come out with next.

So what do you think? Any of you Readers purchased products from the NARS Fall 2009 Collection? If so, take a pic featuring your purchased product(s) and send to me via email. If I get enough response I'll create Reader's blog post with pics.

* Want more info about this collection, then check out "Behind the Collection with Francois Nars" for all the juicy details. http://www.narscosmetics.com/Behindfall2009Collection.aspx

FALL 2009 MAKEUP TRENDS

Here are some of the hottest Fall makeup trends straight from the Runway. What look(s) will you try?

"Where There's Smoke..."
Smoky eyes are classic but it's being done in a new and exciting ways this fall.

Seen at Badgley Mischka:

Product to try:
YSL - OMBRES 5 LUMIÈRES (5 Colour Harmony for Eyes) in "#8 Midnight" ($56)


"Red" She Said...
Dark Red Lips are a fall favorite for good reason...it's absolutely gorgeous!

Seen at Christian Lacroix:

Products to try:
Lipstick Queen - "Red Sinner" Lipstick ($18)
Lipstick Queen - Lip Liner in "Red" ($16)



"Rainbow Bright"
Dramatic, colorful eyes that give a nod to the 80's.

Seen at Marc Jacob's:

Products to Try:
Urban Decay - Palette Set ($39)
Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "Deviant", "Electric", "Flipside", "Graffiti" and "Ransom" ($17)


"You're Making Me Blush"
Create a rosy, flushed cheek by layering on creamy blush.

Seen at Anna Sui:

Products to Try:
MAC - Blushcreme in "Laid Back" ($18.50)
MAC - Cream Colour Base in "Flaming Fuchsia" ($16.50)


*Picture Source: Style.com

SPECIAL FEATURE: READER MAKEOVER!

This week I had to the pleasure of making more beautiful, the lovely Amy Berken of TheBeautyChick. I work for a private makeup line, Bilkerdijk Cosmetics, which specializes in custom blend cosmetics that are a god-send to women who have a hard time finding their exact match in foundation and powder.


Amy was brave enough to let me take a picture of her sans makeup...not sure I would have the guts to do that.
Amy is very fair and told me she has a problem finding foundation to match her skin color so I wanted to custom blend her exact match of foundation, not only for her skin color but for her skin type. I also created a matching mineral powder that she can use with her liquid foundation or alone with just alittle concealer.

I created a warm, slightly bronze look for Amy that was perfect for her paler skintone. I wanted it to be soft so that Amy wouldn't look too fake or overdone. I hate when people OD on bronzer or use too dark a color...it just doesn't look good.

MAKEUP BREAK-DOWN:

Prepped skin with Non-alcohol Toner then moisturized in T-Zone with Oil-Control Moisturizer and then used on the rest of her face Vitamin E Cream. Used a mix of Concealers in "Natural" and "Beige" to cover her under-eye circles/darkness then used Custom Blend Foundation and Custom Blend Mineral Face Powder.

To bronze her face I used "Light" Bronzing Powder and "Gold Coast" Cheek Duo. I added alittle "Kalypso Coral" Powder Blush as pop of color on cheek.

On eyes used "Buttercream" Eyeshadow Foursome topped with alittle "Sand Beige" Loose Eye Dust. For liner used "Marcasite" (metallic grey) Waterproof Gel Eyeliner. Used Lash Thickner/Primer on eyelashes, then 1 coat of "Black" masacara , curled lashes and added 1 more coat of mascara.

Lined her lips with "Tangerine" Waterproof Lipliner then softened color with touch of foundation. Top with #66 Lipgloss (light coral shimmer) and add alittle #59 Lipgloss (pinky gold shimmer) in center of lip.

Here we are with our "Bilkerdijk Glow." LOL!

I was trying to capture Amy posing outside the Salon but you can clearly see me reflected in the display window. (Hey, I'm a Makeup Artist...I never said I was a photographer).

Where the "Magic" happens. LOL.

So if you're one of many women having a hard time finding that perfect shade of foundation or powder feel free to visit me at Bilkerdijk Cosmetics where I'll be more than happy to create a custom blend made just for YOU!

GYM BAG BUDDIES

It's tough getting to the gym but being prepared makes it alittle easier. Make sure to pick up these little gems to help you get gorgeous quickly and efficiently post workout.

Philosophy - The Travel Agent ($35)
This essential ensemble provides you with all your beauty must-haves in convenient travel friendly sizes.

DHC - Body Cleansing Sheets ($5 for 20 sheets)
This multi-purpose shower-in-a-sheet cleanses with a revitalizing solution of cucumber, aloe, and shiso (Japanese peppermint), sweeps away perspiration, dirt, and grime leaving behind wonderful botanicals to cleanse and moisturize your skin.

LUSH - Coconut Deodorant Powder ($7.65 )
Tapioca coconut delight keeps you cool from head-to-toe. Use it and smell like a tropical cocktail. Yum!
NOTE: Ok, I admit, I do have a "thing" for coconutty deodorant (see my previous blog post on LaVanila vanilla-coconut natural deodorant)

Josie Maran Cosmetics - Bear Naked Wipes ($12 for 30 wipes)
Luxuriously soft and biodegradeable Bear Naked Wipes are a natural makeup-removing wipe that is gentle but effective enough to remove eye makeup.


Paul and Joe - Blotting Papers ($24 for 50 sheets)
A pretty decorated compact containing a mirror and full set of blotting papers. So precious!

Stila - Convertible Color ($25)
Stila's ingenious cream product adds a beautiful glow to the cheeks while making lips bloom with a fresh pop of color. A mini-mirrored compact makes touch ups on the go a snap.
NOTE: My personal top picks for colors are "Fuchsia", "Gerbia" and "Poppy"

Smashbox - Limitless Lash Waterproof Mascara ($22)
Double-duty lash care in one slim tube! One side contains a smudge-proof, flake-free, waterproof mascara and the other side contains an innovative remover/conditioner that gently and completely dissolves mascara as it strengthens lashes. Genius no?