A Sure Sign of Spring: The NARS Spring 2013 Color Collection Has Arrived

NARS Spring 2013 Color Cosmetics Collection:

stella tennant for NARS

The groundhog hasn’t yet seen his shadow. The buds aren’t showing up on trees just yet. But they’re is an undeniable sign of spring: The NARS Spring 2013 color collection is here! This well-edited collection is, as always, beautiful, trendy, and yet completely wearable. The “90s-Esque” palette is described as: ” fresh, fierce, and sexy.”

The “face” of the campaign is the fierce and sexy model, Stella Tennant. She’s not just a model, she is the granddaughter of Andrew Cavendish who is the 11th Duke of Devonshire, and Deborah, who is the last of the famed Mitford Sisters (for those who haven’t heard of their exploits, the six sisters were outrageous aristocrats who would have made the tabloits of today, simply sizzle)! If you’re curious about seeing NARS and Tennant in action, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Spring 2013 campaign shoot with Founder and Creative Director François Nars and model Stella Tennant.

Not For the Shy?

One look at the makeup collection above, and you might assume that the colors are not for the shy. You would be correct that the colors are dramatic, but incorrect in thinking they’re too bold. For example, the Duo Eyeshadow ($34.00) of Cyan and parakeet green called: “Mad Mad World” initially looks really bright, but it is layer-able, blend-able, and beautiful, no matter how you wear it.

I liked it bold and layered or color-blocked. But the colors can also be “tamed” to a wash that looks magical but not harsh. Although green isn’t always the most flattering color with blue eyes, I used the deep blue at the lid lines, then lightly applied the green shadow from there to the crease, adding just a hint of highlight at the browbone. The look is not startling, but it is startlingly pretty. That’s the beauty of NARS. Wear it as you wish.

A Hint of Sparkle

For a hint of sparkle or all over glamour, The new, limited edition Corcovado Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in 24-karat gold (the name, not the metal) is a $24,00 party on your eyes. The soft, blendable pencil is seriously metallic if you pile on the pencil, but used sparingly and blended out, you’ll get a surprisingly subtle glimmer that you might even get away with in the daytime. This pencil alone will take a day look to an evening look. Keep one in your makeup bag and you’ll always be ready to party!

Here is a rundown on the rest of the NARS SPRING 2013 color collection

I didn’t personally try out any of the other colors, but based on what I know about NARS, they will be as versatile as the ones I did try. If you’re wondering how the colors will enhance your Spring look, my suggestion is to go to a NARS makeup counter or boutique, and test them out. You’ll be amazed, and will find a few new “must-haves.” Then again, you might just have to have all of these new makeup pieces!

BOUTHAN DUO EYESHADOW, $34 (Soft pink tulle and bright pink with gold shimmer_

PERSIA SINGLE EYSHADOW, $24 (Matte paprika)

SEDUCTION BLUSH, $28 (Sangria)

CYTHèRE VELVET GLOSS LIP PENCIL, $24 (Soft metallic rose)

DRESSED TO KILL LIPSTICK, $24 (Fuchsia rose with gold shimmer)

DISCO INFERNO NAIL POLISH, $18 (Iridescent silver green – Limited Edition)

New NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder:

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder duo shot - lo res

Also new and very exciting is the new NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder, which helps skin “shine through makeup,” enhancing the look of foundation and extending makeup wear – all without a trace of color. If you are lucky enough to be near the NARS flagship boutique at 413 Bleeker Street in Manhattan, you can try it now or find it on the NARS Cosmetics Web Site.

There is also a pressed powder version that you will be able to find exclusively at Sephora on February 1, but it won’t be available on the NARS Cosmetics Web Site until March 15th. The price is $34.00

I tried the pressed powder version, and I’ll tell you a little bit more about it. One of my faves, NARS makeup artist James Boehmer used it at the Naeem Kahn runway show in September. That was to create a 1940’s “Wallis Simpson” matte-ish look on the models. I couldn’t wait to try it for myself. The pressed powder is handsomely packaged in a NARS cardboard outer box and then nestled into a satin-y fabric pouch with NARS logo on it.

The Details:

This mineral setting powder has NARS’ exclusive Light Reflecting Complex which I believe is also featured in NARS excellent skincare line. Along with here is also Vitamin E and glycerin (to help deal with dryness), this translucent powder “optically” fades fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, so your skin somehow instantly looks smoother and slightly matte but still somewhat luminous. It will also help to set your foundation. I initially tried it on bare skin, and while my skin was still “bare,”the powder definitely dulled “imperfections.” Over foundation, the benefits were more apparent.

The loose powder is in a shaker jar, and I’m not really a fan because I’m a klutz, but loose powder buffs onto your face so beautifully without any effort, so the choice to get the loose or the compact, is just a personal one. The makeup is Paraben-free. Fragrance-free and Non-Comedogenic. The pressed powder in a compact is great for travel and once you try it, you’ll take with you everywhere. Mine is nestled into its pouch in my handbag, ready to deal with shine, dull-ness, and for immediate touch-ups. You can’t go wrong adding this to your makeup collection.

LOOSE POWDER: Available: January 15 at 413 BLKR flagship boutique and narscosmetics.com

PRESSED POWDER: Available: February 1 at Sephora and sephora.com, and March 15 at narscosmetics.com

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