Like clothing, your makeup choices “reveal not just where you are from but where you are headed,” Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York says in the forward. “…François reminds us that makeup is also about narratives, fantasy and imagination. Makeup is about unleashing a cinematic range of possibilities. …François Nars is all about optimism.”

Nars chose not to learn about his subjects’ professions before applying their makeup, as he didn’t want to be limited by what he knew. “Instead, I looked at each person as objectively as possible and went about creating a look based on her or his individual features,” he said.

All of the subjects in the book sat on the same stool in front of the same neutral background with the same lighting and their hair pulled back. They all made indifferent expressions as not to distract from the before and after looks. To use the book to its full advantage, both Nars and I suggest studying the before and afters closely before using the transparent overlays to see what makeup was used where.

“No matter what age or stage you’re in, banish the word ‘shouldn’t’ from your makeup vocabulary,” Nars says. “As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t apply. Find your own way, have an open spirit and believe in your own beauty.”

What owning this book says about you: I am fabulous, just the way I am, and I will be for the rest of my life.

What your dinner guests will say upon seeing this book on your coffee table: What a helpful set of makeup tools. I must buy this immediately!

How this book will make your fashion brain grow: By trying different faces of makeup showcased in this book, not just those applied to the subjects that look most similar to you, you will expand your beauty horizons and find the bravery to test looks you never would have in the past.

If you like this, you’ll love: Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution by Bobbi Brown

NARS shows you a look and which products and tools to use. You re-create the look in your own unique way and upload your photo to the site. Invite friends to receive likes, and you could win an exclusive NARS cosmetics gift set or even a trip to NYC for Fashion Week. Check out the site here and get to work!

And stay tuned for FashionIndie’s review of the book Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself in two weeks.

Though we’ve already given you the news on the NARS Bento Box set, now we’re even more excited about the product because we have some behind the scenes shots of Daphne! NARS has released two behind the scenes photos of their latest campaign shoot. Head to the NARS facebook page to check out a Q&A with François Nars and to get some more information on the product. The Bento Box is now available for $125 at various NARS counters as well as at narscosmetics.com.

For the NARS holiday 2010 collection they decided to multiply their normal dose of Daphne. Images were taken for the collection to look as if viewed through a kaleidoscope. “She is so amazing that we thought we would multiply her image 5, 10 times with the mirrors,” says Francois Nars. Check out the whole process on the NARS facebook and youtube pages!

If you’re looking for the product of ultimate inspiration check out the NARS Bento Box Set. François Nars seems to be especially inspired by Japanese culture and their Kabuki makeup and as a result has created a limited edition set of two Kabuki cups. The set of lipsticks are expected to debut this November!  Put yourself on the wait list now at narscosmetics.com/bento

It’s time for the NARS fall 2010 collection! The newest products, set for release staring July 15th, include bright shadows and vibrant lipsticks and glosses, which stand alongside signature matte colors. The fall campaign is fronted by Daphne Guinness, a woman who François Nars describes as “the ideal icon to capture Fall 2010’s old-Hollywood meets futuristic look”. Daphne even has an eyeshadow named after her!

Get ready to welcome Nars’ Pro Prime line front runner, Marcel, the French bull dog who has stepped into the spotlight under the guardianship of Francois Nars, the brand creator. With the new makeup line debuting this May, Marcel is there to remind us all that he’s “More than a Pretty Face”, as the campaign ads read. I’m sure that, despite his cuteness, people are going to wish that they look a bit better than Marcel with the use of the Pro Prime line, but it’s certainly a good way to attract some attention.

LINK LOVE: stylelist

This is Marcel. He’s NARS latest spokesmodel. Cause what better way to promote beauty products than by getting a wrinkly bull dog to be the face of your company? Really? REALLY?!? It’s cute and all, but save the animal games for Target, Francois. We’ve got Marcel’s latest beauty tip after the jump.

Yes, he has tips.

NARSISSISM #1-Marcel says:

“While products are important, any NARSissist knows it’s not always what you’re applying but how it’s applied. Preparing the skin for makeup is the most important part of any makeup application. Remove makeup nightly, use SPF when in the sun, and always moisturize.”

LINK: Francois Nars Hits Australia, Loves Koalas

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

Business of Fashion is backstage at Marc Jacobs watching the models get beautified…here is a pic of lead artist (and founder of NARS) Francois.

LINK LOVE

I think it’s actually called ‘Débauche de Pigments’ but close enough.
Vogue Paris Oct 09
Shot & Makeup by: François Nars
Models: Anna Selezneva, Tao Okamoto & Eniko Mihalik
Styled by Carine Roitfeld

Find more photos like this on CULT

LINK LOVE

“ballerina, cabaret girl, Broadway show meets opera meets Martha Graham with a touch of gothic.”

Watch the video on NY Mag

This season, we are not only looking forward to the clothes on the runway, we also pay attention and love the beauty looks created by the masterminds behind the cosmetic industry. Here’s a list so far:

Francois Nars is coming back to do Marc Jacobs.

Odile Gilbert is doing Rodarte again.

Diane Kendal is doing makeup at Proenza Schouler

Laurent Phillippon is doing hair at Rad Hourani

Stephane Marais is doing makeup at Zac Posen.

Thanks Fashionista

“For this collection, I wanted to create something fragile and strong, and seductive but not aggressive,” said François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of Nars Cosmetics. The combination of strength and refinement has become a hallmark of Nars, and is particularly fitting this season as the brand celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Via Highsnobette

Don’t you just hate when your fave beauty colors become discontinued. Well, Nars has you covered…to celebrate the 15 years of his signature cosmetics line Francois Nars relaunches some of his most memorable nail colors:

Blue Lagoon (Originally launched in 2001) – Cha Cha Cha (Originally launched in 2001) – Hunger (Originally launched in 2001) – Tallulah (Originally launched in 1998) –Zizi (Originally launched in 1999)

Available This month!

LINKAGE: Highsnobette