And personally, I’m hoping for a Maoist shade of green lipstick.

Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 RTW

Lancôme Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette in Teal Fury $48 – The versatility of shades makes this the perfect day-to-night palette.

Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 RTW

1. Full Tilt Aztec Tube Top $21.99 – A splash of purple guarantees you can wear this all summer long.

2. True Religion Joey High Thigh Shorts $325 – What’s more American than cut-off jean shorts?

3. NARS Lip Gloss in Bad Education $24 – This sheer crimson red gloss is perfect for carefree beach hanging.

4. Splendid Striped Cotton and Silk-Blend Tank $78 – The asymmetrical touch at the hem makes this tank stand out from other striped options.

5. Topshop Red Stripe Bow Hair Clips $12 – Too cute for words, these sweet little bows are the perfect hair accessory.

6. Matthew Williamson Sequined Suede Clutch $730 – A burst of color and sparkle, just like the fireworks you’re about to watch.

7. Acne Derryl Jacket $512 – Take this festive yet edgy jacket along in case there’s a coastal/mountain chill.

8. Kenneth Jay Lane Black Stars Bracelet $145 – Be the star of the celebration with this festive statement bracelet.

9. Balmain White Classic Straight Leg Pants $1,221 – There’s nothing that screams summer fun like white pants.

10. Alexander McQueen Red Trompe L’Oeil Pencil Dress $1,695 – For the more sophisticated celebration, it doesn’t get more chic than this.

11. Costume National Varnished Belt $192 – A belt in candy apple red belt is great for just a touch of patriotism.

12. Maison Martin Margiela Line 22 Brushed-Effect Wedge $620 – Is it a boot or a wedge? Does it matter? No because it’s amazing.

13. Yves Saint Laurent Snake Suede Y Clutch $2,200 – A perfect complement to most outfits, dress up your look with fiery snake suede.

14. Karen Walker Belted Swing Skirt $125 – Channel old Hollywood via this full skirt with a nautical touch.

15. Milani Jewel FX Nail Lacquer $4.99 – Paint you nails to match the sparklers with FashionIndie’s favorite lacquer.

16. Cynthia Rowley Printed Dress $395 – An ethnic print in bright summer blue works for every type of July 4th celebration.

17. MOTHER The Looker Bonfire Cropped Skinny Jeans $310 – Pair red jeans with a white tank for a fun and easy outfit.

18. Miu Miu Lolly-Pop Sunglasses $195 – Have a retro holiday with baby blue square frames.

19. House of Harlow 1960 Star Earrings $45 – This glamorous alternative to the five-point star is the only accessory you’ll need.

20. Jeffrey Campbell Cruise to Cape Cod Heel $119.99 – Like picnic baskets for your feet, these platforms are ideal for both day and night.

Have questions about any of the items seen here? Tweet at me @CrystlMeatballs.

1. Lucky Brand Lazy Days Macrame Tote, $71.20 – The perfect color and texture for a day at the beach.

2. Jack Spade Leather Flask, $125 -  Just in case there’s no booze around, you can bring your own.

3. Nalgene OTF Water Bottle, $12 – Alcohol and sun WILL dehydrate you and leave your skin looking nasty. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

4. Sun & Sand Yellow Striped Straw Hat, $20 – Sun protection never looked so chic.

5. Roxy Lucille Flip Flops, $22 – Cute and functional, these beaded sandals are the perfect boho footwear.

6. Assouline American Fashion Travel, $45 – Get inspired and plan your next trip while soaking up the sun.

7. Clarins Sunscreen Soothing Cream SPF 20, $37.50 – This anti-aging, water-resistant sunscreen soothes while it protects.

8. NARS Cosmetics Multi Protect Primer SPF 30, $39 – Fortified with anti-oxidants, this primer works both on and off the beach.

9. Norma Kamali Bill Embellished Halterneck Bikini Top and High-Waisted Briefs, $450/$4oo – You will be a siren in this gorgeous vintage-inspired two-piece.

10. Converse Backstage With The Band Sunglasses, $58 – Over-sized for ultimate sun protection and fab factor.

11. CALYPSO St. Barth Kimberly Dress, $195 – The perfect frock to throw over your bikini when it’s time for lunch on the boardwalk.

12. Marimekko Unikko Pink and Red Beach Towel, $85 – You’ll never lose your place in the sand with this bright towel as your guide.

If you have any questions about the items or brands shown above, tweet at me @CrystlMeatballs.

Why it is important to you that your products are produced in New York City?
There are so many reasons! First, it was about quality control and having the ability to be hands-on in the creation of my line during each stage of development. From the beginning, I imagined the line having a level of exclusivity to it, and manufacturing in New York City allows me to keep the production limited. Then it comes down to humanity. After learning about some of the unfortunate factory conditions globally, I wanted to know the people working on my collection were treated properly and paid well.

How involved are you in the creation of each bag? What goes into each product from design to production?
I am involved in every aspect of the collection. I design each bag myself and oversee it from idea to production. I start each season by choosing colors and the concept for every style, and the ideas begin to develop from there.

Each bag starts with a drawing, and from there, into a sample. Once a sample is finalized, all of the materials are handpicked and selected. After that, it is all sales, marketing and production. There is a great deal of work that goes on from conception to execution. Designing and picking colors is definitely the best part!

What are the must-have items in your bag?
Gloss, eyelash curler, Nars bronzer & brush, my iPhone and a digital camera.

What type of woman loves to carry your bags?
The ideal woman is stylish but has a relaxed, chic approach to her wardrobe. She appreciates a high-quality, well-made accessory. And while she loves fashion, she is probably not overtly trendy or overdone.

Your company is very dedicated to helping charity. What are your future philanthropic plans?
My goal is to produce a product line where profits would focus on benefiting charities and foundations that serve under-privileged children by giving them the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. My belief is every child should have the support, necessities and guidance to flourish.

Beyond monetary contributions, I am currently researching ways to provide opportunity and empower individuals and small business owners internationally by giving them the chance to produce this product line to benefit and strengthen their communities and lives.

How different is your life now from your life as an art director? What prompted you to make the switch?
Working in fashion is a huge change but a welcomed one! I was starting to feel stifled creatively working in advertising. When I started Amanda Joy, I had one design, a clutch I needed in my personal accessory rotation. As soon as I saw it come together, I knew I was in love with designing bags and wanted to keep going with it. Very much like in advertising and branding, it takes a couple rounds to get it right. Thankfully I was already prepared for the time and effort it takes.

What inspired you for the Fall 2011 collection? When you’re designing, where do you turn for creative vision?
For Fall, I was inspired by the classic and tailored looks you are seeing everywhere. Amanda Joy emanates unfussy design, so this season I mixed simple, clean lines with luxurious, sophisticated leathers and rich exotic skins to bring that lady-like stylishness together.

For day-to-day inspiration, you can pretty much always find me buried in a glossy or reading my daily dose of fashion blogs. Living in Florida, I spend a lot of time outside. There is ease about fashion here – maxi dresses and sandals are a girl’s best friend. And I think accessories are definitely the best way to add glamour to a simplistic look.

You can learn more about Amanda Joy and see all her fabulous bags at shopamandajoy.com.

1. Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in Copper/Black $32

2. NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Burn It Blue $33

3. MAC Eyeshadow in Gulf Stream $22

4. Estée Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in Purple Passion $20

5. Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Going Green $20

6. Dolce&Gabbana The Make Up Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Divine $60

7. Givenchy Le Prismissime 9-Colors Eyeshadow in Acid Lights $62

8. Lancôme Eye Brightening All-In-One 5 Shadow & Liner Palette in Emerald Boudoir $48

9. Sephora Collection Baked Moonshadow Trio in Meteor Shower $17

10. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Bronze $38

If you have any questions about the cosmetics shown above, tweet at me @CrystlMeatballs.

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

Top row, from left:

NARS Nail Polish in Schiap $17, barneys.com

OPI Nail Polish in Do You Lilac It? $6, amazon.com

American Apparel Nail Polish in Neon Green $6, americanapparel.net

Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Yellow Brick Road $16, barneys.com

Essie Nail Polish in Forget Me Nots $8, Duane Reade & Rite Aid Stores

Bottom row, from left:

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer in Prized Possession Purple $7, amazon.com

Hot Topic Nail Polish in Marigold $2.99, hottopic.com

H&M Nail Varnish in U Must Have This $5, hm.com

By Terry Terrybly Nail Lacquer in Electric Vermillion $30, barneys.com

China Glaze Nail Polish in Thataway $4.20, lotionsource.com

What is your favorite nail hue for the coming summer months?

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.

Green eyes - If you have glistening green eyes, you want to work with colors that will make them sparkle like emeralds. Purples and golds will highlight your color and make your eyes stand out against your complexion. A plum shadow like Dior 2-Colour Eyeshadow in Purple Look is great for everyday while a bright purple, shimmery shadow like Kat Von D True Romance Pigments in Torment is perfect for a fun weekend look. A metallic gold cream shadow will bring out the warm tones in your green eyes when used on your lids and along the bottom lash line. Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Solstice is a good option that stays put through anything.

Brown eyes - Deep and mysterious, beautiful brown eyes look amazing with warm or bright colors. Try a simple pink shadow for your everyday makeup routine like NARS Single Eyeshadow in Nepal. Just don’t overdo the pigment, or it could look like you have pink eye. If you’re a little braver, blue eyeshadow is a great way to make brown eyes really pop. Yves Saint Laurent‘s OMBRES 5 LUMIÈRES in Riviera has light, medium and dark tones so you can experiment with the level of drama you’re comfortable with. Right in line with the bright eyes trend this spring, orange eyeliner will highlight your brown eyes in just the right way; try M.A.C. Chromaline in Genuine Orange.

Blue eyes - You’ve got the baby blues, but what could you do to make them brighter? Bronze tones are a must to bring out the bluest of blues, and the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze is the perfect palette. A light coral is perfect for everyday wear like Smashbox Single Eyeshadow in Flamingo. If you’re looking to bring out the sea green tones in your peepers, a purple eyeliner like Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Grape is a fun alternative.

Hazel eyes - Between brown, green and grey, your unique eye color is a cosmetic chameleon. Blue eyeshadow will bring out the gold tones in your eyes. Sephora Collection Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in It-Blue 72 is bold and bright while Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in Punky Blues is chic and mysterious. If you want to play up the greener side of your eyes, purple mascara like Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara in Plum will do the job.

What tricks do you use when playing up your eye color?

Young woman applying eyeshadow with brush, portrait, close-up

Girl Applying Make-Up

Eyelashes, blue eyes, and contacts

Woman putting on eye make-up, cropped view of face, close-up

Prime your skin for perfection. Before you begin makeup application, minimize pores to create a flawless finish. Look for something silky, lightweight and complementary to all skin tones. We love Benefit the POREfessional $28, benefitcosmetics.com

See yourself in high definition. It may sound ridiculous now, but having HD-ready skin will be a must once you stand in front of an unflattering backdrop and harsh lights to have your photo taken. Avoid blemishes and/or makeup showing up to steal your spotlight in front of the lens. Don’t forget to seal any foundation with your favorite powder. We love Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation $40, sephora.com

If you’re not already glowing, fake it. Not everyone has the perfect natural blush and glow, but it’s okay to recruit a little help. A light sweep of bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face – cheeks, nose, forehead, chin – and a dusting of blush on the apples of your cheeks will make it look like you were vacationing instead of slaving away in class. We love NARS Blush and Bronzing Duo $40, narscosmetics.com

Don’t hide your eyes, make them pop. We’ve all been victims of the heavy eyeliner pencil crime – too much black surrounding your eyes in attempt to make them look larger. But in fact, you can make your eyes look lighter, brighter and bigger by using softer shadows to highlight and contour your peepers. A good kit that comes with some application how-tos is a great bet. We love Too Faced Naked Eye Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection $35, sephora.com

Seal your makeup for a flawless look all night. Dancing, sweating, tearing – all things that could make your hard work fall to pieces. Using a professional makeup sealant will allow you to move and groove with no cares in the world. We love Model in a Bottle Skin Sensitive Formula $21, modelinabottle.com

What does your prom night beauty routine include?

Two teenage girls (16-18) applying make-up

1. Moisturize. Dry skin flakes which means makeup will look scaly when applied to dry skin. Always start with a moisturizer, and give your skin a few minutes to absorb before starting makeup application. Apply over the entire face and neck, then concentrate on dry or problem areas with a little extra. Ole Henriksen Truth Revealed™ Super Crème SPF 15 will moisturize and protect your skin from the sun all day and leaves it with a light sheen and luminous glow.

2. Conceal. The first thing to tackle are those dark circles under your eyes. You don’t want to use foundation for this purpose because concealer needs to be just a touch lighter than your skin. Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer is light and works like a charm – a little product goes a long way for maximum coverage.

3. Apply the RIGHT color foundation. Finding a perfect match for your skin is absolutely crucial to a flawless face. Lines and streaks form when foundation is a different shade than your complexion. The best thing to do is ask for assistance. Find the girl (or guy) at the makeup counter with the clearest, most natural looking skin. They can tell you the best color for your face. If no one is around or you’re in a hurry, make sure to test a few near your jawbone to pick the best looking color for you. When applying foundation, a little goes a long way. Just use it to even-out your skin tone; caking it on blemishes makes them look more noticeable. NARS Sheer Matte Foundation controls oil and enhances, without hiding, your overall natural complexion.

4. Seal it with powder. Foundation will melt away quickly if you don’t apply this topcoat of sorts. Powder increases the staying power of foundation and smooths the appearance of your skin. Again, make sure you find the closest color match to avoid looking like you’re wearing a mask. A sheer powder for day like Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil doesn’t look too heavy. If you are going to a big event where the chance of being photographed is high, nothing looks better on camera than MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation. Don’t forget a great application brush like Sephora Collection Professionnel Platinum Powder Brush #50.

5. Cut glass with your cheekbones. Although foundation and powder even out the complexion and conceal blemishes, they tend to flatten the natural contours of the face. Adding a highlighter to the cheekbone, starting at the point level with the outer corner of your eye and swept in a light, upward/outward motion toward your hair line, works wonders. This gives the appearance of higher, more defined cheekbones. Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Pure Gold gives your skin a unique, reflective finish that accentuates the cheekbones.

6. Put some flush in your cheeks. A rosy cheek is a lovely cheek, or so we’ve been told since the beginning of time. Give yourself a healthy flush with a little blush on the apples. Not sure where to apply? Smile big -  the roundest part of your cheeks toward the side of your face is the target. Lightly dot on blush with a professional brush, making sure not to overdo it. Too much pink will totally cancel out all of your hard work so far. Your face will look instantly brighter with a dose of Benefit Bella Bamba. The Tokidoki Siberia Blush Brush is both adorable and perfect for application.

What are some of your makeup tips for creating a flawless face?

professional makeup

1. H&M black and pink dress ($14.99 hm.com)

2. Topshop leather bow headband ($32 topshop.com)

3. ASOS leather boyfriend belt ($36 asos.com)

4. Sandra Dini organic ring ($865 barneys.com)

5. KOTUR “Breen” lace clutch ($550 shirise.com)

6. Marc Jacobs Daisy Pop Art Edition Eau de Parfum ($88 nordstrom.com)

7. Jimmy Choo cosmic suede pumps ($695 net-a-porter.com)

8. Philosophy “sweet on you” candy hearts lip shine ($10 nordstrom.com)

9. NARS eyeliner pencil in Kyoto ($21 barneys.com)

10. Marc by Marc Jacobs studded chunky chain-link watch ($250 net-a-porter.com)

11. Rodney Holman black enamel and gold plated petal earring ($26 make-me-beautiful.co.uk)

NARS is launching a “Runway, Real Way, Nars Way” project that will be released on YouTube and Facebook. “Created backstage at the designers’ New York shows in February, the 40-second videos are intended to show consumers how to create wearable versions of each of the looks in three steps apiece.”

LINK LOVE: Stylelist via WWD

Behind the scenes at Marchesa’s spring 2010 show, Talia Shobrook for NARS Cosmetics gives us the step-by-step rundown on how to achieve the make-up seen in the show.

I love how they incorporate the feathers from the collection into the eyelashes. It gives it a subtle twist without distracting from the dresses. I think this would be a fun, eye-catching look to try for the spring.

NARS Cosmetics created the makeup look at the 3.1 phillip lim Men’s AW2010 show. For the inspiration, Phillip Lim wanted to bring wild into the city: “I wanted the makeup to have a sense of moving forward. The phillip lim man is sure of himself and never looks back,” said the designer.

The Look created: “The look is elegant and modern” said Itsuki about the look. “The skin is very clean, the brows are handsomely defined and the eyes have a very light definition.”

Click through for products used.

Check out the collection here.

FACE

· Sheer Glow Foundation

· Casino or Laguna Bronzing Powder

· Orgasm Illuminator

· Zen Blush

EYES

· Rajasthan Duo Eyeshadow (NEW for Fall 2010)

· Portobello & Madrague Duo Eyeshadow

LIPS

· Bianca Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment (NEW for Summer 2010)

NARS Cosmetics created the makeup look at the Thakoon AW2010 show. We were there to witness all the action. The inspiration for the entire collection: “I was inspired by the costumes used in this show and wanted to create a collection that reflected that same era but without the goth element,” said designer Thakoon Panichgul.

The NARS Look: “The look is fresh, beautiful, luminous and quite confident,” said lead NARS artist Diane Kendal about the look. “We focused on a strong brow and highlighted the eyes to show depth and boldness in a way that wouldn’t fight with the various textures, layers and colors of the collection.”

Click through to see the products used.

Our backstage photos here.

FACE

· Douceur Blush (NEW for Fall 2010); try Lovejoy or Madly Blush for a similar effect

EYES

· Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Fall 2010); try Bali Single Eyeshadow for a similar effect

· Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow (NEW for Fall 2010); try the Orgasm Illuminator on brow bones for a similar effect

· Portobello Duo Eyeshadow

LIPS

· Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick (NEW for Fall 2010); try Belle de Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil for a similar effect

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

The amazing eye color above is the new TRÉSOR D’AFRIQUE COLLECTOR Palette for the Eyes in blue. Reminds me of the Nars Tropic Eyeshadow, very Spring/Summer vacation in the French Riviera, oh don’t I wish!

LINKAGE: Daily Obsession

For the Thakoon Fall/Winter 09 Show, lead makeup artist Diane Kendal took inspiration from the 1940′s, reflecting the surrealist images of photographer Lee Miller, and a bit of 80′s rock and roll glam, to create a strong look without being too girly.

“The look is all about the eyes with soft matte lips for contrast,” said Diane Kendal. To bring strength to the face, Diane focused on creating smoky eyes and full brows, while downplaying the lips and keeping skin fresh with a light brushing of blush for a healthy glow.

Below is a step-by-step to recreate the look provided by NARS:

Face

· Use NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream to moisturize entire face

· Apply NARS Concealer as needed, to cover any imperfections

· Use a minimal amount of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (NEW for Fall 2009)

· Lightly stroke NARS Blush in Gilda on the apples of the cheeks

Eyes:

· Use NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo to line upper lashes and crease

· Blend over entire lid and up to brows, keeping dense color by lashline

· With Mambo, line lower lashes and gently blend

· Use NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali to fill in brows

· Draw a very thin line on upper lashes with NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Black (NEW for Fall 2009)

· Curl lashes with NARS Eyelash Curler

Lips:

· Apply NARS Lip Therapy Treatment in Rain to entire lip

· Lightly pat a small amount of NARS Concealer over Rain to take down color

NARS Cosmetics was backstage creating the makeup look for Hervé Léger’s Autumn/Winter 2009 show. With lead artist Diane Kendal, who drew inspiration from Helmut Newton photographs using the concept of a brave warrior – strong and fierce, she created the ‘strong brow and dewy skin’ look using earth tones and shades of deep ebony. “The collection is very hard and sculpted so we wanted to keep the skin neutral and show strength through the eyebrows. We created very fresh, dewy skin by using the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. It really allowed the skin’s natural highlights to shine through,” said Diane.

Below is a step-by-step to recreate the look provided by NARS:

Face

· Use NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream to moisturize

· Apply NARS Concealer as needed, to cover any imperfections

· Use a minimal amount of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (NEW for Fall 2009) to even skin tone

Eyes:

· Brush brows to define natural shape

· With NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali, fill in brows

· Brush again for even, natural look

· Apply gentle dusting of NARS Single Eyeshadow in Sophia to entire lid, blending up towards brows for natural shading

· Curl lashes with NARS Eyelash Curler

Lips:

· Apply NARS Lip Therapy Treatment in Rain to entire lip

· Use NARS Concealer over Rain to mute color

NARS products are available at www.narscosmetics.com.