Exclusive Interview With François Nars

Contributed by Daily Makeover's Amber Katz:

I don't have to tell the makeup obsessed gals that you are about what a legend François Nars is. For beauty junkies, his technicolor makeup products are the cosmetic equivalent of baseball cards. I recently had the chance to sit down with this superhuman talent and pick his brain about everything from how he keeps track of his inspired product names to his favorite makeup item of all time.

Daily Makeover: What is your all-time favorite beauty look you've ever created?

François Nars: My first favorite look is one that I brought back: False lashes. Twenty years ago, when I worked a lot with Steven Meisel, I brought back a very 1950s and 1960s eye liner effect. That was a time when you wouldn't see many false eyelashes. Mascara, yes--lashes, no. Another favorite: The ones I created for the Marc Jacobs fashion show in February 2009--a myriad of night clubbing visages. That was a great show and it was so much fun to create the makeup concepts for it.

DM: What the trick to creating a bold lip look?

FN: I stay away from rules. Rules get boring. You know? Too cliché. You can do a smokey eye and a red lip. It reminds me of the Helmut Newton photos from late 1970s early 1980s. There was no blush, just a deep-hued eye and strong lip. Helmut didn't like blush. The application is all about the way you adapt it. Some women look better with a pale lip, so it's more about what the woman individually can get away with. Get creative. Makeup is a way of expressing yourself. Try something else in front of the mirror. Simple as that. It's my goal to give women more freedom.

DM: What is your favorite eye shadow for creating a smokey eye effect?

FN: I like the dustiness of the NARS Cosmetics Brume Eye Shadow Duo. It almost looks bad in the pan, but on, it looks foggish and fantastic. It makes the eye pop, particularly if you have light eyes. Strong, obvious colors don't necessarily do that.

DM: What's the story with your Schiap lipstick and nail polish shade? Why do you think it's so iconic for your brand?

FN: It's named after Elsa Schiaparelli, the designer who's also the grandmother of Marisa Berenson. She invented the shocking pink in the 30s, which propelled her to fame. "Schiap" was her nickname. We worked hard to make it as close as possible. It's a bright bright bright pink--not Barbie pink, nor Pepto Bismol pink.

DM: What is your go-to red?

FN: NARS Cosmetics Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red is my favorite. Even if it stops selling, it should remain. That name is so iconic because of the movie The Woman. NARS is the only one with that name. Jungle Red Lipstick launched with the original 12 NARS lipstick shades at Barneys, which were the original pieces of the line. It is a signature NARS red--stocked with rich, intense pigment and a semi-matte finish, it is a classic, perfect crimson.

DM: What is your single most-used makeup item?

FN: NARS Cosmetics Satin Lipstick in Honolulu Honey. This beigey-nude shade has been used in countless shoots, shows and ads. This shade also launched with the original 12 shades at Barneys. It is a perfect warm nude because it has just the right amount of yellow and pink. The combination of shades along with its sheer finish makes it ideal for all skin tones.

As one the web's largest beauty sites, DailyMakeover.com constantly receives products from beauty companies for editorial review. Please read our Editorial Ethics Pledge if you'd like to know how we select products to feature.

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The Return of the Bowl Haircut: Oh Boy!

Contributed by Daily Makeover's Megan McIntyre:

The bowl cut, which has been a popular hairstyle in decades past, seems to be enjoying a comeback of sorts as a bevy of hip, young celebs have been seen sporting the look around town. One glance at this retro round bob probably has you wondering what could possibly prompt chic young ladies like Agyness Deyn, Estelle, Parker Posey and Christina Ricci to don a short hairstyle that gives off such a distinct whiff of 70's cheese.

We definitely never thought we'd be seeing a good chunk of Hollywood embrace the rounded bangs, but we're even more shocked to say that we kind of like the look. It's got a slightly sexy, a little bit brooding, definitely retro vibe that keeps our eyes entranced. Part of this reason, at least according to celebrity hairstylist Sam Brocato, is that the cut practically begs you to stare at its wearer's face. "Because of the shape of the cut, you just can't help looking into someone's eyes. It has a mystique that draws you in--it's very 20's and vampy. It's also a way of adding some edginess to your look without doing hard, strong lines," he says.

Want to try the look at home? If you don't have bangs, Brocato suggests purchasing a pair of clip-on bang extensions as they are a major portion of the hairstyle. The key to this look is in the layering and the roundness, so start off by taking the very top layer of hair and use a large round brush to roll the edges over, section by section. Brocato says you can also use an extra-large curling iron in the same fashion to create a stronger curve. After you curl it, run some styling cream through your hair, then blast it quickly with a blowdryer to soften the curl and create that big, super-round style.

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Acqua di Gio and the UNICEF Tap ProjectProject

Want to do something to help raise awareness around the world to improve safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, without even opening your wallet? For every fan Acqua di Gio gets on Facebook during the month of March, the company will donate $1 to the UNICEF Tap Project.

Additionally, during World Water Week (March 21st - March 27th), Acqua di Gio will donate $1 to the UNICEF Tap Project with each fragrance sold in the US. Bonus: Customers who purchase a large bottle of Acqua di Gio will receive a bpa-free water bottle as a token of appreciation. Hot male model not included.

Sandra Bullock at the Oscars: Get the Look

Best Actress Sandra Bullock was styled by Abergel for Fekkai who wanted to bring back simplicity, with Sandra’s sleek and straight down-do. The strong side part created beautiful lines to compliment her dress. He modernized the texture of the hair by creating a sleek look, with a slight wave at the end.

Conditioned hair is very important for any sleek style. Abergel used Fekkai Advanced Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner, leaving the conditioner on for 15 minutes. He then rinsed and towel dried the hair. Then he parted the hair in a deep side part. Adir recommends following the arch of your brow to choose where to part your hair. He then took a large Fekkai Round Brush and blow-dried the hair completely straight, making sure the roots were flat. Then spray with Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray to 2” sections of hair from roots to the end and use a flat iron to get a bone straight effect. To finish the look, Abergel took a 1 1/4” inch curling iron and lightly curled the ends of the hair for a nice slight wave and tucked the bangs behind the ear. To complete the look he added the Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum to create a sleek finish.

Your Stylist: Short hair styles you won't regret cutting

Amen! The grass is always greener when it comes to girls and their hair. When it’s all grown out, you are inspired to get a cute bob cut, but when it’s chopped, all you want are your long and lovely locks back. It seems you just can’t win. But the best thing is to embrace and be thankful for your healthy hair and go with the cut that suits your face and style best.

Since you are confident with a short hair cut, here are some styles that I personally love:

Michelle Williams has a great short cut that isn’t a pixie but still has that gamine appeal. She’s got long layers on top and piecey strands on the side and back. She still seems to be able to tuck her sides behind her ears and sport different parts to be more sophisticated and dramatic for night and easy and casual for day. To me, this just looks like one of those cuts that gets better the dirtier it gets, so by Day 3 of no washing you still look amazing and chic.

Beach Bag Essentials

Here's a great set of beach bag essentials from our friends at Daily Makeover:



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Coach Poppy

Although simply put, they are just scents, fragrances have distinct personalities and just like best friends, the personalities of a perfume must match that of the wearer.

The Coach Poppy handbag collection embodies youthfulness, color and a vibrancy. Coach’s new Poppy fragrance complements all parts of the collection so perfectly that it essentially captures its youthful essence in a bottle. I’m lucky to have gotten a sneak peek at the fragrance although it will officially launch in July, 2010.

The fragrance has many layers but its main identity is fruity and floral. At first whiff, it opens with the smell of juicy cucumber flower petals and mandarin top notes. Then it goes deeper to give a candied red rose petal and creme brulee flavor and finally leaves you with a delicious woody smell of whipped marshmallow.

Coach’s Poppy Fragrance is deep and lasting yet fruity and punchy, which makes it a great summer spritz. Created to embody the Poppy girl, you don’t have to be young to wear this fragrance, just young at heart.

Available starting July 2010 at Coach stores at $60 for a 1.7 ounce bottle.

Contributed by The Stylester.

This review was based on a free sample.

Sponsored Post: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash

Two of my main focus areas in my Year I Stop Aging are my arms and my decolletage. While I always use moisturizer on my face, I haven't always been so good about taking care of the rest of me, and, it's starting to show. Both have plenty of freckles and sunspots, but what's really worrisome is that the texture is starting to change. While the skin on my face still has good laxity (when I pinch it, it quickly snaps back into place), the skin on my arms is looking tired and old. As if I need another reason to be concerned, a recent study indicated when judged independently from the face, your body skin, if maintained, is perceived up to 10 years younger.

Part of the reason I'm bad about taking care of these areas is that when I'm in a rush to get out of the door in the morning, I don't always have time to use moisturizer and let it soak in before getting dressed.

Enter Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash. Using Olay technology, it promises to:

• Improve elasticity
• Relieve dryness
• Deeply moisturize
• Brighten dull skin
• Even skin tone
• Smooth rough skin
• Minimize the appearance of dry lines

I look forward to testing it out and reporting back on results!

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash are available where Olay products are sold. The suggested retail price is $5.99 for 8.4 oz. and $7.99 for 15.2 oz.

Get Ashley Greene's Look for the Eclipse Premiere

Artist Vanessa Scali used mark cosmetics to create Ashley Greene's look for the the Twilight Saga: Eclipse premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival. “We wanted to create a soft, glowing goddess look to complement her beautiful Alexis Mabille Couture dress. The overall look was golden skin, soft blushed cheeks, champagne shimmer and a softly lined eye.”

Face
”I prepped Ashley’s skin by applying mark Primed for Perfection Face Primer all over Ashley’s face to create a nice, even canvas. I like the skin to look flawless but real, so I always use foundation and concealers sparingly. With Ashley, I used mark Speedway Do Everything Makeup in Natural. I applied it with the mark Foundation Brush and then blended it with my fingers. Using my fingers to blend heats the product just a bit and leaves a seamless finish. Next, I applied mark Good Riddance Hook Up Concealer in Light/Medium under her eyes.”

Cheeks
“I wanted to create a nice luminous glow, so I started by applying just a touch of mark Get Bright Hook Up Highlighter in Natural to the top of her cheekbones, down the center of her nose and the bow of her top lip. Next, I applied mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder in Pro Glo to her temples, under her cheekbones and under her jaw line to lightly enhance the bronze in her natural skin tone. Lastly, I used mark Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint in Peachy on the apples of her cheeks for the perfect healthy flush.”


Eyes
“For Ashley’s eyes I started by using mark I-mark Custom Pick Eyeshadow in Nomadic to create a champagne shimmer all over her eyelids and under the bottom lashes. Next, to define and elongate the lash line, I lined her upper eyelids with mark Keep It Going Longwear Eyeliner and Shadow in Entourage (Black Shade). For a touch of added depth, I used mark Get in Line Hook Up Waterproof Eyeliner in Painted Black at the very base of her lashes. I finished with a few generous coats of mark Lash Splash Hook Up Waterproof Mascara in Black.”

Lips
“For Ashley’s lips, I started by using a dab of mark Kiss Dry Goodbye Lip Smoother to give her lips a touch of moisture. I then used mark Kissink Liptint Marker in Berry to define the outer edge of her lips and smudged the color into the center.”

Bobbi Brown's New Denim & Rose Palette

If your go-to outfit for day and night is a sexy pair of jeans, then you'll be excited as we are for the new Bobbi Brown palette.

“Everyone looks great in jeans— and anyone can pull off a dark denim eye. To make it wearable, I’ve paired inky blue shadows with pretty roses for lips and cheeks. The combination is casual and put-together, rock and roll but romantic, and modern yet classic all at once.” Bobbi Brown

The limited edition Denim and Rose Palette is packed with deep, shimmering blues, icy grays and pinks for eyes and fresh rose shades for lips and cheeks. It's perfect for a girls' getaway because you have the option of wearing a soft daytime look or a smoky dramatic look for evening.

Priced at $60.00 and available July 2010 at Bobbi Brown counters and BobbiBrown.com.

Chanel Fall 2010 Collection

The Chanel Fall makeup collection is inspired by Coco Chanel’s contrasting style. She boldly mixed black and white, masculine and feminine, classic and modern, according to Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel Makeup. The Chanel Fall 2010 collection "brings bold emphasis to the eyes, and keeps lips soft and delicate."

Included in the collection are two new eye shadows Taupe Grisé, a chocolate grey, and Vert Khaki, a cool khaki green.

Soft lip colors, like, Glossimer in Coral Love and Rose Dilemma and Rouge Coco in Chintz

And what is sure to be the must-have nail color of fall, Paradoxal

Stila's Road Trip Palettes

Whether you're road tripping this summer or hopping on a jet, don't leave home without Stila's Road to Radiance Palette. Across the U.S.A. (shown) is the first of the series of travel-themed palettes. Each will include four eyeshadows and a convertible color in a handy, easy-to-pack kit. A new one will be introduced each month through November.

Be sure to check out Stila girl Kylie's travel journals to get inspiration about where to go and what to do when you get there.

Each palette is a wallet-friendly $10 and is available on Stila.com.

Summer Solstice With Jane Iredale in New York

Jane Iredale fans  who live in NYC will want to dine at Serafina on E. 61st Street for lunch on Monday. Those eating al fresco from 11 am to 3 pm will receive a full-size Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen. The translucent or tanned  all-over face and body powder helps protect against both UVB and UVA rays with an SPF 30 and a very water-resistant rating. It's one of five Jane Iredale products that recently received the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation. So go and enjoy one of Serafina's famed thin crust pizza and don't worry if you're not sitting under an umbrella.

Not in NYC? Be one of the first 10 to retweet a tweet from the event (Hash tag: #jisummersolstice) to win your very own.

Lancome Friends and Family Week

Get 20 percent off at Lancome stores until June 25th with this coupon. Enjoy!

The Ultimate Travel Beauty Products

Who doesn't struggle with figuring out what 3 Fl. Oz. product to take on the plane in that Ziploc bag? Thanks to the folks over at SpaWeek for narrowing the choices down for us and creating the Perfect Traveling Beauty Kit. See what's in it....

Make Up Forever HD Complexion Travel Kit

Seems no matter how much powder we use, our foreheads always look shiny in photos, regardless of if we're at the beach in Miami (where it's understandable) or in a frigid nightclub in Vegas. We've given up on finding the solution and have started to retouch our photos, yes, even the ones we're only posting on Facebook. See the unretouched photo above as proof.

Enter the Make Up Forever HD Complexion Travel Kit. We're longtime fans of the MUFE HD Invisible Foundation for the soft glow it imparts and are recent converts to the new Aqua Cream, which has amazing staying power. The kit comes with FAA approved sizes of HD Elixir, HD Primer and HD Microfinish Powder. The Elixir is an ultra-hydrating serum, which everyone needs after a plane flight. The primer helps our favorite HD Foundation go on extra smooth. And then there's the HD Powder. The ultra fine mineral silica powder reflect light, to give a "soft focus" effect on skin, meaning shiny foreheads are a thing of the past!

Available at Sephora.

Noxzema Towellettes

We're betting you could identify a tub of Noxzema blindfolded. The menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil not only bring back memories of childhood, the ingredients are famed for their cooling properties and ability to deep clean skin and pores. We've fallen in love with the Noxzema Moisture Makeup Removal Cloths. They're easy to pack and perfect for a refreshing hit after a long flight or after too much sun.

Noxzema Moisture Makeup Removal Cloths are available at drugstores everywhere.

This review was based on a free sample.

Horrible Tan Contest

We can't actually vouch for Kymaro's tanning products, but we love their contest for "Embarrassing and humiliating photos of tanning errors, tan lines, and orange-glo." The prize is a $40 tanning system. Think our feet could win us the prize?

Enter on Facebook.

Laura Mercier on Gilt Groupe Noon Today

Laura Mercier, one of our favorite beauty lines,  is available at noon today, Thursday June 10th on the private sale on-line super store, Gilt Groupe. Get there early to pick up great deals like the one above, the Luxe Lip and Eye Collection, for half price, $37.50.

Or the Bath and Body Duo in Creme Brulee for $24 (regularly $40). This is our favorite scent in the body line and would make a great present!

Makeovers at the MAC Store

For our Sex and the City screening, while Hope was busy getting her hair de-frizzed at the Ted Gibson Salon, I grabbed our friend Shawn and hit the MAC store for a makeover. I'm always a fan of fake eyelashes and even convinced Shawn to try them for the first time.

I opted for the MAC 7 lash, which is billed as "everyday glamorous".

My makeup artist (an adorable man) gave me a smoky eye using purple shadow to match the purple dress I wore later in the evening. I had my three favorite lipglosses with me so asked him to use one of those so I could avoid adding another to my collection. Here's an up close shot of my finished look.

Shawn wore lashes for the first time. The results were awesome; but she didn't like the first pair they used. She thought they were too much, so she scaled down to the MAC 7 lash as well. She is usually much more conservative with her makeup (as a former model, she's gorgeous with a bare face), so it took some convincing for her to wear her full face all night. We're glad she did!