How To Build Your Forever Beauty Bag, According To The François Nars
October 30 | 4 minute read
Words by Kerri Gordon
And 30 years ago, Mr Nars did what Michelangelo couldn’t: bottled his artistry, bringing his beautifying capabilities to the masses – not just the supermodels that graced Marc Jacobs’ runways, or posed in front of Steven Meisel’s lens.
Three years later, in 1997, NARS was one of the seven original brands sitting proudly on the shelves of the very first MECCA. Our obsession with Mr Nars and his sensorially sensual, you-but-better formulations hasn’t wavered for a second since.
The brand has forever been laser-focused on creating skin that looks like skin – except perfected by studio lighting, no matter where you are – and colours inspired by human passion and emotion.
So, when we had the opportunity to ask Mr Nars to give our makeup bags a bit of a zhuzh, we jumped!
Our conversation revealed his meticulous thoughtfulness, and an inspiring unfazed-ness of the algorithmic trend cycle that has dominated beauty for almost a decade now.
“It has democratised beauty, allowing diverse voices to be heard and inspiring people to experiment with their looks,” the icon says of social media, but when it comes to trends, he continues, “The key is to approach them thoughtfully.
“Beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept; what works for one person might not work for another. Trends can change rapidly, and what’s popular today may be forgotten tomorrow. I believe in celebrating individuality; embracing unique beauty and personal style, instead of chasing the latest look.”
For Mr Nars, it comes down to nailing the fundamentals: “Think of your makeup bag like your wardrobe,” he tells us. “Start with essential products and then add in some fun items that reflect your personality.” Neutrals, he emphasises, are “the fundamental basics – the foundation, really – of any makeup kit. Then you can add on, updating these neutrals with whatever colours or products you like.”
He begins: “You’ll want…”
We dutifully take notes.
“A great primer and foundation to create a smooth canvas.”
He nods to the brand’s new Light Reflecting™ Hydrating Primer, which is so light you can barely feel it. Infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid, it acts as an instant skin plumper and smoother, leaving a thin veil over the skin that helps to improve makeup application and make it last for 12 hours.
NARS foundations are the staple in any MECCA makeup artist’s kit. From the radiant favourite that is Light Reflecting™ Foundation, to the impossible-to-screw-up Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer and the cult icon that is Sheer Glow Foundation, each one (applied with your fingertips, as directed by Mr Nars) will create the kind of base stops people on the street to and ask you about your ‘skincare routine’.
“A good concealer for those moments when you need extra coverage… and a powder to set everything in place.”
On the former: NARS blazed a trail when it came to concealer – thick, cakey formulations that put coverage above finish were almost all you could get before Radiant Creamy Concealer hit the market. Since then, almost every other makeup brand has used the satisfyingly fluid, buildable texture of NARS’ iconic concealer as the blueprint for their own.
And while every makeup lover will tell you Radiant Creamy is their favourite, every professional artist will name drop NARS’ Soft Matte Complete Concealer – a magic pot that will blur away even the wildest of nights out.
“Include a blush, mascara and a great lipstick that can take you from day to night.”
Say the word ‘Orgasm’ in a beauty store, and oohs and aahs over a peachy pink powder with gold flecks will come to mind before oohs and aahs derived from any other context. Mr Nars reengineered the blush to become a true representation of the life brought to one’s cheeks in a moment of pure joy, passion and ecstasy; a look deserved to be worn, and felt, all day every day, not just in private. There are 20 other NARS Blush shades to choose from of course, so take your pick from icons like ‘Dolce Vita’, ‘Deep Throat’ and ‘Amour’.
Launching his brand three decades ago with 12 lipsticks, some shades of which still exist today, Mr Nars has forever been the master for fleshy pinks and striking reds in the best mattes, satins and sheers – from Taylor Swift’s iconic favourites ‘Dragon Girl’ and ‘Morocco’, to the highly wearable ‘Dolce Vita’ and ‘Devotion’.
He makes it sound like it’s simple, because with decades of industry experience, and a history in setting the trends – and the status quo – he’s made it so.
“Beauty today isn’t about perfection,” the legend notes. “It’s about embracing uniqueness and celebrating imperfections. It is less about following trends and more about making a personal statement, owning who you are and discovering what makes you feel beautiful and powerful.”
It is, and will always be, he says, centred around “the desire to feel beautiful, confident and empowered.
“The deep emotional connection people have with beauty is as powerful as ever; makeup can transform not just how you look, but how you feel about yourself.”
