It’s always exciting to hear when iconic cosmetic giant NARS is releasing a new product, especially when it’s a foundation. NARS have been long famed for their skin perfecting products and their latest release is no exception. NARS’s new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, is its first 16-hour fade-resistant foundation with full powered radiance. Its medium-to-full buildable coverage stays vibrant and fresh all day and night, as if just applied.
Unlike a lot of foundations on the market which look worn in as the day goes on, the staying power of this foundation is enhanced by a patent pending technology that delivers a uniquely weightless texture with superior bendability for an imperceptible effect that looks like skin. In fact, it’s actually formulated to improve skin hour by hour with skin optimizing complex—a blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts that helps support skin elastic fibers to smooth and improve skin texture – while specialized pigments recognize and fuse with your skin for your closest match yet.
To celebrate the launch of the new NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, we caught up with Lena Koro, NARS Global Artistic Director to find out more about working with the legendary François Nars and what we can expect from this exciting new product.
You’ve worked with François Nars for many years; what makes his complexion philosophy so unique
François has always been very light handed when it comes to foundation, as his goal is always to let the skin shine through. He pioneered this concept when he started his career at a time when most makeup artists were covering the skin with cakey makeup. He has kept this same philosophy throughout his career and challenged the brand to launch foundations that, not only follow this complexion philosophy, but also improve the skin over time. He believes beautiful skin is the key to beautiful makeup.
What has François taught you about complexion?
François has an amazing gift of enhancing the natural features of someone’s face. When he applies foundation, there is this transparency to the complexion that allows the skin to show through. It is an artistry skill that some take for granted, but it is not easy to do – it requires technique and expertise.
Are there any specific tips François has taught you about applying foundation?
Tip 1: Using your hands allows you to feel the formula for precise application. It also allows the foundation to connect and melt into the skin.
Tip 2: Natural light is key when shade matching and applying foundation. Checking a model or client’s complexion in natural light is important in order to ensure the best possible match.
Tip: When applying complexion, if you mess up, it’s best to wipe it off and start again rather than layering too much makeup on in order to fix your mistake.
Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation’s base is a skincare serum. How does this convey François Nars’ beauty philosophy?
François believes beautiful makeup begins with beautiful skin, and this foundation gives women the opportunity to achieve both of those things at the same time. François challenges our chemists to create formulas using ingredients that benefit and revitalize the look of skin. With Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, skin is improved each time it is worn. This product offering demonstrates exactly what François believes in and wants for all women.
As an artist, what do you think makes this foundation so unique?
The combination of the technology and shade range makes this foundation so unique. The formula is unlike anything I have used before. Upon applying it, you immediately can feel the hydration from the serum base. The product goes on smooth and doesn’t dry too quickly, allowing for more application playtime. The skin-recognition pigments and transparent base allow you to build up the coverage and reapply as necessary without looking cakey.
How would you apply this foundation?
There is no right or wrong way to apply foundation but, as I said, hands are preferred. Shake well, pump one drop into the palm of your hand, warm with fingertips and apply foundation starting at the center of the face and blend outward in sections. The key is not too much product all at once, it’s better to build up to it, little by little. Then set the complexion using a powder puff with Soft Velvet Loose Powder.
Why is complexion so key in an overall beauty look?
There are no real rules to makeup. With complexion, even a tiny bit of foundation or concealer on bare skin makes the face look more refined. It is especially true with Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation – the creamy formula melts into skin for a natural, healthy glow. A perfected complexion also provides an important balance to a bold lip or a smoky eye.
How does this foundation compare to other NARS foundations?
This foundation complements NARS’ complexion offering. Base makeup is extremely personal to your type of skin, your desired look and the situation, which is why it’s important to offer different formats. From Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer to Velvet Matte Skin Tint and All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, we offer different finishes, textures and levels of coverage for individual needs.
How does this foundation compare to other long-wear foundations on the market?
The shade lineup is great! The translucent base and varying undertones work for more than skin tones than it appears. In my opinion, deeper shades of foundations from other brands appear ashy on the skin. Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation melts smoothly into skin for the closest match yet.
When working with clients, how do you determine their shade? What tips would you recommend to help them find the perfect match?
I start by positioning my client in natural light and asking questions to understand what she is looking to achieve, especially as it relates to coverage. I look at her skin and undertones, making sure to choose the right color that is closest to the skin tone. Good makeup artists can shade match simply by looking at someone’s face, but the color always needs to be tested for accuracy. From there, I teach my client how to apply the foundation and how to balance dark circles and imperfections with concealer. As a makeup artist, I love teaching my clients the best way to apply makeup so they can achieve the best results – and the best version of themselves.
Available at Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima and online at mecca.com.au from 30th January, 2018. $71 AUD | $78 NZD
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