10 makeup trends for women over 35: Norman Sands discussed NARS fall 2008 makeup trends

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10 makeup trends for women over 35: Norman Sands discussed NARS fall 2008 makeup trends

October 5, 2008

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normand sands nars cosmetics *** A quick warning to my readers, this is one of the most in depth interviews I’ve done about makeup tips with a beauty expert … I hope you’ll soak in every word!***

Norman, was so incredibly generous with his tips that I really had to cut this post into two parts and I really want to make sure you read all the information he provides because most of us will never afford the luxury of having an expert makeup artist on speed-dial.

You can read part one of my interview with Norman Sands here: My interview with Norman Sands Makeup Stylist and Trainer for NARS Cosmetics

I’ve interviewed a number of makeup artists in the past, but Norman is surely one of the most passionate and also one of the most detailed experts I’ve had the pleasure to sit down with. I knew volumes when it comes to makeup, but this discussion with Norman allowed me to learn so much more.

I also hope you’ll enjoy this interview with Norman Sands makeup stylist and trainer for NARS Cosmetics:

1) Beauty Match: What are the fall 2008 makeup trends at NARS?

Norman Sands:

Kohl Rimmed Eyes
Clean and Simple
Bold Lips
Luminous Skin
Sunset Hues

2) Beauty Match: How can women over 35 adopt the fall 2008 makeup trends so they look good on them?

Norman Sands: I think it’s always important to keep in mind what we refer to as “runway to real-way”. It’s about making a trend that you like work for you. Modern makeup is about confidence, lifestyle and personal preference, at NARS we call that “wardrobing”.

François Nars says “skin is 50 per cent of the makeup” so this season it’s all about beautiful skin.

3) Beauty Match: Why are NARS colours so rich compared to a lot of other brands?

Norman Sands: François Nars created the line because as an artist he was frustrated with what was available at the time, often having to mix several lipsticks to create the perfect red. He created cosmetics that had true payoff, rich textures and long wearability. He lauched 12 lipsticks at Barney’s New York in August 1995.

Nars’s philosophy is simple: “Strong pigments create true color and velvety textures provide optimum control in application!”

4) Beauty Match: What about the smokey eye that has been popular for so many seasons now … is that still a strong trend?

Norman Sands: We are moving from the smokey eye to the smouldering and kohl rimmed eye. Each season it’s about updating makeup techniques. The smokey eye will always be a timeless classic but the application, color and techniques will change each season.

The perfect smouldering eye is created by layering and blending texures on the eye: 1) At NARS we start with a cream shadow (Zardoz, Lili Marlene or Savage). 2) Next blend a beautiful metallic over the cream shadow (Ashes to Ashes Single Eyeshadow, Isolde Eyeshadow Duo). 3) Then we follow with Cordura Eyeshadow applied with Smudge brush #15 close to the lash line keeps the look more wearable.

One of Norman’s beauty secrets: “I love to smudge a shadow over an eyeliner pencil.”

Kaliste Eyeliner Pencil (a true teal) on the inner rim of the eye is the perfect way to add drama to this season’s rich browns.

5) Beauty Match: What are we doing for lips for fall 2008 … are red-bold lips still in fashion?

Norman Sands:

* Red will always be a timeless classic. NARS is known for the signature red lip. Because we are a “luxury lifestyle brand” at NARS we tend to let women find the trend that fits their lifestyle.

* This season at 3.1 Phillip Lim International Makeup Director, Ayako, wanted to achieve a bold, berry-red coloured lip. Ayako, NARS International Makeup Director, applied the NARS Lipstick in “Fire Down Below” (a pure blood red with no blue or orange) to the entire lip. She blended the NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in “Dragon Girl” to the centre of the lip to brighten and empower the red.

* One of my favourite bold lips to create is “Niagara” or “Casablanca” lipstick with “Boogie Nights” lip gloss.

6) Beauty Match: What are some of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to NARS makeup?

Norman Sands:

* That it is only for young girls. It is a luxury lifestyle brand.

* That is only a colour line … when we have a complete line for skincare and complexion.

* NARS point of difference with other brands is “Makeup Wardrobing”: the company’s mantra is “whatever makes you look good and feel good is right.”

* NARS Cosmetics has the ability to be many things to many people: a stylish accessory, a guilty pleasure or a makeup wardrobe staple.

* NARS can be described as classic, modern, luxurious, and chic.

7) Beauty Match: What are the three biggest mistakes women make when it comes to their makeup?

Norman Sands:

1) The overly dark lip liner

2) Forget the brows

3) Matchy-matchy with the eyes, cheeks and lips

I’ll also add these other big mistakes:

4) Wearing the wrong foundation (too dark… too heavy)

5) Not understanding that makeup is only about color not realizing that it is ultimately about skin…about finding the right treatment and complexion products.

6) Skipping the blush altogether.

7) Thinking that makeup is an “all or nothing” concept (either you go out with a full face or no makeup at all … that’s wrong … makeup can only be about mascara, blush and a lip-shade … voila!)

#8) Beauty Match: What are the three “must-dos” women in their 30s, 40s, 50s should take into consideration when approaching fall 2008 makeup.

Norman Sands:

1) Moisturizing the skin is key. A well-hydrated complexion appears more plump, radiant and healthier and younger. Try Hydrating Moisture Cream and Brightening Serum to help bring back the lustre and luminosity to the skin. Both revitalize and retexturize for smoother, brighter skin and give the complexion a beautiful satin finish.

2) Using a makeup primer is very important to create a protective base for longer wearing natural looking foundation. (NARS Makeup Primer is oil free and silicone free)

3) Choosing the right foundation that performs for your desired finish and coverage (I’d recommend the new NARS firming foundation with Polypetides, Dermaxyl and plant extracts).

I’ll also add these other must-dos:

* Foundations have come a long way from the days of pan-cake or pan-stick. Technologies have given women many options when it comes to perfecting the skin. Go for the Glow!

* As we age, skin tends to appear dull, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the condition of the skin. (The Multiple, Duo Multiples)

* It’s so important to properly line and define the brows, eyes and lips… as we age because we lose brow and lip definition.

* Adding colour to the cheeks and lips adds life and gives the face an instant “lift”!

9) Beauty Match: What if a woman wanted to create the “five-minute face” - what are the NARS essential steps to quick and beautiful makeup?

Norman Sands:

1) NARS Brightening Serum a lightweight day-time moisturizer that brightens skin immediately with an illuminating pearlescence.

2) Concealer applied under eyes, around nose, chin and forehead and any areas that need covering.

3) Apply the Multiple colour palette in South Beach, Maldives, or Cannes to cheeks, eyes and lips.

4) Apply powder foundation with the Botan Brush to create the flawless airbrushed complexion.

5) Mascara (of course)

6) Top off the entire look with lips with your favourite gloss … you might want to try “Chihuahua” or “Supervixen” Lip Gloss, or a Velvet Matte Pencil (which doubles as a lipliner and lipstick).

10) Beauty Match: What about ethnic beauties? How can Asian women, Latinas and darker skin beauties work with makeup trends? Are there certain fall 2008 trends they should really embrace and maybe others they should avoid?

Norman Sands: Beauty trends tend to transcend race, rather it’s more about lifestyle confidence and preferences, personal style … adjusting to your preference and skin tone … revealing one’s own true beauty transcends race and age. At NARS we are about creating a “Makeup Wardrobe”.

Posted by Beauty Match on October 5, 2008 | Permalink

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