Q&A with NARS Cosmetics

NARS is a brand famous for it’s bold and beautiful colour range, iconic packaging, cheeky names and stunning formulas, and it’s certainly a big favourite in the HQhair office. We were lucky enough to meet with NARS National Stylist, Helena Kastensson, to ask her a few questions and, of course, play with some pretty makeup! Helena very kindly shared some of her top beauty tips and gave us plenty of advice on how to wear the latest trends in 2015. Read on to find out what she said…

Question: What is your staple spring/summer makeup look for 2015?

Answer:

Keep it simple! Focus on one of the key trends from the runway shows; fresh, glossy bare skin as seen at Marc Jacobs. Graphic, square or disconnected eyeliners were also a huge trend as well as minimalistic embellishment as seen at Rodarte. If you fancy keeping it classic you can never go wrong with a orange toned lip as it will enhance any skin tone and make you look more tanned!

Question: What products would you use for the perfect beach look?

Answer:

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (SPF30) is oil free yet extremely hydrating and gives you a perfectly flawless skin with a glow. To add a further all over glow and colour apply NARS Multiple in Orgasm onto eyes, cheeks and lips. Beach look done in less then a minute!

Question: What would you recommend for taking a summer holiday look from day to night?

Answer:

Concealer will instantly brighten up the eyes and give coverage wherever needed. Any bright bold lipstick make also make an instant difference. I love NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana, Michiyo and Natalie.

Question: What will you be taking inside your in-flight beauty bag?

Answer:

For me, the most important thing is keeping your skin fresh and hydrated during the flight. I always apply NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask before take off to plump the skin with hydration and the Total Replenishing Eye Cream, which I apply several times during a long haul flight so once you are off the plane your skin is glowing!

Question: What is your number one summer staple product?

Answer:

The Multiple stick from NARS! It’s such an iconic and easy to wear product. It comes in a wide range of bronze, bright and highlighting tones. I love a multipurpose product as you can use it as eyeshadow, blusher or lipstick. Quick, effective and fun!

Question: Prom and graduation season is coming up, which of today’s seasonal trends will stand the test of time and look good in the photos in years to come?

Answer:

Keep it classic with a subtle smokey eyeliner and a red lip. It’s so timeless and will look amazing in photos.

Question: Minimal makeup is very popular at the moment, do you have any tips for these that want to look fresh faced but are self-conscious about showing their bare skin?

Answer:

The key is to cover the areas that you are concerned about first and keep the skin bare in those places where the skin is clear. Choose one focus to balance the fresh skin, either eyes, brows or lips.

Question: What are the essential beauty tools that will help us apply makeup like the pros?

Answer:

It is all down to brushes and blending. I can’t live without the Kabuki brush range from Nars. Botan for powder, Yachio brush for blush or bronzer, Ita brush for contour and Kudoki for eyeshadow. Then lots of blending of course!

Question: From your large selection of lipsticks, lip pencils and glosses; what is a great combination for a long wearing day to night look?

Answer:

Always apply lipstick to fresh, hydrated lips; the colour will last and look better longer. I always prep the lips with NARS Hydrating Toner to take away any dry skin first. Then draw on a lip liner but it’s very important to buff the edges into the whole lip as it will work as your base. As a final touch apply several coats of Audacious Lipstick from NARS to really stain the lips. Blot off with a tissue and then do one more application of the lipstick. It will last through lunch, meetings and still look perfect at the end of the day.

Question: What have we got to look forward to from NARS in 2015?

Answer:

I am absolutely obsessed with collaboration between NARS and Christopher Kane called NEONEUTRUAL what will be launching June first. It’s mix of bold and neutrals 11 piece collection with eyeshadows, blushers and lipglosses that reflects Christopher Kanes colour palette perfectly!