CONCEPT In 2001, François Nars published Makeup Your Mind, the globally celebrated, best-selling beauty manual featuring glossy photographs uniquely overlaid with clear acetate instructional guides. The first in a series of three books, it featured professional models photographed by François “before” (without makeup) and “after” (with makeup), demonstrating both the transformative power of makeup and how to apply it. Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself, the second book in the series, brings together Nars’ two passions—makeup and photography— to spectacular effect. Taking the before–and-after concept to the next level, he turns the lens on real women and men, revealing the powerful role of beauty in personal transformation. Building on the success of Makeup Your Mind, the second book offers more advanced makeup techniques, making it a must-have for all beauty aficionados. It transcends the scope of basic manuals by providing an array of inspiring looks that showcase the limitless possibilities of makeup. The book not only provides insider knowledge from François himself, it also encourages people to be who they are and express their individuality through makeup. The Makeup Your Mind trilogy doesn’t just write about how to apply color, it shows the reader how it’s actually done by including identical “before” and “after” images overlaid with an acetate diagram. The difference is—literally—clear. Simon Doonan, Creative Ambassador at Large for Barneys New York and a longtime friend of François, wrote the book’s foreword. Their friendship began in 1995, when François launched his eponymous brand at the retailer with a collection of 12 perfectly edited lipsticks. The 273-page book is published globally by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. THE FACES François Nars has always been intrigued by unique beauty. The diverse collection of women and men featured in Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself hails from every part of the globe. Although scouted on the streets of New York City, the subjects, who vary in age from 16 to 64, represent a wide range of countries, including Russia, South Africa, Guatemala, Sweden and Guyana. These people represent a comprehensive compilation of ages, ethnicities, skin tones and facial shapes, all of which lend themselves to an array of evocative, ethereal, demure, dazzling and outrageous looks. Their diverse careers include artist, teacher, yoga instructor, dancer, architect and skateboarder. Not one to limit makeup to women, François feels strongly about including men in his books. In both titles, the looks he showcases are especially audacious. The ultimate goal in selecting such a variety of faces is to show that makeup is not only a powerful tool of expressing one’s individual beauty, it’s one that can be used and enjoyed by all. THE PROCESS François photographed each subject over a four-week period in January 2010. To design the book, he turned to art director and longtime collaborator Fabien Baron, the founder of the creative agency Baron & Baron, who also oversees the artistic vision of the NARS advertising campaigns. Baron & Baron enlisted the help of a veteran casting agent to street-scout and select the 60 subjects. MAKING UP Under the direction of François, acclaimed NARS International Makeup Artists James Boehmer and Lena Koro created the looks featured on each individual. Before applying their makeup, François requested not to be told much about his subjects, as he didn’t want to be influenced by their professions. Instead, he worked closely with James and Lena to design each face as objectively as possible. François believes that makeup should be applied to a blank canvas, so every look began by giving the subjects a uniform complexion, a cornerstone of the NARS philosophy. The team then layered colors and textures, utilizing an array of products and techniques to create intricate results. Even with the most dramatic maquillage, it is clear that the subject is wearing the makeup; the makeup does not wear the subject. The transformations are there for inspiration, underscoring what an incredible tool makeup is. THE PERFECT CANVAS Continuing with the first book’s central concept, the women and men in Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself were photographed identically: with the same stool, lighting and neutral backdrop. To reduce distractions, hair is pulled back and facial expressions are neutral. In the first book, the models were photographed head-on; this time they were shot at a three-quarter angle, a position the amateur models found more comfortable. HAPPILY EVER “AFTER” The “before” and “after” images are identical in size, making it easy for the reader to compare the faces and see how the result was achieved. Transparent acetate overlays on the “after” images provide specific products and techniques. To lend a more personal touch, the overlays include hand-written notes from François. The goal is for the reader to study the “before” and “after” looks, then place the transparent page on the “after” image to see exactly how the transformation was created, what makeup was applied and which techniques were used. Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself is divided into three sections: Play, Perfect and Polish. Each section focuses on the specific stages of makeup wear as conceptualized by François, with an emphasis on the limitless possibilities of artistic expression. While the sections are loosely organized by age—taking care to address the teens and twenties, thirties and forties, and fifty+ —François is quick to point out that readers shouldn’t be limited by their age. Instead, he urges them to experiment in every chapter: people of every age should have fun making faces. “Play” centers on experimentation: with color, texture and technique. “Perfect” demonstrates how layers of color and texture can be used to best complement the reader and shows how mastering a few simple methods can result in a beautiful, finished face. “Polish” describes how to adapt one’s makeup so it remains timeless as trends change and one’s complexion and features mature. Each chapter opens with face charts, quotes from the subjects and behind-the-scenes images, adding to the personal format. Throughout the book, François provides a wealth of information and advice, giving the reader a masterful makeup lesson. Chapters conclude with step-by-step instructions for re-creating each look, including shade names and specific tools. PLAY PERFECT POLISH FRANÇOIS NARS: IN HIS OWN WORDS Why did you decide to create a sequel to Makeup Your Mind? We originally planned Makeup Your Mind as a three-part book set. The first book featured models, the second showcases real people, and the third will feature notables, tastemakers and celebrities. This felt like the perfect moment to come out with a book focused on real women and men wearing NARS. It was nice to have the opportunity to showcase NARS on real people —to make NARS feel more accessible to the public. How is this book different from the original? While Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself is a continuation of the first book, it features more inspiring and complex looks. The difference lies in the people featured: they’re everyday beauties hand-picked from the streets of New York City. They represent a range of ethnicities and ages, as one of my main goals this time was to capture as many different people as possible. How did you come up with the looks for each subject? Instead of crafting each look based on what suited the individual’s personality, I focused on bringing out her or his natural beauty rather than concealing it. Ideally, you want someone to say to you, ‘You look great!’ rather than, ‘Your makeup looks great.’ You should always see the person first and the makeup second. What’s your advice for real women reading this book? Regardless of what look you are trying to achieve, less is more. Always go for transparency no matter what—even with very intense colors. PR CONTACT Julia Sloan 646.778.5247 [email protected] Ashley Robb 646.778.5230 [email protected] Twitter: @NARSissist Facebook: narscosmetics
