Backstage with Nars Spring 2012

Oh Nars, how you make my eyes get wide with excitement! I love pictures that allow you to view the craziness backstage of a fashion show. I feel the rush, the adrenaline the artist is experiencing...maybe it's the coffee and rockstar they ate for breakfast?? or...maybe it's being in the moment of creating artwork for the world to see.


DESIGNER INSPIRATION: "For Spring / Summer 2012, we were inspired by Van Gogh's brushwork within his paintings, said Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte.

LOOK: "It’s a really beautiful, round, smoky eye with gradations of blue,” said lead artist James Kaliardos for NARS Cosmetics “It’s like ‘Starry Night’ and then there’s this beautiful lavender lip, complemented by warm skin.”


DESIGNER INSPIRATION:"The Spring 2012 collection is an expression of fluidity and softness and modernity in terms of fabrics and shapes and styling," said designer Daryl Kerrigan. "This season also marks a continuation of my exploration into prints through a collaboration with artist Spencer Sweeney."

LOOK: "It complements Daryl's collection without overpowering it," said Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist. "A subtle swipe of blue along the lash line creates a playful affect but the strong brow and radiant skin add confidence."


DESIGNER INSPIRATION: "It's the idea of the iconic American cowboy gone multi-cultural. The color story came from India, inspired by the spice market -- but with a cowboy flair," said designer Thakoon Panichgul.

LOOK: "Because the collection is so colorful, I wanted to focus on a classic, strong brow. I kept the face natural, with a little pink on the cheek for healthy color. On the eyes, I focused on contouring to show strength and attitude, a cowboy attitude that is," said makeup artist Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics.


DESIGNER INSPIRATION: "It's Jean Michael Basquiat on the coast,” said designers Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein. “The collection is very surf-inspired but ‘cool’ surf. Like a New York artist on the coast.”

LOOK: "The girls look really expensive,” said James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. “The blush and loose powder that we used makes them look golden and sun-burnt.”



DESIGNER INSPIRATION: “A free-spirited woman in pursuit of love,” said designer Joy Cioci about the inspiration behind her collection. “The pieces are effortless, but luxe with a juxtaposition of soft details and vibrant colors.”

LOOK: “Radiant skin is having a moment again,” said Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist. “We were seeing very matte skin throughout the past few seasons, but dewiness is back, paired with a precisely-lined, bold lip. It’s elegant but it’s tough.”

 
Visit their Facebook to see what Nars products you need to recreate these makeup looks.

XOXO
Priscilla

Faux Lash

This year's obsession...FAUX Lashes!!! They are the sweetest gals, who featured ME on their site today. Check out the Bianca's, the Audrey's....and the Feathers!!!!

Alexia, Miranda, and Sterling the faces behind Faux Lash
Watch this video for some great tips...curling the Faux Lash with your own lash really does help it feel more natural! 



What are your favorite lashes???

XOXO
Priscilla

3 Fall looks on Blair of Atlantic Pacific


1.Color
This Fall reach for colors that are unexpected! We are breaking many rules this year, which is so exciting. Blair is wearing 3 vibrant pieces:a yellow sweater, pink pants, and a blue top...I did not want to overwhelm this look with too much color for her makeup. If you love color in your wardrobe try avoiding too much color in the cheeks. I used Soft Lights -Prism, by Smashbox, a great pressed powder highlighter to give the skin a dewy appearance. The focus for her makeup is a Glitter Girl favorite-bright fuchsia lips!

2.Boho
Let's recreate the 70's but keep it up to date and classy! While color up to the brows is trendy for the runways, I kept Blair's shadow from the eyelid to the eye crease to make it more realway. I was inspired by YSL's Ombre Solo, Lasting Radiance Eyeshadow, in 005 Slate Green. Start with a creamy base, press/pat on the color, and softly blend it out on the creases with a clean pony tail brush. False Lashes are my go to accessory for Fall. It adds texture to your look, just like adding a fur vest to your outfit adds a contrast of materials. Try the Bianca's by Faux Lash. The combination of the black and brown hairs complete the idea of depth and volume!

3.Rocker Chic
"A woman should never look like she is trying too hard...always appear effortless, even if its not" -George Sharp, creative director at St. John. The rocker look is not for everyone, so don't feel the pressure to do something so forced, that you are not comfortable-you should always feel comfortable. A winged liner paired with a deep lip is mysterious...I LOVE Media by MAC...it's pigment was intense and completes a leather pant and sequin hat outfit! *Love this look but not sure it's you? Try Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinic for just a stain.



Photography/Video:Michelle Drewes
Model:Blair Eadie writer of Atlantic Pacific Blog
Editorial posted on Glitter Guide
Hair & Makeup by ME!

XOXO
Priscilla

Sophisticated

I enjoyed the MTV show the Hills to see what outfits they wore, and to get new hair and makeup ideas. As I follow Lauren Conrad's website, I have been inspired by her beauty posts. Although she is famous, she can relate to the girl next store because she is still simple and very low maintenance. She posted this hair tutorial that was on the Beauty Department's website, and I chuckled to myself at the image. Why did I chuckle? Because I was just making fun of myself the other day at how "cool" I was in Junior High...I would bend over and pull allll my hair to the very center of my head and do the half pony-tail. Who knew...if I took it one step further it could have looked this good! haha... Well now I will do that one extra step and pin the excess hair to create this sophisticated bun. So chic...so easy too!

photos: Angela Kohler + thebeautydepartment.com post designed by kristin ess

Steps provided by Kristine Ess:

Step 1: If your hair is straight, use a 1″ curling iron to curl everything under. This will make it easier to tuck pieces into the bun. When they’re straight, they tend to pop out more. If you have wave or curl you can skip this step if you want to.
Step 2: Flip your hair over and gather everything into a ponytail on top of you head, securing it with an elastic ponytail holder.
Step 3: On the last time around with the ponytail holder, only pull the ponytail through half way.
Step 4: Take the loop you’ve created and spread it out. Don’t over think it. Just widen it and allow it to be somewhat messy.
Step 5: Take the tail end and wrap it around the ponytail base.
Step 6: Pin the end of the ponytail to the base using a couple of hair pins/bobby pins.
Step 7: Gently pull on pieces and then pin them. This will give your top-knot a slightly more messy texture.
Step 8: Spray a veil of medium hold hairspray all over. Don’t smooth down all of the fly aways, just lightly tuck the pieces that have gone rogue!

A Whimsical Forest

A photo shoot takes many days to prepare, but with the right partners it is the easiest task to complete. This last photo shoot I was constantly moving... ensuring the lashes are placed correctly, the bobby pins are in tight, and the accessories to the wardrobe are just so.

Photographer Ashley Batz, JE Model Joleen, and myself traveled to the Presidio Forest to have an adventure together. The San Francisco breeze was in our favor that day...we explored this enchanted forest as spiders scurried away with our footsteps. (Yes, we all screamed at the sight!)

Audrey Faux Lashes
JE Modeling agency requested a natural look for Joleen, and the Audrey Faux Lashes were the perfect touch!! These handmade lashes were SO easy to apply! You could barely tell there was anything there, yet it made such a difference. I have fallen for this lash company...officially OBSESSED! They were Joleen's first introduction to quality lashes, she was so happy to take them home.

Photography by Ashley Batz
As I stood in the background holding 2 bags, 4 lip glosses and a brush...I smiled and felt like I was part of a special moment. Joleen displayed character of a true model-it's just who she is. Ashely was a joy to watch, as she directed Joleen's movements-she is so sincere-it's just who she is.

"Braid within Braids"- Hair by Priscilla Francine
Styling By Priscilla Francine

Enjoy these whimsical images! I hope you experience goosebumps as you view them.

XOXO
Priscilla