The Nars Summer 2012 campaign was designed and photographed by NARS Founder & Creative Director François Nars. Once again, the inimitable Ginta Lapina personifies the look described as: “A cocktail of warm earth tones and brazen shimmers. Eyes glisten in icy peach and matte apricot, or shine in iridescent orchid and blue. Lips are subtle in a glossy nude beige pink, or bold in matte strawberry red. A delicate seashell pink lends nails a flattering hue for an overall look that’s sizzling, sophisticated and—like so many summery moments—simply unforgettable.”

KDH caught up with the Nars beauty crew to get the scoop on how to create this fabulous face! Just follow these steps:

1.  To begin, St. Moritz Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA was applied to the center of the face with the fingertips and blended outward, then set with Eden Loose Powder to create an immaculate complexion. To lend the skin a light bronzed look, Laguna Bronzer was dusted onto the face in the shape of a ‘3’, starting at the forehead, swept on to the cheek, and then along the jawline.

2.  The apples of the cheeks were warmed with Liberté Blush and the face further defined by softly dusting Taos Blush along the hairline. A mixture of the silver and icy peach shades of Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow were brushed onto the lid and blended up into the crease. The apricot shade of the Trio was added in to the crease, with the silver shade swept along the lower lash line. The upper and lower lids were lined with Via Veneto Larger Than Life® Long-Wear Eyeliner. After curling the lashes with an eyelash curler, two coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara were brushed on to the lashes.

3.  Finally, the lips were lined and filled with Borneo Lip Liner Pencil—blending with a finger to soften the color. Moscow Pure Matte Lipstick was applied, then topped with Risky Business Lip Gloss for shine

Q&A WITH FRANÇOIS NARS

KDHamptons:  What inspired the NARS 2012 Summer Collection?

Francois Nars: I was interested in exploring the interplay of earth tones and shimmers. That relationship between divergent colors and textures is summed up in our Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow, which combines a silver shade with an apricot and icy peach. Besides illustrating a fresh take on nudes, the Trio is also just a really chic and versatile summer palette.

KDH:  What’s unexpected about the collection?

FN: I think at first glance, the combination of orchid, blue, strawberry red and seashell pink can sound and appear quite delicate and innocent, but our version of these colors and the way we combine them results in a look that’s more fun and edgy.

KDH:  What are the must-have products of the season?

FN: Besides the Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow, I’d say our Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. The lilac rose color looks great with tanned skin, and the matte finish is the perfect complement to a shimmery lid or glowing complexion. I also love our Trouville Nail Polish because a seashell pink nail is a really fun summer accessory.

KDH:  As the face of the Summer Color Collection, how does Ginta represent the summer mood?

FN: When made up in the collection’s colors, Ginta transforms from fresh and girlish into a strong and sophisticated woman, but with an irreverent playful edge

The SUMMER 2012 COLLECTION:

*Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $45

*Marie-Galante Duo Eyeshadow $34

*Calabria Soft Touch Shadow Pencil $24

*Liberté Blush $28

*Moscow Pure Matte Lipstick $25

*Vendanges Lipstick $24

*Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil $24

*Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil $24

*Trouville Nail Polish $18

*Nars products are available starting April 15, 2012 at narscosmetics.com

*all images courtesy of Francois Nars