NARSskin
Let there be light! It’s a surprising mindset for a brand known for color cosmetics with decidedly after-dark names such as Orgasm and Deep Throat (let’s not forget the Foreplay palette, Sex Appeal, Undress Me, etc. …), but with his new NARSskin collection, François Nars has created skincare that captures light. Each product is imbued with special technology meant to play with light and give you a perfectly glowing complexion no matter what time of day you step out.
You may recognize some of the products and the now-iconic packaging, which was originally designed to mimic the New York skyline. But with this new release, Nars has reformulated all the products in his skincare lineup. In addition to the debut of a few new products, the Narsskin collection revamps old favorites with Nars’ own Light Reflecting Complex. Taking a cue from his own penchant for playing with light when working with makeup, the new skincare blends pure ingredients to transform skin and boost luminosity.
The NARSskin collection
Every piece of the collection uses a blend of algae extract and Polynesian sea water in combination with Light-Active Micro-Prisms for light reflection, natural cell turnover and intense moisture. With nine products to cater to different skin types and concerns, the collection underwent thorough clinical results before being released. With Nars being such a force backstage at Fashion Week (Marc Jacobs, Philip Lim, Rodarte and more call on the Nars team for their models), we’re sure that these new additions to the line will be tested on models and mere mortals alike at the Lincoln Center Fashion Week tents next month.
Highlights from the new collection include the Optimal Brightening Concentrate ($72), which gave 92% of those tested more revived and comforted skin. Another new favorite? The Aqua Gel Luminous Mask ($39), a renewing and smoothing treatment that the FTD team will definitely be using this season during between jetting from show to show. From the very first step in skincare — the line includes two cleansers and an exfoliator — to the last (finishing touches such as the concentrate and new moisture cream and a soothing and emollient eye cream), each step is meant to give you an ethereal glow and provide a perfect blank canvas before you apply your makeup.
Like many Nars products, the old skincare line has a devoted following, but with new additions and reformulations, even the most loyal customers can find new favorites. Now, we’re not swayed by lofty beauty claims (and we have a bathroom full of goodies to prove it), but we’re told that respondents testing the new line reported brighter, smoother, more resilient skin (in addition to having their makeup go on more evenly, blend easier and last longer throughout the day). Truth be told, they had us on sleek packaging alone, but if these products also help make our skin look as fresh and dewy as if we’ve just had the big O, we’ll shell out the big bucks!
Photos courtesy NARS
