I was recently invited to an exclusive Sephora event featuring the National Stylist Team for NARS Cosmetics.  I was treated to a step-by-step makeup consultation and application by NARS International Celebrity Stylist Raphael Rosas as well as receiving makeup tips from NARS International Celebrity Stylist Norman Sands.  It was a such a treat to spend time with these two wonderful artists and learn about some techniques they used recently at New York Fashion Week.  Norman even treated my daughter to her own special consultation and gave her tips on how to look camera ready and beautiful.

Summer 2010 Beauty Trends:

“3D skin is the biggest trend this season.  Think “fresh” and “luminous”.  It is all about making the skin look camera ready yet always natural.  The investment this season should be in your basics… primer, foundation, concealer, powder and a few cheek products,” says Norman.

3D Hi-Def Skin (Flawless, Illuminated, Light Reflective Complexion) Key items:  The Multiple, Orgasm Illuminator, Sheer Matte or Sheer Glow Foundation, Super Orgasm Blush

Artist Tip: Layer your favorite powder blush over the Orgasm Illuminator, NARS Multiple or Cream Blush for beautifully defined Red Carpet cheeks.

Artist Tip: Mix Orgasm Illuminator into Sheer Matte Foundation and blend into skin with fingers, top with Nico Blush for a beautiful candlelit complexion.

Indigo Eyes (Aqua, Emerald, Violet Shadows) Key items: Burn It Blue Duo Cream Eye Shadow (Summer Collection), Jolie Poupee Duo Eye Shadow (matte lavender/ violet shimmer) Kaliste (teal) and Manon (violet) Eye Liner Pencil, Brush #4 (Angular Eye Shader) or #15 (Smudge Brush)

Artist Tip: Line with an eyeliner pencil and smudge a complimentary shadow using a brush for a well defined smoldering eye suitable for daytime.

(Try Mambo Eye Liner Pencil with Eurydice Duo Eye Shadow (electric aubergine/ graphite) or Kyoto with Taiga Duo Eye Shadow

Popsicle Stained Lips (Cherry Citrus Colored Pout) Key items: Niagra (satin pinkish coral), Manhunt Lipstick (sheer poppy red), Easy Lover (sheer hot pink), Misbehave (sheer shimmering red) Lip Gloss, Dragon Girl (siren red) Velvet Matte Pencil

Artist Tip: Color a bold lipstick over lip gloss for sheer popsicle stained lips.

Artist Tip: Experiment with mixing warm and cool tones together on the lips… Top a coral lipstick with a fuchsia gloss. (Mix corals with pinks to create the perfect peony colored lip.)

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Norman Sands joined NARS as Midwest Makeup Stylist and Trainer, a combined role designed to communicate the philosophies and ideals that François Nars bestowed on the company at its inception.

A professional makeup artist for more than 13 years, Norman has polished his craft through projects including television and music video shoots, print editorial work, celebrity appearances, bridal assignments, fashion shows, and theater productions.  Editorially, his work has appeared in Stuff magazine, People Life and Style, and he regularly contributes both his beauty expertise and makeup artistry to cover shoots and beauty stories in Indianapolis Woman, Indy Men’s Magazine, St. Louis Woman magazines, seenon.com, mybeautymatch.com, and ellecanada.com.  He appears regularly on the FOX 59 Morning News, CBS WISH TV and CityLine Toronto.

Prior to joining the NARS artistry and training team, Norman found his voice as an educator, offering private instruction, makeup lessons, master classes and training for industry and professional groups.  Constantly absorbing new skills, he counts his opportunities to observe and work with other makeup artists to be invaluable and has most memorably worked with designer and icon Diane von Furstenberg on the launch of her beauty line; Lisa Butler, top UK makeup artist, Reggie Wells, the celebrity and personal makeup artist to Oprah Winfrey; Joe Costa, an international artist for Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, Ayako, world renowned makeup artist and International Makeup Director for NARS, Tim Quinn, Celebrity Face Designer for Armani Cosmetics, Talia Shobrook, lead international makeup artist, and Francois Nars, founder of NARS Cosmetics and an established photographer.

Norman’s talent has earned him a varied celebrity clientele that includes Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester, Cyndi Lauper, Alice Cooper, model Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp, and Grammy-award winning singer Sandi Patty.  He has also worked with athletes such as race car driver Dario Franchitti, Billiards Champion Jeanette Lee “The Black Widow”, and Olympic Gold Medalist Tamika Catchings of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, as well as on-air talent such as Catt Sadler, of the E! Network, and Joni Michels of FOX 59 in Indianapolis, and personalities such as Susan Guilky, Miss Indiana 2005, and Nicole Brink, Mrs. World 2002.  Most recently, Norman displayed his talent at New York Fashion Week, working on such shows as Marchesa, Chris Benz, Max Azria, Costello Tagliapietra, Willow, Nicole Romano, 3.1 philip lim, James Coviello, Daryl K, Lela Rose, Cynthia Steffe and Marc Jacobs.

As a member of the artistry and training team, Norman represents NARS as an educator and knowledgeable brand expert, as well as a creative authority and liaison between the high fashion and consumer worlds.  He shares his experience and personal mastery for expertly flawless makeup application with consumers, and also teaches and trains other NARS stylists, educating them on new products and illustrating application techniques.

His vast experience enables him to understand and exemplify the details and qualities that make NARS truly unique, while keeping him at the forefront of industry trends and product knowledge.  His dedication and passion for his artistry naturally embody the NARS philosophy of helping every woman discover her own beauty and individuality, and his understanding of François’ trademark style makes him an integral part of the NARS team.

Photo Credits: Norman Sands by Greg Perez Studio and makeup image by Kurtis Bowerstock Photography.