CONCEPT

In 2001, Franois 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 Franois 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 passionsmakeup and photography
to spectacular effect. Taking the beforeand-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 Franois himself, it also encourages people to
be who they are and express their individuality through makeup.
The Makeup Your Mind trilogy doesnt just write about how to
apply color, it shows the reader how its actually done by including
identical before and after images overlaid with an acetate
diagram. The difference isliterallyclear. Simon Doonan, Creative
Ambassador at Large for Barneys New York and a longtime
friend of Franois, wrote the books foreword. Their friendship
began in 1995, when Franois 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
Franois 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, Franois 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 ones individual beauty, its
one that can be used and enjoyed by all.

THE PROCESS
Franois 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 Franois, acclaimed NARS International
Makeup Artists James Boehmer and Lena Koro created the
looks featured on each individual. Before applying their makeup,
Franois requested not to be told much about his subjects, as
he didnt want to be influenced by their professions. Instead,
he worked closely with James and Lena to design each face as
objectively as possible. Franois 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 books 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 Franois. 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 Franois, with
an emphasis on the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.
While the sections are loosely organized by agetaking care to
address the teens and twenties, thirties and forties, and fifty+
Franois is quick to point out that readers shouldnt 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 ones makeup so it remains
timeless as trends change and ones 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, Franois 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

FRANOIS 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: theyre 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 individuals
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.
Whats 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 whateven with very
intense colors.

PR CONTACT
Julia Sloan 646.778.5247
jsloan@narscosmetics.com
Ashley Robb 646.778.5230
arobb@narscosmetics.com
Twitter: @NARSissist
Facebook: narscosmetics