Nars fans, put the 1st of November in your calendar and don’t plan a lie in; after the frenzy that ensued when Christopher Kane collaborated with Francois Nars, history has taught us that bagging a limited edition Nars collection requires determination and a painfully early hour.
Before you elbow others out the way and sweep up the whole Steven Klein for NARS collection in a haze of FOMO, here’s what you need to know (and swatches of my favourite pieces):
Steven Klein / The fashion photographer-cum-collaborator is best known for his work with Madonna and Lady Gaga. As you may expect if you draw conclusions from his clientele, his photos are not conventional ‘pretty singer sings looking pretty’ shots. Monsieur Nars says of him: ‘His work [is] arresting and provocative,’ which pretty much sums up my thoughts.
The Despair Cheek Palette is the hero product / The palette has a lacquered Steven Klein photo on the top and features four blushers (which, as you may know, Nars excels at) in shades you’ll actually wear, and a kabuki brush.
Nars Steven Klein Palette in Despair
Shiny Lipstick is back / In fact, shiny lips are back. There’s not one matte in the singles collection – from the three Killer Shine lipsticks to the three Killer Shine lip glosses, it’s a healthy serving of shine all round.
And It Doesn’t End There / Three eyeshadows are in the collection, all of which will please magpies among you. Stud is currently my go-to – it is SO SHINY that I barely need to do anything bar add a lick of liner and some mascara to look like I’ve done something jazzy with my face.
And There’s More / Steven Klein, I think I’d like you. You clearly like a bit of flamboyance. There are three nail polishes in the collection and they’re all (you guessed it) shimmery and shiny. Pair with sequins for maximum effect.
Nars Steven Klein Nail Polish in Black Fire
THE STEVEN KLEIN x NARS BREAKDOWN /
Limited Edition Killer Shine Lipstick, £20 / Besame Mucho (deep rose-beige), No Shame (red plum), Redemption (metallic pink champagne – I think this one’s a dud, but far be it for me to put you off if you fall for it).
Limited Edition Killer Shine Lip Gloss, £19 / Provoke (deep purple), Fast Life (dusty rose), Special Force (deep strawberry).
Nars Steven Klein Killer Shine Lipstick in Besame Mucho and Killer Shine Lipgloss in Special Force
Single Eyeshadow, £18 / Mortal (iridescent pearly white), Stud ([ewter bronze), Never Too Late (olive green with gold shimmer).
Nail Polish, £15 / Black Fire (glittery deep grey), Hard To Get (shiny bronze), Night Creature (shimmery purple).
Dual Intensity Blush, £30 / Vengeful (white gold highlighter, shimmery brick red blusher).
Nars Steven Klein Palette in Despair
THE SETS /
Despair Cheek Palette, £45 / Nico (pale peach), Savage (close to Orgasm, just slightly pinker), Esoteric (close to Orgasm, but this time more orange) and Ferocious (a shimmery pink).
Dear of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette, £35 /Four wet/dry shades (from pale champagne to deep black by way of two purples) and a chubby liner.
Magnificent Obsession Red Lip Set, £29 / Red liner, lipstick and lip crayon.
A Woman’s Face Nude Lip Set, £29 / Same as above, just in a rich nude.
Tearjerker Eye Set, £30 / Two deep jewel-toned eyeliners, one Nars Audacious Mascara.
Humoresque Audacious Lipstick Coffret, £130 / Five Audacious Lipsticks in: nude, orange, rose, deep raspberry and crimson.
Nars Steven Klein Eyeshadows in Stud and Never Too Late
An Abnormal Female Lip Pencil Coffret, £45 / A huge brass lip bullet containing three Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in pale pink, red and hot pink.
Full Service Mini Kabuki Brush Set, £65 / Two eye brushes (a smaller detail one and big bushy one) and two face brushes – a kabuki and ‘sculpting’ brush for definition/smaller areas.
One Shocking Moment Cheek Studio Palette, £49 / Seven cheek colours – four blushers, a contouring duo and Laguna bronzer. I don’t really contour so this has no use for me, but if you’re into it, I’d suggest getting this palette over the Despair one.
Killer Heels Mini Lipstick Set, £29 / Five mini lipsticks in muted shades ranging from nude to deep brown.