NARS x Charlotte Gainsbourg

I’m all for a great lipstick and colour but have found that most lip glosses are too glossy and sticky for my taste. I was therefore pretty excited to stumble upon the recent NARS collaboration with French chanteuse Charlotte Gainsbourg, part of a limited-edition collection of makeup launched this spring.

The singer and cosmetic founder met during a New York photo shoot. As Charlotte is a NARS fan (and likewise François Nars a fan of her music), the duo naturally clicked and decided to work together on a product range.

According to Nars, “Her allure is all in the uncompromising power of her personal style … very cool and authentic, very French.” The resulting collection defines just that.

Francois Nars, Charlotte Gainsbourg
[François Nars, Charlotte Gainsbourg; photo courtesy Charlotte Gainsbourg for NARS]

For those of you who don’t know Charlotte, the British-French actress and singer’s created a catalogue of sultry, soothing songs over the years, making her musical debut at the tender age 12 with her father, renowned singer/songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, considered a key player in French pop music as well as the creator of a diverse musical catalogue during his time.

Though I’m only moderately familiar with her films (I’m Not There, Melancholia, The Science of Sleep, 21 Grams and others) as I am with her third album, IRM (recorded at Beck’s Los Angeles home studio no less!), this collaboration celebrates the multi-faceted artiste and her many charms.

NARS x Charlotte Gainsbourg-2

The entire range been inspired by Charlotte’s intimate experience with makeup on set, with memories of London and music in Paris evoking lived-in colours and textures throughout the line.

”She is an incredibly charming and giving person with an instinctive taste and style. I admire her for building a career with no compromise, no limits, and totally dedicating herself to it. Her work reflects her soul more than anybody I know.” — François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics

NARS x Charlotte Gainsbourg-3

The lip tints – offered in three shades – add natural colour to your lips and wear comfortably. They’re packaged in brown-capped tubes with a gold NARS logo and Charlotte Gainsbourg written on one side in all caps. The product offers a little gloss with moisture-retaining coconut oil plus vitamins C and E to help hydrate and protect your lips.

NARS lip tint swatches
[L to R: NARS x Charlotte Gainsbourg lip tints in Éphélide, Double Decker and Promise]

It’s easy to apply using the built-in wand; the colour lasts awhile, later leaving a more natural shade behind. I was sent the lip tint in Éphélide (French for freckles), a medium-rose shade. Double Decker (ruby red) and Promise (red plum) complete the trio.

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This limited edition tint retails for CDN $33 and is available at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom and Shoppers Drug Mart throughout North America. Since reviewing the lip tint, I’ve fallen in love with the shade and have recently picked up a second one at Nordstrom, as once they’re gone…

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