My dear Muses,
What happens when a mother and her 15-year-old daughter talk about makeup? We decided to find out with NARS.
In this mother-daughter beauty edit, my daughter (aka Mini Maxima) and I (aka Maxima) are sharing our favorite NARS products and how we each create our own version of a natural makeup look.
Why NARS? I think we both love not only the products themselves, but also the playfulness and attitude that make this brand so distinctive. There’s something literally cheeky about NARS, from its provocative product names to its almost overwhelming palette of shades. On the other side, NARS is serious about prioritising real skin texture over heavy, mask-like coverage. I think that’s exactly what we both appreciate about a beauty brand.
Shall we begin?
Maxima: Hi, I’m 49 years old, and I’ve been wearing makeup since I was 15. That’s more than three decades of experimenting, discovering myself and my style, and, yes, going through many different makeup eras.
I’ve never been someone who blindly follows beauty trends. My makeup and style have always evolved with me. I had phases of dramatic red lipstick, then smoky eyes. Sometimes I wanted my makeup to make me look more bold and unapologetic, and sometimes more at ease and romantic. Today, I’m more drawn to a natural-looking and sophisticated look, and lately, blush has become my obsession.
Mini Maxima: Hi, I’m 15 years old. I don’t always wear makeup, but sometimes I want to create a pretty, natural look, especially in summer. That’s why I spent quite a while looking for the perfect makeup products for my young skin: something glowy, with a little shimmer, beautiful summery colors, and, most importantly, something that doesn’t look artificial but gives my skin a natural glow.
Sometimes I think adults misunderstand teenagers when it comes to makeup. For us, makeup isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s also a way to show who we are and express our identity. These NARS products that I got from my mum made me feel more confident and a little more grown-up, which is why I’m really excited to share my experience and thoughts about them with you.
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*Disclosure: In this blog post, there are no affiliate links, no earnings and no commission involved, just 100% our honest opinion. Text and images © Maxima Muse & E. & A. Habicher
NARS Orgasm Powder Blush
Maxima: If the name doesn’t quite explain the color, let me try. It’s a dimmed peach pink, slightly bronzed shade with a gentle golden shimmer that gives the skin a warm, natural color and healthy glow. I think it’s a perfect shade for a woman my age. And maybe it’s not technically intended for the eyes, but I love using it as an eyeshadow, too. It gives my eyelids a soft, warm, slightly luminous wash of color and pulls the whole look together.
Mini Maxima: The name alone brings a little blush to the cheeks! But what really makes this blush look so pretty on the skin is the combination of a natural peachy-pink shade with a golden shimmer. For me, and I think for many women my age, it’s just the right combination: warm, glowy, soft and very feminine. What I love most is that it works perfectly for a natural makeup look, giving the cheeks a fresh touch of color without looking like too much.
NARS Dolce Vita Afterglow Lipstick:
Maxima: Usually, I avoid wearing lipstick because my lips are quite sensitive. They get dry quickly, which can feel uncomfortable and irritating. Not with this lipstick. It feels lightweight on my lips, while giving them a beautiful shine and a soft wash of the iconic NARS Orgasm shade. I also love that it combines color with nourishing ingredients like Mango Seed Oil and Shea Butter, leaving my lips feeling smooth and moisturised while giving them a fuller-looking appearance.
Mini Maxima: I love how this lipstick gives my lips more definition. Its shade also pairs perfectly with the colors of the other NARS products. The lipstick is super hydrating and feels really smooth on the lips. For me, it has the perfect peachy-pink shade: not too strong but still noticeable. And I think that’s exactly what makes a natural makeup look.
NARS Orgasm Fantasy Liquid Blush:
Maxima: Two or three little strokes along the cheekbone are enough to build up this rich, sophisticated look. I blend the blush by simply tapping it into my skin with my fingertips, gradually layering the color until I get the intensity I want. The result is incredibly natural, almost as if the healthy flush is coming from within rather than sitting on top of the skin. It gives my face that fresh, alive look, which is exactly what I’m after at this stage of my life.
Mini Maxima: You can blend this liquid blush with either a brush or a beauty sponge. Personally, I recommend a brush, as it really melts the color into the skin and gives you a beautiful finish. The blush lasts for a long time and leaves the skin looking smooth and fresh. The pretty peach-pink shade gives you that warm, sun-kissed look. But for me, the best combination is using the powder and liquid blush together. The pink base of the liquid blush paired with the golden shimmer of the powder blush creates such a radiant look.
NARS Heavenly Luminizing Stick:
Maxima: I love this highlighter. It’s really rich and blends so nicely on the skin. Unfortunately, I have to be a little careful with it. I don’t think too much shine works nicely on mature skin. So I use just a few touches on my cheekbones, brow bones and chin, then blend it in with my fingertips. The result is a fresh, healthy-looking radiance and glow, without excessive shine.
Mini Maxima: This highlighter stick is just perfect for a natural, glowy makeup look. A little on the cheekbones, nose and inner corners of the eyes, and suddenly the whole face lights up. The texture is creamy and lightweight, which is why I always apply it with my fingers. This highlighter completes the whole look with a natural little spark.
WOW, wonderful you 2! Love Nars too!