Scottish Ballet, Swan Lake and Nars; A magical combination

Pics David Eustace.

I reckon Black Swan has made Swan Lake the ballet synonymous with fierce make up looks. There probably won’t be a Halloween from here on in where someone doesn't rock the iconic black smokey eyes of Natalie Portman’s character. So when I found out the Scottish Ballet were going to be touring with an imaginative re-telling of the famous ballet, I couldn’t wait to find out what they would be using for the make-up and I was  so delighted when I found it was none of their than the iconic brand itself, Nars. A huge fan of their products and with so many among my staples, I knew we were in for a treat.

photo Christina Riley

I was crushed to miss Nars makeup artist Katie Campbell giving a  demonstration of the products used for the performance as having seen the official shots of Principal Dancer Sophie Martin in full face for both the roles of Odette and Odile, I was dying to know how they created such flawless looks. She looks simply breathtaking as both characters!

photo Christina Riley

Nars Ambassador Andrew Gallimore worked hard with Choreographer David Dawson to create designs that fit in with Scottish Ballets simple  and elegant aesthetic approach to Swan Lake. They have tamed the looks people might associate with the swans from the famous film, to produce characters the audience really connect to, allowing the emotion of the piece to shine through. Not only that but a lot of time has been taken to ensure the full look can withstand the incredible stamina that a principal dancer requires for these roles. If  it can last through a performance like Sophie puts on, it should last me a few sweaty hours drinking gin sitting down :) 

I was so blown away by the beauty of Sophie in the shots I have included a full break down of everything used as I know I won’t be the only one dying to attempt to recreate them. I was incredibly lucky to receive the Nars Matte lip pencils in shades Cruella and Belle de Jour to get me on my way. So far I have only tried  the beautiful nude and I am SO impressed with the consistency and lasting power, I cannot wait to try the striking red!!

Trying out Nars Belle De Jour matte lip pencil

I am sadly not here for the Glasgow leg of the run of this ballet  which is so sad as I would love to see this natural beauty Nars has helped create, shining on the live stage. You can catch all the tour details here and having seen many of their performances I can guarantee you a magical night.

The Tour starts the 19th of April until the 4th of June.

Makeup look for Odette:

EYES:

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Oaxaca - sketched all over eyelid and blend edges

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Brousse - use lighter of two shades - apply lightly over the socket-line/ add a little extra on outer 3rd

NARS Numero 7 Lashes - apply with waterproof Duo Lash Glue

BROWS:

NARS Brow Perfectors - to shape/fill brows to be natural looking still

NARS Brow Gel in Oural - brushed through to set shape

SKIN:

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Velvet Loose Powder

LIPS:

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Waimea - line and fill whole lip

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle de Jour - apply over lip liner

Makeup look for Odile:

EYES:

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Oaxaca  - sketched all over eyelid and blend edges

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Brousse - use lighter of two shades, apply lightly over the socket-line/ add a little extra on outer 3rd

NARS Numero 7 Lashes - apply with waterproof Duo Lash Glue

BROWS:

NARS Brow Perfectors - to shape/fill brows to be natural looking still

NARS Brow Gel in Oural - brushed through to set the shape

SKIN:

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Velvet Loose Powder

CHEEKS:

NARS Blush in Deep Throat - lightly on apples of cheeks for a natural flush of health

LIPS:

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella - apply all over lip

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Belle Mare - sharpen outer lip line