If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror and thought, “This isn’t quite right,” you’re not alone. Jane Richardson, Global Artistry Director at NARS, has seen it all—and not to worry, she’s here to break it down. From nose-highlighting woes to picking the perfect blush, she’s spilling the tea on what we’re doing wrong (and how to fix it). Prepare to rethink your entire makeup routine—because, darling, it’s all about the right little changes.
We started by asking Jane what common mistakes we’re all guilty of when it comes to makeup. Surprisingly, she doesn’t see them as ‘mistakes,’ but rather personal preferences. “For example, I prefer foundation to be applied lightly and get warmth from bronzers and blush. Some people use more foundation or rely on foundation shades for warmth, which is fine if that’s what makes them feel good,” Jane explains. It’s refreshing, really—she encourages us to make makeup playful rather than treat it like a strict science.
But there’s one trend she just can’t get behind. “Highlighting the tip of the nose,” she admits. It’s not just a personal quirk; it can be distracting. Jane’s advice? “If it’s not your favourite feature, why highlight it?” Makes sense, right? No need to turn your nose into a lighthouse!
When it comes to the foundation—the bane of many makeup bags—Jane offers sage advice on finding the right shade. “We’re following too many rules and asking for too many opinions,” she points out. Instead, she suggests getting professional help when choosing a foundation formula but trusting yourself to pick the shade. Her method of swatching three similar shades and letting your gut guide you through the process is a game-changer. And if you’re still unsure? “Blend it out and trust the finish you like,” she says.
Speaking of blush, a NARS cult favourite, Jane’s tip is simple yet transformative: powder the skin first for a seamless, smooth blend. And don’t fear the bright shades. “The ones you think won’t suit you are often the ones that work the best,” she says, turning traditional advice on its head. It’s not just about matching your natural flush—play with placement and texture. Layering liquid blush with powder? Genius.
Eyeshadow is another area where we often stumble, but Jane doesn’t believe in hard-and-fast rules here, either. “Just play more,” she encourages. And if a look doesn’t work for you, move on. There’s no need to cling to trends that don’t suit your face.
Now, the new NARS Explicit lipstick is causing quite the buzz. Jane shares her philosophy on lipstick choices: “There is no wrong colour.” Instead, focus on balancing your overall look and embracing François Nars’ belief that makeup is a mood. Her trick to avoiding feathering? Use your fingers or a small brush to buff out the lip line for a softer finish. It’s all about embracing the imperfect—sometimes, those ‘off’ colours are the most intriguing.
And as for finding your perfect lipstick shade? Jane’s advice is as refreshing as her approach to makeup overall: step out of your comfort zone first. “Try the one you’re unsure about before you try the one you love.” It’s a lesson in boldness—after all, it’s only lipstick.
When we asked her about trends for the upcoming season, Jane shrugged off the notion of following them. “I’m hoping we get back to seeing more people wearing colour,” she says. With her 30 years of NARS expertise, it’s no wonder she’s all about creativity and individuality. The brand’s original icon, The Multiple Stick, revolutionised makeup by encouraging versatility. That legacy lives on today with Radiant Creamy Concealer, which Jane says is still a go-to for everything from concealing to highlighting.
And, finally, Jane’s most cherished makeup mantra? “Rules are boring.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that makeup should be about self-expression and joy, not rigid guidelines. If there’s one takeaway from our conversation with her, it’s that confidence—and a dash of playfulness—are the ultimate tools in your makeup kit.
