So the beautyblogosphere (which for the record is not a word, do not attempt to use it in an English paper,) is ablaze with people furious with the NARS line for making the gorgeous Amber Valetta look like “an old matron.”

Here are both versions of the advert: 

Personally, I think she looks awesome. Is the look “dated”? Well, yes. But it was supposed to be, and the team did an incredible job “modernizing” the look while still keeping it true to its roots. I love the refined elegance of this photo; in a way it seems timeless to me, keeping the same style but mixing in modern aspects — pinkier blush with a gorgeous golden hilight, semimatte lips, and flawless, luminous skin. (Plus, lots ‘o Photoshop!)


Here’s Catherine in makeup for Sèverine, the very role this look is based off of:

And, for reference, here’s another (gorgeous) photo of Amber chanelling Catherine Deneuve in the NARS Spring 2010 promo: