Love it: the NARS / Guy Bourdin Holiday collection

I have been a fan of the work of uber-photographer Guy Bourdin for what feels like an eternity, so when I heard that the similarly-inspired-by-Bourdin François Nars was planning on paying homage to the photographer with a high-wattage holiday collection I was beyond excited. When I read more about it in the latest issue of Allure magazine my joy reached fever pitch, so when I finally got my hands on a few select pieces earlier this week I couldn’t wait to play with - and write about - them.

For those of you unfamiliar with the work of Bourdin, he seriously revolutionized fashion photography with unconventional narratives and overt sexuality. His relentless rule breaking served as the apex of the sexually charged fashion photography of the ’70s - alongside the equally amazing Helmut Newton. Today, he continues to be both an inspiration to and a favourite of major designers, photographers, art directors, stylists, and tastemakers.

As a child, NARS Founder and Creative Director François discovered Guy Bourdin’s work in the pages of French Vogue, and it was then that he was first inspired to become a makeup artist. Major! So when all these years later he embarked upon creating a makeup line in homage to his hero it was always going to be spectacular, and the Holiday 2013 collection definitely does not disappoint.

He has created an entire limited edition collection in the spirit of Bourdin, and it’s as bold and beautiful as the fashion name’s work. It’s also a fitting homage, given Bourdin’s reputation for being heavily invested in the beauty looks for his pictures: He would inspect the hair and makeup before he even began shooting. “It was a big production, and it always started with the model and the makeup,” said Bourdin’s son Samuel at a preview of the collection in Paris.

Bourdin’s influence is present in all aspects of the limited edition collection, from products and packaging, to colors and shade names. I’ve been wearing the Last Tango limited edition Cinematic Lipstick and have fallen in love with it. It’s a little more subtle than some of the more high impact shades on offer, but still delivers intense colour saturation with a gorgeously glossy shine. As high impact as it gets, it is enriched with Monoï butter and Vitamin E as well for some great moistursition.

For a true blue, ultra sexy Bourdin look my pick is the Coeur Battant blush, which is designed to make a serious statement. Use it on the high point of the cheek to create lift and direction towards the eye, as well as major sass.

The NARS / Guy Bourdin Holiday collection is in now at Mecca Cosmetica.