The Encore Edit: Beauty + Tech Meet at NARS

I’ve always admired Naomi Campbell’s boldness in style and beauty. At 55, she continues to prove that elegance and edge have no expiration date. And recently, when she raved about NARS, I knew it was time to see what the brand had to offer.

I didn’t want to go into a store. Too often the experience feels intimidating or rushed, and I’ve found that many in-store beauty advisors don’t always have the depth of knowledge they once did. I wanted something more personal, more intentional.

That’s when I noticed NARS’s complimentary virtual consultations—with fun names like Complete Complexion, Check Technique, Eyes That Mesmerize, Lip Service, and Virtually Unstoppable. Lip Service had me hooked.

I booked a Complete Complexion session and was paired with Ashley. The process was simple: no special app, no complicated setup—it worked right from my phone, which was a relief since I ended up joining from my car.

What stood out was the white glove feel of the service. Before our call, I sent Ashley a video of Naomi’s product recommendations. She actually watched it before we met—proof that she cared about what I wanted to achieve. The tone of our conversation was light, fun, and collaborative. Ashley listened carefully to my concerns, walked me through tailored recommendations, and followed up with a curated list of links to everything we discussed. She even answered my follow-up questions.

Nothing can truly replace the artistry of being in the hands of a great makeup artist - and Lord knows I love a good beat -  but this virtual session came close—and in some ways, it felt better. It was convenient, personal, and easy.

What to Look for in a Virtual Beauty Session

• Be Clear on Your Goals: Know what you want to achieve (new routine, shade match, technique).

• Share Your Inspiration: Send photos or links ahead of time—it makes the session more personal.

• Expect Follow-Up: A good session doesn’t end on the call. Look for brands that send you a recap with links.

• Check the Vibe: The best sessions feel conversational, not sales-heavy.

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The Bigger Picture: Beauty + Tech in Our Encore Era

Technology isn’t just about AI and apps—it’s about access. For women in our Encore Era, virtual beauty consultations offer a new kind of confidence. They remove the barriers of walking into a store and create space for tailored, informed advice on our terms.

Beauty and tech, together, are reshaping how we age boldly: making expertise accessible, personal, and inclusive.

And for me, the experience was more than just makeup. It was a reminder that self-care can evolve with the times—and so can we.