A Trip to François Nars' Private Island In French Polynesia

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Welcome to Beauty Diary: Seven days of getting glam with an industry insider. From publicists to professional makeup artists, this is a week in the life of someone who lives and breathes beauty.

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• These are a few of the NARS staples in my makeup bag: Douceur Blush, Villa Lante Satin Lip Pencil, Yachiyo Brush, Radiant Creamy Concealer, and Khao San Road Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner.
• My in-flight kit. I wipe everything down when I get on a plane—these Herban Essentials Eucalyptic Towelettes are my favorite because they have a spa-like aroma that freshens up stale airplane air.
• A pre-trip manicure is essential. I usually opt for bright shades, but since I was headed somewhere tropical I wanted to be a little understated. This is 'Vestale,' a vintage NARS shade.
• I swear by coconut oil daily to keep my skin hydrated (especially when I'm about to embark on a 24 hour flight).
• Just about to land in Bora Bora! The airport had its own island and we took a boat to our next destination.
• After a long day of travel, I relax with aromatherapy oils and a bath. It's even easier when there's a thatched roof above and aqua water below.
• Welcoming committee! They blow horns each time someone departs.
• A quintessential Tahitian landscape with Mount Otemanu in the distance.
• If only I could take this office space home.
• A little cloudy but with a beautiful breeze—perfect exploring weather.
• Tahiti is known for its black pearls. This beaded curtain was made by Robert Wan, a well-known local pearl producer, of imperfects.
• Tiare flowers are native to Tahiti and grow all around Bora Bora. They have an incredible fragrance (NARS' Monoi Oil comes from the Tiare flower!).
• I couldn't resist buying a local bottle of Monoi Oil.
• I'm really protective of my skin and always use SPF. La Roche Posay and Shiseido have been my go-to's for a long time. The formulas are gentle enough for daily use and remind me of summers in the south of France.
• I had a few hours to relax and found a tranquil spot under an umbrella. A swarm of sting rays were floating around me—I was in awe to see them in their natural habitat.
• Dinner at Villa Mahana, an intimate restaurant in Bora Bora. The walls are adorned with the work of local artist Garrick Yrondi. This is the Salade Royale de Crustaces et Caviar, a simple but fantastic dish.
• Arriving at François Nars' island, Motu Tane. No matter how many times I see photographs of the island, it's always the most surreal experience to arrive in person.
• This is one of the coffee tables in François' living room, loaded with interesting books. The white floral arrangement in the center of the table is made of hundreds of individual Tiare flowers.
• François loves floral arrangements.
• He constantly has coconuts burning in the outdoor fire pit.
• My final night in Bora Bora was spent on François Nars' island where I had dinner, watched the sunset, and gazed at the stars.
• The dish was a Pacific salmon that was white—I'd never had anything like it before. It was served with a curry broth and simple, skewered vegetables. All of the flavors merged together perfectly.
• More Tiare flowers! A small bouquet at at each guest's place setting.
• After dinner we gathered on the beach for a traditional performance by Tahitian dancers. François personally selected the dancers. They wear no makeup and their outfits are made from real plants. I can see why François is so captivated by their beauty and

Travel has been a big theme in recent Beauty Diaries—Fashionista's EIC took Paris, Laurel Pantin went skiing in Sun Valley, Floss Gloss headed to Texas—but this week's might take the cake for sheer fabulousness. Julia Sloan, VP of Global Communications and Fashion Relations for cosmetics giant NARS, headed to French Polynesia for a week-long press trip bopping between Bora Bora and Motu Tane, brand Founder and Creative Director François Nars' private island.

Julia herself is French, so it's reasonable that the scent of La Roche Posay sunscreen reminds her of summers in the South of France (what a life). More of what she packed to survive a week on the island, plus a look inside François' glorious home are after the jump.

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