An interview with ANTM’s Nigel Barker, author of “Beauty Equation” (and a Giveaway)
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Nigel Barker, renowned fashion photographer and judge of America’s Top Model, at his book launch party at Citibabes in Soho. Beauty Equation is more than just a book of advice and tips; rather, it’s like a fun trip to beauty school, and a workbook that includes assignments and a camera. Far from being a dry text book for the perfect lip or smoky eye, Beauty Equation truly engages the reader with its candid prose.
The chapter headings are Nigel’s equation for beauty:
You + Allure + Confidence + Compassion + Spontaneity + Radiance + Health + Honesty + Charm + Energy + Humor = BEAUTY!
So if you were wondering where beauty comes from, put the equation together for your own unique celebration. This is exactly what Nigel poses to the reader, the “be your own judge” mentality of how to come to your own final equation of what you think is beautiful. Nigel talks about how his ability to take a stellar picture hinges on whether or not the subject he photographs lets his or her beauty be captured by the lens. For example, what makes his subject smile, feel good, excited and serene.
Additionally, Nigel’s workbook provides simple tips on how to take self-portrait pictures. In each chapter he challenges his reader vis a vis the beauty equation. The weapon is the camera. The end result is revealing a better more inspiring you by creating a montage of portraits that chart your own transformation.
I had the opportunity to sit with Nigel for a few minutes for a Q&A:
How does one find a suitable makeup look?
Nigel Barker: “Authenticity is a key component to finding your signature look. Experiment with makeup. Look at yourself in the mirror after trying colors. Learn from beauty advisors at makeup counters. See what makes you feel comfortable and brings out your inner beauty. Take pictures. Discover you.”
If you only have a few minutes to devote to makeup on a daily basis, what is the most important feature?
Nigel: “The eyes are the window to your soul. Eyes draw you in.” He recommends changing up your eye makeup for a day and nighttime look.
What do you think about injectables such as botox and Restylane?
Nigel: “Injectables are a waste of time. Wrinkles are who we are and what we have experienced, they tell our story”
What’s your take on red lips?
Nigel: “I’m not about trend makeup, but if red lips rock your world, go for it. Makeup is about knowing what you like and what looks good on you. It’s about your personality and what you love.”
We are giving away one copy of “Beauty Equation” to our lovely readers. Simply enter a comment below to tell us why you need a BOOK to make you look more pretty.
- Elizabeth Reid
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BeautyStat frequently receives products for review but its opinions and reviews are completely unbiased and not sponsored. Should there ever be a sponsored post, we will ensure that this is displayed clearly in the post heading. Samples are certainly welcome for consideration but do not guarantee reviews.
I need a book to make me look pretty, because unless it’s written I don’t believe a word someone says! :p
I would like to win this book because I would like to know what Nigel has to say about beauty…maybe I will take some of what I learn from the reading to make me feel pretty.
I would love to read about what Nigel has to say. He takes breathtaking photos and I can believe that it will only help me more from the inside out.
Because I need all the help I can get & Nigel is cute!
x
I just started experimenting with makeup a few months ago. I went to Mavys for them to show me the basics. Im learning how to step out of my comfort zone and try different things. I believe with Nigel’s book that I will get dat extra boost, courage, confident, and boldness that is needed to be comfortable on my own.
can we say “the hautest photographer with a accent?” a MUST have !!!
I am not very feminine OR confident in myself. Truthfully I let myself go over the years. And from what I was reading, thus book might possibly help me get that femininity and courage back.
I would love to learn from a proffesional point of view. Looks like a grat book!
I would love a book to guide me into learning new ways to do what I currently do with my makeup and I’m sure that book would do the trick!
It’s my daughter’s dream to become a professional photographer. She is such a beautiful person I would love to give to her as a gift.
I would love to read his book! I’ll have to buy it because it sounds so interesting.
<3 Nigel Barker! Oh the things he could teach me!!
I don’t need a book to make me feel more pretty but I love reading all the tips of the trade and putting them to use.
I just got out of a mentally abusive relationship of 10 years. I know I am attractive but have been made to feel ugly from the inside out, before I even knew what was goin on…I’m just sayin I would love to win this book to feel Beautiful, from the inside out, that’s what is most important.
Not to mention I love Nigel, he’s the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I not only loooooove Nigel but aspire to produce photo’s as great as his! I love his outlook on life, his style of photography, his personality and pretty much everything about him. This book could help me in my career in many ways. It could help me style myself appropriately and also my clients. Thank you for doing an interview with him and for the give away.
I would like to win the book to help me look better.
I think of all books (reading materials) as toolkits or guides to many things in life. I have learned so much by reading. It would be great to have a photographer’s perspective about beauty and what we can do to enhace our own natural beauty. I am especially interested in the section in which Mr. Barker gives advice about self portraits. Love it! I am a huge fan of ANTM!
I love to learn more tricks and tips! There is never an end to learning.
I’d love this book for my daughter who loves to take photos! Thank you!
jackievillano at gmail dot com
I agree 100% with Nigel about trend makeup. I don’t care for the classic red lip, I prefer nude colors when applying my makeup and that’s what I stick with. I think I look great and I get compliments on my makeup all the time. I’m true to what works for me and makes me feel pretty =)
I agree whole-heartedly with Nigel! As an esthetician, I do think we should have natural wrinkles in our faces, and I tell my clients the same. Wrinkles can tell our stories….let people know what we are thinking and become our blueprint for character, and yes, beauty! I would welcome his book, and his knowledge to share with my own clients. Thank you!
I believe reading a book about beauty is a gift from the author,especially one who is gifted in his chosen field. Women, as a whole, have so many self-esteem issues and I’m not perfect to look at issues. It seems this book by Nigel Barker has more to offer than just how to apply make-up, it addresses what makes a woman beautiful.
I would love this book! It looks very insightful ;D
My beauty equation:
Water+a good skincare line+8 hours of sleep+being in love+good genes=beauty!
I love Mr. Nigel! He is beautiful (in a sexy, masculine way
Having a hold and chance to read this book will be so awesome because Nigel Barker is amazing and I hope to know what he has shared for the woman to be more beautiful and confident about their selves. I’m very sure I will enjoy this book.
Love learning what other people have to say through thrir books. Gives u a chance to learn something new!