Beauty talk with Chanel’s creative director Peter Philips

The inspiration behind his spring 2012 collection: “I chose spring horizons [at] sunset and sunrise, as it can be the most amazing moment of the day. I was afraid it would be a bit kitschy, mellow and corny but it’s also very beautiful. You can do anything you want with the products in the collection, whether you want to look sophisticated and intense or fresh and funky.”

Introducing the latest Le Vernis nail trilogy: April, May and June: “The most classical shade and the first to be released is April. Spring is coming, but you’re still in a wintry mood, so you want a darker shade that’s flattering and not too flashy. May is pink-y and girlie, and June has a beach-y feel to it. People will have gotten a bit of sun and color on their skin and can start wearing brighter colors. … The shades are anticipated not because of me, but because they’re Chanel. I have the advantage that I can link my creations with the fashion show — it gives them a reason to exist.”

His love of sparkles: “I don’t have a favorite color, I adore makeup in general. I love a good skin-tone beige and anything sparkly and dramatic.”

Philips’ Top 3 tips:

Invest in an eyelash curler: “All women should have an eyelash curler. This also applies to women who don’t wear makeup. It’s not a dangerous tool, although a lot of people are terrified of it. One pinch to the lashes can work miracles as it opens up your eyes and makes you look fresh and awake. Add some mascara, and you’re ready to go.”

Apply just the right amount: “It’s a criminal offense to wear too much makeup, just as it is to wear too little. It’s all about striking a balance and wearing a look with confidence. Something that always looks wrong is not blending your foundation in so that you can see the line between the face and the neck. It’s so easy to avoid: Blend it out with your fingers and check the lighting in your bathroom.”

Remember, makeup can’t fix everything: “Every phase of your life has beauty in it. We all want youth, but at some point we have to realize that we’re getting older and it’s not all about foundation or mascara. If you eat and live wrong, it will have an impact on your looks. You know the tricks:?Eat more vegetables, stop smoking, drink water and cut back on alcohol.”

On color

“It took 24 tries in the lab before we got the right shade for Le Vernis in June. I wanted it to be the color of this plastic bag handle I got from some random shop in the States. The bag was black and the handle was this beautiful orange plastic. It had to be that exact shade, but in lacquer. It had to look just like the plastic, not transparent or pearly.”