NARS Cosmetics

NARS Cosmetics is a French cosmetics and skin care company founded by make-up artist and photographer François Nars in 1994. The cosmetics line began with twelve lipsticks sold at Barneys New York. Since then, NARS has created various multi-use beauty products and is now a subsidiary of Shiseido. NARS mainly sells in department stores in about 30 countries including the Americas, Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia.[2]

NARS Cosmetics
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryPersonal care
Founded1994 (1994)
FounderFrançois Nars
Key people
Barbara Calcagni, President[1]
ProductsCosmetics and skin care
ParentShiseido
Website

Founder

François Nars was born in Tarbes in the South of France[3] and grew up influenced by his mother Claudette and her collection of designer clothes. She also helped him acquire his first job as an assistant to some of Paris' top makeup artists. After graduating from Carita Makeup school in Paris, Nars moved to New York in 1984[4] and became known for his love of color and modern style. He also worked with photographer Steven Meisel and hair stylist Oribe Canales. In the eighties and nineties, they produced many magazine editorials appearing in American Vogue, Vogue Italia, and Elle.[5]

In 1994, Nars launched NARS Cosmetics. Although the company was sold to Shiseido in 2000,[6] Nars remains as artistic director, in-house photographer, and copywriter for his brand.

Products

NARS' minimalist matte black, rubber packaging was created by Fabien Baron,[5] who Nars met on a shoot in 1989. [7]

NARS has an "Orgasm Collection" which includes powder blush, liquid blush, loose powder, lip gloss, lip stick, lip balm, multiple use cream sticks, illuminators, full vinyl lip lacquer, and nail polish.[8]

Animal testing

NARS is no longer a cruelty free brand.[9] In 2017 NARS announced that, despite being against animal testing, it was a requirement for selling products in the China market. In a public statement the company said: "We have decided to make NARS available in China because we feel it is important to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in the region. NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law." The statement elicited a number of critical responses, some suggesting a boycott of its products.[9]

References
  1. "Shiseido Announces Appointment of Louis Desazars as President & CEO of Shiseido Europe Region and President & CEO of Beauté Prestige International". www.businesswire.com. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  2. "Shiseido to apply luxury Nars cosmetics line in China". Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 2020-07-09.
  3. "François Nars is celebrating 20 years of his make-up line - and he's still ahead of the game". Independent UK. 6 September 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  4. "Feature - The François Nars Story | Issue 09 | Journal | Aviator - Boutique hotel by TAG". www.aviatorbytag.com. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  5. Graham, Mhairi. "NARS: Twenty Years of Lipstick". AnOther. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  6. Evangelista, Linda. "François Nars". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  7. Molvar, Kari (2 September 2014). "Everything you need to know about François Nars on the 20th anniversary of the iconic brand". FASHION Magazine. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  8. "NARS Cosmetics". www.narscosmetics.com. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
  9. "Nars make-up boycotted, after cosmetics tested on animals in China". BBC. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
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