 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Personal care |
| Founded | 1994; 31 years ago (1994) |
| Founder | François Nars |
Key people | Barbara Calcagni (President)[1] |
| Products | Cosmetics andskin care |
| Parent | Shiseido |
| Website | narscosmetics.com |
NARS Cosmetics is a Frenchcosmetics andskin care company founded bymake-up artist and photographer François Nars in 1994. The cosmetics line began with twelve lipsticks sold atBarneys New York. Since then, NARS has created various multi-use beauty products and is now a subsidiary ofShiseido. It mainly sells in department stores in about 30 countries including theAmericas,Europe,Japan andSoutheast Asia.[2]
François Nars was born inTarbes in thesouth 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 photographerSteven Meisel and hairstylist Oribe Canales. In the eighties and nineties, they produced magazine editorials inAmerican Vogue,Vogue Italia, andElle.[5]
In 1994, Nars launched NARS Cosmetics. Although the company was sold toShiseido in 2000,[6] Nars remains asartistic director, in-house photographer, and copywriter for his brand.[7]
NARS' minimalist matte black, rubber packaging was created byFabien Baron,[5] who Nars met on a shoot in 1989.[8]
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.[9]
NARS is no longer a cruelty-free brand. In 2017, NARS announced that, despite being against animal testing, it was a requirement for selling products in theChina 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.[10]
