NARS Cosmetics

Founder

François Nars was born in Tarbes in the south of France, 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, and became known for his love of color and modern style. He also worked with photographer Steven Meisel and hairstylist Oribe Canales. In the eighties and nineties, they produced magazine editorials in American Vogue, Vogue Italia, and Elle.

In 1994, Nars launched NARS Cosmetics. Although the company was sold to Shiseido in 2000, 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, who Nars met on a shoot in 1989.

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.

Controversy

Animal testing

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 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.

References

References

1. (8 June 2015). "Shiseido Announces Appointment of Louis Desazars as President & CEO of Shiseido Europe Region and President & CEO of Beauté Prestige International".
2. "Shiseido to apply luxury Nars cosmetics line in China". Nikkei Asian Review.
3. (6 September 2014). "François Nars is celebrating 20 years of his make-up line - and he's still ahead of the game". Independent UK.
4. "The François Nars Story". aviatorbytag.com.
5. (24 September 2014). "Twenty Years of Lipstick". AnOtherMag.
6. (26 March 2013). "François Nars". Interview Magazine.
7. (2013-03-26). "François Nars". Interview Magazine.
8. (2 September 2014 }}{{Dead link). "Everything you need to know about François Nars on the 20th anniversary of the iconic brand". FASHION Magazine.
9. "NARS Cosmetics". narscosmetics.com.
10. (28 June 2017). "Nars make-up boycotted, after cosmetics tested on animals in China". BBC.