NARS Cosmetics is a French cosmetics and skin care company founded by

make-up artist A make-up artist, also called a makeup artist, and often shortened to MUA, is an artist whose medium is the human body, applying makeup and prosthetics on others for theatre, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions inc ...

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 is a Japanese multinational cosmetic company founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1872. Its product categories consist of: skin care, makeup, body care, hair care, and fragrances. The company is one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world and ...

. It mainly sells in department stores in about 30 countries including the Americas, Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia.

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 Steven Meisel (born June 5, 1954) is an American fashion photographer, who obtained popularity and critical acclaim with his work in ''Vogue'' and ''Vogue Italia'' as well as his photographs of friend Madonna in her 1992 book, ''Sex''. He is n ...

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 An artistic director is the executive of an arts organization, particularly in a theatre or dance company, who handles the organization's artistic direction. They are generally a producer and director, but not in the sense of a mogul, since the ...

, 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

External links

Official website
{{Cosmetics Cosmetics brands Cosmetics companies of Japan Cosmetics companies of the United States 2000 mergers and acquisitions