NARS Cosmetics
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Personal care |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | François Nars |
Key people | Barbara Calcagni, President[1] |
| Products | Cosmetics and skin care |
| Parent | Shiseido |
| Website | narscosmetics.com |
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 now is a subsidiary of Shiseido.
Founder
François Nars was born in Tarbes in the South of France[2] 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[3] 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.[4]
Nars' popularity grew among fashion designers like Marc Jacobs for his ability to create looks that captured the story and feel of their designs.[5] Celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista also sought out for him. His philosophy towards makeup was to use makeup to explore the depths and nuances of individual character,[5] and as a makeup artist, Nars was frustrated by how little selection there was for makeup artists.
In 1994, François Nars launched NARS cosmetics. In 1996, he started his first advertising campaign doing the photography for the ads himself.[6]
He later photographed for several editorials for major magazines, and has published five books on his photography.[7] 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,[4] who Nars met on a shoot in 1989. [8]
NARS' "Orgasm" blush is one of the company's best-selling products, being Best of Sephora's Best Blush for 2006, 2007, and 2008.[9] NARS has since developed an "Orgasm Collection", including blush, lipgloss, multiple use cream sticks, illuminators, and nail polish.[10]
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Feature - The François Nars Story | Issue 09 | Journal | Aviator - Boutique hotel by TAG". www.aviatorbytag.com. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ a b Graham, Mhairi. "NARS: Twenty Years of Lipstick". AnOther. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ a b "NARS Cosmetics | The Official Store | Makeup and Skincare". Narscosmetics.ca. Retrieved 2015-07-15.
- ^ a b Evangelista, Linda. "François Nars". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ "François Nars". www.narscosmetics.com. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ 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.
- ^ http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P223609&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3976
- ^ "Last-minute gifts that stand out". LA Times. 2008-12-21. Retrieved 2015-07-15.
