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. It mainly sells in department stores in about 30 countries including the Americas, Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia.[2]
Founder
NARS Cosmetics was founded by French makeup artist François Nars in 1994.[3] 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. In the eighties and nineties, they produced magazine editorials in American Vogue, Vogue Italia, and Elle.[5]
The company was sold to Shiseido, an India-based company, in 2000. In 2023, NARS was launched in India.[6]
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]
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.[9]
References
- ^ “Shiseido Announces Appointment of Louis Desazars as President & CEO of Shiseido Europe Region and President & CEO of Beauté Prestige International”. www.businesswire.com (Press release). 8 June 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
- ^ “Shiseido to apply luxury Nars cosmetics line in China”. Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 2020-07-09.
- ^ Cerboneschi, Isabelle (2025-12-29). “Multiple 30 years François Nars ALL-I-C”. ALL-I-C. Retrieved 2026-04-07.
- ^ “The François Nars Story”. aviatorbytag.com. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ a b Graham, Mhairi (24 September 2014). “Twenty Years of Lipstick”. AnOtherMag. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ “India is a key market for us: Sanjay Sharma on Nars Cosmetics’ arrival in the country”. www.forbesindia.com. Retrieved 2026-04-07.
- ^ 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.[permanent dead link]
- ^ “NARS Cosmetics”. narscosmetics.com. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
- ^ “Nars make-up boycotted, after cosmetics tested on animals in China”. BBC. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
