- Founded In: 1994
- Founder: François Nars
- Headquarters: New York City, NY
- Brand Philosophy: NARS Cosmetics embodies a brand philosophy that emphasizes innovation, integrity, and inclusivity, fostering a bold and boundary-pushing approach to beauty.
- Current Creative Director: François Nars
- Known For: NARS is known for its bold, high-performance makeup products, including the iconic Orgasm blush, celebrated for its universally flattering peachy-pink shade with a golden shimmer. The brand revolutionized lipsticks with its Audacious Lipstick collection, offering intensely pigmented, long-wearing formulas in sleek matte black packaging. A defining moment for NARS was its expansion into complexion products, with the Radiant Creamy Concealer becoming a staple for its buildable coverage and luminous finish.
Founded in 1994 by French makeup artist and photographer François Nars, NARS Cosmetics began with a collection of 12 lipsticks sold exclusively at Barneys New York. Nars, dissatisfied with the limited makeup options available, sought to create products that celebrated individuality and self-expression. The brand quickly gained a reputation for its bold colors and high-quality formulations, leading to its acquisition by Shiseido in 2000.
Throughout its development, NARS has engaged in notable collaborations that blend beauty with art and fashion. In 2017, the brand partnered with French actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg to create a collection reflecting her effortless style. Another collaboration with photographer Sarah Moon resulted in a limited-edition collection inspired by futuristic femininity.
NARS is renowned for iconic products like the “Orgasm” blush, celebrated for its universally flattering peachy-pink hue with a subtle shimmer. The brand’s minimalist matte black packaging, designed by Fabien Baron, adds to its sophisticated appeal. By combining high-fashion aesthetics with innovative formulations, NARS has secured its position as a leading brand in the beauty industry.
