“Find your own way. Have an open spirit and believe in your own beauty”- Francois Nars
Modern. Audacious. Iconic. This is NARS.
NARS Cosmetics is a make-up and skincare company created by artist and photographer Francois Nars.
Dissatisfied with “limited cosmetic lines”, Francois launched the brand in 1994 with a collection of 12 lipsticks at Barneys, New York.
Francois Nars has played a pivotal role in fusing fashion, art and modern makeup. He is a long- time collaborator with Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfield and Rodarte and photographers such as Avedon and Meisel.
Francois draws his inspiration from the sophistication of Yves St Laurent and the glamour of Catherine Deneuve. He was instrumental in forging Madonna’s reinvention during the 90s.
“What interests me is character. I’ve always been attracted to faces with personality, strength and a unique quality. That is beauty”
Francois considers make-up as a tool that should be used to explore the depth and nuances of an individual’s unique character. He embraces strong, unique faces and ethnic diversity in NARS campaigns.
In the world of NARS, lipstick is a tool to give women ‘power’, blush is essential and when choosing shades ‘you should have an instant attraction to it. You should fall in love with it”.
“NARS is about finding your own look that suits you best. We offer possibilities, we never dictate”
Easily recognisable by its signature black and white packaging, NARS cosmetics offer a comprehensive range of products.
“I wanted to give the products a character and an identity. The names make you dream and transport you to another place. It gives the colours a fun twist”
The most audacious of NARS Cosmetics would have to be the cult classic “Orgasm” blush ($45). The peachy pink shimmery powder was named by Francois before it was even created! The other product synonymous with the NARS brand is the Laguna Bronzer ($55) which is a worldwide must have for any make up bag.
Other product names include “Isolde”, an Arthurian tragic love story, “Belle De Jour”, psychodrama starring Catherine Deneuve and “Lili Marlene”, a nickname for star Marlene Dietrich.
Celebrities who love NARS include Alexa Chung who says the line is “classic, timeless and cooler than other brands” and Calvin Klein relays that NARS “keeps getting better and better”. Kristen Stewart has been spotted wearing jungle red lipstick and Jennifer Lawrence has worn the night porter eyeshadow.
“Makeup is a question of feeling, balance, and style. Anything can work as long as it fits the personality.”
Nars is available at Mecca Cosmetica stores or at www.meccacosmetica.com.au
Images courtesy of NARS.Com
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