NARS Cosmetics is a Shiseido-owned cosmetics and skin care company founded by François Nars, make-up artist and photographer.
The cosmetics line began with twelve lipsticks sold at Barneys New York. Since then, NARS have created various multi-use beauty products. The minimalist packaging was created by Fabien Baron and has been hailed as a modern design icon.[1] In 1996, Nars started his first advertising campaign doing the photography for the ads himself.[2]
Product shades carry provocative names like 'Orgasm', 'Deep Throat', 'Striptease,' and 'Sex Machine'. NARS 'Orgasm' blush is one of their most top-selling products, being Best of Sephora's Best Blush for 2006, 2007 and 2008. The success[3] of the 'Orgasm' products led to the creation of gift sets such as the 'Safer Multiple Orgasm' set, which includes a NARS Multiple (a cream stick which can be used on eyes, lips, or cheeks) in 'Orgasm' as well as two condoms[4]. They have also developed an 'Orgasm' nail polish.[5]
In the United Kingdom, Nars products are sold in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges and is a brand favorite of Madonna and Victoria Beckham. In the United States, NARS products can be found in 42 states and the District of Columbia.[6] They are sold at Sephora as well as in department stores, including Lord & Taylor, Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. In Canada NARS can be found in the department store Holt Renfrew.