Here’s a summary of NARS:

NARS was founded in 1994 by French makeup artist François Nars. Beginning with a collection of 12 lipsticks sold at Barneys New York, the brand quickly gained recognition for its artistic approach to beauty and provocatively named products. In 2000, Shiseido acquired the company, though François Nars remained as creative director.

The brand’s most iconic product is Orgasm Blush, launched in 1999. This peachy-pink shade with golden shimmer has become one of the bestselling blushes worldwide, spawning an entire collection including illuminators, lip products, and limited editions. Its provocative name set the tone for NARS’ bold marketing approach.

Another cult classic is their Radiant Creamy Concealer, consistently rated among the best concealers globally, known for its medium-to-full buildable coverage and natural finish. The Light Reflecting Foundation has also achieved holy grail status among makeup artists and consumers alike.

In complexion products, the Sheer Glow Foundation remains a bestseller, praised for its skin-like finish and extensive shade range. Their Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation has similarly achieved cult status. The Soft Matte Complete Concealer is another standout product, particularly popular for its versatile coverage.

Significant releases include their Climax Mascara, which revolutionised their eye category, and the Powermatte Lip Pigment, which set new standards for liquid lipstick formulations. Their Multiple stick, particularly in the shade Copacabana, pioneered the multi-use cream format for face and body.

The brand’s most successful recent launches include the Light Reflecting Setting Powder, both pressed and loose versions, and the Bronzing Cream, which has garnered praise for its natural-looking finish. Their Laguna Bronzing Powder continues to be a bestseller in the bronzer category.

NARS is particularly known for their artist collaborations and limited editions, with collections inspired by artists like Andy Warhol and Man Ray. Their signature soft-touch packaging, minimalist black compacts, and artistic campaign imagery have helped establish a distinctive brand identity.

In recent years, they’ve successfully expanded into skincare with their NARS Skincare line, though makeup remains their primary focus. The brand maintains its position in the luxury beauty market through consistent innovation, professional-quality formulations, and bold marketing strategies.

The brand’s success lies in bridging professional makeup artistry with consumer-friendly products, maintaining high pigmentation standards while ensuring products remain wearable for everyday use. Their seasonal collections, often featuring innovative textures and formulations, continue to drive trends in the luxury beauty sector.