MAKE-UP ARTIST. PHOTOGRAPHER. ICONOCLAST.

François Nars, Founder & Creative Director

WHO IS FRANÇOIS NARS?

François Nars’ creative vision, which launched NARS Cosmetics with 12 iconic lipsticks in 1994, inspires self-expression and imaginative artistry through an unexpected, no-rules philosophy of beauty.

As one of the most influential image-makers in the world, François’ signature boundary-pushing approach to make-up manifests from the palette to the product name to the campaign photograph itself – continuing to bring high-fashion, high-style, and forward thinking to beauty. With every product, endless opportunities for expression:

“Don’t hold back. Be bold. It encourages others to do the same.”

- François Nars, Founder & Creative Director.

FRANÇOIS NARS’ PHILOSOPHY

A true artist, François Nars understands and appreciates the power of style and elegance. Always on the cutting edge, François possesses the unique ability to expose a person’s true inner beauty whether as make-up artist, photographer or as the creative director of NARS Cosmetics.

“What interests me is character. I’ve always been attracted to faces with personality, strength and a unique quality. That is beauty.”

- François Nars, Founder & Creative Director.

THE STORY BEHIND OUR ICONS

“I like to shock–I try not to be boring. The NARS collection is timeless and chic with a touch of fashion. But, I still like to be provocative.”

- François Nars, Founder & Creative Director

ORGASM BLUSH

“Looking back, I think the combination of the name and the shade made it so popular. I actually first created the name, then the shade – I wanted something shocking.”

- François Nars, Founder & Creative Director.


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BRONZING POWDER

“All NARS Bronzing Powders make the skin look healthy and glowing. I was very precise with the amount of shimmer – I wanted to create an effect that made you look radiant and natural.”

- François Nars, Founder & Creative Director.


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CLIMAX MASCARA

“Climax is similar to Orgasm, it’s a fun play on the pleasures of life, not necessarily a sexual connotation. When I think of Climax, I think about the highs of life, those great moments you’ll always remember.”

- François Nars, Founder & Creative Director.


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