Fun Facts:

NARS cosmetics was started by makeup artist and photographer François Nars in 1994. Nars' first line of twelve lipsticks was launched at Barneys New York in November 1994.

François Nars photographs all NARS advertising campaigns himself.

Nars has published two books - X-Ray, his book of photography, was released in 1999, and Makeup Your Mind, an instructional makeup guide, was released in 2001.

NARS fans include Madonna, Michelle Pfeiffer, Lauren Hutton, Sharon Stone, and Catherine Deneuve.

On his beauty philosophy, Nars says, "In the natural pursuit of beauty, women change constantly -- great products inspire and guide the process. It's all about finding different ways to express individual beauty and personality."

Company News/Recent Launches:

Following the release of NARS cosmetics line, the company released a skincare line including comprehensive skin treatments for every type of complexion.

In 2009, NARS celebrated its 15th anniversary with the launch of the 15X15 project, a collection of 15 celebrity portraits inspired by a NARS product color and shot by François Nars. The proceeds from the book's sale will be donated to fifteen charities chosen by the celebrities photographed for the campaign.

NARS' Holiday 2009 Collection includes cream shadows, highlighters, and lip pencils in warm shades like copper, wine, and eggplant. François Nars says of the collection, "For the holidays, I think it's a great time to feel beautiful... with a little bit of movie star attitude."

Nars' latest mascara, Larger Than Life, is enriched with both macadamia nut oil and vitamin E, and is available in both lengthening and volumizing formulas.

Key Ingredients:

Active Phytoseed Complex appears in NARS' Nourishing Eye Cream and Makeup Primer with SPF.

NARS' Potent EFA Cream contains NARSskin's Exclusive Lipid Support System, which helps repair cells below the skin's surface.

NARS lipsticks and lip pencils are enriched with Vitamin E.

TIA's Take:

NARS cosmetics and skincare contain a wide array of good-for-you ingredients that are featured prominently on their website, but information on the other ingredients in their products is quite elusive. However, according to one Celiac disease message board, all NARS cosmetics are free of wheat gluten, and many NARS products, including their Potent EPA Cream, are frangrance-free. All orders purchased through the NARS website come with a 30-day money back guarantee, and the website is full of useful customer service links and answers to frequently asked questions. The price points for cosmetics are very reasonable, with eyeliners starting at $20, with their skincare sets priced at $98. The company has legions of die-hard fans, and have multiple awards to their credit.