Sex Machine: A Notorious Photographer/Makeup King Uses Shock Value to His Advantage

Photographer and makeup artist François Nars never underestimates two things: shock value and the sartorial dynamism of color — insights he may have acquired while shooting editorial campaigns with photographer Steven Meisel for Elle and Vogue in the ’80s. Nars’ fervid approach on set, which earned him notoriety with supermodels and designers alike, ultimately led to the launch of Nars cosmetics.

A decade later, his Orgasm blush graces the cheeks of the world’s most famous faces, along with other provocatively named shades such as Deep Throat and Sex Machine. Apparently sex does sell — especially when encased in packaging concepted by modern design icon Fabien Baron.

For the full visceral experience of the brand, with artists trained by Nars himself and music specially mixed for the boutique by French DJ Les Jumeaux, visit the new Nars Cosmetics boutique in River Oaks District.