In the spirit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit “Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years,” Nars Cosmetics recently released its holiday collection, based on Warhol’s work and muses, channeling Warhol’s vibrant pop art color scheme into beauty products.
The Nars collection features makeup sets and individual pieces based on the Warhol aesthetic and even specific paintings. Eye shadow palettes are designed to look like his paintings “Flowers” (1964) and “Self-Portrait” (1966). The collection includes sets named after notable Warhol muses, such as the “Debbie Harry” eye shadow and blush palette, featuring bold colors inspired by Harry’s glamorous and gritty downtown style.
Every item packaged in a compact includes a Warhol quote printed on the mirror, such as “You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you,” and “All is pretty.” Additionally, the outside of each item features Andy Warhol’s signature printed below the Nars logo, and the external packaging features graphic prints of the art piece that inspired that particular product.
Since a large component of this collection’s appeal is its packaging, some wonder whether the products are worth buying for practical use. Similar colors can certainly be found elsewhere at more affordable prices. Still, Nars makeup is of high quality, and the aesthetic of the collection is well worth the price. Being reminded of the boldness and meaning of Andy Warhol’s art, even during the daily primping process, is something of value.
CAS freshman Dana Reszutek finds the Warhol inspiration very appealing for a Nars collection.
“The Andy Warhol era is an ideal one to have a makeup line,” Reszutek said. “Think of the great style of that time.”
The crowd that frequented the The Factory, Warhol’s New York studio in the ’60s through the early ’80s, had style. Designer Betsey Johnson, for instance, was a regular in the creative scene in the ’70s, along with other individuals with distinct style, like David Bowie and Edie Sedgwick. Bringing a piece of that culture into your own life is the draw of this collection.
François Nars, the mastermind behind Nars Cosmetics, said the inspiration for the collection was to blend art into women’s beauty routines.
“Andy Warhol realized art could take any form,” Nars said in a statement on the Nars website. “Putting on your makeup is a kind of self-portrait.”
Nars and Sephora released several instructional videos on how to recreate Harry’s and other’s looks, but the makeup can also be used for a more nuanced homage to the Warhol. Try one or two bright eye shadow shades, such as the purple and yellow from the Flowers 1 palette ($55) paired with retro winged eyeliner.
Also, the Walk on the Wild Side set ($39) includes an illuminator called Silver Factory, which can be very attractive but also tricky to use as it contains a high volume of glitter. Apply just a small amount in a C-shape around your eye — from the brow bone to the top of your cheekbone — for a shimmer that is pretty and sophisticated without being over-the-top.
The Nars Andy Warhol Collection is available at Sephora retailers and online at narscosmetics.com
A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, Nov. 14 print edition. Ariana DiValentino is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected]
