NARS x Guy Bourdin Color & Gifting Collection Photos, Swatches + Commentary
NARS x Guy Bourdin Color Collection
Update: I have added photos, swatches, and dupes for the products from the NARS x Guy Bourdin Gifting Collection. The majority of the shades included in the Gifting collection are permanent to NARS’ color range. To ensure context, I’ve added them to the existing post, rather than make a separate post. My goal is to raise awareness, open the channel for discussion (I highly recommend reading through readers’ comments and viewpoints), and to respect each reader’s autonomy and decision-making. I strongly believe that we each must do our own research and come to the conclusion that feels right to us, whatever that may be. Thank you for your continued support, respect, and understanding!
When the NARS x Guy Bourdin collaboration was first announced, I felt my readers’ excitement. I knew nothing about Bourdin, and having little interest in fashion photography, I didn’t look to learn any more than what was being widely reported. I’m here for the makeup, not the collaborators or inspiration or names, so when I see a new collection, I want to know what’s in it, what the colors are going to be, what the formulas and textures will feel like. It was not until I saw more and more readers comment on Bourdin and his emphasis on violence in his work, particularly of what seems to be best categorized as “high fashion crime scenes,” that I knew I needed to look a little further than the press release.
Warning: This post contains discussion about violence against women, so please be warned that the discussion that follows and comments on the post may be a potentially triggering.
Bourdin’s body of work is not solely centered around violence as he also explored other themes like surrealism and sexuality. There are shots of vibrant, thriving women in his work; it is not all dark but certainly a good deal of his work is, and more to the point, many of his more controversial shots are more famous (which is not a surprise). I suggest visiting his website and browsing through his portfolio of photos–beware that some are more graphic than others–and in particular, the “Beauty” section showcases a different side of his work. There is no question that Bourdin was an artist, and he is legendary in his sphere.
I fully respect NARS’ decision to collaborate with someone who has influenced Francois Nars not just today but for years; that Bourdin was his inspiration for becoming a makeup artist is just how telling of the type and scope of impact Bourdin had on the industry as a whole. I don’t just see in black and white, which is not always a comforting thing, and I enjoy challenging people’s opinions and playing devil’s advocate. It has always been important to me to avoid mixing my personal beliefs (on such hot topics as sex, politics, religion, etc.) with the blog, because Temptalia is not just your escape but mine. This is the first time where how I feel has put me in such a quandary as to how to react. First and foremost, I am abstaining from reviewing the NARS and Guy Bourdin collection, because I cannot fully dissociate how I feel about Bourdin’s art from a collection intended to pay tribute to him.
The idea that an advertisement or runway photoshoot that features dead women in designer clothing and shoes is used to sell to people is hard for me to wrap my head around. I am particularly sensitive to the concept of glamorizing violence, against women or men, because I worry it normalizes it in a way that makes us react less to a very real and prevalent issue not just in the U.S. but globally. Bourdin has passed away for some time now, so all of the visuals that showcase Bourdin’s work are images he previously shot, so none of them were originally intended to sell NARS’ makeup specifically (or possibly makeup at all, but you’d have to really go back through and figure out where each photo originated from). Many of the selected images for the NARS collaboration are not controversial or violent but some are certainly up for interpretation.
There’s an informative interview with Susan B. Carbon, Director of the U.S. DOJ’s Office, Violence Against Women, which also includes sobering statistics about the level of violence women experience (with sources cited). It speaks on and illuminates as to why violence against women is a real issue that we should be talking about, understanding, researching, and creating the resources, community, and culture that both prevents and reduces the violence that occurs (and we can do more than just prevent/reduce violence against women but all people). We, as a society, have made strides towards these goals, but we can do more and we should do more–and we need to remember to think globally on behalf of all women.
Here are some resources for learning more about this issue:
- RAINN.org (particularly helpful if you have experienced sexual violence to get support/resources)
- World Health Organization
- United Nations (it’s a global problem)
- National Organization for Women
- The Hotline (helpful for those who have experienced domestic violence and need support or talk; thanks A Mar for the link)
I have spent the past week and a half soul-searching and doing as much as I can to learn more about Bourdin, not just from those that feel similarly to me, but those who have assessed his work from an artistic point of view, to determine if I was still going to post photos/swatches. My focus was on his work, not him as a person. We all want to be taken as the sum of our parts, not merely one part out of many, which is why I really wanted to take time to assess, digest, and react. I found this essay about the evolution of the “crime scene photograph” into news, fashion, and art a very good read. I understand that not everyone who views Bourdin’s work feels he glamorized violence against women or even if taken as true, is able to find other qualities of his work (lighting, colors, angles, composition, etc.) admirable as an artist or perhaps argue it is a statement on our own curiosity for the morbid or even the fashion industry and its consumptive nature. I have read various reactions, arguments for and against, from both outside sources as well as from readers in our community.
To that end, I respect each reader’s opinion, whether for or against. So in a show of respect for a broad range of opinions, while I will not review or otherwise recommend the collection personally, you will find full photos and swatches of the products featured in the color collection for those who wanted to see them, and for those who did not want to purchase, I have included dupes for each shade that you may want to consider purchasing from instead. From me to you, I wanted to use this time to also say, “Let’s not forget about what we can do to reduce violence against women.” In our consumption of controversial images, let’s not forget about the very real issues that real people face that the art seeks to recreate or transform.
I hope that you understand my decisions and know that they come from the heart after a lot of reflection, research, and reading. I urge you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions. All I want is us to ask questions and challenge what we’re seeing and being told (or sold) and go from there.
Update: Thank you SO, SO much from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of support & understanding! I am still reading through and responding to the incredible stories and comments that you have all left on this post, but I wanted to make sure everyone knows how meaningful your feedback and response has been! Thank you!
See dupes, photos & swatches!
NARS Bad Behaviour Eyeshadow is a medium-dark, cool-toned charcoal gray with a frost finish. Chanel Fascination #3 (P) is less frosted. Urban Decay Redemption (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery. MAC Deep Cravings (LE, $15.00) is darker. LORAC Slate (P) is cooler-toned. MAC Diesel (LE, $15.00) is similar. Urban Decay Asphalt (LE, $18.00) is similar. Urban Decay Ace (LE, $18.00) is cooler-toned. Giorgio Armani #21 (LE, $33.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
NARS Cambodia Eyeshadow is a warm-toned, copper-red with a frost finish. Sleek MakeUP Sunset #3 (P, $9.99) is warmer. Disney by Sephora Trust Me (LE) is more muted. NARS California (P, $24.00) is browner. MAC Magnetic Attraction (LE, $21.00) is similar. MAC Red Hot Copper (LE) is a cream product. MAC Coppering (P, $15.00) is very similar. MAC Spicy Smoke (LE, $32.50) is similar. Le Metier de Beaute Innocence (DC, $30.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
NARS Mississippi Mermaid Eyeshadow is a pale, golden beige with a frosted finish. Chanel Seduction #2 (LE) is similar. MAC Smoked Cocoa #1 (P, $15.00) is lighter. LORAC Nude (P) is similar. theBalm Promiscuous Pearl (LE, $16.00) is less frosted. Illamasqua Slink (LE) is similar. Dior Fairy Golds #1 (LE) is less frosted. Chanel Eclosion #2 (P) is similar. See comparison swatches.
NARS Rage Eyeshadow is a medium magenta purple with cool pink undertones and an iridescent sheen. Kat Von D Babe (LE) is cooler-toned. MAC Violet Impact (LE, $15.00) is similar. NYX Violetta (P, $4.50) is less iridescent. MAC Power Boosted (LE, $15.00) is similar. Urban Decay Infamous (P, $18.00) is darker. Urban Decay Fishnet (P, $18.00) is less frosted. MAC Stars ‘n Rockets (P, $15.00) is the same. MAC Femininity (LE, $32.50) is similar. bareMinerals Boudoir (P) is less frosted. See comparison swatches.
NARS Wishful Thinking Eyeshadow is a medium-dark blue with cool undertones and a pearly finish. CoverGirl Sapphire Flare (315) (LE, $4.99) is brighter. Urban Decay Radium (P, $18.00) is a smidgen darker. MAC Love Cycle #1 (LE, $21.00) is darker. MAC Pure Creation (LE, $18.00) is a cream product. MAC Freshwater (P, $15.00) is brighter. See comparison swatches.
NARS Full Frontal Lipstick is a subdued, magenta pink with cool, blue-based undertones and a luminous finish. Maybelline Electric Fuchsia (LE, $7.49) is brighter. NYX Pink Lyric (P, $4.00) is less cool-toned. MAC Dear Diary (LE, $18.00) is brighter. MAC Night Blooming (LE, $16.00) is a touch brighter. MAC Outrageously Fun (LE, $15.00) is similar. MAC Daddy’s Little Girl (LE, $15.00) is a smidgen brighter. Maybelline Brazen Berry (P, $7.49) is just a tiny bit darker. Buxom Swinger (P, $21.00) is a touch brighter. See comparison swatches.
NARS Future Red Lipstick is a brightened, medium-dark red with warm, orange undertones and a luminous finish. Maybelline Infra-red (LE, $7.49) is very similar. MAC Must Be Red (LE, $15.00) is darker. Guerlain Genna (LE, $49.50) is similar. Hourglass Raven (P, $28.00) is matte. See comparison swatches.
NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick is a light-medium pink with cool, blue undertones and a luminous finish. MAC Steady Going (LE, $15.00) is matte. MAC Playtime (LE, $16.00) is very similar. Maybelline Pink Pop (P, $7.49) is lighter. MAC Naughty Saute (LE, $15.00) is bluer-based. See comparison swatches.
NARS Last Tango Lipstick is a rosy, beige-brown with a luminous finish. Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) (LE, $36.00) is very similar. Urban Decay Rush (P, $22.00) is browner. Urban Decay Strip (P, $22.00) is pinker. MAC Offshoot (LE, $15.00) is darker. MAC I Love Winter (LE, $15.00) is cooler-toned. Giorgio Armani #526 (P, $32.00) is darker. See comparison swatches.
NARS Short Circuit Lipstick is a brightened, medium-dark orange with warm undertones and a luminous finish. Dior Trafalgar (844) (P, $34.00) is very similar. Giorgio Armani #300 (P, $32.00) is lighter. Urban Decay Bang (P, $22.00) is similar. Maybelline Orange Edge (LE, $7.49) is very close. MAC Morange (P, $15.00) is lighter, more matte. See comparison swatches.
NARS Coeur Battant Blush is a bright, medium-dark magenta pink with cool, blue undertones and a mostly matte finish. Tom Ford Beauty Narcissist (LE, $55.00) is less cool-toned. NARS Desire (P, $29.00) is lighter. MAC Florida (LE, $21.00) is bluer-based, cream. See comparison swatches.
NARS Day Dream Blush is a light-medium, pink-coral with gold shimmer and a satin finish. Too Faced Melt Into Spring (LE) is matte. Bobbi Brown Pink Coral (LE, $26.00) is brighter. NARS Soulshine (Together) (LE, $29.00) is darker. Physicians Formula Warm (P, $11.99) is similar. theBalm Frat Boy (P, $21.00) is darker. NARS Orgasm (P, $29.00) is more shimmery. NARS Deep Throat (P, $29.00) is similar. MAC Supercontinental (LE, $21.00) is warmer. MAC Flaming Chic (LE, $25.00) is similar. Chanel Fleur de Lotus (LE, $43.00) is a touch lighter. See comparison swatches.
NARS Exhibit A Blush is part of the permanent range, and I have reviewed it in full here.
NARS Follow Me Nail Polish is a cool-toned, berry-rose with a cream-jelly finish. MAC Toco Toucan (LE, $16.00) is cooler-toned. MAC Girl About Town (LE, $16.00) is pinker. L’Oreal Members Only (P) is also pinker. Dior Pasteque (LE, $24.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches.
NARS No Limits Nail Polish is a brightened, fuchsia magenta with a cream-jelly finish. NARS Ratin Jot (LE, $19.00) is very similar. Illamasqua Stance (P, $17.00) is brighter, purpler. Illamasqua Obsess (P, $17.00) is brighter, purpler. See comparison swatches.
NARS Tomorrow’s Red Nail Polish is a brightened, orange-red with a cream finish. Chanel Cinema (P, $27.00) is darker. MAC Touch of Red (LE, $16.00) is bluer-based. Guerlain Champs-Elysees (P, $23.00) is pinker. Cult Nails Evil Queen (P, $12.00) is similar. Zoya Sooki (P, $8.00) is a touch darker. Essie Too Too Hot (LE, $8.00) is similar. Butter London Pillar Box Red (P, $15.00) is darker, cooler-toned. See comparison swatches.
NARS Union Libre Nail Polish is a light-medium pink with cool, blue undertones and a cream-jelly finish. Essie Cascade Cool (LE, $8.00) is lighter. MAC Pink Nouveau (LE, $16.00) is similar. Zoya Shelby (P, $8.00) is lighter. Essie Off the Shoulder (LE, $8.00) is very similar. See comparison swatches.
Splendor in the Grass Blush Palette ($49.00 for 0.37 oz.)
Sex Appeal is a pale, slightly pink-tinged peach with a matte finish. It is part of the permanent range. bareMinerals The Adrenaline Rush (LE, $29.00) is darker. MAC Stay By Me (P, $23.50) is pinker. MAC Cream Soda (LE, $21.00) is darker. MAC Amber Glow (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery. See comparison swatches.
Albatross is an iridescent white gold with a frosted finish. It is part of the permanent range. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is lighter, less yellow. Becca Moonstone (P, $38.00) is less golden. See comparison swatches.
Angelika is a cool-toned, blue-based light-medium pink with silver sparkle. It is part of the permanent range. Too Faced Lollipop (LE) is similar. Too Faced Raindrops on Roses (LE) is less cool-toned. Urban Decay Temper (LE) is similar. Urban Decay Quickie (LE) is less sparkly. MAC Pure Femininity (LE, $21.00) is lighter. theBalm Argyle (P, $22.00) is matte. Edward Bess Bed of Roses (P, $43.00) is matte. MAC Divine Desire (LE, $21.00) is shimmery. Chanel Pink Explosion (LE, $43.00) is more matte. See comparison swatches.
Dolce Vita is a dusty, medium-dark rose with subtle warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. It is part of the permanent range. Urban Decay Fetish (LE) is lighter. NARS Realm of the Senses #2 (LE, $29.00) is shimmery. MAC Sweet Samba (LE, $25.00) is shimmery. NARS Seduction (P, $29.00) is darker, warmer NARS Oasis (P, $29.00) is shimmery. NARS Lovejoy (P, $29.00) is warmer. Illamasqua Allure (P, $26.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches.
Cosmetic Pochette ($75.00)
It is a medium-sized, slim makeup bag that seems to be made out of leather (smelled like it). It was made in Italy. It has a gold zipper with “NARS” printed on the zipper embellishment. The interior is gold cloth with NARS print.
Fling Lip Set ($49.00 for 0.38 oz.)
Dolce Vita (Velvet Matte Lip Pencil) is a warm rose with a matte finish. This is part of the permanent range. Chanel Etonnante (131) (P, $34.00) is more frosted. Laura Mercier Cozy (P, $24.00) is darker. MAC Runway Hit (LE, $15.00) is lighter. Urban Decay Liar (P, $22.00) is less matte. Urban Decay Protest (P, $22.00) MAC Lady at Play (P, $22.00) is darker, less matte. See comparison swatches.
Baroque (Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil) is a rosy plum with subtle cool undertones and a soft sparkle. This is part of the permanent range. Chanel Merveille (P, $32.00) is darker. Bobbi Brown Aubergine (P, $24.00) is less red. Marc Jacobs Beauty Studded Kiss (310) (P, $28.00) is pinker. See comparison swatches.
Damage (Lipstick) is a muted plum with neutral to cool undertones and a glossy finish. This is part of the permanent range. Urban Decay Strip (P, $22.00) is browner. MAC I Love Winter (LE, $15.00) is lighter. Chanel Fetiche (P, $34.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Roman Holiday (Lipstick) is a cool-toned, blue-based, light-medium pink with a glossy finish. This is part of the permanent range. Too Faced Razzle Dazzle Rose (P, $21.00) is darker. Urban Decay Obsessed (P, $22.00) is similar. NYX Paparazzi (P, $4.00) is warmer. MAC Naughty Saute (LE, $15.00) is cooler-toned. See comparison swatches.
Crime of Passion Set ($59.00 for 0.64 oz.)
Deep Throat (Larger Than Life Lipgloss) is a light-medium peach with a hint of pink and gold shimmer. Chanel Zephyr (377) (LE, $29.50) is lighter. MAC Summer Sweetheart (LE, $15.00) is lighter. MAC Dynasty at Dusk (LE, $20.00) is similar. MAC Double Happiness (LE, $20.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Jezebel (Eyeshadow) is a golden, peachy-beige with a frosted finish. Too Faced Cheers! (LE) is warmer. Kat Von D Precious (LE) is similar. Disney by Sephora Splendid (LE) is similar. Disney by Sephora Scuttle (LE) is also similar. MAC Fusion Gold (LE) is a cream product. Illamasqua Slink (LE) is lighter. Inglot #397 (P, $6.00) See comparison swatches.
Naiade (Eyeshadow) is a medium-dark brown with warm, orange undertones and a satin-matte finish. theBalm C4 (LE, $16.00) is lighter. MAC Exposed (LE, $15.00) is similar. Guerlain Turandot #2 (LE) is warmer. See comparison swatches.
Pandora (Eyeshadow) is a matte black. It is part of the permanent range. There are tons of matte black eyeshadows out there — see comparison swatches.
Deep Throat (Blush) is a warm coral with a hint of pink and a golden shimmer-sheen. It’s part of the permanent range. NARS Day Dream (LE, $29.00) is similar. Physicians Formula Natural (P, $11.99) is lighter. NARS Soulshine #1 (LE, $29.00) is pinker. NARS Realm of the Senses (Together) (LE, $29.00) is brighter. NARS Realm of the Senses #1 (LE, $29.00) is similar. Physicians Formula Warm (P, $11.99) is pinker. MAC Simmer (LE, $25.00) is richer. MAC Fleet Fast (LE, $21.00) is warmer, less pink. MAC Star Wonder (LE, $23.50) is pinker. Chanel Fleur de Lotus (LE, $43.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches.
Laguna (Bronzing Powder) is a medium brown with yellow-ish undertones and a golden shimmer. It is part of the permanent range. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil (P) is similar. Wet ‘n’ Wild Bikini Contest (P, $3.99) is similar. Urban Decay Toasted (P, $26.00) is darker. MAC Gold Go Lightly (LE, $28.00) is yellower. MAC Lush Light Bronze (LE, $28.00) is similar. MAC Sun Dipped (LE, $30.00) is more neutral. MAC Golden (LE, $25.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Voyeur Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner Set ($49.00 for 0.05 oz.)
Via Appia is a warm-toned, bronze brown. It’s part of the permanent range. Bobbi Brown Bronze (LE, $24.00) is similar. Urban Decay Whiskey (P, $19.00) is matte. Urban Decay Roach (P, $19.00) is warmer. MAC Brown Border (P, $16.00) is less shimmery. MAC Seasonally Spicy (LE, $16.00) is darker. See comparison swatches.
Santa Monica Blvd. is a matte white. It’s part of the permanent range. MAC Fascinating (P, $16.00) is the same. See comparison swatches.
Blue Dahlia is a medium-dark, cool-toned purple with a mostly matte finish. Buxom Door’s Unlocked (P, $17.00) is shimmery. Urban Decay Ransom (LE, $19.00) is also shimmery. NARS St. Marks Place (P, $24.00) is cooler-toned. See comparison swatches.
Most Wanted is a cool-toned, blue with a periwinkle coloring and a matte finish. Sephora Collection My Boyfriend’s Jeans (P, $9.00) is shimmery. Urban Decay Chaos (P, $19.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Via Veneto is a matte black. It’s part of the permanent range. Plenty of matte black eyeliners on the market — see comparison swatches.
Beautiful Stranger Nail Polish Set ($35.00 for 1.00 fl. oz.)
Manosque is a purpled taupe with a cream finish. MAC Festive Finery (LE, $16.00) is purpler. China Glaze Jungle Queen (LE, $8.00) is darker. China Glaze Below Deck (LE, $8.00) is similar. Zoya Petra (P, $8.00) is purpler. Zoya Jana (P, $8.00) is very similar. See comparison swatches.
Shameless Red is a coral-red with a cream finish. NARS Follow Me (LE, $19.00) is darker. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Extravaganza (P, $10.00) is shimmery. L’Oreal The Queen’s Might (LE) is darker, redder. Chanel Fracas (LE, $27.00) is similar. China Glaze Pink Plumeria (LE, $8.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches.
Dance Dance Dance is a medium-dark purple with cool, magenta undertones and a cream finish. Illamasqua Faux Pas (LE, $17.00) is cooler-toned. Rescue Beauty Lounge Purple Haze (LE, $20.00) is lighter. China Glaze Creative Fantasy (LE, $8.00) is brighter. Zoya Mira (P, $8.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Lost Red is a cool-toned, blue-based, medium red with a cream finish. MAC RiRi Woo (LE, $16.00) is similar. MAC Russian Red (LE, $16.00) is darker. MAC Flaming Rose (P, $16.00) is similar. Chanel Suspicious (P, $27.00) is pinker. See comparison swatches.
One Night Stand Blush Palette ($65.00 for 0.84 oz.)
Devotee is a pale, pink-tinged beige with a frosted finish. Urban Decay Naked (P, $29.00) is similar. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is warmer. NARS Debbie Harry Highlighter (LE, $29.00) is cooler-toned. See comparison swatches.
Mistinguette is a cool-toned, blue-based, light pink with a matte finish. NARS Gaiety (P, $29.00) is darker. MAC Unconventional (LE, $21.00) is lighter. MAC Well Dressed (P, $21.00) is similar. Illamasqua Morale (P, $26.00) is darker, more shimmery. Bobbi Brown Nude Pink (P, $26.00) is less blue-based, darker. See comparison swatches.
Orgasm is a pinky-coral with a golden shimmer-sheen. It is part of the permanent range. Too Faced Peachy Keen (LE) is similar. Tom Ford Beauty Love Lust (P, $55.00) is warmer. Guerlain Blush G (LE, $65.00) is similar. Milani Dolce Pink (P, $7.99) is pinker. See comparison swatches.
Laguna is a medium brown with yellow-ish undertones and a golden shimmer. It is part of the permanent range. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil (P) is similar. Wet ‘n’ Wild Bikini Contest (P, $3.99) is similar. Urban Decay Toasted (P, $26.00) is darker. MAC Gold Go Lightly (LE, $28.00) is yellower. MAC Lush Light Bronze (LE, $28.00) is similar. MAC Sun Dipped (LE, $30.00) is more neutral. MAC Golden (LE, $25.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Deep Throat is a warm coral with a hint of pink and a golden shimmer-sheen. It’s part of the permanent range. NARS Day Dream (LE, $29.00) is similar. Physicians Formula Natural (P, $11.99) is lighter. NARS Soulshine #1 (LE, $29.00) is pinker. NARS Realm of the Senses (Together) (LE, $29.00) is brighter. NARS Realm of the Senses #1 (LE, $29.00) is similar. Physicians Formula Warm (P, $11.99) is pinker. MAC Simmer (LE, $25.00) is richer. MAC Fleet Fast (LE, $21.00) is warmer, less pink. MAC Star Wonder (LE, $23.50) is pinker. Chanel Fleur de Lotus (LE, $43.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches.
Goulue is a cool-toned, berry pink with a golden sheen. Kevyn Aucoin Neolita (P, $37.00) is richer. Bobbi Brown Berry (LE, $26.00) is darker. theBalm Pinstripe (P, $22.00) is cooler-toned. NYX Apricot (P, $15.00) is similar. NARS Oasis (P, $29.00) is warmer. NARS Outlaw (P, $29.00) is similar. NARS Dolce Vita (P, $29.00) is less shimmery. See comparison swatches.
Promiscuous Lip Set ($45.00 for 0.32 oz.)
Cruella is a cool-toned, medium-dark red with a matte finish. It is part of the permanent range. Chanel La Precieuse (317) (LE, $32.00) is lighter. MAC Glam (DC, $15.00) is pinker. MAC Russian Red (P, $15.00) is similar. MAC Ronnie Red (LE, $15.00) is similar. MAC Charmed, I’m Sure (LE, $15.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Dolce Vita is a warm rose with a matte finish. It is part of the permanent range. Chanel Etonnante (131) (P, $34.00) is more frosted. Laura Mercier Cozy (P, $24.00) is darker. MAC Runway Hit (LE, $15.00) is lighter. Urban Decay Liar (P, $22.00) is less matte. Urban Decay Protest (P, $22.00) MAC Lady at Play (P, $22.00) is darker, less matte. See comparison swatches.
Never Say Never is a pinky-berry with a matte finish and cool, blue undertones. It is part of the permanent range. Make Up For Ever #12 (P, $19.00) is slightly frosted. See comparison swatches.
New Lover is a warm-toned, pink-coral with golden copper shimmer. It is part of the permanent range. Chanel Reflexion (71) (P, $32.00) is similar. Burberry Cameo Pink (P, $27.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.
Sex Machine is a light-medium pink with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. Flower Beauty Petal Kiss (P, $6.98) is warmer. MAC Mehr (P, $15.00) is pinker. Burberry Peony Rose (302) (P, $30.00) is warmer. Make Up For Ever #4 (P, $19.00) is darker. See comparison swatches.
NARS Bad Behaviour Eyeshadow
NARS Bad Behaviour Eyeshadow
NARS Bad Behaviour Eyeshadow
NARS Cambodia Eyeshadow
NARS Cambodia Eyeshadow
NARS Cambodia Eyeshadow
NARS Mississippi Mermaid Eyeshadow
NARS Mississippi Mermaid Eyeshadow
NARS Mississippi Mermaid Eyeshadow
NARS Rage Eyeshadow
NARS Rage Eyeshadow
NARS Rage Eyeshadow
NARS Wishful Thinking Eyeshadow
NARS Wishful Thinking Eyeshadow
NARS Wishful Thinking Eyeshadow
NARS Full Frontal Lipstick
NARS Full Frontal Lipstick
NARS Full Frontal Lipstick
NARS Full Frontal Lipstick
NARS Full Frontal Lipstick
NARS Full Frontal Lipstick
NARS Future Red Lipstick
NARS Future Red Lipstick
NARS Future Red Lipstick
NARS Future Red Lipstick
NARS Future Red Lipstick
NARS Future Red Lipstick
NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick
NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick
NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick
NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick
NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick
NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick
NARS Last Tango Lipstick
NARS Last Tango Lipstick
NARS Last Tango Lipstick
NARS Last Tango Lipstick
NARS Last Tango Lipstick
NARS Last Tango Lipstick
NARS Short Circuit Lipstick
NARS Short Circuit Lipstick
NARS Short Circuit Lipstick
NARS Short Circuit Lipstick
NARS Short Circuit Lipstick
NARS Short Circuit Lipstick
NARS Coeur Battant Blush
NARS Coeur Battant Blush
NARS Coeur Battant Blush
NARS Coeur Battant Blush
NARS Day Dream Blush
NARS Day Dream Blush
NARS Day Dream Blush
NARS Day Dream Blush
NARS Exhibit A Blush
NARS Exhibit A Blush
NARS Exhibit A Blush
NARS Exhibit A Blush
NARS Follow Me Nail Polish
NARS Follow Me Nail Polish
NARS Follow Me Nail Polish
NARS Follow Me Nail Polish
NARS Follow Me Nail Polish
NARS No Limits Nail Polish
NARS No Limits Nail Polish
NARS No Limits Nail Polish
NARS No Limits Nail Polish
NARS No Limits Nail Polish
NARS Tomorrow’s Red Nail Polish
NARS Tomorrow’s Red Nail Polish
NARS Tomorrow’s Red Nail Polish
NARS Tomorrow’s Red Nail Polish
NARS Tomorrow’s Red Nail Polish
NARS Union Libre Nail Polish
NARS Union Libre Nail Polish
NARS Union Libre Nail Polish
NARS Union Libre Nail Polish
NARS Union Libre Nail Polish
NARS Splendor in the Grass Palette
NARS Splendor in the Grass Palette
NARS Splendor in the Grass Palette
NARS Sex Appeal Blush
NARS Sex Appeal Blush
NARS Albatross Highlighting Blush
NARS Albatross Highlighting Blush
NARS Angelika Blush
NARS Angelika Blush
NARS Dolce Vita Blush
NARS Dolce Vita Blush
NARS x Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette
NARS x Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette
NARS x Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette
NARS x Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette
NARS x Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette
NARS x Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette
NARS Fling Lip Set
NARS Fling Lip Set
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS Damage Lipstick
NARS Damage Lipstick
NARS Damage Lipstick
NARS Damage Lipstick
NARS Damage Lipstick
NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick
NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick
NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick
NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick
NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick
NARS Crime of Passion Palette
NARS Crime of Passion Palette
NARS Crime of Passion Palette
NARS Crime of Passion Palette
NARS Deep Throat Larger Than Life Lipgloss
NARS Deep Throat Larger Than Life Lipgloss
NARS Deep Throat Larger Than Life Lipgloss
NARS Deep Throat Larger Than Life Lipgloss
NARS Deep Throat Larger Than Life Lipgloss
NARS Jezebel Eyeshadow
NARS Jezebel Eyeshadow
NARS Naiade Eyeshadow
NARS Naiade Eyeshadow
NARS Pandora Eyeshadow
NARS Pandora Eyeshadow
NARS Deep Throat Blush
NARS Deep Throat Blush
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder
NARS Voyeur Larger Than Life Eyeliner Set
NARS Voyeur Larger Than Life Eyeliner Set
NARS Via Appia Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Via Appia Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Santa Monica Blvd. Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Santa Monica Blvd. Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Blue Dahlia Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Blue Dahlia Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Most Wanted Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Most Wanted Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Via Veneto Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Via Veneto Larger Than Life Eyeliner
NARS Beautiful Stranger Nail Polish Set
NARS Manosque Nail Polish
NARS Manosque Nail Polish
NARS Manosque Nail Polish
NARS Manosque Nail Polish
NARS Shameless Red Nail Polish
NARS Shameless Red Nail Polish
NARS Shameless Red Nail Polish
NARS Shameless Red Nail Polish
NARS Dance Dance Dance Nail Polish
NARS Dance Dance Dance Nail Polish
NARS Dance Dance Dance Nail Polish
NARS Dance Dance Dance Nail Polish
NARS Lost Red Nail Polish
NARS Lost Red Nail Polish
NARS Lost Red Nail Polish
NARS Lost Red Nail Polish
NARS One Night Stand Palette
NARS One Night Stand Palette
NARS Devotee Highlighting Blush
NARS Devotee Highlighting Blush
NARS Devotee Highlighting Blush
NARS Mistinguette Blush
NARS Mistinguette Blush
NARS Mistinguette Blush
NARS Orgasm Blush
NARS Orgasm Blush
NARS Orgasm Blush
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder
NARS Deep Throat Blush
NARS Deep Throat Blush
NARS Deep Throat Blush
NARS Goulue Blush
NARS Goulue Blush
NARS Goulue Blush
NARS Promiscuous Set
NARS Promiscuous Set
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Never Say Never Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS New Lover Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS New Lover Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS New Lover Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS New Lover Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS New Lover Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
NARS Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil
NARS Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
Hi, I really respect your stance on this issue and for your professionalism in providing all the details and swatches. I love Nars makeup but don’t condone violence of any sort.
I’m disappointed that Nars chose to associate themselves with an individual that used dead females to sell clothing. I don’t care how “haute couture” the clothing is/was and how famous he was. I won’t be buying anything from this collection. Too bad.
Thank you for your understanding!
I agree! It’s a shame NARS pulled this crap, because I would have bought several items from this collection had it not been a Guy Bourdin collection.
why’d your products come so broken?! D;
They came without boxes inside a padded envelope, but the compacts can bump against each other – since they travel 3,000 miles, I imagine that’s what happened!
It’s funny because another blogger received the NARS eyeshadows, and two of them were broken as well! I think the eyeshadows are just extremely fragile.
It is possible – I know they’re definitely not shipped to me the same they would be if a retailer shipped them, though NARS typically ships samples to me unboxed (and the majority have survived intact).
I had heard that NARS had reformulated their eyeshadows, and started with this collection to do so, but I’m not so sure how true that is. That could possibly be why, though. Did you notice a difference at all, especially in texture or feel with these shadows?
I haven’t heard that they were doing that, so I don’t know – as far as I know this is a LE formula for this collection!
NARS’ eyeshadow payoff has been abysmal across the board in my experience.
The only single NARS shadow I own and use Tropic. It’s a beautiful ocean teal with silver sparkle and is a lovely accent for the lower lash line with a summer nude eye. The combination of that soft summer nude coupled with lining the outer third of my lower lashes with Tropic really makes my eye color pop.
Other than that, I’ve never found a NARS eyeshadow I’ve consistently used after purchase.
After two or three purchases, I’ve pretty much given up on them, especially after falling in love with Guerlain’s buttery [eyeshadow] formula.
I blame Christine for my new love affair with Guerlain. Exquisite across the board! 😀
I find it apropos that they came broken. It’s somehow fitting.
I was a bit worried about it – I wasn’t sure whether I should have put a note that that’s how they arrived or not!
It’s funny I always thought it was done for “artsy” effect LOL
this was a good write-up. i appreciate your honesty. thanks for taking the time to post swatches and dupes despite your personal feelings.
Thank you, Amber!
Christine, the fact that you were willing to put up this thoughtful and measured commentary, when you stay away from hot button topics and are taking quite a personal risk by putting your own thoughts out there — it makes me feel safe. And I even though I’ve never commented before, I wanted to tell you that. Thank you. Thank you for making this a safe place for people to talk about their thoughts the connections between this collection, abuse, and fashion, and not feel like buzzkills by bringing it up. I really appreciate it.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Roshan! It really means a lot to have your support 🙂
Safe is exactly the right word. Christine, I cannot overemphasize how glad I am that you wrote this post. I agree with every single thing you said (and even more as I’m interested in fashion photography, and know a bit of Bourdin’s work), and I truly appreciate that you decided to put your foot down and use this outlet to explain how you felt. I felt queasy when I heard that Nars was going to do this collection, and it’s such a relief to read that the depiction of violence (and especially its glamorization for the sake of “art”) should be examined and questioned, because yes, it actually has an impact. It so happens that this was a pretty draining week for me due to the harassment of a male classmate of mine, and it is comforting to be reminded that the mistreatment of women and people in general is NOT normal, and should not be tolerated.
I’m also quite impressed by how you manage to maintain a balance, between your level-headed explanation and the swatches.
So thank you Christine, for opening up, and opening this tough discussion so gracefully.
I’m sorry to hear about your week, Anne! I hope you’re able to find a way to deal with the harassment you’ve received in a way that helps stop him from doing something that upsets you. I know that there are resources and supportive people, myself included, that will help in anyway that we can!
Thank you so much, Christine. I’m truly touched. It’s exactly that kind of support that helps you feel safe. Fortunately, it’s being taken care of. I tried to explain how terrible that guy made me feel to my friends, but it was when they could witness him being a jerk first-hand that they were really shocked, and they decided to step in (not that they would resort to violence against him, though, but they won’t let him come near me).
Because these situations (harrassment or worse, as depicted in Bourdin’s work) may be hard to understand for people who haven’t personally lived them, due to the overall desensitization around these issues in our societies, I think that opening a dialogue and discussing these problems as you did are crucial.
Thank goodness you have friends that will help you! I hope it’s able to be dealt with swiftly and he gets the message.
Ann,
What an elegant and thoughtful comment. Thank you for your brave and delicate post.
I’ve never tried NARS before (believe it or not) but if I were to try this collection, I probably would go for the nail polishes. They look amazing, especially Follow Me & the jelly-ish effect on No Limits I took was incredible. I did like Full Frontal lipstick, I think this looked really good on you btw. 🙂
Thank you!
Will you be posting swatches of the gifting sets?
Hey Colleen!
I don’t have any of the gifting sets right now, and when I told NARS I wasn’t going to review, I did say they could pass along the gifting sets to other bloggers if they wanted to (color was already on its way).
Bravo, Christine! I applaud your courage to stand behind your beliefs, while respecting that not everyone will agree, and still showing the product. Much respect.
Thank you, Dyan! 🙂
I commend you for standing up in what you believe in! 🙂 This is why I love your Blog because you are always honest 🙂
Thank you for your support & understanding, Natasha!
Thank you for providing the swatches. I must say I am surprised that you will not be reviewing the collection but I respect your position.
Thank you for respecting it, Chris 🙂
I just want to thank you for the time and thought you put into this post, Christine. I think you went above and beyond in spending the time you did researching what is obviously a very controversial subject for many. You put together a well-written, not too personal post which can be difficult with a serious topic like this. Much appreciated.
Thank you for your support, Stephanie! This was hard to write and was generally a very difficult process from start to finish, so having readers’ understanding is really quite a relief. Thank you again!
The colors are gorgeous, but not nearly as beautiful as what you wrote. Excellent work.
Side bar-when are you going to review Divine Nights?
Hi Aico!
Thank you! I don’t have Divine Nights’ products right now, so until I do receive (or purchase, whichever is available to me first!), I don’t have anything to share 🙂
Christine, personally I know nothing about any of this man’s work so I have no opinion one way or the other. However, I applaud all the research you did to figure out what YOUR feelings are about the issue and love that you are doing what feels right for you. I like the idea of using this as a starting point on becoming more aware about violence about women and perhaps finding ways to do something about it. Good for you!!!
I didn’t know anything myself and didn’t really think to delve any deeper until the comments about him started to come through!
Thank you, Terri!
I applaud you for this. I applaud you for being genuine and honest with your readers. I also applaud you for standing up for your beliefs on this issue. You’re a remarkable woman, Christine.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Melissa 🙂
Can you compare Last Tango with Tolede (from the summer collection)?
Hi Jenn!
Here is a link to my review on Tolede – http://www.temptalia.com/nars-tolede-lipstick-review-photos-swatches
I really respect and admire your decision to do this, Christine. Thank you for providing dupes too so we can look other places to find shades that match these because I won’t be buying anything from this line.
Thank you, Sarah! Hopefully the dupes are helpful to others as well! 🙂
Christine,
I first want to commend you on your article. I fully respect your decision, as you are my go to blogger for makeup reviews.
I am a survivor of Domestic Violence and our Love IS Foundation, gives free makeovers to victims and survivors of Domestic Violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and my team and I are taking a stand and saying No More Excuses, Silent No More.
I personally, appreciate you writing this, as you have gone out of your makeup realm, if you will, to address a topic that has been a social stigma in society. I stayed silent for 12 years in my ex-marriage and suffered horrific abuse. I am also a musician and I bring my music to shelters in Las Vegas and here in The San Fernando Valley of California. My good friend, Maria Morrision, founder of Cult Nails, gave us a generous donation for women to feel dignified and confident.
I have tears in my eyes. Thank You for addressing this from heart!!!
Best Regards,
Kristen Commodore
Hi Kristen!
Thank you for your support! I very much appreciate it. I’m so happy that you’ve survived through such a horrific time and marriage, but even more impressed and amazed by your dedication to helping future survivors.
Maria is a wonderful and generous woman – I am not surprised she helped out! At the end of each year, I donate several bags/boxes of tested and unused beauty products to a local organization that gives the products to victims of domestic violence.
I’m speechless. I admire the balanced approach you took to take a stand against violence and still provide your readers with swatches! I applaud your moral conviction. It’s people like you that can make this world a better place one baby step at a time… We can get so disconnected sometimes, thanks for realing us back in.
Thank you so much, Rina! 🙂 I appreciate your understanding!
Beautifully written Christine, I too am on the fence about Bourdin’s influences… I feel you handled this in a really graceful manner and I look forward to the general discussion this collection brings about
Thank you, Catherine! I, too, look forward to hearing from readers and hoping we can engage in a thoughtful and helpful discussion 🙂
Thanks for the dupes of the Last Tango lipstick Christine!
My pleasure, Lily!
100% class
🙂 Thank you!
I have to say I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts about this issue Christine and how thoughtfully you explained your process in terms of not reviewing this collection. Having worked with victims of domestic abuse the past couple years, I stand by your quote and the idea that people can make a difference in reducing violence against women.
That being said, I wasn’t really considering purchasing anything from this collection, but it is nice that I got to see swatches anyway.
So much love and respect for you for working with victims of domestic abuse! I can’t imagine it being easy but so important and meaningful.
Firstly, I would just like to say that I agree with you stance on this top. Secondly, I think it is great of you to spread this message on a popular outlet such as your blog. Violence against women (and men) is very common phenomenon in our society that needs to be addressed. Furthermore, the desensitization of violence is also becoming more prevalent which leads us to question where is our society heading?
Thanks for sharing!
I definitely worry about our (and I mean that in a very broad, generalizing way, fully knowing that not everyone is like this) desensitization to a lot of things, particularly violence.
as a woman who suffered domestic violence for 13 years, i think you did a wonderful thing by standing up for your beliefs. Kudos to you!
Thank you for having the courage to share, Anna! I’m so glad that you are a survivor now.
Christine
I totally support your decision. I think you’d be justified in not doing swatches either. When you first posted previews on the collection I abstained from commenting…even though some readers mentioned the violence and depiction of what looked like dead women. I like Nars but decided then I would not buy any of the products. While Mr. Nars has the right to be influenced by or collaborate with whomever he choices I also have the right not to agree or buy related products.
Violence against women is a serious issue. Too bad many in the fashion or beauty industry don’t take it seriously.
Hey Meganlisa!
Thanks for your support! I, too, wish that violence wasn’t as present in magazines/editorials/shoots. I honestly don’t read many magazines so learning that it continues to exist was really disheartening and that is often perpetuated towards women.
I respect your decision….support it….and hope others follow your example. Someone needs to say no…and seeing your support on this issue…clearly the market isn’t just loving the violence angle.
We can only hope! 🙂 Thank you again!
you must be literally the most thoughtful, level-headed person on this whole dang internet. this is a really cool post, and I respect both your decision not to review, and your decision to make swatches and dupe lists for your readers who might still be interested.
you put so much work and thought into Temptalia and it blows my mind almost every day. thank you for being so cool, Christine.
It was a really long, emotional journey to this point, and it’s just so amazing to have your support. Everything fell into place for me after I wrote my first draft of the post – it just felt right – and I hoped that if I laid my heart out there that readers would be able to see that as well.
Thank you, Liz!
Dear Christine:
Lurker here. You got me back into wearing makeup after many years of not, with a Fyrinnae review. Just bought a Sleek Sunset palette, too, because even though I have cool skin, those colors take me to a happy place and I can wear ’em on my hooded eyes.
Anyhow, I’ve always loved NARS colors. But back in the day, I was talking to a male SA at Sephora and we came to Deep Throat and I said–I can’t. Linda Lovelace was forced to make that film. And no one gave her justice. And he looked at me for a long time and then he asked, Why would anyone want to go there? I said, I don’t know. After a few more seconds, he thought and then we went to Stila instead. Beautiful colors, but nothing like Nars, which is why I’m so glad to know about Fyrinnae and Sleek.
Eventually, I broke down and bought some Nars nail polish. But still, I’ve always been put off by Deep Throat. Yet his colors are so gorgeous—so I was contemplating buying some of his products again when you ran this, and I thought, why? There are so many makeup companies that offer beautiful colors and products at great prices that do not fetishize violence against women, why would I give my money to this man?
Gendered violence–which contrary to the claims of the MRA/pro-rape-brigade is virtually always male-on-female or male-on-male to feminize men, especially in its more extreme and unprovoked forms–is a huge problem, especially because it is so rarely punished and so often excused. I know women who have had to change their names and go underground, with no charges being preferred against their perps, and well as binders full of women who’ve been raped and knew they would be laughed out of the police station if they try to press charges. Knew one who did and was brought to the point of suicide by her treatment by the police.
You run a great blog that allows your readers to think of makeup as playful, as joyous, as how to use and enjoy really beautiful colors. So I think running this piece was not only the morally right thing to do, but very much in keeping with your larger message.
Erin
Hi Erin!
Thank you for coming out of lurkdom for a spell 🙂 Happy to hear you’ve discovered the awesomeness of Fyrinnae (and Sleek!). Hope you enjoy the Sunset palette! But more seriously: you are absolutely correct that there are lots of options out there, so there’s no reason to buy from a brand that doesn’t sit right with you. It’s makeup, as you said — joyous and playful — and it should make you feel that way. I’m glad that you’ve found other brands that suit your tastes that make you feel good using them!
I appreciate you sharing additional information about gendered violence, the difficulty of victims to come forward, and of course, the always, always depressing conviction/prosecution rate. The latter is the hardest part for me to accept.
You wrote, “The latter is the hardest part for me to accept.”
The first duty of the state, the foundation of the social compact, is to protect and defend those who cannot defend themselves. Yet the court cases that hold no individual citizen is entitled to police protection, are to my knowledge all (but one) based upon appallingly bad-faith behavior by the police towards women; the exception was a male child who was brutalized by his father, who was also abusive to his mother, his father’s wife.
As a friend of mine (who went underground) asked, if we have no right to police protection (which she knows is so much more than a 24/7 detail), what do we have the police for?
Now I go back to lurkdom. Thank you for your blog.
Best,
Erin
It is heartbreaking to hear stories of when the legal system, police system, or other branches of our justice system, just don’t come through for people who need them. It is actually one of the reasons that the organization that I’ve chosen to donate [beauty products] to is actually one that provides pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence (http://www.probonoproject.org/), because without consequence, without punishment, actions will continue and abusers will not have to answer for the damage they’ve caused, so they do great work in an area that needs help while helping people that need it even more.
Why is it, the very first place people go to is the negative correlation? Deep Throat also has a political affiliation, and how do we know which is being referred to? As for Bourdin, how do we know what he was thinking? His work was abundant at a time violence against women was quite common, yet noone spoke of it. Perhaps this was his way of bringing attention to it, and start the conversation. We have no way of knowing what he may have witnessed in his own home while growing it up, and what sort of effect it may have had. Anthony Burgess wrote A Clockwork Orange after watching his wife’s brutal rape & murder, all while he sat helpless in a wheelchair. The way he found to deal with it was his art, which was writing.
One of the many things I love about NARS is that I learn something with every product. This collection is no exception. Before this, I had never even heard of Guy Bourdin, so I looked him up. There was much turmoil in his life as a child, and again, I wonder how much of it influenced his work, and what he hoped to actually accomplish through his art. I have never heard of an artist of any sort producing random pieces that weren’t intended to invoke thought.
Without knowing what the press release originally said about Deep Throat, it is hard to say where it originated from, but it is certainly up to interpretation (both negatively and not). We also react, interpret, and see things through our own worldview. To that end, each person has to do what makes them feel good, especially when it’s something like makeup which should make us feel better, not worse.
I did try to find some quotes or interviews, but I wasn’t successful, which wasn’t a total surprise given he passed away before everything became digital, let alone when he was at the height of his career. I’m happy you’ve taken a look at his work and life and have come to your own conclusions – that was and remains my primary goal, as I know we are all intelligent people here in the community, though we may not always agree, we can start and participate in a meaningful dialogue.
Erin- might I suggest you re-word that comment? Fact of the matter is, men do get raped. By women. And it’s just as traumatizing to them as it is to any woman. And it’s not just the “MRA/pro rape brigade” that says so, men who’ve been raped would probably assert that it was pretty traumatizing. For you to say otherwise is pretty offensive and hurtful to all victims.
Christine- I applaud you for being able to voice your opinion on this matter in such a graceful and professional way
Thank you, Rebecca!
This is a really excellent comment. Thank you for writing it, Erin.
Wow! Well said!
Dear Erin, thank you for sharing your comment with us, Temptalia’s followers. I’m passionate about Gender studies/issues and also passionate about makeup as a fun way of self-expression. I didn’t know Deep Throat was a movie and didn’t know who Linda Lovelace was until reading your post. I thought the name of Nars’ blush “Deep Throat” rather had to do with the Watergate informant, LOL. Though now knowing about the movie and considering the sexuality involved in Nars products’ choice of names, it makes more sense that the name of the blush has to do with Linda Lovelace. I’m now thinking I shouldn’t buy this blush, which I’ve wanted for a while. Like you said, there are lots of brands and I think we, as consumers, should spend our money in however way we decide is best.
Thanks, Vex and Regina. Rebecca, I stand by what I said. Virtually all isn’t all–I’m always happy to acknowledge the exceptions to the rule because they do exist. But they also still takes place in a context of overwhelming male-on-female violence and dominance.
Adriana, I just bought Rose Gold from Sleek. Order hasn’t arrived yet, but I’ve heard it is a dupe for Orgasm (a name that is more than enough to put me off, even if I loved everything else about the company) and Orgasm and Deep Throat seem to be more-and-less intense versions of each other. So it might also work for you. (I have a hard time believing I’m typing this.) If it doesn’t, you’re not out a whole lot of money–it certainly looks like a beautiful color.
Oh, man, I’m remembering the first time I tried to wear blush back in senior year in high school. It was this amazing rubellite and I simply didn’t understand, or have the tools, to blend it out. It was frighteningly intense–needless to say…I want it back because watching Christina make some of these super-intense colors work makes me think I might have a chance. It was purrty….
I am not from USA, so I didn’t know about any movie or the details of Watergate. I just thought by Deep Throat they mean the thing you can do in bed, same as with Orgasm, that they give their products sexy names for marketing reasons. Never thought it could have any deeper meanings 😀
Hmm interesting piece of information…thanks for the background. I’m loving goodbye emmanuella & union libre. Christine when will this collection be released?
October 15th!
Brava to you, Christine, for saying this. It seems that in far too many spheres, “art” triumphs over what is right or humane. Violence and degradation of women is not “artistic” in my eyes and clearly not in yours. And it seems, from the responses, that we are not alone.
I consider myself very open-minded, but the art argument can only stretch so far (for me) when art is made commercial (to me, it is similar how in the U.S. there is a distinction between the treatment of traditional notions of free speech and commercial speech) – and used to move product. Art for the sake of art and with proper context might be more compelling as an argument, though it’s not art that I would seek out, admire, or applaud personally.
Well said, Mariella.
I have utmost respect for your decisions regarding this collection. Violence against women definitely seems like an issue you’re devoted to, with the donations you’ve made to shelters and the resources you promote, and yet you are still able to understand the many facets of a controversial topic…and do all the work entailed in swatching, photographing, editing, and writing! Christine, you totally set the bar, not just for bloggers but as a conscientious, devoted person.
Thank you, Helena! I’m a big proponent of trying to see both sides (or multiple sides) of any argument/issue, because it can clarify your own argument, help you understand the other side, and is generally helpful in just understanding the issue as a whole.
Bravissima, Christine, for your thoughtful and well-researched post. I confess to being horrified when I read that Nars was honoring Bourdin. I find his more controversial images unviewable, but I am aware that there is an argument to be made for the power of art in moving the viewer (be it positive or negative). In any case, I knew there was a reason Temptalia is a daily must-read for me.
I did not realize how graphic the imagery was until I looked at his portfolio (the image that is used on one of the gifting sets that seemed to be most controversial is, surprisingly, somewhat tame in comparison to some of his other shots) myself. Thank you for your support, Maureen!
I fully respect your decision and professionalism; I appreciate your bringing out this post as a way to also raise awareness about the whole collaboration. I would have never thought about it in the way you’ve pointed out and I am glad to have that perspective in mind when thinking about whether to purchase them or not.
Thank you for the commentary and your honesty.
Thank you, Stephanie, for your support! Sometimes, we just have to take a moment and ponder, and whatever we conclude, at least we took the time to think about it 🙂
I really think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill about this.
Hi Anita,
I respect your opinion and have acknowledged that there are other viewpoints, which I also discussed above, but I did not casually dismiss anyone’s point of view, so I politely ask you not to dismiss mine.
Go Christine! Don’t ever stop being awesome 🙂
🙂 I will try not to stop!
Wow, Anita. I read through all of these comments and was thrilled to see the (well-deserved) support Christine got, but then I got to this one and it just made me sad. It almost feels like you didn’t take the time to read the post and wrote this in response to the idea of the post. But I applaud you, Christine, for your strong moral convictions and well-written, well-thought-out post. Thank you.
Thank you, Ellen!
Anita, your comment towards Christine’s review seems somewhat dismissive. You are entitled to you opinion certainly, but so is Christine and her readers. If you read the post, I fail to see how you didn’t pick up on how clearly Christine illustrated her struggle with this. And yet went on to review the collection anyway. On a larger note, I am a survivor of an abusive relationship and I can tell you, there is nothing glamourous about it. I obviously have no way of knowing if you have had the same experience, but your comment was very thoughtless and hurtful to those of us that have. Attitudes like you expressed in your comment are just stunning in their casual cruelty. There is no such thing as making a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to abuse and violence, and glamorizing either of those.
Well said, Deb! I don’t mind a different viewpoint or outright disagreement, but trying to minimize someone’s feelings or dismissing their feelings entirely doesn’t facilitate discussion at all – it attempts to shut it down entirely without any real reasoning.
I really respect your choice, Christine! You’re always so kind and intelligent, and your empathy to both your readers and the women of the world is inspiring. I agree with your choice, even as someone with a Bachelors of Fine Art, I can understand great art, but the idea of violence against women is something that should not be tolerated. The collection is ok, the shadows seem TOTALLY dupeable, the lipsticks are actually what I found most beautiful! But still, again, you’re really an amazing person, and thank you for your empathy.
Thanks, Mariah! As much as I can understand the argument that art is art, art is freedom of expression, I can’t fully accept it personally, and less so in a commercialized context.
It’s already looking better than the stuff from Andy Warhol collection!
Christine, I completely respect your opinion for the disclaimer, I’m curious as to why the recently reviewed RiRi Hearts MAC collection did not warrant the same kind of discussion. I think her music (a duet with Chris Brown entitled “Nobody’s Business”) and actions (her cyberbullying of fans including referring to them in vulgar language) does nothing but hinder real conversations about domestic violence. Unfortunately, there are numerous beauty companies that promote sexist and racist ideas, so I hope this dialogue does not begin or end with this new collection with Nars.
Hi Ebony,
I can’t say that I pay extensive attention to Rihanna’s lyrics or her personal life (re: how she acts towards fans) – it’s not on my radar. I did significantly moderate and did have to put disclaimers on some of the RiRi Hearts MAC posts (I think some of the earlier information posts, and I know I had to make statements on our Facebook posts regarding the collection), because many comments being made were making light of domestic violence. I am, personally, uncomfortable making judgments about what a survivor of domestic violence should or shouldn’t say or feel or act in regards to that part in their life. It is also beyond my expertise/body of knowledge. I can only hope that she has taken the necessary steps to heal, move forward, and emerge stronger.
Thank you for this perfect response, Christine. The two situations are nowhere near comparable. The comment you were responding to was borderline, if not outright, victim-blaming.
I didn’t buy anything from Mac’s RiRi collection because I have no respect for her after the CB fiasco.
I typically don’t pay attention to the “inspiration” behind makeup collections. Thanks to your post, I did look Guy up. Some pictures I saw were artistic, some were “meh”. I didn’t see anything too heavily offensive, but you’ve inspired further research. I had planned on buying a lot from this collection, but I now know I have the dupes for most of the items I wanted.
Thanks for the information about Guy and the collection.
Thanks for taking the time to check out his work in more detail, Nichole!
Can you compare Last Tango to Tolede?
Here is my review on Tolede, Jenn! http://www.temptalia.com/nars-tolede-lipstick-review-photos-swatches
I appreciate your conscientious objection to this collection. I wish you had stood up like this against the Rihanna x MAC collaboration, because I think she similarly normalizes violence against women, and is much more dangerous to our society since there are so many younger girls who look up to her.
Hi Xina!
I did not make any comment on the MAC and Rihanna collaboration as I did not personally feel the need to do so based on the information I have/understanding of Rihanna and what she went through. Could you elaborate on how she as the victim/survivor normalizes violence against women? I’m always happy to discuss and be more knowledgeable/educated on any subject, as I am by no means an expert. Thank you!
Rihanna got back together with Chris Brown after he beat her. At the time, she was sneaking around about it, and then she went to being defiant about it. It is typical behavior for a victim of domestic abuse to make excuses for their abuser and get back together with them, but it’s still unhealthy. Getting back with Chris Brown sent the message that what he did was okay, and it wasn’t that big of a deal because she got over it and got back with him quickly enough.
Hey Xina,
I am not an expert on domestic violence, and I have no psychology background or the like, but what I understand about domestic violence and the cycle of abuse, is that it’s actually quite typical for a victim to go back to the abuser (I know I read a statistic that said that on average, it takes someone seven times before they really leave their abuser). From what I’ve read, it is also typical to be defiant, to try to convince people otherwise. As you said – typical behavior – and of course, it’s unhealthy, but why is the blame on Rihanna for doing something that many other victims have to go through before they can really move on? Blaming her just reinforces that she deserves any abuse that she gets. People in abusive relationships need all of the support they can get so they have the confidence and support network to leave.
Please stop blaming the victim. Her personal life choices are none of our business.
I see where you’re coming from, but the difference between Rihanna and Guy Bourdin is that violence entered their lives in different ways: it personally happened to Rihanna, but Bourdin placed it in the context of his work and called it art. It’s important to note the differences.
I thought about why I didn’t object to the Rihanna collab, but when I thought about it, it was just as you said; not only did violence enter their lives in different ways, it affected them differently. Guy Bourdin was using depictions of violence against women in a professional context for profit, and attempting (whether it was ethically right to or not) to present it as art. Rihanna was a victim of personal domestic violence by a person she had chosen to become romantically involved with and had placed her trust in. One can much more easily choose a different art subject or to depict the subject differently, but for an abuse victim to leave their abuser is much harder. Moreover, going about one’s professional, for-profit art in a different way does not carry nearly the same social stigma (either implicit or explicit) that abuse victims sadly have to live with each day.
Rihanna is not normalizing violence against women, but rather doing what she wants. Rihanna does not go around saying that abuse is okay – she just happened to stay with someone who, at some point, abused her.
Abuse is a very serious issue, mentally, emotionally, and socially, and blaming those abused for their behavior toward their abusers is entitled and unproductive.
well said. I know this is an old post but truly it brought tears to my eyes to see so many people essentially blaming Rihanna for continuing her career after being victimized. I’m not a huge fan and don’t follow her personal life. Of course if she were my daughter/friend/sister I would not want to see her back with someone who assaulted her. However, at the end of the day she did not welcome abuse, she did not tell people being victimized is ok, and she is not using those events to sell products. It seems like some people feel she should be ashamed and hide instead of continuing her life as it was — unfortunately this is the reason so many violent acts against women go unreported.
I totally support and respect your thoughts and decisions. I agree with you and really commend you for being so professional and thoughtful.
By the way your skin looks extra, extra awesome. What skincare products are you using?
Hi Laura!
Thank you!
You’re not the only one who asked/noticed something different, so I just wrote up about why – which is owed to the Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Palette 🙂 http://www.temptalia.com/hourglass-ambient-lighting-palette-review-photos-swatches
Hi, Christine:
I didn’t know about Guy Bourdin until I saw the preview images. Later, like you did, I researched and found quite a lot about him. I was on the fence. But it wasn’t until reading this post that I decided not to buy anything from this collection. I’m not even looking at them when they reach the stores.
I am a Bachelor on Arts; photography and painting are my life, and I know art can cover controversial topics without glamourizing them. Bourdin did just that: he tried to make them attractive, he disregarded the pain that many went through because of the same situations he recreated in his photoshoots.
Now I don’t only admire you because of the high quality of your reviews and photographs, but also because of your integrity as a person.
Sometimes controversial art needs context, I think, if it truly wants to be viewed as art or as a commentary on a larger issue in a serious way. It may not fully justify it, but it would be a more compelling argument.
Thank you, Daniel!
I was excited to buy from this collection, but the farther I go down the rabbit hole with reading about Bourdin, the less inclined I feel to buy anything from it. I respect art and artists and how they express themselves and always will, but this squicks me out quite a bit. It’s one thing to be a bit naughty and cheeky…I don’t think this quite fits into that category. Thanks for this commentary Christine.
That’s how I felt, Elle! Going down a very dark rabbit hole and finding it harder and harder to ignore what I was seeing.
You just gained more of my respect, Christine. I love how genuine and honest you are with Temptalia.
And I’m sorry I had to stray away from the topic, but I just had to comment how your skin looks smoother here, if that’s even possible given your skin was already so nice!
Thank you, B!
You’re not the only one who asked/noticed something different, so I just wrote up about why – which is owed to the Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Palette 🙂 http://www.temptalia.com/hourglass-ambient-lighting-palette-review-photos-swatches
Hi Christine,
Just wanted to let you know I think it’s wonderful that you’re abstaining from reviewing this collection. I was aware that Bourdain was a photographer who influenced Nars, but I don’t think I would’ve realized the violence against women (VAW) undertones in Bourdain’s work if you hadn’t of pointed it out. I’m thankful that I will no longer be purchasing/supporting this line & I wouldn’t have known enough to do my own research about this particular topic (one might think a makeup collaboration would be innocent enough?). I will have to become more aware/ vigilant in the future, it would’ve upset me to find out after the fact if I had supported this collaboration. So thanks for the heads up & great work!
Thanks for your support, Meghan! I’m with you – when I initially saw images from the gifting collection, I really didn’t interpret anything really amiss, but when you view his work as a whole and go beyond, it’s definitely much more apparent. Hopefully future collaborators with NARS will be less controversial. I know that I will be spending a bit more time to know exactly brands are collaborating with so at least we’re not caught off-guard.
I think it can be good to have some controversy for the sake of discussion. However, I believe it should be in the interest of dismantling the normalization of things like violence against women, not in favour of it.
I’m sure this wasn’t an easy decision for you, especially while having to consider reader interest. But I hope you know that there are some of us who are really proud of you! We all need to do a little investigative work I think, and you’re setting a really great example for everyone!
Thank you, Meghan! I’ve definitely learned that I need to do a little more legwork when brands collaborate with people I don’t know!
Christine – Thank you for all the effort and thought you put into Temptalia. Looking through your swatches is always a great escape at the end of the day, but I appreciate your candor and thoughtfulness even more. Makeup is an obsession of mine and I will always love the way the perfect red lipstick makes me feel, but not at the cost of being uninformed. Again, thank you! You are a gem. Xo
Thank you so much, Kelly 🙂
Christine,
I have only recently started leaving comments and interacting here on Temptalia; though I have been lurking for close to a year. Can I say that you have an amazing blog, so much knowledge, and a true talent to be unbiased towards products/ideas, etc? I will say that more of what has brought me back to your site over and over (ok, ok EVERY DAY HAHA..i am a makeup addict) is your kind heart. I can see that you are a great person and this also makes me feel..safe (as another poster stated).
I am a survivor of child abuse from my mother. All five of my siblings and are were physically and mentally abused from day 1 in life. Thank goodness for people like you who care. If not for people like you, I am not sure that I nor my siblings would be alive. Not only are we alive, almost all of us have come out survivors, successful and so thankful to have the chance that caring people that went the extra mile for us gave to us!
Sorry to be so long winded, but this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. Thank you for ‘saying’ that abuse is no laughable matter and for making it real. No abuse is ok.
Sincerely,
Dani
Hi Dani!
Thank you for commenting and coming out of lurkdom!
I’m so sad to hear about the abuse you and your siblings suffered from your mother, but I am so thankful and happy that you are all alive and almost all of you are survivors (I’m sure whoever you’ve noted is alive but not yet a survivor is finding plenty of support from you and the rest of the family to get there). Thank you for having the courage to share your story, Dani!
I kind of like the nude lipstick, but probably won’t be purchasing it. Anyways this is a little off topic, but what foundation are you wearing? This is the best your skin has ever looked!!! I need to know what it is hahaha.
Hey!
The foundation is Guerlain Parure de Lumiere! You’re not the only one who asked/noticed something different, so I just wrote up about why – which is owed to the Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Palette 🙂 http://www.temptalia.com/hourglass-ambient-lighting-palette-review-photos-swatches
Christine, I didn’t think it was possible for me to respect you more than I already did, but you’ve gone and done it! I don’t normally comment, am more of a ‘silent admirer’ 🙂
It really boils down to this. The majority of purchases of this collection will be made by women.
In the UK, more than 1 in 3 women have experienced Domestic Abuse. More than 1 in 4 have been sexually assaulted or raped. So, for NARS to collaborate with Bourdin, they are doing an implorable disservice to a third of their target market, not even including the ones who know a victim themselves.
Thank you or taking a stand,
Polly, NVARCC (Northampton Violence and Rape Crisis Centre, England)
Hi Polly!
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this post! I very much appreciate it. It is always startling to hear the severity of the statistics, both where I live as well as abroad. It is so hard to know the statistics.
Thank you, too, for working at the NVARCC and helping others!
I was glad you decided to review it, but your swatches has day dream looking like I most have it. I wrote it off cos other reviewers compared it to orgasm. And now I know I want Mississippi mermaid(besides just for the name.)
I’m glad I was able to help you, Erin!
His website is blocked where I live and I’m probably better off. But as far as the colors, sleek made a blush like that once, I think it was from the Mediterranean collection, called Santorini.
Thank you for the heads up on Santorini – will go look into it!
Hi Christine, I really appreciate and respect your decision not to review this collection. I can only imagine how difficult it was, but the professionalism and sensitivity you’ve shown are part of why you’re one of my favorite bloggers. As someone who grew up surrounded by men who treated violence against women as a legitimate threat at the scariest times and a “funny joke” at other times – I am so thankful for your stance. I was so upset and disappointed that NARS chose to support Guy Bourdin’s “art”, I definitely won’t be buying from this collection.
I hope that while having to listen to threats of violence or violence used as a joke that you were not subjected to more – though the threat of violence can be just as damaging and abusive as real violence. I’m happy that you can identify that experience, though – thank you for sharing, Gabby!
Dear Christine
Much respect for your decision not to review this collection.
I fully respect your saying you do not want to see violence against men and women glamorized.
For women, the threat of violence is different, though. It is intimate partners and family members that are most dangerous for women. The level of physical and sexual violence women on average, also in the US and Europe, experience is fundmentally different for women and men. The statistically most dangerous life choice for a woman is not to drive at high speed, to smoke, or to take other “bad choices”, but to divorce. When I see the NARS photos of dead women in designer clothes, I cannot help but think about the atrocities women experience from the people they should find the most support in, their intimate partners. I cannot help but think about the college education report I recently read about where men’s and women’s life experiences differed dramatically, and young men were shocked that for their female peers, every man in a dark alley was a potential rapist, and the men themselves did not have to grow up and live with such (often implicit, not conscious) threats.
So to portray graphic violence against women is something totally different from portraying violence against men given the endemic and systematic nature of violence against women in our societies.
Still, I would not like to see glamorized death of men either.
I just wanted to add this to your well written opinion, and thank you for the link to violence against women reports.
I respect you even more now! Thank you!
I will not buy from this NARS collection I might add.
Yes, though both genders experience violence and the population at large is subject to numerous atrocities (it is a sad world – anyone who reads the news cycle would know it, though there are acts of kindness and happy endings sometimes), but the type of violence women experience and the degree is often different from what many men experience. The increase in risk for a woman who attends college is not really surprising but hard to think about. My husband and I often discuss how our gender colors our reactions or choices in certain situations – I have always been hyper-aware (or paranoid, however you’d like to describe it) of my particular vulnerability as a woman (and even though the odds are it is from an intimate partner or someone you know, it doesn’t mitigate the fear of strangers).
Thank you for sharing, Christine!
I am quite shocked that Nars would want to accociate themselves with something/someone that is basically glamourising violence against women. Surely nobody can think that this is a good idea? It’s nearly as bad as the MAC/Rodarte collection that got cancelled.
I think it’s very brave of you to stand up and say ‘this is what I believe in’ and explain why you won’t be reviewing the collection but still be able to put your own feeling aside and post swatches/dupes for those people who may still be interested in the collection. Personally I will be staying away as I believe that glamourising violence, especially violence towards women, is basically condoning it which is something I can never agree with. But thank you for stepping outside of your ‘makeup bubble’ and bringing this to the attention of people who may not be aware of what the artists work represented.
Thank you, Laura Lou! There are those who find his work inspirational or interpret his work as an analysis of violence against women or a way of highlighting the issue or simply that his work was not only under that theme. They’re not arguments I find compelling to the point where I’ve changed my mind, personally, but I tried to acknowledge the other sides of the argument and respect others who have seen his work and interpreted it otherwise. I appreciate you having the same understanding and respect 🙂
I didn’t have any idea about this — Thank you. This is why we all love you, you manage to stand behind your beliefs while still being very thoughtful to include swatches for your readers who may not mind the issue.
No problem, Ryou! Thank you!
hello again, actually i fell bad now, because i didint know the artist and the controversy around him. and i am looking and searching now. i dont support cruelty in any form.I just looked at the products and they look gorgeous.now i am reading. thanks for the swatches dear Christine. I support your choice on not reviewing this collection.
It’s just fine, Oksana! Thank you for taking the time to look into it 🙂
Hi Christine,
I’m not sure there would be another blogger on the entire internet that will/would put as much thought, research and feeling into a post.
This just confirms you, I think at the top of the pile.
Thank you for writing such a fantastic piece and still including all the photos which I might add look lovely and dupes for all of us weather we are buying or not.
I have never heard of this person before and what one person finds acceptable for art a lot of other people are quite confrontig and unacceptable.
I completely support you and the way you feel and can imagine that it could have been concerning for you to put on as to how your readers would react to you not giving it any ratings, but from reading others comments everyone is so suppotive of you and your views..
Thanks again for providing such a wonderful service for us all to enjoy.
I agree with you not reviewing the collection and I wouldn’t buy anythinf from it.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your understanding and support. It really does mean a lot to hear it from you and other readers.
Hi Christine, I applaud you for taking a stand on this subject in such an intelligent an mature manner. I don’t know how I stand on this subject personally, but you have made me think about the way these images suggesting violence have become mainstream and an important part of fashion.
Thanks for your support, Nonah! As long as we each take a little time to ponder the bigger picture, that’s all we can ask of ourselves. We may not always come to the same conclusion or agree, but it’s the critical thinking portion that’s so important.
Amazing commentary on a subject dear to my heart! Thank you for putting so much thought and research into it, for listening to your heart, and for having the courage to put it out there! I recommend your blog to people at makeup counters all the time. You do an awesome job and I depend on your swatches for my purchasing decisions. Thank you for recognizing that this product release wasn’t just about the product. That the context was also important and required comment also. Simply an awesome commentary! Good job!!!
Thank you so much, Karen! I really appreciate your support!
Thank you Christine. This posting is intelligent, thoughtful, and well-informed and I find all those qualities very beautiful.
I know I could never feel pretty buying or wearing anything from this collection.
Thank you for letting me take the time to say it 🙂
Great post Christine! I will be passing on this collection as well.
Thanks, Anna!
Bravo, Christine! Thank you for taking a stance. “You got a lot a spunk, Kid”!
Thank you!
Christine,
I want to thank you for your honest, thoughtful, and well researched response to this collection. I have been a long time reader of your blog and I am always interested in hearing your opinions on products and in this case, serious issues. I will not be buying anything from this collection. While some of the shades are extremely beautiful, I will be purchasing the dupes you’ve recommended. Thank you for giving us other options!
Thank you, Lauren! I’m thrilled that the dupes can provide readers an opportunity to consider other ways to satisfy a certain craving for a color!
Thank you, Christine.
Thank you for making me feel safe enough to!
Thank you, Chrstine. I have to admit that I was only familiar with his non-violent work and was pretty excited about several of these products, but I think I’ll be passing. Nars seems to have a real problem with women. It’s really frustrating to say this and be accused of having a prudish sense of sexuality, but I don’t feel it’s appropriate to have to celebrate the glamorization of violence against women. I feel similarly about DeepThroat blush.
There are enough aspects to women’s sexuality and personality that I am confused by the frequent resorting to violence as sexy. It’s uninteresting and makes me think less of the company. Thanks, Christine.
You are definitely not alone in how you feel about some of the names used by the brand, so feel safe expressing your opinion here on Temptalia! Even though there are those that disagree, the community is good in respecting others’ views overall, and discussion leads to learning.
I’m sort of unsure about the shadows, because I have already seen them broken on a few different blogs now.
In the interest of being transparent, I received all of the products in a padded envelope but none of the individual products were in boxes, so they were able to rattle around and knock against each other, and they traveled 3,000 miles. This is usually how I receive a lot of product samples, but it’s also not the way that brands or retailers generally ship out their products either!
Christine, you are an admirable woman. Your post was well written and thought-provoking. I’d like to thank you for including links to other organizations work and opinion. Others have commended you for the content of the post and I stand by many of those comments. I wanted to point out and thank you for providing links to NOW and RAINN. These organizations do wonderful work on behalf women and victims of sexual assault. Outside of providing resources to those who wish to delve further, organizations like RAINN are lifelines for those who have lived through horrific circumstances and need to be reminded that they are not alone and there is help.
You never know who is reading. Who may just need RAINN’s hotline or who may need to find a counselor. From someone who as used them, I appreciate your post and the links to further information. For a resource for those in a domestic violence situation, thehotline.org
NOW and RAINN are both great resources for information, but even more, they do good work for women (particularly in relation to violence against women, sexual assault, and so forth) and provide resources for women to become survivors.
I’m glad you were able to turn to RAINN when you needed them. Thank you for also including thehotline.org, which I will add to the post!
Christine, I thank you for doing the research on this one. I don’t know who Guy Bourdin is, and am glad I did not subject myself to viewing his “art”. It makes me sad that one of my favorite brands would connect to this. I, too, am a survivor of domestic violence. I loved makeup until I was told that by wearing it, I must be cheating. I am sure that has played a part in my passion for makeup today.
It’s one of those issues that cries “walk in my shoes” before judging. Even if it is about something as “silly” as makeup. I am glad that you have not dismissed this for the sake of the brand. Let me be happy about my makeup and feel good about it. I respect everyone’s right to an opinion, just as I respect the right to refuse a brand’s product because of the subject matter it has attached itself to. I am a domestic violence survivor and don’t want to feel bad about my makeup ever again. I think NARS has lost a customer. Thanks, again, Christine.
Thank you for sharing your story, Diana! You are very courageous, and your story inspires me–and other readers I’m sure as well! Love and enjoy your makeup as intended – wear it, smile, and feel good about it! 🙂
I strictly come here for beauty information. That’s it. If a particular item is not reviewed there are more then enough blogs available. No harm done. But this post hit a sour note for me. Your lengthy opinion of a photographer many consider legendary was unnecessary. Your blog no longer feels impartial. But anyway, beautiful makeup.
Hi Jay,
Thank you for sharing your opinion!
Makeup, superficial and technically unnecessary though it may be, does not exist in a vacuum. Makeup is primarily purchased and used by women. The political statement that François Nars makes in choosing his inspiration for his makeup collections is of interest to the people who purchase it.
Frankly, just because ‘many consider (Bourdin) legendary’ it doesn’t mean that everybody HAS to agree that his work is genius. If you, personally, think he is a genius, please, just don’t assume everybody has to love him, too. Especially people who experienced abuse or people who saw other people die because of it. The opinion of some people shouldn’t matter when it comes to violence of any kind. Death isn’t funny, edgy, fashionable or artistic. Death is serious business, and death resulting from violence/abuse is even more so. I’m sorry, but claiming that Christine isn’t impartial just because she isn’t reviewing something inspired by somebody that is or was well-liked or even acclaimed by some people is a really ridiculous argument. What IS unnecessary is the desensitizing people like you have to issues like these. Realize something: it’s not ‘only makeup’. If we buy it, we are funding AND generating more motivation for more campaigns like this one, so we will have to endure more and more pro-violence propaganda. Honestly, people shouldn’t have to experience violence to recognize it is not cool or artistic. I don’t get why people can’t get it.
Marlene, I’m thinking maybe if Nars decided to name a blush “Genital Mutilation”, “Bride Burning” or “Holocaust” that would suddenly strike a chord on more people who are currently numb or desensitized. Who would want to buy a product named after such horrific acts of violence against women/human beings? So, indeed, I don’t understand either why is it that people don’t get that names that glamourize sexual violence (Deep Throat) and murder (Exhibit A) aren’t cool or fashionable. “It’s only makeup”, yes; but those names aren’t “just names”. Those names are reprehensible because no matter how beautiful makeup is, violence against human beings will never be beautiful or fashionable.
Sorry for the off-topic comment, but your comment reminded me of my problem with NARS as an Indian / Third World woman – their using Third World country or location names in an effort to exoticise their products. “Taj Mahal” is also a exoticising cliche that I’ve grown really tired of (even though I love the blush). I suppose they think it is a compliment to call a foundation shade “Punjab” or “Benares” but to me it feels like they’re slapping a location on without even knowing (or caring) anything about it or the people who come from there.
Totally agreed on the violence issue, too.
This is exactly what I meant by seeing the negative side of things, and jumping to the conclusion that everything has to “mean” something. I love the idea of NARS naming products after exotic locales. Every time I buy something, and the name is unfamiliar, I immediately look it up, and learn something. It was the same with Bourdin; however, I still see nothing wrong with yhe photos.
Everything does have a meaning, and what you are defending is ripping the meaning out of things that are very important and beautiful and meaningful for millions of people. My country and culture are NOT “exotic”, they are my homeland. They are not for any company to appropriate for their own ends (profit, nothing else), or for you to become aware of them. We exist whether you are aware of us or not, believe it or not.
Hi Christine! will you be reviewing the Tarte holiday collection this year? 🙂
Hi Luisana,
I don’t have any of Tarte’s holiday products at this time, so no for now but we’ll see if that changes!
A difficult topic to write about in this forum, and you handled it masterfully. Well done indeed.
Thank you, Alix!
Class, grace, and professionalism. You handled this post and this collection perfectly. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Megan!
I would not feel confortable wearing makeup that trivializes violence of any kind. Therefore: no, thanks.
Bravo Christine for your ethic.
Thank you, Noemi!
Christine,
As a student nurse graduating with my RN degree in December, I would like to say thank you for attaching resources for women who are experiencing violence in your post. The organizations that you listed are trusted and true. I just finished my psych clinical rotation, and I came to realize that there are so many victims out there that simply need a place to turn. By sharing your stance with class, as well as attaching information, you have brought awareness to many. I check in with your site daily resulting from my love of cosmetics, and I know that your site reaches far and wide. You never know who may be a victim, read your post, and pick up the phone to get help. Bravo for raising awareness despite the awkward moral position the collaboration left you in!
Sincerely, Renee
Thank you, Renee! I knew that if I was going to address it, I had to do it right, and I needed to consider that there are potentially readers who are in abusive relationships or situations – and that one post might be a lightbulb moment. Knowing you are not alone, that there is support available, that there are people who can understand your situation and help you move forward and get out of it is so crucial.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, Renee!
Thank you so much!
there is nothing i can say that hasn’t already been said, so just a solid thank you to you Christine. as if you weren’t already my favorite website ever, you have just solidified yourself to me as a real stand up individual. and maybe some of those items are real pretty but after reading what you had to say and doing my own research, i will be abstaining from a purchase from this collection. thanks so much christine for all you do.
Thank you for your support, Lori! I also appreciate that you took some time to look into it yourself!
Such a wonderfull step you made. It is wonderfull to read that you want to stand for what you feel despite if collection is tempting and so on. I really appreciate it and want to say thank you for this post. I saw a short post somewhere days ago that this collection is coming, but I never heard about this Guy Bourdin before. Now after reading this post I know I stay away from this collection. It is important that ppl get know what those who go in such collaboration stands for. Somebody maybe buys, but I am really sure that your readers and fans will stay away. Thanks for opening our eyes for this. Thanks for being open, and honest. And last but not least, thanks for swatches and dupe list, nice to have a good alternatives. 🙂
I think it is easy to get caught up in pretty colors and the like , and sometimes we forget to take a second to think just a bit more about it. I know that I’ll be doing more research initially on collaborations where I’m not familiar with the collaborator.
Thank you for your support, Alicja!
C, I think you’ve made exactly the right call. I appreciate the care and thoughtfulness that you put into everything you do on this blog, and this decision really highlights why I love coming here. Your professionalism is massively impressive.
Thank you so much, Adriana! 🙂
Thank you for the article! Wow–I had no idea of the level of misogyny represented in Guy Bourdin’s work. I did a little reading on my own after reading your post and while I guess I can understand how Nars the person was influenced by Bourdin’s work, I find it hard to imagine why NARS the company thought it a good idea to associate themselves publicly with art of this nature when their customers are primarily women.
I looked at a number of the photographs on the Bourdin site and I read some articles about him as well–he seems to have been a very disturbed man and I found the reports of his actions toward the women in his personal life to be at least as disturbing as his photographs.
Prior to reading your post and actually looking at some of his photos, I’d kinda rolled my eyes and thought ‘for heaven’s sake, it’s just makeup’….obviously now, having read your thoughtful and well researched article and having seen some of the photographs, I get it.
It’s a shame, too, because I was really looking forward to buying some of the items in the collection but I probably won’t now…not because of any antipathy toward NARS, just because I think I would see those photographs every time I looked at the cosmetics.
Once you go down the rabbit hole… it can be hard to go back – that’s how I felt as I looked at more of his work, read more about it, and so on. To the point where, like you, I couldn’t fully disassociate those feelings and reactions from the makeup.
Thank you for sharing, Sandy!
My respect for you went up 100%. I was not aware who Guy Bourdin is/was or what he did. But I can not, just CAN NOT understand how using dead women as props be constituted as art. Violence, unfortunately, is still a huge problem all over the world against women. I think buying anything from this collection would just not be right. Thank you for thinking like a woman before a beauty blogger.
Thank you, Shivani! Makeup is supposed to be fun, so if buying from the collection makes you feel bad or doesn’t feel right, there’s no reason to do it!
Christine, I think you’re very right about this. I support your decision not to review, and would have supported you even if you had elected not to associate with the collection whatsoever. I think you’ve done a very wise, considered, and measured thing with your post here. I love your blog not only because I love beauty, but because you’re such an intelligent and professional woman in your career. Go Christine!
Thank you so much, Liz! 🙂
Hi Christine,
I frequent your website and used to comment more often, but I stopped providing feedback for quite some time (just being lazy…nothing against the direction of your blog!).
I wanted to write here today to let you know how much I respect and admire your decision on handling this collection. I wouldn’t have read about Guy Bourdin and purchased something from the collection, but the fact that you made an effort to let us know about how you felt stopped me from being ignorant. If I had found out after purchasing something from this collection, I probably would have felt sick.
As a beauty blogger, partnerships with beauty companies are vital to your success. I recognize you must’ve anticipated the risk of dampering the relationship with NARS/Estee Lauder in writing your thoughts about this. If you ever find yourself wondering if this was the right decision, I hope you’ll remember this: You are a person with great integrity, and in life, your reputation as a person is more important than your reputation as a blogger/business woman/entrepreneur.
Much love 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Bourdin, Sue! I’m really glad that so many readers have taken a step back and taken a moment to learn about the person honored by this collection, no matter what they might conclude.
NARS knew of my decision not to review over a week ago, and they were very gracious about it. They still sent product for the color collection, as well, though in the interest of being fair to the brand, I did let them know it would be just fine for them to pass along gifting samples to other bloggers as I know samples are limited. I remain very hopeful that my relationship with NARS will continue successfully – I know that there are some incredibly amazing, talented people working in their PR department who understand beauty bloggers well. But if ever necessary, I can always purchase product on my own – money is easy to part with compared to doing something that just didn’t feel right.
Like I always tell new bloggers, “Your reputation is not worth the price of a lipstick.” Honesty is the backbone of beauty blogging (which is usually based on reviews), and once you lose credibility, you’ll lose your audience, and so nothing is more important than being true to yourself and to your readers. I knew that the best way to address this was to be as honest and as open about my process, my struggle, and how I went from point A to point B – a vulnerable place but necessary.
Thank you for beeing so open about your opinion and how you feel about this collection.
Thank you for letting me have the space to do so!
I am very impressed with this post and with you, Christine. It’s a very sensitive, insightful and difficult look at violence against women and a society that not only condones violence against women, but at times glamorizes it. I am a survivor of both child abuse and domestic violence (inflicted by a partner) and with the current “artistic” campaigns being used to sell clothing and makeup….all I can feel is disappointment. Controversy sells especially well nowadays and it’s a disgrace that so many companies would glamorize brutality as a way to gain attention for the brand and drive up sales. I am grateful that Temptalia is not like those companies. Temptalia puts human health, emotional well-being and safety first, Thank you, Christine. 🙂
Thank you for sharing a painful part of your past, Chris! I’m so happy that you were able to survive and move forward. It is very courageous and brave of you!
Christine, I just wanted to comment on what an intelligently written disclosure this was to the recent NARS collection. Your informative and honest approach to reviewing what some consider to be a controversial representation of a product line is just one of the reasons that I always come back to your website. When I found your blog years ago, I was simply happy to have come across an individual who seemed to have the same love of makeup as myself. My love of cosmetics has since grown to appreciate the artistry and visual representation of how society’s views on beauty have evolved. Your site has always reflected that evolution in tandem and I applaud your candid and eloquent stance on this issue.
Thank you so much for your support! 🙂 I am so thankful to have such amazing, understanding, and supportive readers like you that have made me feel like I can express myself when it is really important to do so.
I’m a survivor of… some seriously bad stuff, and I found Bourdin’s work triggering as hell. Thank you, Christine, for showing that you care, and want to keep this place safe. You’re my absolute favourite beauty blog, and not just because of the consistently great content, but because you are such a caring, thoughtful person. <3
Thank you for having the courage and confidence to be a survivor of what you’ve experienced! You are an inspiration to me. I can only imagine how deeply troubling and triggering Bourdin’s work can be for someone who has actually experienced any degree of that type of violence.
Hi Christine
Thank you for your thoughtful and thorough reply…the connection between sex and violence in the arts, fashion and popular culture has a very long and complex history. I am glad you have clearly stated your reasons for not reviewing the collection and respect you for it. I am also glad that there are beauty blogs like yours where people can discuss political issues such as this.
Oh, yes, it is a very long, long history (surprisingly long), enduring, and complex. I know that I don’t fully understand it in full, and every day, I learn a little more!
Dear Christine, I really appreciate your candor on this subject. I like that you chose to speak your mind and take a stand on this very important issue of violence against women. I’ve a fine arts, a communication and international relations background and I find Guy Bourdain’s work very appealing from an aesthetic point of view. However, I also find his work conceptually disturbing and reprehensible. Women are clearly objectified, reified; violence against women is glamourized. I certainly find there’s a lack of critical thinking when it comes to fashion and makeup. People within the industry seem to commonly think of fashion and makeup as merely superficial, and thus regard the images used as innocuous and equally superficial. But the underlying meaning is there, speaking to us if only we -as women, human beings and consumers- are willing to speak our minds and defy it. Thank you, Christine, for your post.
Thanks for commenting, Adriana! I really appreciate that you can also see the two competing views – the aesthetic of the work as art but also acknowledge the content of art being worthy of discussion. It can be hard to see the gray in things, but like you, the content was too strong to ignore.
This leaves a bad taste, doesn’t it? Even the names of the products are erring towards the glorification of the commodification of women, and even exploitation. Last Tango and Goodby Emmanuel in particular. I have ‘Deep Throat’ – I can see past that in isolation and like to joke that NARS understands US presidential history. But in the context of this collection, the names are just wrong. See: Exhibit A.
And why oh why oh why Cambodia? Just call it Kampuchea and have done…
Yes, after seeing Bourdin had a book entitled Exhibit A, I immediately wondered if NARS’ blush was named after that.
I really appreciate your commentary! I wasn’t aware of Guy Bourdin and his work, and this really made me interested to do my own research. This really gives me pause to think more about the message and partnerships of cosmetic companies, and whether I can just continue to ignore it because “it’s just makeup.”
Thank you for taking some time to research Bourdin and come to your own conclusion 🙂
Dear Christine,
This courageous and balanced post reveals why people trust you and value your opinion. And I am adding my thanks. It’s great that when women gather to assess beauty products that we are not forced to stuff any feelings that might come up around these issues and just go along — because it suits others. You have modeled great kindness and integrity– far more important and enduring than this specific line of products.
Thank you so much for your support, Aliro! 🙂
Nicely done, Christine! I not only enjoy your work, but also respect the human being you are. “Rage” was the color I was eyeing before I decided to not purchase from this collection. Ironically, it didn’t swatch like I would have hoped.
And Rage has several really close dupes, too, so even if you wanted something like it – there are options!
Thank you, Tonnie!
I am sure that NARS will respect the manner in which you have dealt with this issue. I knew his name was familiar, but when I block someone’s accomplishments from my mind, it’s because they somehow didn’t sit well with me.
There are artists who believe pushing the envelope must be done in a system-shocking, attention-getting manner – taste and common sense mom-existent. To that end, they leave themselves forever a topic of discussion, encouraging an ever-deeper exploration into the dark. If is interesting that NARS is resurrecting this one individuals’s work. I can’t say that his work had a profound impact on the world; rather, it merely was a perspective most have no inclination to explore.
I can now guess how “Exhibit A” received its name and will probably be unable to even sample it in the future. Thanks for the information links, wish more would take a stand. I witnessed domestic violence of several kinds growing up. It has made me overly protective of who I allow in my life, and equally overly protective of victims who have been subject to the most direct abuses.
Hi Jan!
I just replied to a reader about the first sentence – I informed NARS of my decision late last week, so they knew about it about a week ago. They were very gracious about my decision – and they did still send the color collection. I did let them know that given how limited samples are, I would understand and be fine with them sending gifting collection samples to other bloggers (at the time, I still was not certain how I was going to tackle everything in full, including whether to swatch or not). I remain very hopeful that my relationship with NARS will continue successfully – I know that there are some incredibly amazing, talented people working in their PR department who understand beauty bloggers well. But if ever necessary, I can always purchase product on my own – money is easy to part with compared to doing something that just didn’t feel right.
I know that art is supposed to be something we interpret, but I think if an artist is going to seemingly-exploit a controversial topic that some context would go a long way to ensure we understand their motivations and intentions behind the work, especially if they are trying to raise awareness of the issue rather than exploit it for controversy.
Thank you for sharing, Jan! Thank you for showing great care and concern for victims and survivors of domestic violence in your own life.
I appreciate your commentary, Christine.
Thank you, Christina!
Thank you Christine for taking a stand in this issue. I admire you for doing so, and I agree fully. Personally I will not purchase from this collection, as I think makeup companies should not make light of serious topics.
Thank you, Liu! 🙂
I really, really LOVED the lipsticks and blushes, but I’m not going to spend a single cent in any of those. I mean, are you serious? Dead women are fashionable now? REALLY? I thinki found a makeup brand for the Men’s Right activists. It goes hand in hand with the Rodarte/MAC collection, but I must say I could have forgiven MAC (still wouldn’t have bought anything from the collection), but not this collab. Why would someone accept this?
Christine, thank you for being so honest and committed to your beliefs. I wouldn’t have known about this issue if you didn’t post about it, your blog is the only one I read. Yes, the only blog I actually read.
Apparently (I didn’t know this prior to looking into Bourdin and reading some essays about art and his impact on art), there is a significant history of these types of images. Bourdin was one person who employed the theme, there were others as well, and there continue to be others today (since Bourdin passed away in ’93, I believe it was). I know that 12 Magazine did a particularly violent editorial a year or so ago (DO NOT google unless you have a strong stomach) – that did not sit right with the majority, at least.
Also, I am extremely, extremely humbled and honored to be the only blog you read. I will cherish that and hope to continue to impress you as a reader!
Well, I’m going to trust you and not google the editorial you mentioned, because this kind of thing drive me completely mad. I just don’t understand what is the appeal of this kind of… art. I am really, truly sorry if someone is offended by my comment, but I fail to see how violence of any kind against anybody or anything can be fun or artistic or edgy or anything but horrendous and abominable. I don’t get it.
The sad thing is, it’s not recent, given not only by the dates in these photos, but by things like ANTM, which actually did a whole shoot where the models had to pretend to be dead a while back. 😐
I’m glad you decided to post this article. While I understand that in general it is better to focus with a blog on a specific subject (such as beauty) and leave society and politics out of it, because it could feel too personal and something to divide readers, I think sometimes there are subjects where one cannot be neutral, as in cases like this, when the brand itself brings a very tricky “society” topic into make-up. As your blog is so influential and widely read, I applaud you for the decision not to stay silent to avoid possibly alienating or losing readers (as some comment above sounds like they’d rather have you “professional” and “neutral”). I think the disadvantages will be offset by maybe influencing what the brand (or other brands) will do in the future and maybe it will also help raise awareness for domestic violence and the image of women in society. Maybe even other beauty bloggers have thought the same thoughts as you had but did not dare to be as brave and outspoken. Maybe the next time something like this happens, there will be even more people speaking out.
I remember well the MAC x Rodarte collection, where also a big part of the consumers had to remind a brand that “dead and abused” is not a fashion statement (and It’s not Gothic, either, that´s sometimes entirely different). Sometimes one simply has to be brave and say something out loud.
Thank you so much for your support, Lilac! I am very, very lucky to have such amazing readers who have allowed me to post something like this and to accept and treat it respectfully.
I had to wipe the tears away before writing a response to this post. They weren’t tears of sadness but of joy. I say that because this month its Natonal Domestic Violence Awareness Month which competes heavily against Breast Cancer Awareness. You are the FIRST beauty blogger (at least out of all the one’s that I follow) to actually post informative links to assist women in abusive relationships(plus educate). As a survivor and advocate for DV seeing it made me jump for joy ( and cry at the same time). Thank you so much Christine for taking the time to write such a passionate response surrounding this collection as it created a dialogue to the issue at hand…..we are still faced with women being abused all over the world. I could say so much more but my mind is running with emotion. All I can say is thank you. 🙂
I’m so glad I could give you a sense of joy with this post, Shelley! Thank you for being such a courageous and empowered individual and sharing!
Christine, I have to say I am very impressed with how you have handled this post. I have the utmost respect for you and your writing.
I agree with others, I am new to NARS products and have to say I too will not be buying anything from this collection. As a previously battered woman and having many friends who have been in the same situation as me, I will not support this new collection. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. <3
Thank you for your understanding & support, Sheryl! I am so glad you were able to get out of your situation, Sheryl, to become a survivor!
Wow. I really appreciate you researching this. I wouldn’t have known, and I appreciate the information.
Hope it helped, Peggy!
Wow! If there is an award for excellence in blogging, this posting should merit recognition and attention. I don’t think you can soft-soap violence, and as much as I love Nars’ artistic vision, this is a grave misstep in taste. Congratulations to you, Christine, for your considered and eloquent post.
Thank you so much – I am very humbled by your kind comment!
Hi Christine – I read Temptalia every day and have done so for a few years, however this is the first time I’ve been motivated to comment. This is a subject close to my heart, not because I’ve been a victim, but because I work in the justice field.
I really applaud your stance on this and the utter professionalism with which you delivered that post. I thought it was thoughtful and well researched, and highlights what a class act you are.
One of my favourite sayings is that bad things happen when good people do nothing. The normalisation of violence in our cultures and communities is a huge issue right across the world and however NARS say they were inspired by the ‘art’ in Bourdin’s work, I can’t accept that they are trying to sell makeup to women in this way. Because whether intentioned or not, they’re complicit in all of Bourdin’s messaging.
Thanks again for the post. I won’t be buying anything and I’m heartened that the majority here feel exactly the same way.
Thank you for commenting, Natalie! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and adding your voice to the discussion. I hope that we as a society will find a way to stop normalizing violence – or at least will start realizing that we are becoming more desensitized to it and do something about it.
christine, what an elegant response. i love this blog even more, now.
Thank you, Melissa!
As for the brand I can see pulling something like this, with their controversial shade names etc.I hate violence, but I do not see anything more here than wanting to be controversial. The collection is very pretty, I like most of the colors. Wrong concept for the holiday though.
It’s definitely possible!
The straw that broke the camel’s back. Anyone that expresses art in the brutal victimization of women, i don’t want to have anything to do with. If Nars is influenced by such a person… I wonder what he has to say to women who have walked in those shoes. Thank you christine.
That is a good analogy, Teju! Hopefully future collaborations will be with less controversial figures.
Thank you thank you thank you for your post on this!
I fully agree with and respect your stance on this.
Violence against women and its portrayal in the media impacts us all. Taking a stand on your site is such a great thing, for many reasons, especially for the size of your readership.
Stay awesome!
Thank you, Zoe!
Thank you for your thoughtful stance on this, Christine! As someone who in the past has been affected very personally by violence against women, I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. I typically love NARS but will not be purchasing anything from this collection because of this. Thank you for being the most trustworthy beauty blogger out there! I visit your site daily, and you’re always the first makeup blogger I visit, because I trust your candid reviews the most. Happy seven years and here’s to many more anniversaries!
Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your support and very kind words 🙂
I’m an outspoken and opinionated makeup lover. For once, I am speechless. Nars has a right to sell their products and I have a right to bypass this particular collection and any others that I deem offensive. Kudos to you Christine for your stance and sensitivity.
Thank you, Erica!
I’m so glad you talked about Guy Bourdin because I was thinking, “Bourdin who?” Then as I was reading about it, I was starting to remember about someone doing a report on him in History of Art II and I remember being so disturbed and offended. My mom survived incest, abuse and rape (not that I normally tell many most, but considering the topic; she basically is RAINN in one person) and I’m always thankful that I have her as a mom. She raised me to be sensitive of those issues, be aware of what constitutes as abuse, stalking, etc and she taught me those things from a very little age in age appropriate ways, especially since people with disabilities are more likely to be abused or raped. She made very sure I knew about those so I could tell someone.
Thank you so much for educating your viewers when it comes to controversial collections like this. I don’t think people remember that art is in the eye of the beholder (of course), but violence of women is ever present.
You may also want to think about watching (and linking) Killing Us Softly III (or IV) by Jean Kilbourne if you are interested in this kind of stuff. It’s about women in advertisements and talks about violence as well.
http://www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=241
(You can watch the whole thing in low resolution by going to the full length preview. I’ve watched 3 and 4 in different gender classes. I watched 3 in a gender literary class and 4 in Sex, Gender and Power, which is a psychology/sociology class.)
Your mom sounds like an amazing person! Thank you for sharing such a personal, private thing with me and the rest of readers.
Thank you for the link – I am definitely going to watch both!
You know, people ALWAYS say that, especially since she raised me (and I’m autistic.) To me, she’s just my mom, you know? I thought every mom was like her; the one who would give up her career and education and fight for her disabled kids, one who if she heard the word “retarded” by a fellow adult or a child, she’d stomp on over and give the lecture of a lifetime over the word (in the early 90s!) and why it’s such an awful word, one who’d fight for her children’s education, one who sat with me and helped me with my homework….it wasn’t until I was off military bases permanently and saw other parents not in the same world I learned differently! Blogs exposed different parenting styles even more and I really learned I have a really special mom.
So, thank you for always reminding how special my mom is whenever I post about her. I always forget how special she is! (In fact, she just went back into the work force and I forget that I got spoiled with a stay-at-home mom for most of my life! I miss her now!)
It’s great that lots of people recognize how amazing your mom is, but what’s even better is that YOU do. I did not realize just how utterly amazing my own mother was until my later teens/early twenties, and I wish I had always known it, because I’m sure I was a real snot at 13 😉
Congrats to your mom for going back into the work force! And good luck, though with a spirit and courage like hers, she won’t need it.
Christine, I literally have no words, being particularly ineloquent at the moment; just thank you, and brava! You have true courage.
BTW, Bourdin was a protege of Man Ray, another well-known misogynist; to me, that’s no coincidence.
I’m just flabbergasted that in this day and age, not only is violence against women STILL rampant and totally acceptable in many areas, it’s being used to sell makeup to women.
I especially loathe that if one objects to material such as this, they’re called prudish, or even ignorant, because they fail to view such “art” with objectivity. Also, must we be reminded that woman are also capable of being abusers and rapists EVERY TIME the issue of violence against women is brought up? Yes, I am fully aware that this occurs, but it is a.) not entrenched within nearly every culture on this planet (or any, to my knowledge); nor b.) accepted and justified. This “Yes, but what about the MALE victims?” Is very immature and makes it sound like one act negates the other.
I did read bits and pieces about being inspired/connected to Man Ray, which regrettably, I have to admit I do not know much about (and it doesn’t sound like I’ll be happy to know more but will do my research!). Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you Christine, for your research and hard work; I had no idea who Bourdin was. NARS has a history championing objectification of women. No blush I’ve ever tried looks better on me than Orgasm, but you can bet this pan will be my last. Any ideas Orgasm dupe?
Here are some! 🙂
http://www.temptalia.com/swatch-gallery?sg=111349,110600,108792,101793,94462
You can also go to The Dupe List (http://www.temptalia.com/makeup-dupe-list) and search for “Orgasm.” There are a LOT of dupes for it!
Prior to reading your post, I had no idea about Bourdin’s work. I usually just buy what I like. Makeup is my escape, something that can put a smile on my face when I’m have nag a blah day. That said, I am a childhood survivor of physical, mental and sexual abuse. I still have many demons around but I’m working on empowering myself to be the woman I’ve always strived to be.
I cannot support anything that condones violence against any gender. There are plenty of other brands to choose from 🙂 Thank you Christine for sharing your research on Guy Bourdin and for writing such a heartfelt and graceful post.
Hi Christine,
Thank you for having the courage to share – you are well on your way to being empowered and are already quite empowered as you are a survivor and you’re speaking up about it 🙂
Thanks Christine…baby steps but I’ll get there 🙂
You will! 🙂 *hugs*
As a survivor of childhood abuse, I am particularly sensitive to sexual violence against anyone! I, too, was ignorant to the subject matter of many of Bourdin’s photographs. While I respect and embrace that art can be interpreted in many ways, I cannot ignore images of bound, bruised, and bloodied women. I understand Bourdin’s influence in the fashion industry and am not surprised NARS decided to honor him (NARS is known to be risque ), but I wish the company would have decided to not showcase his violent images. It’s a shame that such a beautiful collection is soured by the company’s marketing concept.
It is hard to ignore once you’ve seen and learned more! Thank you for sharing, Lauren!
Christine-
I admire your position and stance on the issue. Your thoughtfulness is to be admired. As a man, I do not see the uproar. Since he has passed, we will never know, but maybe Bourdin shot those photos to bring GOOD attention to voilence towards women? While I completely understood the outrage with the MAC collection that was focused on Juarez Mexico with catchy/kitchy names, I looked over Bourdins photos weeks ago when I first heard about the collection. I was completely unaware of his work previously. I really thought his take was anti-violence. From my vantage point, I really related to come of his photos, and I thought they were calling attention to misogyny and mayhem, perhaps as a warning to naive girls heading into the big city. Most of the photos were taken in a completely different era and can’t be seen in the context of the time. They seem to say to me, ‘look out for men, they can abuse you and they love to look for pretty girls who don’t know better, so know better!’ I realize this perspective is mine only and I don’t expect others to see it. I just think his art is beautiful and I would like to perhaps help some folks see it from a different point of view. That is the beauty of art!
Sorry, I wanted to clarify something. Its not that I can’t understand the controversy this is causing. There are actual survivors of violence and I don’t want to offend anyone and I swear I am not trolling. I just think back to the 70’s, and there were SO many glamorous images in fashion magazines, cigarettes were glamorous, fur was glamorous, cocaine was glamorous, and I think it was pretty revolutionary of the time to show images in fashion magazines that showed that life wasn’t all drugs and sex and fake hair and eyelashes. In my mind, Bourdin was showing girls that there were things to watch out for. There were people that would take advantage of you, there were people and things that would make you -think- you were glamorous, but those things could also be deadly. I honestly see a lot of his work as a testament against materialism and the artificial glamour that was all the rage at the time. I just wanted to add that to my original statement. I appreciate you taking the time to swatch the items. I actually only came here to see your skin from the Ambient Powders review mention LOL. You are glowing!! Hahahah….I really want that Hourglass palette.
Thank you for clarifying, Brian 🙂
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Brian! I also appreciate that you’ve taken time to look at his work and interpret it.
Brian, you really do have a lot to learn about misogyny and male privilege. Your interpretation of what you think is a “positive” message – ‘look out for men, they can abuse you and they love to look for pretty girls who don’t know better, so know better!’ – is pretty much the most misogynistic thing I’ve heard.
1. Every woman suffers daily, hourly, from misogynistic violence. If you read the comments, you would have an inkling of this. This is not something we need to be educated about.
2. This statement is victim-blaming, i.e. it implies that the victim is somehow complicit in the abuse and either did something to provoke it or could have prevented it. “Know better”? The only person who can prevent the rape and murder of women is the rapist and murderer, by choosing not to rape and murder. Women “knowing better” (what does that mean anyway?) is not going to prevent the horrific violence we suffer. How can women prevent it? By not going out at night? By wearing “modest” clothing? Or in your words, “Look out for men?” Don’t be “pretty”? What does that mean?
No. The only people who are responsible in any way are the rapists, murderers, their apologists and people who uphold rape culture, whether intentionally or unintentionally (out of “ignorance”).
Your statement is an example of rape culture in action.
A+ comment, Astrogherkin
and boom goes the dynamite.
This post was heartwarming for me to read, Christine, because of the obvious care and consideration you put into the post, the issue as a whole and your subsequent decision.
I have been an advocate for women’s rights and women’s issues since I became aware that our struggles are far from over. While people are generally accepting of the issues facing women, and most would never openly condone violence, sexual violence, or harassment, the true silencer is in our cultures acceptance of female repression. Women are told need to be careful of how they dress, where they go, who they associate with, in order to reduce their chance of being assaulted, and I believe that is wrong. The message should be: don’t assault people. Placing the onus upon women not to be targets is fundamentally flawed.
There are other arguments, but I’ll leave those for another time! I find these discussions immensely emotionally draining; I think I’ll go read some of your other posts to recharge, Christine 🙂 I love coming here for that purpose, what another comment said before me is exactly right: Temptalia is a safe place.
I feel like a tiny voice among all the other comments but I just wanted, again, to say thank you.
That is a great point, Jade! Thank you for bringing that up. I wish that the message would be heard loud and clear!
Hey Christine,
Been a lurker on here for a long time lol, but I would like to say I applaud your decision. I wish magazines, and the media ( and society in general) would not degrade women or overlook violence. Unfortunately I don’t believe it, even though I wish it would, will happen because I think too many people generally don’t give a damn about what’s right or wrong as long as they get their quick fix and doesn’t directly effect them. It happens with animals all the time. And as subtle as it may be, women are still perceived as weaker, less intelligent and less overall in comparison to men. Which enrages me so much. I went and posted anonymously about my rape (because I felt like it was my fault somehow) and just because I had a boyfriend at the time and went out with a male friend quite a few people said I was probably asking for it, it was my fault and my poor boyfriend for dating a wh*re, he should break up with me. So yeah, I totally agree that women should not be violently sexualized or shrug off violence because it breeds desensitization towards it. And making it fetishistic in nature also brings a bad light onto the fetish and BDSM community who are actually more understanding, polite and strict with their rules and communities. I had to throw my two cents for them because I am a member of said community and the light it casts on us in general makes it harder for us to develop normal relationships because so many people see it in a glamorized light and assume that abusing a submissive is okay or no is just part of the game. Or you get people seeing it as a statement and an outlet for their violence, that it’s “cool.” I hate that companies do this because it just draws in the wrong crowd and gives them misinformation about the whole situation. Anyways, I am done with my little tirade. Thanks Christine for temptalia and for standing up for your beliefs.
Hi Savanna!
Thank you for coming out of lurkdom for a bit 🙂 I really appreciate you sharing your story, and I am so glad that despite having people say those horrible things to you about you asking for it and it being your fault that you know differently. I can’t imagine how hearing those things must have felt – and it really does show how much victim-blaming is present in our culture.
Since you invited us to comment, I’d like to. I’m afraid my input isn’t valuable, but I have to write this out to someone so my moral compass doesn’t eat me…and that’s that I’m glad I don’t want anything from this collection. Because that means I don’t have to fake some moral debate with myself I’m not actually having.
Initially, I was attracted to this collection because I liked the photos. I understand the disturbingness behind them, but that almost makes me like them more in some ways. The colors and washed out style appeal to me. Either way, my dilemma is this: I don’t feel the need to boycott this collection. It doesn’t make me angry or disgust me.
I wish it did. Part of me feels grossly inhuman for feeling dispassionate and having no anger to fight this with. I am tired and I don’t have the energy to be angry. I wish I did. I wish I was really mad. Instead I just feel guilty that I’m not mad and barely care.
I can’t tell if I’m desensitized or just tired of being mad all the time at all the misogyny and such around us.
I’m just glad I don’t want anything from this collection, because otherwise I’d have to spend time feeling guilty for not feeling mad and for buying something that I should be boycotting in order to be a proper good person. And that would take a lot of energy too.
Even if you don’t reply thank you for reading my comment. I feel safe pouring out my feelings here, and I appreciate that you’ve set up a discussion on this instead’ve leaving it the elephant in the room. It’s a discussion that really needs to be had more than once, because people don’t seem to understand it yet.
Reading these comments has opened my eyes to some of the hidden names and misogyny NARS might contain though. I will be watching their product names a lot closer in the future.
I do understand – I really do. There are so many things that take place during the day, anywhere you go, at any given moment, that aren’t good or could be better or are just bad. There are issues everywhere. If we were angry over everything, we could quite easily be angry all the time. Or outraged, guilty, or the like. There are so many worthy causes and issues to fight for, and we can’t all have the energy to fight for everyone. Even if you focus on a single cause, it can be frustrating to fight the good fight and not see results or even feel like it’s backsliding at times.
At the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for you – whatever that is – and you’re still questioning yourself, still thinking about it, and if you’re wondering if you’re desensitized or just tired of being mad all the time, you’re doing the critical thinking that we all should be doing. That’s what we need – careful thought, open dialogues.
Thank you for sharing and being open and honest!
Honestly, this website was the last place I’d expect to see commentary like this. I logged in like I do everyday to swoon over new swatches and use your reviews to make my ever growing list of products to buy. I am also not familiar with this mans work. I’ve always loved your blog, Christine and always respect your reviews, but this brought my respect of you to a new level. I love that you made the choice to make this more than just a blog with pretty pictures, I respect you for speaking about what you believe in, and taking the time to educate yourself completely about the topic before speaking about it. Thank you and keep up the excellent work!
Thank you so much, Chelsea! It means a lot to have both your understanding and your support 🙂
I really appreciate the time and effort you went to in providing commentary on this issue Christine! I have loved Nars for years and it has always been my favourite makeup brand. I’m disappointed that they chose to use Bourdin’s work as inspiration and definitely feel disheartened by that. I actually already own Exhibit A, bought it about a year ago, and after looking at the website you provided with Bourdin’s work I noticed that he had a series of photos called Exhibit A, which I also am now uncomfortable with.
Thank you for your honesty and integrity in providing the swatches, full support from me for your choice in not reviewing them! Keep up the great work, your blog is fantastic
Thank you, Lydia! Yes, I noticed that connection too, though I don’t know if it is really a tie to Bourdin or a tie to the phrase/usage of “Exhibit A.”
I salute you Christine for not reviewing these. It’s one thing to use dead women’s bodies for art but to use the pictures as a collection for makeup? It just puts a sick feeling in my stomach that these things have been trivialised in one of my favourite brands. It’s funny that makeup is for women (generally) and supposed to be women-friendly but they PURPOSEFULLY chose images to use that are in my opinion, distasteful. It’s a real shame too because looking at these photos, there are at least two lippies and a blush that I really want but will find dupes for and not buy from NARS. It’s funny, I’ve always disliked their use of names like ‘Deep Throat’ etc but this is just a step too far…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mietta, and adding your voice to the discussion 🙂
to be perfectly honest when i read the post i didn’t see what the big deal once since he is long dead but when i actually started looking at his work i immediately understood. good call on this one Christine. i will not be picking anything up from this collection, thats a shame too, so many pretty things
Thank you for looking into it, Janechemi 🙂
I didn’t expect to receive such an education on a Sunday morning, but I read your post and all of the comments and I’m glad I did 🙂 I am not familiar with Guy Bourdin’s work, and while I have no idea what motivated him or what he was hoping to accomplish, this conversation does raise some thoughts. I could write volumes, but the bottom line is that misogyny is still way too prevalent and accepted in our culture. The older I get, the more this gets confirmed for me, unfortunately. So, while it’s ‘just’ makeup, I do believe it’s important to take a stand on glamorizing violence in all of it’s various forms, and I thank you for bringing attention to how insidious this issue can be.
Kind of my feeling when I first started researching, “Well, that was unexpected!”
I tried to find interviews with him, because it definitely would be helpful/interesting/add to my research to see what he said of his own work (if he ever discussed it more directly), but didn’t come up with anything.
hi Christine!
thanks for this information! i am at the moment, undecided what to think about this….like you, i am definitely not into fashion photography, so i had no previous associations established to bourdin except for this nars hommage/collaboration. i did look through the website (thanks for providing the link!) and there are definitely some interesting photographs (i have to say i am not a fan of his art, disliking provactively hypersexual imaging; the reminiscent crucifixion with bleeding nipples wasn’t exactly a favorite either….).
i think what would be most meaningful for me to make a decision is to know what was behind bourdin’s photography/”art”…was it meant to raise awareness and a point about violence against women (at this point, i am very cynical that it was)….or some other artistic point because i suppose, as a person, because ultimately, i think art is very much an extension of the creator. this leads me to wonder about nars, too, because bourdin’s work was so foundational and plays heavily into nars collection (hello exhibit A blush)….
Thank you for the paper, i will be reading it over the next few days and i have to say i am grateful i have some time to read and decide before this collection rolls out in store.
this reminds me of macXrodarte collection….it was great that mac retracted the collection and made a donation to an organization (or group of them) that helped with the issue of violence against women in one way or another.
If you happen to find anything that you feel is compelling re: his work as raising awareness about an issue, please share the link with me! I’m really glad more of us are researching about someone we don’t know. That’s what’s really important for each of us to do.
Christine,
I really respect the way you handled this situation. I can’t say I’m surprised, because you’ve always been classy and thoughtful – and, from the opposite perspective, Nars has always been about being as “challenging” as they possibly can.
I hope that the amount of people now determined to avoid the collection will make the company consider a more respectful, thoughtful marketing approach in the future.
Thank you for your support, Adele! 🙂
I may be in the minority here, but I actually find this collection inspirational, and plan to buy a few items (I’d buy even more if my budget allowed). Just reading the comments here, as well as a few other places, just goes to show that sometimes art is intended to be more than just something pretty to look at, an interesting read, or a pleasant song to listen to. Sometimes, the actual intent behind arty is to evoke thought, discussion, or bring awareness to an issue. At the peak of his career, DV was simply something that happened behind closed doors, something not to be discussed. Perhaps he was actually a pioneer of women’s rights. Perhaps François Nars read something completely in his work (we ave no PR on which to go by), or maybe he just wants to get women to think.
Someone mentioned previously that given the dates of Bourdin’s work, it was fairly “recent”; however, it was not until the 1970s that anyone had even coined the term “domestic violence”. Violence in the home is something that has happened since the beginning of time, but it was not something to be spoken of. Without knowing what Guy Bourdin may have witnessed as a child, we are in no position to presume he was, in fact, glamorizing violence in any way.
My mother was the victim of violence at the hands of her own mother, both physical & verbal, in the 1950s, at a time there was nowhere to turn. Adults weren’t trained to identify signs of abuse on children, and even if someone did, it was not considered their place to say (or do) anything. If children had no protection, one could only imagine how much worse it was for women.
Even today, some 40 *years* after DV was brought out of the shadows into the light, there are still many women who stay in these relationships. Sometimes it’s a choice (there are women who believe a man “loves” them if they beat them), but often it’s because they don’t know where to turn, or there is a stigma attatched, or the resources simply don’t exist.
It seems many who have made negative comments about Bourdin & NARS think it’s enough to simply boycott the collection, but I think the *real* difference would be in doing something proactive in ones own community.
I also find it disturbing that only the men (Bourdin & Nars) are the ones being called out, if in fact the images were intended to be pro-violence against women, yet noone has stated one thing about the female models who were involved. I personally can’t imagine any brand purposely wqanting to offend its given market by being pro-violence, so I don’t think that’s the case here.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Amy!
I really appreciate your point of view. It made me think long and hard. And you articulated very well something that was rattling around in my mind. Maybe he was bringing to light something that had been in the shadows and not trying to make violence seem normal? Maybe in that era before crime shows and ultra bloody movies no one had seen what battered women really might look like? Maybe he wanted to show the horror so people would realize how truly awful it is? Art can be ugly. As you said art is not always about beautiful images. Maybe he was trying to say something powerful? We really don’t know.
thank you so much Christine, I read a lot of the comments and was heartened to hear so many people agree with your viewpoint. I’m glad you are not reviewing this collection. I hate the normalisation of violence against women that seems excepted in society – in particular the prevalence of extreme forms of porn on the internet that anyone can access. It feels like its unfashionable to speak out against these things so great you voiced your opinions!
Thank you for your support! 🙂
This was a really great read. Ironically, there is quite a bit of misogyny in the beauty business, but this is one of the more hard to swallow instances. Thank you for handling this with such sensitivity and professionalism. You’re a class act!
Oh, definitely – the beauty industry as a whole is rife with plenty of issues! This one, like you said, was harder to swallow – definitely struck different chord compared to some of the other things going on in the industry.
I totally agree with you. I will not be able to bring myself to buy this collection. I would love the 6 color blush palette but nope!
I know a lot of people were looking forward to that – I kind of think that will be the hardest to skip for anyone inclined not to buy.
Thank you for your insightful post. I was witness to habitual domestic violence in my family growing up, and I fully respect and support your choice in not reviewing the products. I do, however, think that posting swatches is next door to reviewing the collection; I think a stronger statement would have been made if no photos were included at all (albeit with potential readership backlash, but certainly not from me!) since swatches serve as promotional material at their base level. For example, swatches can be found using an image search and reposted with no context, or a reader can glance at the photos without reading your thoughtful and respectful words. I’m pleased to see that you have included several dupes for this collection; a text-only description of the products I would have appreciated. Thank you again for your blog!
Hi Jenny,
I appreciate you sharing your perspective. To clarify, this post is about balance, respect, and dialogue as well as highlighting the issue of violence against women and why I’m not reviewing the collection – it is about explaining the process I went through to get to this point, acknowledging that not every reader feels the same way, and let you, the reader, have the resources needed to come to your own conclusions. What I want is people to take a moment to know a little more about what they’re buying, as many (including me) did not know who Guy Bourdin was and really didn’t care to look into it – but once you know, that may change things for you. It might not, and that’s OK, but we’re asking questions about what we’re seeing and what that means to each of us; we are acknowledging a serious issue exists – these are the things that are really important.
Have to say that I’m disappointed in your choice to post swatches, even without commentary.
Hi Marie,
I made the decision that felt right for me after a lot of thought and research, so all I can say is I am sorry I have disappointed you.
I’ve been a Temptalia lurker for quite a while, and only recently have started leaving a comment or two here and there (after registering for MyTemptalia!). Your blog is always one of, if not the very first place I go when I am curious about a new product, and you’ve helped me avoid many products that weren’t right for me, as well as helped steer me towards products I’ve come to love; I made the investment into my first container of Meteorites (loose AND pressed!) and I fell in love with Guerlain ‘s Rougue Gs, which were my first ever luxury beauty purchase, and it’s something that I felt secure in because of your honest and informative reviews.
It’s rare that I use the phrase ‘class act’ non-ironically, but if there was ever a time to do so, it’s now. The way you have handled this collection proves that you a truly a class act, Christine, and even further cements why you are one of my favorite bloggers period, not just beauty-related. I think it’s clear to (almost) everyone that this is not a decision you came to lightly, and in doing so you have explained yourself in a very thorough, well-researched manner (as a librarian’s daughter, I confess to having a particular admiration of good, thorough research!). Your professionalism, honesty, and open-mindedness are indeed something to admire, and they all reveal you as a person of true character.
I do own exactly one Nars product (Orgasm Blush), and while I never found the name personally off-putting or offensive, I could see why others might, and that’s also a valid feeling to have. That will probably the only Nars product I’d buy, but it’s never been a brand I’ve been particularly drawn to. I didn’t feel interested in any products from this collection, but even if I did this knowledge definitely would put me off. With a degree in Theatre and a minor in Writing, the portrayal of women, and especially violence against women, has often crossed my radar, too often with the ‘justification’ of someone saying, “Well, it’s just art.” Just art? Art is one of the most powerful, transformative forces there is, not the least bit because of the fact that we create it. All art is a reflection of us in some way, whether what we want or what we fear, or even other ways. As said, art doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and neither is it created in one, and it continues to effect even after it’s creation. Art like Guy Bourdin’s is certainly open to interpretation, but an artist must always be prepared for someone to take a completely different meaning away from their work, possibly the total opposite of the one they intended to portray. I don’t know if that’s what was happening with Bourdin’s work, but it’s something NARS should’ve considered before releasing a collection like this, which, like far too much in global culture, sexualizes violence and portrays violence as ‘sexy’, something which is both deeply troubling and highly problematic. By portraying violence and/or sexuality in a such a way, it trivializes the very real ways women and others are not permitted (explicitly or not) to express any sexuality safely by shaming them, and glamorizing and rewarding violence. Or perhaps they did consider it and just didn’t care.
I also can’t help but note that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I wonder if Nars was aware of this when planning their launch, or if they just weren’t paying attention and it was just happenstance. We can only wonder.
Thank you so much for making Temptalia the safe space that it is; it’s certainly not an easy thing to do, but is definitely something to be celebrated and embraced. If we take action together against issues like this, we could end up effecting change on a large scale.
My apologies for the long post – I didn’t think I’d have so many thoughts to share, but I feel safe doing so here. A cookie for you if you read this far!
Thank you so much, Sarah, for sharing your feelings on both art, the idea that art is just art, and doing so in such a well-articulated way. I really enjoyed reading your comment – cookie for me, I suppose, since I read every word 🙂 This was a really great thing that you said, “Art is one of the most powerful, transformative forces there is, not the least bit because of the fact that we create it.” I also noticed that October was National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and though I doubt it was on NARS’ radar, I did find it quite the coincidence (really, it just made it seem even worse).
On a lighter note, thank you for being a reader and trusting my reviews! I am so happy that they have helped you find products to love (and helped you stay away from ones that weren’t right for you). You must tell me your first Rouge G you purchased and if it’s your favorite (or if another shade has taken its place). Thank you as well for your very kind words – all of what I hoped to convey in my bit of commentary – you have assured me you heard, loud and clear, and I can’t ask for anything more.
Thank you, Christine! I am always thinking of art, advertising and marketing (my dad works for a small ad agency, so I’ve kind of grown up to think of ads critically and take them with several grains of salt), and especially how women are marketed to. Have you ever seen the series Target: Women, hosted by Sarah Haskins? There’s a bunch of their videos on YouTube, and they’re a very smart, funny look at how women are marketed to and portrayed in advertising.
My first Rouge G was Garconne, which I actually wore to a post-wedding breakfast – it held up throughout the meal amazingly (hot sandwich and fries, even!); I can’t recall ever see a lipstick last that long while being so comfortable and having the color payoff be that true. I kept checking my lips in my compact from time to time and was amazed it was still so bright! To the actual wedding I wore Giogio Armani’s Lip Maestro in #400 – I felt so fancy. I’m kind of eyeing Gwen as my next Rouge G, but I think a trip to Sephora is in order as I really prefer to see and swatch in person. I’ll definitely have to see the Hourglass Ambient powders in person! Possibly a Rouge Automatique or two. Hopefully Sephora has a sale soon!
I haven’t! I’m off go check that out, though. There are soooo many layers, issues, and things exposed by ads, how we’re marketed to today (and it is actually scary to see the ads marketed towards women 20-40 years ago!).
Garconne — yes, that is a fantastic shade. Still one of my favorites. 🙂
Fingers crossed that Sephora does have a VIB/Bi sale soon! My guess is if they do, it’ll be November.
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I won’t be purchasing from this collection.
Thank you for taking the time to read it, Sophie!
Bravo, Christine! I commend you for handling this topic very graciously and eloquently! It takes true professionalism to do what you did and still post swatches of the products.
Thank you, Christina! 🙂
I am amazed at your professional handling of this collection. Such a collection does indeed glamorize violence in women. I am really disappointed in Nars for this decision. I am afraid that there is a lot of ambiguity in this situation, however, the ability to stand up for your beliefs is so powerful. I will say that I am very impressed at your ability to remain fair in this. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Amie! I really wanted to be fair and respectful to as many readers possible (you can’t please everyone, but you can try :)).
I love this collection. Love the shades. I would buy everything, but I agree with you. Glamorizing violence make us less sensitive to it. We have to be aware not to tolerate any kind of violence. So i’ll pass on this collection.
It definitely does reduce our sensitivity – it’s not even surprising that it happens now, you know? Which just goes to show how often we see it.
Beautiful, thought-provoking work, Christine. I feel nauseated having perused the Bourdin site to gain a better understanding and to experience the feelings the photos evoked in me.
After studying four years of Philosophy and choosing NOT to go to law school because I am tortured by my ability to see both sides, I completely understand and support your position on this collection.
Your choice to swatch the collection but not review it speaks volumes to your ability to remain true to yourself and to support women who appreciate beauty.
As always, thank you for your [measured] approach to this important topic. I applaud you! <3
Might have made a good lawyer, though! But I understand – seeing both sides can be very, very difficult.
Thank you so much, Melissa!
I love you Christine! love you for your dedication to this blog and your readers!
don’t ever stop!
i’ve read your blog for years 🙂
Thank you, Layla!
Whenever anyone makes a difficult stand on any issue that they see as unjust or improper, wrong or unfair, I commend them.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Thank you for taking a stand, Christine.
Thank you, Christina!
Brava! Thank you for being so cautious about trying to keep your personal feelings out of this blog (I truly appreciate that escape as well), but also for knowing and being wise enough to recognize when to speak out, and having the courage to do so.
Thank you, Sarah! Hopefully future collaborations will be less controversial so we can keep one corner of the web as our escape.
I’m quite new here. I hope I can make a couple of remarks about what I’ve noticed in your comments section, that I find quite enlightening.
1. The comments on the MAC/Rodarte collaboration was equally split between apologists of the offensive campaign and people trying to explain why it was offensive, if not weighted more heavily towards the former. On this post, nearly all the comments express outrage and disappointment at NARS, and many express an intention to boycott the brand or this collection. Why this difference? I suspect it’s because the issue that Bourdin glamourised (domestic violence, sexist violence) is seen as a white woman’s issue (as well), whereas the former was seen as a Third World issue specific to poor, non-white women. Not only that, but the victims were factory workers who actually produce the makeup and clothes that your commenters wear, so it’s also a case of defensiveness due to the (subconscious?) recognition of their complicity in the violence. I’m not saying one is less offensive than the other, just that I find the reaction very telling.
2. I’ve noticed that many of the comments praise you by calling you “classy” or “a class act”, which bothers me very much, since it’s very prevalent in the makeup/fashion part of the internet. Do we have to be classist when we are outraged at sexism? Is the former OK?
Anyway, I appreciate this post very much. I never comment on any blogs or videos usually but this is a pleasant exception, because it makes me feel safe to express my opinion. Thank you!
I would expect that this post is less of a debate overall (just in general); that it is less about NARS than it is about what is Bourdin’s doing or what I have said or what I have said and how that relates to someone personally, because if you read the original posts that announced the collection’s gifting/color sections respectively, there is a more divided comments’ section. Of course, everything effects us all, so we will always see things through our own world view, and that will often mean that something that resonates more deeply with us means more, though like you said, it doesn’t mean one is less offensive than the other.
Thank you for feeling like this is a safe place to express yourself! I very much appreciate you taking the time to share your comments in a polite and respectful way.
Idk how others think, but as someone who doesn’t speak English as a first language, I didn’t quite realise that saying someone was a “class act” was classist (ha! It’s in the name, duh). I just thought it meant that she handled it with grace.
Anyway, I totally agree with the first part of your comment. White feminists (which I am) often tend to forget that sexism and racism go hand in hand, and that racism is a feminist issue just as much as sexism is. Thanks for pointing it out!
Emma – “Class act” means being exceptional at what you do; however, most people today tend to use it to also mean someone who is able to negotiate a sensitive situation with exceptional grace and dignity. It can also mean someone, something or some place that is of distinctive and superior quality. Finding out how idioms like this come around is hard to find out, so finding out if it has any reference to class is hard (sociolinguists live for this stuff.)
Christine!! you are amazing!! You really motivate me to keep on blogging <3 beautiful pictures and such a lovely big review!
Thanks, Mattania!
Thank you for bringing this to my attention Christine, and possibly others who had know clue as to who this collaboration with NARS was with, as I wasn’t really looking into it. I’m used to the ideas of controversery in art, for example, Robert Mapplethorpe, who is known for his controversial photography, which I learned about during college. I’m used to looking at both sides of the coin, not being black and white, and although some of Guy Bourdin’s photography may have been great and influenced many It does not change the fact that some of his work is just a blatant glamorization of violence. I feel like some people use “Art” as an excuse to justify some very dark or bad things. As an artist myself I try to be understanding but sometimes I feel like lines are too thin and have been crossed. I wasn’t planning on buying anything from this collection anyway, but now I have more reason not to.
No problem, L! I feel like a lot of us didn’t know who he was, and as much as I’d like to remain ignorant, knowledge is always a good thing.
The lines are definitely thin, blurry, easy to cross, and hard to navigate! Thank you for sharing your thoughts as an artist!
Like everyone else on here I want to thank you for standing up for what you believe in, and what benefits not only women but everyone in refusing to normalize sexualized violence.
I especially want to thank you for adding a trigger warning in the begining. I have always loved your blog and your honesty, and I can’t say thanks enough.
I think that some of the items for the two Guy Bourdin collections would have been great, but I will not be purchasing them due to the theme.
Thank you, Kerri! I appreciate your understanding 🙂
It is thanks to a very thoughtful reader who reminded me early on about the trigger warning – I am so glad she reminded me!
I have followed your blog for a few years now, and though I do not always have the time to be active in comments sections, I wanted to make time to let you know how much I appreciate how you have handled this topic. You have proven that beauty bloggers are not only about superficial consumerism and that you care about your readers beyond how many you can amass. You have clearly put a lot of thought into whether or not to promote this collection and, I think, have found an admirable way to present the collection on middle ground. You have also taken the opportunity to promote an important cause. For what it’s worth, you have earned an even greater amount of respect from this reader! Thank you for taking the time and care in this post–and every post!
Hi Lacey!
Sometimes it’s hard to balance beauty and “real life,” when makeup and hair and all that are, on the surface, as superficial as things can get but also ways to escape from some of the harder aspects of real life – so I really appreciate you finding I reached a good middle ground that you could respect.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi Christine, I noticed that the products are already at NARS.com, but are they going to be selling on SEPHORA.com?
Hi Camila,
Sephora gets them about a week or two later 🙂 NARS usually launches it on their site first – presumably because they don’t have to share any profits with Sephora!
Wow, Last Tango suits you spectacularly.
Thanks, Kate!
I think the collection is beautiful and I know people mentioned the Rihanna collection, she herself glamorizes drugs and she is a victim of physical abuse and went back to her abuser.
Guy Bourdin like most artists before him pushed the envelope and like most trouble souls had some very dark images however vogue, harpers bazaar and photographers now wouldn’t have the inspiration. I think as a brand Nars is always very artistic and if you look at some images the makeup is very Nars. I think people will always find something to dislike and stir up drama. I don’t see Nars as a line that promotes violence like many artists photographers are inspired by Bourdin even to this day and you and your readers flip the pages of the magazines that have been inspired by Guy Bourdin.
I respect your disclaimer but why take time to photograph it put on the lipstick color? Paint your nails? Put a lot of work into something you could never support? Could have just done a note contacted Nars and return the collection if you didn’t want anything to do with it.
Hi Jenny,
Would you consider reading my post before making assumptions? I’ve addressed exactly what you’ve asked me above. I also addressed my desire to be respectful of those with a differing opinion, which is why I provided swatches and photos for those readers. I also addressed that I wanted to take a moment to address an issue that is both dear to my heart and very, very real for women around the world. Why not use this collection to also raise awareness and serve as a reminder of a very real issue? I don’t think I wrote a single sentence above that said NARS promotes violence, but I feel that Bourdin’s work glamorized violence against women, which I personally believe is something that contributes to the normalization of violence and women as objects, and violence against women continues to be a major, global issue. A collection designed to celebrate and honor Bourdin, his work, and his legacy is different than merely being inspired by him at some point along an artist’s journey. Even though you may not feel the same way, it doesn’t mean that others are merely trying to “stir up drama” – other people have genuine feelings and opinions.
Saying and doing nothing is the antithesis of what I felt was right to do. As an aside, I contacted NARS over a week prior to writing this post or even receiving the product to let them know of my feelings and that I was abstaining from review.
Please stop victim blaming. You’re contributing to rape culture. Thanks.
I have nothing but respect for your opinion Christine. But I wanted to post mine too, on the flip side.
RE: Guy Bourdin’s “Violent Images of Women”
I can take those messages and be appalled or I can ask “what is the artist trying to portray” or interpret it my own way. Are women mutilated by their desire for idyllic beauty (what about all the plastic surgery), in such a way that it ends up killing their own essence? The *extreme* lengths women go for beauty diminishes their unique beauty in many ways…. In my eyes that art could symbolize that…the way some women destroy themselves in search for this fictional “ideal” beauty and sex appeal. It has gotten to the point in Western Culture where the most prized quality of a woman is how she looks.
That is what I got from the art. I never stopped to think “ew he is trying to glamorize violence against women”. That would be a pretty simplistic interepretation to me…But if that was the intention of the images, Guy Bourdin doesn’t have to do that in Western Culture…films and tv shows and magazines (including beauty magazines we all buy)do it all the time. Perhaps he is pointing to that fact and creating disturbing images to make people less desensitized to it.
Or maybe I am wrong about his intent. But art IS left up to interpretation whereas historic facts stay true, and yet people buy and idealize Coco Chanel (A NAZI sympathizer)…
NARS may have interpreted Bourdin’s images the way I did, and may have been inspired for those reasons. It may have nothing to do with a “hatred of women”. I’d rather not assume that about NARS or about the people who buy from this collection.
Thanks for sharing your opinion, Liz!
I did not make any assumptions about NARS or people who want to purchase from the collection – I don’t even think I said anything about “hatred of women,” so I did want to clarify I never said those things since it distorts what I did say.
Sorry Christine, I didn’t mean to direct that at you, but I have seen that POV elsewhere. I have nothing but respect for your opinions
Also, I meant to note that in most of Bourdin’s images, women are heavily made up like they have just come off the runway or a modeling shoot, or a magazine cover. That’s why I interpret his art to be about the culture of an idealized beauty and what it does to women and how they value themselves.
Bourdin’s images in my eyes don’t glorify violence- that is just one interpretation. But people are quick to assume that is what NARS is supporting.
Many people do not stop to think what they “support” when they glorify people like Coco Chanel- they are quick to excuse her Nazi sympathy as one part of her that doesn’t need to be discussed because of her other positive attributes.
If they can do that, then they should also be able to “discuss” that Nars may have other attributes besides “misogyny” in being inspired through Bourdin’s work…
(Christine I am not pointing this at you, just at a very odd trend I noticed elsewhere.)
No problem – thanks for clarifying! 🙂 I just wanted to make sure!
Last tango really complements you–no lecture, no cheering, just noticing visuals. : )
Thanks, Heather! Luckily I have some dupes for it 🙂
Thank you for the great review of the makeup collection. I noticed that many of your readers are expressing offense to Guy Bourdin. I read a comment that someone said they wouldn’t be purchasing anything from the collection? Well Francois Nars is from France and Bourdin is considered to be a legend in the Parisian fashion world. Nars has repeatedly stated that Bourdin has been a constant influence in his work. FYI: Exhibit A- a cult classic iconic blush, that I’m sure ALL of your readers own, was inspired by Bourdin’s work. So my only suggestion to those who make grand proclamations about not supporting a collection is…to take your stance wholeheartedly and boycott the entire NARS cosmetics line… Because Bourdin has influenced more than this holiday collection for Nars and will continue to do so. It’s only makeup. I think Bourdin had issues with women, but opened many doors for those in the industry that are working today and that cannot be discounted. I don’t think that purchasing this makeup means you support violence against women. But again, if people take issue with this line, you should really see it through..don’t purchase anything from his line-period. Because you are still inadvertently supporting one of Bourdin’s biggest fans with every Nars purchase…
And I would also like to add that my comment is in direct response to your readers-not you the writer. It seems as if some readers are so quick to make a judgement after reading your post and not use their own interpretation of the art speak to them. And my only thought is to do your homework and research ALL of your purchases, not just this holiday collection. If your readers think this whole Bourdin thing is that DEEP, I would recommend that you don’t buy NARS cosmetics. (Just my 5 cents)
Hi Nikki,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! People have to do what’s right for them – what feels right – not what others think is “most right” for them, so keep that in mind 🙂 I don’t think anyone is truly discounting Bourdin’s influence, only that there is a whole slew of underlying issues there and that going as far as honoring him with a collection is too much for some (including me) or questioning whether this is the right medium to pay tribute. There are certainly some readers who will be no longer purchasing from NARS, period, and others who have learned about some of the influences (possibly Exhibit A) and won’t be partaking in those. I absolutely agree that Bourdin has influenced the industry, for good and for bad, and to that end, he has certainly inspired many people along the way. Nars himself is an inspiration for many younger than him as well, and of course, I would imagine that he’s as much as an individual as most people are, so he’s also putting much of himself into his brand while still being influenced by his various inspirations in the big picture.
Excited for the blush palette. I could get less the inspiration. In fact, how many people will be dressed as bludgeoned murder victims this Halloween? What’s the inspiration for that?
I commented when this topic was on your site before and I’ll comment again. I used to buy a lot of Nars…and never thought about the names of his products. I stopped buying his line more because I was ready for something new not due to the products. I still use the many I have. This campaign…and I did look at the Bourdin pictures…doesn’t play well with me. Even the names…Crimes of Passion…really? Not my thing. That’s the reality of the free market. The fashion industry and each individual brand can do as they like and I can buy what I like. If I were to ask Nars one question…it would be “who is your customer?” I don’t get this line at all. Ick.
Christine, you asked that question and look at the support you got. Most women don’t like seeing fabricated dead women used to market products. Thanks for listening.
Thanks for popping by and leaving your thoughts again, Meganlisa! (Is it Meganlisa or Megan Lisa?)
Again, I very much appreciate your support! It made a very difficult decision/time much easier (comforting? in a way).
Megan Lisa…my middle name…easier for comments when so many have the same name.
Total support! So glad to see I’m not alone…your audience is totally with you on this issue (or at least most). Thanks for taking a stand!
That’s what I figured, but I wasn’t totally sure 🙂 Thank you!
there were tons of people in fashion industry who exploited so called “attractive violence”, if people have strong opinion on it, then they should not buy anything from lets say Hugo Boss, or start hating Mcqueen)))))) boycotting this makeup collection because of some puritan morality is a little too much, take it easy people its makeup 🙂 but what am I talking about, I’m in love with HR Giger and his works, comparing to him Bourdin is a kid playing in a sandbox, so I guess I can not be a judge here:)))))
and Christine, thank you for such a great work, this post is really informative and shows a lot of work and dedication, thank you!
Day Dream blush and the Baroque lip pencil are gorgeous! Too bad I don’t buy anything that glamourizes misogyny.
Aw man. While I completely agree with your decision to not review, I would have loved to read your brutally honest critique of some of these products as they look AWFUL – especially the Manosque polish and the Blue Dahlia eyeliner. yeesh! This looks like it has the texture of a generic crayon.
Here’s the thing about Domestic Violence, it fundamentally changes you as a human being. THE END. You will never be the same. I have seen the photos, and i have been abused before. More disturbing than the photos is Nars a company where im sure 90% of it revenue is generated from women is throwing their (seemingly) full support into this type of photos. Artistic or not, thought provoking or not. It just feels like they didnt really give it much thought or research other than “oh he was quasi-famous in the fashion world.” When someone you love, you eat breakfast with, you share a shower with, you sleep with, you share children with abuses you it robs you of something you can NEVER get back, and thats not fashion.
I mean “A Crime of Passion” !!!!! come on Nars get your **** together.
I hope you’ve found a way out of your abusive relationship and have the love and support you need to move forward as a stronger person. Thank you for having the courage to share, Danielle!
yes, thank you Christine, i have moved on, and everyone is in a better life situation now. Thanks!
So, SO glad to hear it. <3
What i tried to say, but im not sure i did was, its not about the makeup, its about romanticizing the violence against women.
I wanted to say just how much I appreciated and enjoyed reading your commentary, Christine, and the thoughtful discussion it provoked. The comments were really enlightening. For me, first and foremost, Bourdin’s work has communicated isolation and obsession. Obsession with sex, food, clothing, and beauty. It has never been clear to me if they are literal depictions of dysfunction behind closed doors, or really the twisted imagery of the mind, normally hidden from view, but in these photographs violently purged for the viewer. Regardless, I feel the images he produced in the 1970s and 1980s profoundly depict the darker, unbalanced side of sexual revolution of the 1960s and its impact on both men and women.
Completely understand! Thank you for sharing your interpretation of his art! 🙂
I really love this interpretation of his work!
Your skin always looks flawless! What foundation do you wear? Thank you for the swatches and your professionalism! <3
Guerlain Parure de Lumiere lately (and in both sets of photos here). Thank you!
Coeur Battant looks very similar to Sleek’s limited edition Santorini blush.
I wish it was still available – I’d love to check it out!
You can! The cool-toned pink blush in Sleek’s Blush by 3 palette “Pink Sprint” (which is permanent) is exactly the same as Santorini.
(I would love it if you did reviews of Sleek blushes!! 🙂 )
I’m glad you’re doing what is comfortable for you and what you believe in. It is important to stand behind your beliefs.
Personally I had never seen his work until you posted the website and I think his work is rather beautiful. It has Dada, Surrealism and lots of Avant Garde themes, I find it very thought provoking. I don’t really see the violence in most of his photos. I clicked on the wikipedia pages of people who inspired him and it seems they painted similar type art. It is strange how when painted with a brush a canvas seems to cause less of an opinion then when done with a camera. I think some photographers today promote violence more. A lot of other types of are do as well. I take art for what it is and tend not to look at its effect on others in certain ways. Art is different for each person.
This reminds me of the MAC collection that got canceled for it using Juarez as a theme. Oddly enough because of that collection I have become more aware of the violence there and have made a point to study it.
Anyway, I 100% respect that you and others are standing up for what you believe in. It is important to do so. I am, as most are against any violence towards people in general. I’m glad this is provoking a conversation. That is always important.
Hey Megan!
For me, a lot of it has to do with how his art is positioned, as much as it is about the subject matter, because all of his work (I’m fairly certain of this) was commercial work – published in magazines – to sell clothes, shoes, makeup, etc. I agree that there are certainly other artists, photographers, and mediums that have similar work or “worse” work. Like you, the important part is that it is creating a conversation about a real issue – even if we don’t agree on the interpretation of the art, I know we can tend to agree that violence against women (or people in general) is an issue!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
It is strange how it is the polarizing collections create the most needed discussions. Thanks for the reply,
Hi Christine!
I just wanted to say that I appreciate your thoughtfulness and sensitivity on this subject in your post. As your comment section shows (and several others around the web), this subject provokes some very strong opinions and providing a safe and respectful place to express our feelings without judgement is so crucial and rare. Thank you.
I am also taking a personal stance against this collection, but came to this conclusion when it was first announced. It seemed like such a silly thing at first (it’s just makeup after all), but giving my money to a company that wants to profit off of products marketed to women while paying homage to an artist like Bourdin just doesn’t sit well with me. I first became aware of Guy Bourdin’s work back in the day when Madonna mentioned him being an inspiration for one of her music videos. Not ever hearing of him before, I did a little research and was left with an unsettling feeling, to say the least.
Seeing someone being celebrated who had created art depicting violence against women and hearing words describing it as “beautiful”, “captivating” and “inspiring” was quite infuriating to me personally. I’m not sure what the intended context of these works were for the artist, but he didn’t seem to have a great history with women from what I’ve read in the past, including his wife, girlfriends and many of the models he photographed. Surprisingly, I once read that he had no interest in preserving his work, hoping it would be destroyed upon his death. Don’t know how true that is, but I would be curious to know how he would feel about his art being “honored” in this way if that was the case.
I am quite surprised how many artists mention Bourdin as an inspiration, even today. The most recent example that comes to mind for me is Lady Gaga. His influence is definitely present in some of her live performances and music videos (the video for “Paparazzi” is a perfect example). Though I still respect and enjoy some of these artists (Francois Nars included), I can’t get behind their idea that Bourdin’s work is inspirational and therefore worth replicating in some way in order to be celebrated.
Just my two cents. I don’t know much about art and wish I was informed enough to analyze it properly, but I feel what I feel and I don’t like what I see. Therefore, my money will be going elsewhere.
Hey Lisa J!
Thanks for sharing! I had no idea the scope of Bourdin’s work or, quite honestly, anything about other than the blurb from NARS initially. Seemed cool and exciting based on the majority of reader responses/also seemed like a coveted collaboration given how slowly info was disseminated (and that just a teaser was a big deal for WWD to have). Like you, though, I don’t know a lot about art, but I know what I feel and what I can’t shake when I go through his work.
We’re SO on the same page, throughout, Lisa! I agree wholeheartedly with what you’ve said: “Though I still respect and enjoy some of these artists (Francois Nars included), I can’t get behind their idea that Bourdin’s work is inspirational and therefore worth replicating in some way in order to be celebrated.” The key is really celebrating/honoring (and I think without context or discussion on him that includes the good and the bad).
Christine, I don’t even know if you will see this. But I just wanted to say thank you for being so professional in both researching and conveying your point of view, and not just saying “come on it’s just makeup.” While I love photography, I do not condone the methods and insinuations of violence against women in Guy’s photos. I won’t be purchasing anything from this collection. Thanks again for all of your hard work.
My pleasure, Melanie! I think that argument is very dismissive (and in any form), and it’s really unfair to anyone who is feeling a certain way. We don’t have to agree, but I can respect someone else’s genuine feelings and opinions.
Hi Christine!
Thanks so much for posting your thoughts and feelings on this collection. Being exposed to new perspectives is always ‘the name of the game’ in life & it is obvious to your readers that you put a lot of time, effort, and passion into your work here. Thank you.
I wasn’t familiar with Guy’s work, but as soon as I opened up some images I felt disturbed. I could immediately sense what others were saying and what you were discussing in your post. I think my uncomfortable feelings just by looking at his work justify my decision to not look into this collection at all. While I don’t understand people saying “It’s just makeup,” I do respect the differing opinions from mine. To me, we ‘vote’ with our dollars and need to put our money into collections that either resonate with us or our beliefs. It is such a fine balance out there (for ex: animal testing issue and MAC/EL’s decision to sell in China – such a hard one for me personally) and so emotionally and ethically complicated. Thank you for not glossing over the issue here (as I have seen with other beauty bloggers who haven’t even discussed the controversy) and letting your readers see another side to this collection.
I hear you, MJ – it is a very fine balance in all things. I think that’s why we have to do whatever feels right to us, whether others agree or disagree or think we should be doing more or that it’s not a big deal, because we have to live with that. I’m with you that we vote with our dollars – and it’s only when enough people start “voting” with their money that a brand will say, “Wait, what’s wrong?”
Thank you for your comment, MJ!
I am just now seeing this because I’ve never used NARS products before and usually skip the posts on them. If I was a NARS fan, I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable purchasing from this line. For me, it’s not just an issue exclusive to NARS. There are certain collaborations in various companies over the years that flat out don’t set well with me, so I avoid them. That way I feel okay with myself, and hey, more product for everyone else who is interested. Win win all around.
You don’t need me to tell you this Christine, but I want to anyway. Staying true to yourself and your beliefs and instincts even when it may not be the smoothest path to choose is the sign of true character. Temptalia is the first beauty blog I ever read, and it is still my favorite. Over the last couple years I’ve managed to learn what will work for me and what won’t mostly by your swatches and pictures, even though our coloring is very different. It has helped me, a still relatively new makeup gal, so much and has helped me find a new hobby I love.
Reading this post from you, I am even more grateful to have found this site in the first place! Cheers and blessings to you!
I’m sure this isn’t the first (and it won’t be the last) collaboration that partners with someone who has some unsavory characteristic to the person individually or their work. Once I knew about this one more in-depth, it definitely was too far/much for me to say nothing about.
It’s great that you avoid what doesn’t feel right to you – and it’s really lovely of you to respect others for buying it themselves. I’m happy as long as we each take a moment to make a thoughtful decision!
Thank you so much, Kelly! I’m very happy to have been able to help you find what does and doesn’t work for you – especially since our coloring isn’t the same. Helps me feel like I’m doing a good job here.
Thanks you for the information, but I could care less on who’s name is on the makeup I wear.
Seriously, If i wear a blush from him, i’m not supporting him in anyway,its not showing.
Anyways, those lipstick colors and eye shadows are too dieeeee for. I also love the blush kits, i’m a big sucker for blushes.
Hey Ashley,
Totally understand! My concern is more about where my money is going than that a certain color will tell someone what I’m wearing, which is to NARS as well as to Bourdin’s estate, so for me, that’s an issue.
But you are supporting him. Anytime a persons name is being used to market and sell an item that person does receive residuals for it. As Guy Bourdin is demised his estate receives the profits from NARS. On a side note, the holidays in my opinion are suppose to be about thankfulness, peace and joy. This collection is anything but that.
Just adding to the large chorus of huge thank yous, here. I also had tears in my eyes after reading this. Your intelligence, sensitivity and strength are SO inspiring. This issue is overlooked or minimized far too often, and this is a very important conversation to have. I respect you very very much. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much, Sarah!
Thank you so much for truly sharing your thoughts on this collection in context. The scholastic paper you linked was fascinating, and got me thinking, too. I respect your decision and how you handled it.
Thank you, Deb! Yes, I found the essay quite interesting and very helpful to see different POVs!
Prior to learning about Guy Bourdin, I was very excited about this collection. After your very informative commentary, I did a little research of my own about Bourdin and was really quite astonished that Francois Nars so vehemently proclaimed him as his inspiration and chose to honor him by creating an entire line in celebration of him and his work. That stopped me from purchasing anything from this collection. But, I went on to read that Mr. Nars stated that Bourdin’s influence is everywhere in his life and is in the DNA of NARS. So, where does that leave me in regards to NARS as a brand? Sadly, it leaves me knowing I will never purchase another NARS product. My conscience simply won’t allow me to continue to support this brand. Mr. Nars is free to be inspired by and honor whomever he wishes. Just as I am free to spend my money and support beauty brands I feel good about. I realize that everyone has a different opinion about this issue and there is not a “one size fits all” answer. That is what I love about Christine’s commentary – it was thoughtful and intelligent without being judgmental. She used her visibility to start a very difficult, but necessary, conversation. She showed such bravery and grace by being willing to embrace an honest discussion about a controversial issue. As one of the leading names in beauty, I wish NARS would use their very visible platform to promote a positive message. Art does not have to be controversial or dark to be inspiring. And, violence or perceived violence is the very opposite of beauty and glamour. I don’t care how pretty the colors look…if the message behind them is violent and degrading, they are ugliness at its worst.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Eliz! 🙁 You definitely are doing the right thing – what soothes your conscience is what will work best for you.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful response!
I love love love that you struggled with this and then made it a teachable moment for everyone. It’s another reason why I admire you so much. 🙂
I think NARS has made an unwise choice here. All art belongs in a context – particularly art that invokes thoughts of social problems. Bourdin wasn’t trying to raise awareness about violence against women. Was he trying to glamorize it? I won’t speculate on what was in his mind, but I think it’s safe to say that at best, he was oblivious to the effect his work would have on survivors of violence (and those who love them). And this is especially disturbing to me given that he is said to have been domineering with the women in his life, to the point of removing their phones and cutting off their contact with anyone else (virtually imprisoning them) – a classic abuser/serial killer profile. http://www.utata.org/sundaysalon/guy-bourdin/
I can see the talent. But the mind behind it makes it repulsive to me, and damages the NARS brand in my mind. Were they really that ignorant of how an association with Bourdin would appear to people who know a bit about violence against women? Or were they hoping we were ignorant? I just don’t know, but it leaves a bad taste.
But you struggled. You have a commitment to share makeup products with readers, but also a larger commitment to the world and humanity and what’s best for us all. There are rights and wrongs to every way you might have approached this, but making it a teachable moment was the absolute best thing you could have done. Bravo, Christine! 🙂
Hey Jen,
Thanks for sharing! I did happen to read that article as well, though I’m not certain how true some of the purported stories/things he said on set are – I will say I did not find anyone painting a particularly generous picture of him on set. I still really wish I could have read through an interview or something of the like with Bourdin (when he was alive, obviously) to help round out the picture – maybe shed more light on him or what he was trying to do.
I know I’ve already commented on this post but I just wanted to thank you again Christine. Today I was feeling heartsick while reading another beauty blog that in one post praised this collection (while ignoring all reader comments complaining about Guy Bourdin & NARS’s inspiration) but in a subsequent post complained fervently about Stila’s “political” & “greedy” decision to no longer be animal cruelty-free. After seeing the obvious hypocrisy from someone who I used to think highly of, it was such a relief to come to your blog & be reminded that professional, intelligent, & thoughtful bloggers like you are out there too.
Thanks a lot, Gabby! Perhaps the blogger missed them or did not look more deeply into it, or maybe they see the other side of the coin – but hopefully they are not willfully ignoring it.
Well done on your handling of this controversial NARS collection. As a beauty blogger myself, I am on par with you regarding personal opinions on my blog. I avoid crossing that line, because readers come to my blog for the beauty products, and not my personal opinions on social, political & religious topics. However, it is a little unsettling and also difficult as a blogger when topics like these and a topic, like makeup – which normally would have nothing to do with each other – actually cross paths. For me, makeup has always been an ‘escape’ from the stresses of life. So to have one of my favourite makeup brands potentially causing distress to people is disheartening.
Your commentary and handling of this collection’s background deserves a great deal of respect. I know it must have been difficult, and I guess you would have been worried about potential backlash. I am a relatively new blogger, so I can only imagine the effort and amount of work it has taken for you to get your blog up to where it is. So deciding on whether to and how to feature such a controversial collection could not have been easy by any means.
No one in their right mind would condone any sort of violence against anyone – male or female. However as you said, each individual should be left to make up their own mind about this collection, and as a blogging community – whether we choose to feature this collection or not – we should take inspiration from your blog by opening up discussion, raising awareness, and making it known to victims that they are not alone and that help is available & where they can get help. Again, well done to you Christine.
Thanks a lot, Sophie! Yes, I’m with you – would much rather keep it clean and drama-free and stick to the makeup, so I don’t want or like it when reality does intrude on something designed to be an escape – something fun, creative, easy on the mind and soul.
Thanks again for your understanding & support! 🙂 Good luck with your blog!
i wanted to comment the first time around, but just thought the better of it. but after reading through this post the first time around, and again now, and reading through ALL the comments so far, and googling Bourdin’s wok, I do agree with the above commentor about you making a mountain out of a molehill. This is not mean to dismiss your opinion, but more of an opinion of about your opinion and stance. And you know when I google ‘nars guy bourdin’, your site is number six in the list. now that you’ve added swatches, I do not doubt it will increase in ranking. So the posts are already promoting the collection, even if people don’t end up buying. And? Promoting Bourdin. Even if people don’t end up liking. So you know those cases where websites steal an image and the rightful owners complain and named the site publicly (and unwittingly) generate traffic to the site? Well this post feels a lot like that.
No matter how you feel, telling someone they’re “making a mountain of a molehill” is dismissive – you are invalidating the way I feel by telling me it’s not okay to feel that way – that I should feel otherwise. It is not my place to tell you not to buy or to buy or what to do, but I felt it was necessary for me to raise awareness about Bourdin’s work, what it meant to me, and shed light on an artist that many readers (including myself) did not know much about. Ignoring Bourdin or saying nothing does exactly that: nothing, so you have to address the issue or else it never gets talked about. I did what feels right to me, not what feels right to you, and I’m okay with that.
I think Christine did a great job at addressing the controversy instead of sitting back and not saying anything. I do not feel that she posted her opinion to gather further ratings and for you to sit there and imply that she did it for numbers is insulting in my opinion. This entire thread has encouraged discussion about the abuse of women in general when its normally dismissed in other public arenas. So what if she is ranked at #6. Good for her because its bringing to light a very serious issue and if one person has been educated and enlightened then we’re that much closer to putting an end to such nightmares (or least lowering the statistics of victims to single digit numbers).
Thanks, Shelley! 🙂
What I meant was making a mountain of the collection, not of the opinion. And I have largely left out questioning other people’s motives from my life.
The alternative for raising awareness etc are plenty, including those that do not contribute to further promotion of this NARS collection nor the artist (and yes, sitting back and doing nothing is an option for some). But yes, it is Christine’s choice after all, and I am here just to comment and gawk at swatches.
I really applaud you for this! Not only expressing your feelings but also still remaining professional with product details, photos and swatches. This is why i love you Christine! If only Nars went about this is a different way, maybe giving some of the procceeds to a foundation that spreads awareness and helps try to put an end to all kinds of violence. I do appreciate Bourdin’s art, though i do feel that using it in this way is wrong. Not sure yet if ill be purchasing anything from this collection, but i know ill be checking out the dupes!
Thank you so much for your support, Victoria! 🙂
Aww Christine! I love you so much. Thank you for writing such an incredible and thoughtful post. I really appreciate you reaching out to your readers on very carefully chosen topics. I personally enjoy the entire aesthetic of hyperviolence. I personally get inspiration from it for the gothic/horror/grotesque/thanatos trajectory of my taste, which gives me release from societal standards and puts me in a mind set where I can challenge and embrace “darkness.” If put in a public policy perspective, it allows me to think about depraved human behavior and the impulse towards it and impetus to redress it. However, aside from any societally beneficial aspect of my consumption of this type of culture, it appeals to me on a very base level that I cannot explain and that I have considered for quite some time. I think there is a place for this kind of culture and thinking and I feel that it’s important to be conscious of violence in media, so that we can make choices conscientiously. However, I don’t want to eliminate this type of media and I will not stop consuming it, because I think that thinking about society from the “dark impulses” and “evil” perspective shines light on the contours of life and reality.
To add — just reviewing the comments, I see the rich discussion that Bourdain’s works have generated, and the multiplicity of interpretations, which is precisely what interests me. He created something that sparked that discussion and analysis (some interpretations lauding him as presenting a critical view of media). But of course, it’s important to think “we can have this kind of debate” in the first place, which is why this post of yours is so important. It shows that some people have a strong view against something, shaking people up to remember that there may be a debate in the first place. It’s frustrating that some people don’t seem to see that and jump on you for bringing it up.
Your website format is perfect for debate because it encourages reading opinion + thoughtful response, and then commenting in a new thread. Otherwise, people feel personally challenged and people take things more personally and take more extreme positions than they would if speaking out loud (i.e. it would result in a flame war).
Thanks for getting it, Kira 🙂 I knew how I felt, and I knew that my feelings weren’t the only ones, but what was most important was to create a place for discussion, to not gloss over my feelings or anyone else’s. As long as we each take a moment to consider how we view his work, what that means to us, I’m okay with whatever decision each person comes to. I didn’t know anything about Bourdin prior, and it was a loud reminder not to be so ignorant/complacent with what I’m consuming.
Hey Kira!
Hope you are well! Thank you for sharing a different POV 🙂 It is always good to hear from different sides and from someone who sees through a different lens! I agree that there is a place, but I think that place, or context if you will, is important. I struggled with this because while art is art and all that entails, commercialized art is a little different (to me) and then when this type of art is being used to sell expensive shoes, clothes, and now, makeup, to women, it loses the “art is art” argument for me. At the end of the day, I think we all need to be a little more cognizant of what we see, what we consume, and just what that means – and I think it sounds like you do quite a bit of that when you “embrace ‘darkness.'” That you try to think about the impulse towards it and then how to redress it – sometimes you do have to understand what’s in the “darkness” to make real changes, too.
I found myself recently rereading Judith Butler’s _Excitable Speech_ (which deals with the topic of censorship), and was struck by how apt it was to our current debate. She discusses the difficult issue of pornography a its depiction of women, particularly of domination and violence against women. Though a feminist author herself (though what does that even mean–there are so many different kinds of feminism), Butler critiques the insistence of some feminists on censorship (focusing on the work of Catherine McKinnon). This is not to say that she believes pornography should not be censored; she takes no clear position either way–though she tends to be skeptical of censorship generally)–and certainly she is not an advocate of pornography. Her critique is, in fact, based on a concern that the response of some feminists to pornography tacitly attributes to it a power which we should not grant it. To insist on the power of these images to constitute the feminine position is already to concede an underlying reality and realizability to the feminine powerlessness they depict. She argues that “pornography neither represents nor constitutes what women are, but offers an allegory of masculine willfulness and feminine submission (although these are clearly not its only themes), one which repeatedly and anxiously rehearses its own unrealizability. Indeed, one might argue that pornography depicts impossible and uninhabitable positions, compensatory fantasies that continually reproduce a rift between those positions and the ones that belong to the domain of social reality. Indeed, one might suggest that pornography is the text of gender’s unreality, the impossible norms by which it is compelled, and in the face of which it perpetually fails” (68). In a nutshell, pornography’s anxious insistence on male dominance does more to reveal extent to which men feel threatened by their loss of power within gender relations; the pornographic image would not be so alluring if it not for the fact that it represents the desperate desire of some men (not all) to hold on to a framework of gender relations that is fast slipping through their fingers. What pornography, in fact, actually does achieve is to reveal the “impossible and uninhabitable” status of such fantasies of gender relations, exposing them for the fiction they are.
She calls for “a feminist reading of pornography that resists the literalization of this imaginary scene, one which reads it instead for the incommensurabilities between gender norms and practices that it seems compelled to repeat without resolution”, reminding us that “what pornography delivers is what it recites and exaggerates from the resources of compensatory gender norms, a text of insistent and faulty imaginary relations that will not disappear with the abolition of the offending text, the text that remains for feminist criticism relentlessly to read.” Suppressing such images will not eradicate the underlying attitudes; rather such images, when recontextualized, can serve to generate awareness and critique. “To read such texts against themselves is to concede that the performativity of the text is not under sovereign control. On the contrary, if the text acts once, it can act again, and possibly against its prior act” (69).
“” (69).
Thank you for sharing, Lisa! I am going to go check out her work!
Not sure if someone mentioned this yet, if so, I apologize for the repeat.
I was a little disheartened when I was skimming through November’s issue of Allure Magazine and turned to a six page spread honoring Bourdin and featuring Nars’ collection. Of course, the article was very complimentary of Bourdin and states that every time we reach for a bold blush, lipstick, or eyeshadow, we are being inspired by Bourdin. The article states that he was provocative, but never really mentions the darker side of his work. I think what bothered me most is the magazine created a couple of editorial photos inspired by Bourdin’s work. One of the photos features a woman chocking herself, and I swear you can see the color fading from her face (hopefully I’m wrong, and maybe it’s just the way the magazine was printed). Anyone else see the article?
Bummer to hear about the type of photos that were recreated! I don’t subscribe to Allure, so I haven’t seen it myself.
Has Nars released any kind of official statement regarding the controversy surrounding this collection?
No, not that I know of!
I know this is an old post now, and well commented on, but I have read it a few times before deciding to comment. I thank you and admire you for your incredibly thought out post. As a survivor of more than one type of abuse, I have a lot of difficulty with the subject of violence and sexuality as marketing tools – which I know have been used for decades and is a silent but ever present part of popular culture, found in more places than ever, sometimes without us noticing until someone points it out. We could all discuss this for YEARS, I’m sure.
Nars’ quality is there, I agree and the colours are beautiful, however upon further research and consideration, I cannot bring myself to purchase the brand any longer. I only own 3 products and that will remain so. I hadn’t given much thought to the other names and where they came from for his permanent and longer standing items (deep throat) but always was uncomfortably aware of those with sexual names (my own personal triggers there). I even looked up his nationality to be fair and consider they did not mean what I thought they meant (ie, watergate references) – personally I still think the sexual definitions are what were intended.
I thank you for your bringing awareness where there may not have been any, the safety to comment respectfully and intelligently yet honestly and the opportunities for education and support in an area that is still kept “behind closed doors”.
Hi Brenda!
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts 🙂 I appreciate you reading through my post as well.
I’m very happy to hear that you’ve been able to move forward from the past and are now a survivor! That is so amazing, and it is uplifting to know you’ve been able to get out of the cycle.