NARS Cosmetics and Urban Decay are two of the well-renowned names in the cosmetic world. Both provide a vast selection of products, ranging from concealers to lipsticks, setting sprays, foundations, eyeshadows, and many more.

Before we get to the comparisons, let’s talk a little bit about the individual brands!

NARS Cosmetics

NARS Cosmetics is a French makeup and beauty organization founded by the famous photographer and makeup artist François Nars in 1994.  

Over the past decade, the company has mastered developing outstanding products that survive the test of time and successfully compete with numerous other well-known brands on the market. The majority of its products are standout, intensely pigmented, and long-lasting. 

Here are the best-sellers:

• NARS Blush
• Radiant Creamy Concealer
• Light Reflecting Foundation
• Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
• Afterglow Lip Balm

Urban Decay

Urban Decay is an American Cosmetics brand with its headquarters at Newport Beach in California. Famous French organization Loreal now owns the company. You will find Urban Decay products in many major stores including, Sephora, Macy’s, and Ultra, apart from their official site. 

Their best-selling cosmetics include:

• Naked Eyeshadow Palettes
• All Night Setting Spray
• 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
• Perversion Mascara   
• Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation

SEE ALSO: The Rise Of The Korean Beauty Industry

NARS Cosmetics and Urban Decay- The Major Differences

Both companies are successful in their own way in enthralling their audiences with their premium-quality offerings. However, certain distinctions might help you decide which is best for you.

Quality

Both brands have quality products. As with every other brand, some products could be marginally superior to others.

While NARS is widely known for its amazing concealers and foundations, Urban Decay’s eyeshadows are far better, with their Naked Collection containing 12 varied eyeshadow palettes being the fan favorite. 

It is entirely a matter of personal taste as to which brand is superior in terms of quality. Let me compare two well-known products from the brands to illustrate my point. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer vs NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS concealer is a high coverage concealer. It can expertly conceal dark circles under your eyes and other skin imperfections. The consistency of the product is slightly thick, with the finish being more matte rather than luminous. 

If you have normal to oily skin and want to cover up dark patches predominantly, then the NARS concealer should be your pick.   

In contrast, the Urban Decay concealer is lightweight, hydrating, and provides a radiant, shiny finish. 

Although it blends wonderfully, the coverage is somewhat low. The best feature is it won’t crease easily. This product is perfect for normal to dry skin and for those willing to use a concealer only for the under-eyes. 

Reviews for both concealers are excellent. The choice simply depends on your skin type and the kind of outcome you desire. 

Environment-friendly

NARS Cosmetics officially claims to “not test on animals” unless “required by law”. However, the company has begun marketing its goods in China, where testing on animals may be mandated by law.

Therefore, in all probability, the brand is no longer as cruelty-free as it once used to be. It is also not vegan, with some of its products containing lanolin, an animal derivative.

As for Urban Decay, the products are 100% cruelty-free. The brand, along with its distributors and third-party vendors, does not test the products on animals, nor do they sell in countries where animal testing is mandated.

That being said, not all of the Urban Decay products are vegan. 

Price

The price range of both brands is on the expensive side.

NARS Cosmetics is a luxury brand, while Urban Decay produces high-end products but not luxury. 

However, one should note that Urban Decay is sold through websites like Feel Unique and Debenhams, which offer discounts frequently, while the number of NARS retailers is comparatively less. The latter is typically not included in promotions. 

Therefore, the actual price of some Urban Decay products may be higher than that of NARS Cosmetics. 

SEE ALSO: How To Avoid Creasing of Your Eyeshadows?

The Bottom Line

Both NARS and Urban Decay are top-quality brands. However, if you strictly adhere to the no-cruelty rule when shopping, you should probably stay away from NARS and use Urban Decay or other cruelty-free brands.