We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

How Francois Nars created a single blush to suit us all

The beauty industry today is full of products with provocative names – MAC boasts a lipstick called Lickable, while TooFaced’s most iconic mascara is rather reductively titled Better Than Sex. But none quite compare to Nars’ Orgasm, which is a make-up icon for much more than its tongue-in-cheek title.

First created in 1999, Nars’ peachy, pinky Orgasm powder blush has remained a brand bestseller for over two decades, with one reportedly sold every 20 seconds today.

While plenty of products boast a cult following amongst the A-list, it’s a real feat for a single shade to gain such a wide-reaching fan base. Meghan Markle wore it on her wedding day. Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence have raved about it. Kim Kardashian has called it her “all-time favourite blush”. That’s exactly what makes Orgasm so unrivalled: the unique hue looks beautiful on the whole spectrum of skin tones.

A post shared by RACHEL HARDIE (@rachelhardie.artistry)

On first swipe, the ultra-fine powder appears worryingly vivid: a coral-tinged pink with noticeable flecks of gold glimmer. But once dusted over cheekbones with a fluffy brush (choose a large one for the softest blend) the orange and pink tones melt beautifully to reveal a light-reflecting, skin-enlivening hue. More of a light sheen than all-out sparkle, it works for both day and night, and looks just as good with a smoky eye as it does a simple nude lip.

Rachel Hardie, Nars’ national lead artist, thinks the key to Orgasm’s unwavering popularity is its versatility. “It suits all skin tones: because of the balance of peach, pink and gold pigments, it pulls out the colours most flattering to your skin. On fair skin tones, the blush will appear pinker and more flushed. On olive to medium tones, the peach shines through, instantly brightening the complexion. And on medium to deep tones, the gold highlight takes the spotlight, and works especially well when layered over another blush shade.”

When it comes to application, Hardie recommends employing a tapered brush, like the brand’s Yachiyo Brush: “The tapered edge allows for all different placements of the blush. For a sculpted lifting effect, place the product on the base of the brush and apply at the top of your cheekbone, brushing forward and then back onto the temple for a 70s feel. When layering on top of a matte blush, pinch the Yachiyo to manipulate the bristles into a fan shape, then layer the Orgasm as a highlighter.”

Two decades on, the original Orgasm remains so popular, the brand has created an entire line around it. You can now wear the circulation-boosting shade from head to toe (literally: there’s a Dry Body Oil) or highlight your eyes, cheeks or lips. A great place to start, The Multiple Cream Colour Stick blends seamlessly over a dewy foundation. Hardie recommends it for “achieving that glazed skin appearance, especially when layered under a tinted moisturiser to create that natural ‘glow from within’”.

A post shared by NARS Cosmetics (@narsissist)

The Liquid Blush is lighter and more luminous than the other complexion products, offering the sheerest wash of colour for the truly blush-phobic. And try the Afterglow Lip Balm for an everyday shine that enhances your natural lip tone, or layer with the Lip Gloss to shift into evening.