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In case you didn’t know, 31 July marks National Orgasm Day. The official day to celebrate all things sexual pleasure and climaxing!
Yes, dear reader, this day does come but once a year and who better to celebrate with than François Nars, the founder and creative director behind NARS and the creator of one of beauty industry’s most iconic blushes?
Since its launch in 1999, NARS Orgasm Powder Blush has become a cult classic. Universally flattering, instantly recognisable, and unapologetically cheeky, the peachy-pink hue with subtle golden shimmer has outlasted trends and stayed firmly planted in makeup bags around the world.
To mark the day, Metro caught up with François Nars, who shared his top makeup tips, the story behind the iconic Orgasm blush, and how his mother’s love of beauty helped shape his career.
Nars is known for its iconic blushes. Why is blush so important to you?
‘Blush is one of my favourite products. I think it is because my mother used to be so fond of it. She would never leave the house without it. If she ever didn’t have blush on, she would pinch her cheeks. It always made her feel better and healthier.’
What is your philosophy when applying blush to the skin?
‘When it comes to blush, how and where you apply it is more important than what colour you use. Cheek colour shouldn’t be limited to the apples (when you naturally blush, it’s never just on the cheeks!). I always blend a bit into the hairline, along the jawbone, and on the tip of the nose to create a more natural-looking, all-over hint of colour.’
When creating Orgasm, did you know it would be such a success?
‘I never anticipated Orgasm becoming so successful. Looking back, I think the combination of the name and the shade made it so popular… Without such an audacious name, I don’t know if it would have become so iconic. When I named it, I always felt like it was a good way to actually get an orgasm – just by buying a blush – so why not?’
NARS Orgasm Powder Blush
The iconic blush is a universally flattering peachy-pink shade with golden flecks of shimmer. It’s formulated with a Pure Pigment Blend™ which mixes natural, mineral, pearly, and fine pigments to give cheeks a smooth, soft glow that helps hide imperfections. Super easy to build and blend, Orgasm is still a cult favourite.
How did you choose the name Orgasm for the blush?
‘At the time, when I named blushes, I liked for the name to evoke an emotion or a feeling. When you blush naturally, it’s a reaction to a feeling and so I wanted the shade names to be related to emotions. I had a whole bunch of names that were based on pleasure, passion, sensation. ‘Orgasm’ happened to be one of those names.’
What is it about the Orgasm shade that everyone loves so much?
‘Orgasm is a special shade because it suits all skin tones. The peach colour with subtle gold shimmer gives a very natural flush, and that balance is flattering for so many women.’
It’s not just the original Powder Blush available in the delectable hue, NARS offers a whole range of Orgasm-inspired products for makeup lovers to enjoy.
Here’s a look at some of the must-have items in our favourite, orgasmic shade.
Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm
The Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm gives a sheer peachy-pink tint with the signature golden shimmer that makes the iconic blush so loved. Formulated with nourishing ingredients, this balm gives lips long-lasting moisture while adding a soft sheen.
Afterglow Liquid Blush in Orgasm
A lightweight liquid blush that gives cheeks a natural peachy-pink tint with subtle golden shimmer. The formula blends easily but has a buildable finish to give you control over pigment. It’s glow-giving without feeling heavy or sticky.
Natural Longwear Foundation and Blush Orgasm Bundle
This bundle contains the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation and the iconic Orgasm Powder Blush. The best-selling foundation gives skin long-lasting coverage with a natural finish, while the blush adds a flattering peachy-pink flush. Together, they create a fresh, radiant look that lasts all day.
Colour The Multiple in Orgasm
This multi-use stick can be applied to cheeks, lips, and eyes for a quick slick of colour anywhere you want. It gives buildable pigment and a seamless finish with a creamy, easy-to-blend formula.
Whether you’re celebrating National Orgasm Day with a partner, alone or with some gorgeous new makeup, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to a little Orgasm.
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