Your Face Called and Wants You to Try Nars’ Orgasm Blush

Certain beauty products are so beloved, they’ve become famous in their own right. For cheek color, the best-known cult classic is Nars Orgasm blush, a coral-leaning peach that imparts a subtle sheen. It’s so popular, in fact, that an entire collection has been built around it, with Orgasm lip gloss, illuminator, and even a multiple for eyes, lips, and cheeks. (There’s even a nail polish, just in case your fingertips need some afterglow!)

And yet, year after year, the OG Orgasm powder blush continues to attract legions of new, adoring fans. Is it due to the just-so glow it gives to skin? the name itself? the fact that it looks good on just about everyone? To find out, these Glamour readers brushed on some Nars Orgasm and shared their honest thoughts. Read on to see them all.

Nars Blush in Orgasm, $30, sephora.com

The color: A peachy pink with subtle golden shimmer

The backstory: By now the lore behind Nars blush in Orgasm is legendary. First released in 1999, it became an instant success—partly due to its provocative name, yes, but also because the shade flatters so many skin tones.

Why pros love it: “It’s the perfect hybrid of pink and peach with gold shimmer for additional dimension,” says Nars international makeup artist Uzo. “The pink undertone naturally looks great on lighter complexions, while the peachy undertone and gold shimmer give additional warmth. On darker skin this combination gives the complexion a pop of brightness and the gold shimmer makes the skin glow.”

What our testers thought:

Tristan: “It has a natural rosy look and a beautiful shimmer. It looks good when applied lightly.”

Jessica: “I like the silky feel. I first discovered Orgasm blush in high school, and it’s my favorite because of the flattering gold shimmer.”

Harmony: “I like that it is just pink enough to give me a real ‘blush,’ but it doesn’t look fake or like I’m too made up. It’s perfect as a contrast to my skin tone. This color makes me feel ready for an interview, a date, meeting up with friends—anything!”

Kelsey: “I don’t normally wear blush—I don’t think it flows well with my features, and it can easily appear too prominent and overpowering—but I like this one. The shade and shimmer are noticeable enough to get a healthy, cheeky glow but subtle enough that it looks very natural.”

Ariella: “I like the shimmer, which brings out my cheekbones. Anyone looking to amp up their natural look should try this.”

Anastasia: “I own this—I’m a fan! I love how versatile this is on different skin tones. In certain types of light, Orgasm looks more gold on me, but on fairer skin tones, it’s more pink. I like to dab a little lip balm on top of for an extra glow. You can even go bare-faced otherwise, and just wear this for a finishing touch.”

Ashley: “The texture is lightweight, and it’s easy to apply. I like it!”

Makeup: Joseph Carrillo at Kate Ryan
Hair: Matthew Monzon at Jed Root

Wait, there’s more! For more Glamour Beauty Awards winners—including the best drugstore and designer makeup products—check out our awards page.