Apr 5, 2014

Review, Swatch - NARS Blush Orgasm

So I bought NARS Orgasm after years of shunning it off.

I do have more than a few shimmery peach pink blushes that are known to be good (or even better) alternatives of the famous O', but I don't know if I was ever seriously interested in finding out which one really rules.
My blush color preference leans towards cool pink and mauve, and I still don't think peach pink is the most flattering blush color on me. Hence the lukewarm attitude toward the cult favorite cause it would be still a peach pink blush on me.

For some, this thirty something dollars spent on a blush that has been already blogged about million times would be a vain investment. Who's interested in hearing anyone saying anything about NARS Orgasm anymore?
Yet, here you are reading this long introduction just because I suddenly wanted one and had to write about it, and I really appreciate that.


NARS Blush Orgasm




Before we go on, let's take a look at my peach pink blushes.

(clockwise)
Jane Blushing Cheeks Blushing Earth Sheer (discontinued)
Urban Decay X (discontinued)
Milani Luminous (old version)
Brazen Stunner (loose mineral blush)

I've realized they are all very old and most shades are out of production.
Maybe it was time for me to update my peach pink collection after all.


Here is the comparison swatches with NARS Orgasm.

Urban Decay X has the similar golden sheen as NARS O', but the base is more of a rose.
The old Milani Luminous looks closest to O' in the swatch, but it is more pigmented and softer in texture.
Jane Blushing Earth Sheer looks similar in color but the shimmer is quite different.
Brazen Stunner has more brown in it.


Ok, back to NARS Orgasm. Shall we?


The fresh pan actually looked coral or even orange, which alarmed me a little.


Once applied, the pink pronounces more yet the beautiful gold shimmer flashes visibly.


So the question is..
Is NARS Orgasm different enough from the ones I already have?

Yes. 

The color looks similar but the effect is quite different, which surprised me the most.
I am not sure how to describe the difference well to you. 
To me, Orgasm appears as if I applied a matte pink blush first then added some sheer gold top coat (?).
Simply put, the "glow" is different.



Here is what I am talking about.

I am not so sure if this is the so-called "post-coital glow".
If that is the case, it is nice to be able to fake one by wearing a blush cause not every coitus guarantees it.
(There, I said it. This blog is still PG, btw.)


I may be wrong, but it seems Orgasm has been reformulated as well since the blush feels harder in texture and the color applies much sheerer than I remembered. 
I had always thought NARS Orgasm is a bit too soft that brush picks up too much of the color. 
I have been wearing this a lot but I have yet to see those ugly bumps which I would usually spot on testers before.


To be honest with you, I was scared that I might end up hating it because it was too similar to my existing blushes so there would be no way of justifying my purchase.
On the other hand, I kind of wanted to "go and tell it on the mountain" that the famous O' is no better than my humble peach pinks, because personally I believe there is a very fine line between good drugstore makeup (focusing on "good") and higher-ends.

Well, neither was quite the case.
Maybe it is safe to just say NARS Orgasm is much different if not all better.
And I think I like that difference.






Products used in this look

Join the conversation!

  1. This Nars blusher is so pretty but it's a little too shimmery for me.

    Lovely post :)

    Kimberley // Kimberley's Beauty Blog

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kimberley.
      I agree the golden shimmer isn't for everyone. I heard NARS Deep Throat is a very good alternative, though. :)

      Delete
  2. Nars blush s too pretty dear! xoxo

    www.beautyfrontline.com

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  3. Orgasm looks beautiful on your skin, I can never get it to work properly for me and find Deep Throat looks better on me, although I hate the name. I'm glad you like it, I bought a couple of the blush palettes (not the 6 palettes but the 4 small sample sizes) to try some of their blushes out as they are a pretty massive amount to pay if you don't like how the colour looks on you but you're lucky that Orgasm suits you so well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree some of the NARS blush have some provocative names as NARS started his campaign in that very fashion. LOL.
      Blush palettes are absolutely smart and economical ways to experience more because it is indeed massive amount of money and products themselves to finish up. I do the same thing with the eyeshadow palettes of his. :)

      Delete
  4. Hey Lena, I really have to have this applied at a counter at some point. I've swatched it several times, but each time I walk away thinking it's just going to be too shimmery. Maybe it only becomes magical when it's on. Some blushes are like that!

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    1. It is definitely shimmery, but I came to think the shimmer and the glow is something quite unique. You should try it on your cheek to see as I have more confidence it has been reformulated as well. :)

      Delete
  5. I love Orgasm blush, specially for night time looks!

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    1. It is perfect for a night out, for sure! :)

      Delete
  6. It's good to get another perspective on a product, even if it has been reviewed a million times, so I'm glad you blogged about this! I initially hated Orgasm because it wore way too shimmery for my liking, but in moderation, it's lovely!

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    1. Thank you, Stacey.
      I actually tried it on my face many times years ago when it first came out, but the one I have feels and looks much different! I don't find the shimmer or the texture too much for me to handle anymore, which is interesting! :)

      Delete
  7. I really do like this shade, I'm a fan of rose gold shades overall however I haven't got any NARS products. I've got rose gold from sleek which looks very similar with that beautiful super fine gold sheen throughout the product. I personally prefer UD blush in X, I love how metallic it is!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know that Sleek shade you're talking about! It is a very pretty color. Sleek blush has much softer texture and more punch in color payoffs, though.
      UD X is indeed very lovely shade yet the formulation is on the thicker side. :)

      Delete
  8. hmm yea i sometimes feel the same about hyped up things. as in...i can shun then for a while b/c of all the hype and b/c i probably have similar stuff in my stash. often though...the product does live up to the hype which is at least satisfying since i went and bought it so i'm glad Orgasm ended up working for you. i have it too but i actually dont reach for it as much as i thought.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. LOL. Exactly. You know it. ;)
      I was prepared to not like it when I decided to buy it, but luckily I reach for me more often than I thought. I'm relieved. ;)

      Delete
  9. I didn't love the big O when I tried it on before, and now that works out since NARS blushes aren't p-free, haha. I am usually not drawn to these kinds of shades, though I do have one, I think (a Guerlain liquid blush). I think it looks gorgeous paired with that indigo eye shade, though! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like wearing blue or purple with warmer cheeks/lips. I can't do blue/pink combo. It makes me shudder just to think about it. LOL
      It is an inconvenience you're allergic to parabens but at least you can prevent yourself from being exposed to them since they're bad. I try to avoid them but it is somewhat difficult because they are all over the place. ;-/

      Delete
  10. I have Orgasm inside my NARS 'Killing me softly' blush palette but I have to say I don't like it at all.. it is too glittery for my liking and I find the formula difficult to work with ( which is the case with all NARS blushes I have tried..)
    The big O ( lovely nick name! :p ) looks very pretty on you! you have such a radiant-flawless skin, Lena! ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a rumor the blushes/eyeshadows in palettes are not the same quality, which might be true and is definitely a shame if so. I find Orgasm very easy to blend and adjusting the color intensity.
      Maybe you prefer softer textured colors. :)

      Delete
  11. Ooooh! Nars Orgasm it's my dream!

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  12. Woah, look at that gorgeous glow on your cheeks! I love it!
    I have to admit that the blush never really called my name, maybe because I thought it would be a shimmery nightmare.
    But it looks like it is so much better than that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Teri!
      It is very shimmery but the finish is more like a sheen or glow, which is different from what I experienced in the past. It is still a mystery but I am not complaining. ;)

      Delete
  13. I think I'm the only beauty blogger out there who doesn't own NARS Orgasm blush. LOL
    This looks so gorgeous on you! Gives you a perfect glow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I was just like you and had no problem being a beauty blogger. LOLz
      This color is more pink on me, and I am happy about it. :)

      Delete
  14. I think you are right about the texture being different for sure! My old O is much softer than the on in the Foreplay Palette I got for cheap at a discount store. It looks a little different on too I think. It's pretty on you Lena! I think it looks really glowy and perfect on you! On me it's more coral.

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    1. Now I am more convinced about the reformulation thanks to you. There are a few entries discussing the very issue but I don't think NARS every confirmed that.
      I am glad to see Orgasm shows up more pink on me and about the glow it gives. :)

      Delete
  15. wow it looks sooooo pretty!! and looks so natural on you with a lovely glow!! i have been into peach pink blushes lately, lol like its all i ever want to wear for now, gahhh i want this blush now! lol

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    1. The peach/pink balance is very nice and the glow is to die for. You should get one if you're into the color group! :)

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  16. Welcome to the NARS O world, where cheeks glisten 24/7! ;D

    I actually wish it would show up peachier, but it's awfully pink on me as well. Still, I love it. This is just the beginning of the end. MORE NARS! MORE SHIMMER!

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    1. I owe it to you, Liz! ;D
      I am with you since I am eyeing on Angelika as well. That is another one with big arse gold shimmer, right? ;)

      Delete
  17. Haha, some cheeky and clever lines in this post ;)

    This blush grew on me. At first I thought I had a lot of cheaper substitutes, like you, but I think the quality is there and there's something about the formulation that is superior. I think it's to do with the beautiful golden glow. I really think it's special :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. Thanks for noticing.
      You just summed up nicely about the charm of Orgasm. NARS blush has the ideal texture for me. I want sheer yet clear pigmentation, and it is just perfect for my preference. :)

      Delete
  18. Orgasm was my first NARS blush, and yes, it has those odd bumps after about 2 years of use. Still haven't hit pan, and I don't think I can. The blush shows up beautifully on my skin, with a sort of glow without glittery bits and chunks. I'd hate that otherwise. Looks great on you though, Lena. Love that "glow" :-)

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    1. I will have to wait a little to see what happens to it. It shows up nicely yet very sheerly on me, which I like a lot.
      And you're absolutely right! The shimmer is very fine that it translates into a sheen. :)

      Delete
  19. I just bought the milani version, and the swatch looks identical. I still don't have this blush. Not sure if I would ever buy it or not.

    ReplyDelete

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