NARS Blush Is Iconic For Many Reasons

Cult favorite NARS Blush is known for its risqué names.

Housed in a sleek black compact, NARS Blush is a go-to pressed powder blush for many. If you haven’t tried it before, what you’ll discover is an iconic, award-winning cheek color lineup that has something for everyone. This NARS has been making us blush since 1999. First, because of their provocative names, and second, by being the perfect product for flushed cheeks. The most popular (and one of my favorites), Nars Orgasm Blush, is known as a universally flattering pink blush with peachy warmth and golden shimmer. In fact, the shade is so loved it was the #1 selling blush in the U.S. in 2020. So popular it even has its own collection. If you enjoy makeup history, this is a fun read from Byrdie about how Orgasm came to be.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4.2)

:NARS Blush

Price: $32.00

0.16 oz

Value

(4.3)

Application

(4.6)

Finish

(4.4)

Longevity

(5)

Extra Benefits

(2.7)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:Best Drugstore Powder Blushes

Price: $4 – $12

various

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Finish

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

_{Our Rating Criteria}

Promises vs. Performance: A classic with an unrivaled shade range and performance.

“Buildable. Blendable. Indispensable.” This is how NARS describes their pressed powder blush. Blush is a silky, blendable formula that can deliver a sheer to bold cheek look. The superfine, micronized pigments provide easy application for a naturally flushed effect. Available in 26 shades, Blush has a shade for everyone across its family of three finishes (matte, satin, and shimmer).

I agree that this blush is easy to use and blendable. With its lightweight, silky texture, it glides smoothly over skin, easily blending in. Swirl and sweep your brush across the apples of your cheeks to deposit pigment, sheer to bold. No worries about going in too heavy-handed either, because this blush is super buildable and blendable. Despite it being pigmented, it’s very forgiving in color. What’s nice about this blush is that even if I’m battling some unwanted texture, it doesn’t exaggerate it. It can patchy depending on the shades and shimmer, and the lighter matte shades can be a bit chalky. But I do find the finely milled powders even help to blur pores. And, there’s minimal fading or wearing off. It has a long wear, keeping cheeks poppin’ all day long.

How It Compares: NARS Blush is one of the best.

NARS pressed powder blushes come in 26 colors and shimmer, satin, and matte finishes. In the lineup, you’ll find shades of nude, berry, red, peach, and pink blush, all with sultry names and limitless potential for natural to bold cheek looks. It’s easy to apply, blend, and build, even forgiving if you apply heavy-handed. The silky formula wears well on the skin, giving cheeks color all day long. It never looks patchy, never exaggerates texture, and always performs. Between the performance and its icon status, I deem this the standard blush of prograde beauty.

This blush continues to win awards year after year. Allure and its readers have awarded this product more than 20 times, and it’s included in their Best of Beauty Hall of Fame. Others who have praised the peachy pink blush include Byrdie and W Magazine. Harpers BAZZAR even named it one of the all time best blushes because it simply flatters every skin tone.

Milabu Beauty Method: These products give a flawless complexion to prep for colorful cheeks.

Primer: Milk Hydro Grip is hydrating, yet pore blurring. It has a gripping benefit and helps smooth texture.

Foundation: My holy grail is Armani Luminous Silk. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s truly flawless. It gives a beautiful full coverage without being cakey and heavy.

Concealer: Two of the best are from NARS, both Radiant Creamy and Soft Matte are both stunning formulas that conceal dark circles, blemishes, or redness.