Just in case I’ve got any newbies that aren’t familiar with the blush that will make you blush by just saying it’s name, let me introduce you to the iconic Nars “Orgasm.” It has been one of the top selling blushes in America since its debut back in 1999. To put that into perspective, I had just turned 21, I’m 41 now, so it’s been around for 20 years of my life!! That is some maaajjjor longevity for a makeup product.
This longevity is due to it being known as one of the most universal flattering blush shades on the market.
I doubt there is a beauty blogger out there that hasn’t highlighted this blush on their social media OR makeup artist that hasn’t had it in their kit at one point in time!!
So of course, when a product becomes this popular, there are going to be many companies that try to play copycat. Now I have no proof that any brand has tried to to purposefully copy Nars Orgasm, but a lot of them come really darn CLOSE with similar blush shades in their collections!
Recently I received one of the closest doppelgangers I have come across for Orgasm via PR mail (lovely perk of being a beauty blogger). The It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores blush in shade “Sweet Cheeks, $24.”
Immediately when I opened this compact, I thought, “wow, looks a lot like Orgasm!”
I was so impressed with the similarity of this Sweet Cheeks shade that I even went so far as to wear it on ONE cheek and the Nars on the OTHER. And I wore it out in public all day like that.
What makes this Nars Orgasm SO special that brands want to copy it? The thing about this blush is that it has a few components that allows it to flatter all skin tones. The PINK undertone helps with lighter complexions and the PEACH + GOLD undertones help give darker skin a pop of brightness.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Blush, $24 // Nars blush, $30 // Charlotte Tilbury Sculpt brush, $49
Here’s how the It and the Nars stack up against each other IMO…
How they compare :
PRICE Nars : $30 // It Cosmetics : $24
WEIGHT Nars : .16oz // It Cosmetics : .19 oz
PACKAGING Nars : square dark black flip top compact. closes securely and has a mirror included // It Cosmetics: circle black matte circle with flip top and mirror
COLOR Nars : shimmery not glittery. more on the pinky than peach side // It Cosmetics : shimmer with teeny tiny flecks of gold and goes just a hint more peachy than the Nars