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Nars has launched free NFTs to celebrate Valentine's Day

The beauty industry today is full of products with provocative names—MAC offers a lipstick called Lickable, while TooFaced's most iconic mascara is rather simplistically called Better Than Sex. But none of these compare to Nars' Orgasm, which is a makeup icon for more than just its ironic title.

Nars' peachy-pink powder blush Orgasm was first launched in 1999 and has been a best-seller for the brand for over two decades; today, one product is reportedly sold every 20 seconds.

The product has been so successful that Nars has even released a series of NFTs inspired by the iconic shade. The digital collectibles were produced in collaboration with female-led Web3 media brand Boss Beauties and can be claimed simply by logging into the Odenty universe – without the need for cryptocurrency (or any currency for that matter). The project launches on Valentine's Day and also includes surprise special offers and virtual educational events designed to get women and girls excited about the Web3 technology industry.

While many products enjoy cult status among celebrities, it's quite an achievement when a single shade gains such a large following. Meghan Markle reportedly wore the original Orgasm powder on her wedding day. Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence raved about it. Kim Kardashian called it her “all-time favorite blusher.” That's exactly what makes Orgasm so unrivaled: The unique shade looks beautiful on all skin tones.

When first applied, the ultra-fine powder appears disturbingly vibrant: a coral pink with striking flecks of gold shimmer. But once applied to the cheekbones with a fluffy brush (choose a large one for the smoothest blend), the orange and pink tones meld beautifully to reveal a light-reflecting, skin-enhancing shade. More of a light shimmer than an out-and-out sparkly finish, it's suitable for both day and night, and looks just as good with a smoky eye as it does with a simple, nude lip.

Nars orgasm blush

Karwai Tang

Rachel Hardie, Nars' national lead artist, believes the key to Orgasm's continued popularity is its versatility. “It suits all skin tones: The balance of peach, pink and gold pigments means it highlights the colors that flatter your skin the most. On fair skin tones, the blush appears pinker and redder. On olive to medium tones, the peach shines through, instantly brightening the complexion. And on medium to dark tones, the gold highlight takes the spotlight and works especially well when layered over another blush shade.”

To apply, Hardie recommends a tapered brush, like the brand's Yachiyo brush: “The tapered edge allows you to apply the blush in a variety of ways. For a sculpted lifting effect, place the product on the base of the brush and apply it to the top of your cheekbone. Swipe forward and then back towards the temple to create a '70s feel. If you're applying a matte blush, squeeze the Yachiyo to fan the bristles, then apply Orgasm as a highlighter.”

Two decades later, the original Orgasm is still so popular that the brand has created an entire (and ever-growing) line around it. You can now wear the circulation-boosting shade from head to toe—literally: There's a dry body oil—or highlight your eyes, cheeks, or lips. The Multiple Cream Colour Stick is a great place to start and blends seamlessly over a dewy foundation. Hardie recommends it to “achieve that glassy skin look, especially when layered under a tinted moisturizer to create that natural 'glow from within' look.”

The Liquid Blush is lighter and brighter than the other complexion products and offers the most delicate touch of color for real blush-phobes. Also try the Afterglow Lip Balm for an everyday glow that highlights your natural lip tone, or layer it with the Lip Gloss for the evening.

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