Nars Orgasm and Super Orgasm Illuminators – Review, Comparison

Nars Orgasm and Super Orgasm Illuminators ( $ 30 each) available from narscosmetics.com

I used to always wonder how the celebs walking down the red carpet always had such amazing glowing skin.  Well, apart from great genes, there is another little secret, a great illuminator.

Nars has always been at the cutting edge of innovation and it’s no wonder that they were one of the first to come up with the concept of an illuminator.  There are a lot of illuminators that are in pressed powder form, but personally I love the concept of a cream.  This is what Nars has to say about the illuminators

Light the skin from within.  A collection of light-reflecting liquids that glide on to refresh and enhance the complexion with shimmering incandescence. Deceptively sheer, decidedly luminous.

Although Nars comes up with a number of limited edition shades every season, Orgasm and Super Orgasm are two out of the four permanent line.

Shade – Nars Orgasm Illuminator is a bronzy peach shade in the tube.  The colour is supposed to be the same as the iconic blush. Nars Super Orgasm is decidedly more peach in colour.  The bronze shade is missing completely and this one has a ton of visible shimmer particles.

The swatch on the left is Super Orgasm and the one on the right is orgasm.  When its not blended, you can see the difference in the two colours distinctly.  Now, the amount I have used it huge, you need to use much much less for your face.

When blended a little the colour of orgasm is still brownish peach and the super orgasm is still very orangeish peach with a lot of shimmer particles showing.  The interesting part is when you blend completely.  There is NO difference in both the colours apart from the shimmer.  They blend into one seem less shade.

On my skin there is a definite glow after using one of these.  One just has to be careful whilst applying or else you will land up looking clownish with a lot of product.  Restraint is key.

Texture and Formula – The texture is creamy without feeling sticky or tacky.  Once applied this blends in beautifully.  I use my fingers to spread this onto my cheeks.

Pigmentation – Since Nars Orgasm and Super Orgasm are illuminators, they are supposed to go on sheer, so there is very little pigmentation.  You cannot substitute this for a blush. I also find that this works better on foundation.  If you apply this directly sans any make up the illuminator barely shows up.  It’s best used with foundation and a complementary blush.

Now those with much lighter skin tones may actually see a difference in the two shades of Orgasm and Super Orgasm, but on my NC 35 skin they look the same.  I thought I would prefer Super Orgasm, but the level of shimmer and the size makes it possible to use only for a night out.  I actually prefer Orgasm as it is more versatile.

Staying power – On me they last about 5 to 6 hours.  I normally use these with primer and foundation under.

Overall Thoughts

Nars Orgasm and Super Orgasm Illuminators are pretty expensive products at $ 30.  I also feel you will not be able to finish the full tube in a year or two even if you use it daily since you really need a very small amount.  You are most likely to throw away a half used product since it has expired.  I do wish they would make a smaller tube for that retails for a lower price.

Ratings – 3/5

*Written Be Dela