Behind the icon: NARS Orgasm

Makeup artist François Nars has always done things his way, and, dissatisfied with what was available on the makeup market, he decided to launch his own line of lipsticks in 1994. His cult Multiple sticks dropped a few years later, but it was the launch of this blush in 1999, that really put NARS on the makeup map. At first, beauty lovers were enthralled (and some were scandalised!) by the cheeky name, but once they dipped into the palette, it was the stunning shade - a shimmering, pinky-peach blush-highlighter hybrid - and its ability to deeply flatter and enhance a wide range of skin tones that cemented its place in beauty history.

And ever the clever businessman, the success of Orgasm has spawned an entire category of spinoffs including must-have lipstick, lip balm, nail colour and, of course, a NARS Multiple stick.

The peachy pink, gold-flecked shade was inspired by the natural flush that occurs within the skin when you have an actual physiological orgasm. So, your skin gets all the benefits of a climax in just a few sweeps of blush - who knew? Touted as one of the most 'universally flattering' blush shades, makeup artists agree that it does stand above the rest for its versatility, and that's down to the fact that it blends both warm and cool tones; the mix of peach, pink, and gold are balanced perfectly. That, and the pigment allows for a soft application or a more prominent one, depending on your mood.

Since the launch of Orgasm way back, the brand has released other incarnations of this iconic shade because it’s so damn flattering that it can be worn across just about every feature. Name another blush that can do that. We’ll wait.