I tried the Nars Afterglow Liquid Blushes to see if they’re worth the hype

Like most beauty girlies, Tiktok is my go-to source for new beauty launches. So when I saw Alix Earle using the newly launched Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush, I knew I just had to try it stat. 

But, like everything, it hadn’t yet hit Australian shores (we’re still waiting on the Makeup By Mario Surreal Skin Foundation to hit shelves almost a year after its launch…). So I bided my time, watching every beauty influencer on my FYP rave about the blush, and absolutely dying to try it for myself.

And finally, the time arrived. Two shades of the Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush ($48 at MECCA) landed on my desk – ‘Orgasm’ and ‘Dolce Vita’. So of course I put them to the test and here are my honest thoughts…

Nars Afterglow Blush vs. Nars Liquid Blush

You might be thinking, ‘doesn’t Nars already have a liquid blush?!’. And the answer is yes. But don’t be fooled, because these are two very different products. Okay, well, as different as two liquid blushes in the same shade by the same brand can be.

The main difference is in the actual formulation of the blushes. The Afterglow blush is spiked with the skin-lovin’ goodness of sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid), vegan collagen and vitamin E. The result? Plump, hydrated skin with the most radiant glow and a sheer – but buildable – wash of ‘lit from within’ colour. 

The OG Nars Liquid Blush ($48 at MECCA), on the other hand, is more of a classic liquid blush rather than a skin care-makeup hybrid. It does still contain some skin care ingredients (hello vitamin E), but the resulting colour is a lot more pigmented and a little less radiant.

Afterglow also uses a doe foot applicator, which is much easier for everyday wear if you ask us, whereas the OG has a pump applicator – great for makeup artists, but can be a bit of a battle for the everyday consumer. And where the Liquid Blush only has three shades to choose from, Afterglow has six, all with a dewy finish.

Makeup artist and TikToker Kasia Stanicich gives a pretty good breakdown of the differences between the two blushes here:

Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush review

I’ve never actually swatched let alone worn the OG ‘Orgasm’ powder blush version (blasphemy, I know). So I was beyond excited to put the radiant liquid version to the test.

As far as first impressions go, the packaging is stuh-ning – but I’d expect nothing less from Nars. The gold mirroring on the cap is as practical as it is chic. I used it as an actual mirror for touch-ups, allowing me to perfect the blending out of the product. Obsessed.

Swatching the two shades, I was seriously impressed by the silky texture and colour payoff. Orgasm is the iconic peachy-pink shade with a hint of golden shimmer. And Dolce Vita is a glossy, dusty rose hue which, in my opinion, is the perfect winter blush shade.

Now for the application. As I mentioned, the blush uses a doe foot applicator which I absolutely adore – it just makes applying liquid products so easy. I do love a bold blush moment, but I’ve been scarred by the first time I tried the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Bluch (IYKYK). So I applied three little dots with caution before blending out with a soft blush brush.

Although these blushes are sheer, the colour payoff is impressive. But they do blend like a dream. I really love the lightweight, second-skin finish and am definitely a dewy girl so was really vibing the semi-wet look.

And boy do they wear well. I trialled both blushes on separate occasions, both alone and layered with powders (if you haven’t tried blush cocktailing, what are you doing?) and every time, my cheeks were aglow with a radiant flush from application to removal. I even wore ‘Orgasm’ to a pilates class (I forgot to take my makeup off, okay?!) and she was still going strong post-45 minute reformer class. 

The final verdict

Honestly, I’m IMPRESSED! I’ve sworn by cream and powder blushes for, like, ever but the Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush has officially made me a convert. Unlike other liquid blushes and powder blushes, these don’t feel cakey or drying.

They’re gorgeously glowy and dewy, without looking overly wet or greasy. If you’re more of a matte kinda girl but looking to dip your toe into dewy makeup looks, this is the perfect introduction – especially the shade ‘Dolce Vita’.

If strawberry girl makeup is your thing, or maybe you’re just looking for a natural-looking blush that will actually last, Afterglow will be your perfect match.

So yes, if you’re wondering, this blush is definitely worth the hype. I’ve been searching for the longest time, but truly think I’ve found my new holy grail makeup product.

Main image credit: supplied

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