Every minute, two Orgasm Blushes are sold. That’s over half a million pieces in 2015 alone.
Though the blush debuted in 1999 when Francois Nars made a name for himself with the game-changing, universally flattering product, it continues to enjoy steady sales today.
“That’s because it works on everyone,” says New York-based Nars international makeup artist Jonathan Wu. “I’m from Taiwan, so I can see how the blush works on different skin tones. It registers differently, depending on your type.
Wu points out that on yellow tones, Orgasm comes off as peachy. On pale skin, it appears pinkish. On darker skin, the blush works best as a highlighter.
The new Orgasm isn’t exactly new-new. After all, why mess with a formula that works?
Nars is relaunching the iconic blush in a larger size, in collaboration with Fabian Baron, with a “special” Nars logo and #whatmakesyoublush inscribed on the mirror.
Rustan’s celebrated the new Orgasm with a party at Black Sheep, now located in Chino Roces Avenue Extension, with the theme “What Makes You Blush.”
Guests were invited to write their answers on a black wall with pink markers and answers ranged from the honest (“cute butts”) to the inane (“Kisses!!!”).
“So what makes you blush?” someone asked me gamely.
“Uh, blush,” I said.
She walked away, shaking her head.
Smilestones
At Chibi Momo, the adorable children’s store in Century City Mall, owner Jackie Antonio debuted her proudest creation yet: Smilestones.
For those without kids, they’re these cards you place next to your infant, loudly declaring their age. (You’ve probably seen them on your social media feed.)
But Antonio, who collaborated with artist Olive Repotente and writer Julienne Cruz, wanted to create something fun, not the usual “I’m six months old.” (Though traditionalists should know that that’s included, too.)
Charmingly illustrated notes are included on the reverse of each card. Behind the “Celebrating Two Weeks Today!” card, for instance, is inscribed “Too Young for a Throwback Thursday.”
“They’re fun and they’re cute to use,” says Marco Antonio, who has two kids with Jackie. “It’s nice to look back at your kids’ photos and see how they’ve grown next to cards like these.”
Biennale artist is back
Silverlens’ Isa Lorenzo and Rachel Rillo recently honored Jose Tence Ruiz, who opened his first solo show since his stint as one of the three artists who represented the country at the 56th Venice Biennale.
Dubbed “Sipa,” the exhibit tackles themes of religion, nature and history. Consisting of oil paintings as well as installations fashioned from salvaged materials, Ruiz’s exhibit demonstrates a subversive sense of humor.
This is particularly evident in his work “S’kool,” featuring a structure surrounded by broken toilets and marble plaques inscribed with the names of the heroes of the Philippine revolution, though these names appear as puns: Bangagtas, Lapu-Lupus, Un-dress Boni-f*ck-U.
“Sipa” runs until May 28 at Silverlens, 2320 Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Makati.
Flavor Nation festival
During Labor Day weekend, F&B Report magazine hosted the McCormick Flavor Nation Festival. Guests were given a passport to sample McCormick’s free noodle bar to launch the brand’s noodle and seasoning mix in five variants: Laksa, Chap Chae, Birthday Noodles, Pad Thai and Palabok.
“McCormick wants to empower today’s food lovers regardless of their age and lifestyle, taking away hours of meticulous preparation in their kitchen while ensuring the authentic flavors in these dishes,” says McCormick Philippines marketing manager Kate Tan.
Chefs Margarita Fores of Café Bola and Cibo, Marc Nocon of Burgers & Brewskies, Bernice Pimentel of Ilustrado, Jerome Lim of Buta Wagyu, Jordi Barraca of Churreria La Lola, and Aileen Anastacio of Marmalade Kitchen joined the event, selling samplers of their greatest hits.
TV host and chef Sabrina Artadi also offered samples of her creations for free.