What Makes NARS Multiple So Popular?

Some makeup products earn a following because they do one thing incredibly well. The NARS Multiple earned its following by doing several things well enough that people stopped carrying three separate products. It’s a creamy stick you can swipe onto your cheeks, tap onto your lips, and use as a soft wash of color elsewhere, all from one tube that fits in a clutch.

As a Tampa bridal hair and makeup team, we see a lot of Multiples in brides’ bags, and we understand why. In this guide, we’ll explain what The Multiple actually is, how to use it on cheeks, lips, and eyes in a practical way, which well known shades tend to suit different skin tones, how it holds up through a long wedding day, and whether it earns a spot in a bridal touch up kit. We’re working from NARS’s own published product information, and prices, shades, and availability can change, so check the brand’s current page before you buy.

What The NARS Multiple Is

NARS describes The Multiple as a multi use cream stick for eyes, cheeks, lips, and body. It’s a cream to powder formula, meaning it goes on creamy and blends easily, then settles into a softer, less tacky finish on the skin. Depending on the shade, the finish can be sheer and satin, softly shimmery, or more noticeably luminous, so some shades work like a blush and others work more like a highlighter or bronzer.

The stick format is a big part of the appeal. There’s no pan to break, no brush required, and it travels well. NARS has also sold mini sizes and duo sets at times, which are handy if you want to try a shade before committing to a full size. Some shades have been listed as out of stock at times, so the lineup you see may differ from older reviews.

How To Use NARS Multiple On Cheeks, Lips, And Eyes

On cheeks, the easiest method is to swipe the stick directly onto the apples or upper cheekbones in two or three short strokes, then blend with your fingertips, a damp sponge, or a dense brush. Fingers warm the formula and help it melt into skin. Build slowly, since it’s easier to add another swipe than to tone down too much color.

On lips, tap a little straight from the stick or with a fingertip for a sheer, stained look. It won’t feel like a lipstick, and it can be a little drier than a balm, so a thin layer of lip balm first makes it more comfortable.

Eyes need more care. Only use The Multiple near your eyes as the brand’s current directions allow, and keep it on the lid rather than the waterline. If your eyes are sensitive or you wear contact lenses, a product made specifically for the eye area may be a better choice. Stop using any product that causes irritation, and see a doctor if irritation doesn’t settle. We’d always suggest a patch test before wearing a new product near your eyes on an important day.

NARS Multiple Shade And Skin Tone Guide

NARS has released many Multiple shades over the years, and the full list changes, so we’ll stick to the best known ones. Orgasm is a sheer pink with golden shimmer, inspired by the brand’s famous blush shade of the same name, and it’s flattering on a wide range of light to medium skin tones as a soft flush with glow. South Beach is a shimmering apricot that many people use for a sun kissed warmth, and it can look especially pretty on warm and olive undertones.

As a general guide, fair skin often suits sheer pinks and peaches, medium and olive skin tends to glow in apricot, coral, and warm rose, and deep skin usually looks best in richer berry, bronze, and deep coral shades, since very pale shimmers can look ashy. Sheerness helps, because many Multiple shades adapt slightly to your natural skin tone. Swatch on your cheek in daylight before buying if you can.

The Detail Most Reviews Leave Out: Cream Products Over Powder

Here’s a gap we notice in a lot of Multiple reviews. Cream products blend beautifully over bare skin or a cream foundation, but they can drag or lift powder that’s already been applied, leaving patchy spots. If you’re wearing a powder setting layer, apply The Multiple before setting, or use it very lightly with a fingertip and press rather than swipe. This matters a lot for touch ups on your wedding day, since your face will already be set by then. Tapping a tiny amount onto the back of your hand first, warming it, and then pressing it onto the cheek works much better than swiping the stick across powdered skin.

Why The NARS Multiple Built Such A Loyal Following

Part of the answer is timing. The Multiple has been around for many years, long before multi use sticks became common in every brand’s lineup, so a lot of people discovered the idea of a single cheek and lip product through it. Once someone finds a shade they love, they tend to keep repurchasing it, and many makeup artists have kept a few shades in their kits for years.

The other part is how forgiving it is. Cream color is easy to blend with fingers, and sheer shades are hard to overdo. That makes it a comfortable choice for people who don’t wear much makeup and don’t want to learn a lot of brush technique. It also gives a fresh, skin like finish that many people prefer to powder blush, which can look flat on dry or mature skin.

Convenience plays a role as well. A single stick can stand in for blush, a lip tint, and a touch of glow on the cheekbones, which is appealing for travel, gym bags, and busy mornings. For a bride, that same convenience means one small product can cover several quick touch ups during a long day. Of course, popularity doesn’t mean it suits everyone. People with very oily skin, or anyone who prefers a matte finish, may find a powder blush wears better for them.

Longevity And Touch Ups

Cream to powder products tend to wear well on normal and dry skin, settling into the skin rather than sitting on top. On oily skin and in Florida humidity, they can fade or slide faster, especially on the cheeks where you touch your face and hug guests. Layering helps. Many artists apply a cream blush first and then press a matching powder blush lightly on top to lock it in.

For a wedding, The Multiple really shines as a touch up product. A quick tap on the cheeks and lips after dinner can bring color back to your face in seconds without needing a brush. Blot any shine first, then press the product on gently.

Is The NARS Multiple Worth It For A Bridal Kit

For many brides, yes, especially as a backup or touch up product rather than the base of their wedding look. One stick can refresh cheeks and lips, it’s compact enough for a small bag, and it’s easy to use without a mirror and a brush set. If you already own a NARS blush you love, a matching Multiple shade makes touch ups simple.

It’s less essential if your wedding makeup is airbrushed or very long wear, since you’ll want touch up products that match the finish your artist used. Ask your artist what they used, and they can tell you whether a cream stick will blend well over your look. You can see real bridal looks on our team and portfolio page, learn about bridal makeup application, and if you’re wondering how cream color plays with glow, our guide to NARS highlighter options covers placement.

Frequently Asked Questions