Guardian’s cult-fave Terracotta Bronzing Powder has been given a fashionable new outfit; created specifically for the limited edition Summer 2015 Collection (see preview), the bronzing powders now come with a silicone removable outer sleeve (CAN $62.00) – Riviera Turquoise for 02 Natural Blondes and Sunny Coral for 03 Natural Brunettes (not shown). Often duplicated but never imitated, Guerlain was the first to launch a beauty bronzing powder in 1984 and quickly gained a well-deserved reputation for its ultra finely-milled texture – one that imparts the most incredibly stunning faux glow you can achieve with a powdered product. Seriously.
Terracotta Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in 02 Natural Blondes – Housed in the brand’s signature tortoiseshell-like case, this limited edition version comes with a silicone removable ‘Riviera Turquoise’ outer shell – perfect for transport/travel, as it adds a whole other level of protection (as well as looking very Summery and FUN!). The colour is a rich, almost russet-appearing bronzer shade that leans warm, suiting basically all complexions across the spectrum. Quite pigmented, a little goes a long way and as with all bronzers, Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes will ‘develop’ upon application; what that means, is that the colour will deepen within minutes of initial application as it mergers with your skin’s warmth and natural oils, and so I strongly suggest first applying with a light hand, then waiting about 5 minutes before going back in with more. The result you achieve is also dependant on the tool you use, with a large fluffy brush giving a more diffused look, while a denser-headed brush will provide a more intense, detailed appearance. I actually prefer to use both types of brushes per application, in order to achieve a more realistic and 3D effect upon the skin. With regards to staying power, it’s a little hard to determine an exact amount, as the product evolves over time and becomes a part of your made-up face; what I can say, is that after an entire day of wearing, I can still see colour upon my face, albeit slightly faded.
This moisturizing powder is meant to provide a natural feel to the skin, without any oxidation or settling into fine lines, merging subtly with your natural oils over time. The texture is the secret to its success: so finely milled as to fuse perfectly with the skin, without ever sitting at just the surface level. Then there’s that heavenly scent…
‘The top notes reveal a joyful and cheerful accord of bergamot and mandarin. The heart takes over with the sunny, feminine notes of gardenia, jasmine and ylang-ylang, which play off the lightness of honeysuckle. In the dry-down, vanilla, blended with woody notes, gives this legendary scent all of its character and mystery’ – Guerlain
To my nose, this fragrance is THE very essence of Summer which calls to mind the ocean, walking through the waves lapping along the shore & surrounded by the heady scent of suntan lotion (what can I say? I’m a total beach bunny) and while I personally love it, those with sensitivities should take note and try it at counter first.
For the record, the regular price of this bronzing powder is CAN $60.00 so basically you’re paying CAN $2.00 more for the outer silicone sleeve – an investment that’s actually not bad, considering you can reuse the sleeve on any other similar Guerlain powder, all while providing some extra padding to your compact case.
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes (detail)
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes swatches (in sunlight)
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes swatches (alternate light)
Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes
I’m not really sure why Guerlain chooses to group their bronzers as either ‘blonde’ or ‘brunette’ – especially when one considers how many varieties of hair colour exist – but I’m sure they have their reasons. Nothing says Summer quite like a tan, and the easiest (not to mention safest) way to embrace this seasonal shift, is with any of Guerlain’s Terracotta bronzers – products which provide not only that coveted faux glow, but do so without any of the harmful effects of too much sun exposure. On my recent holiday, I had an entire arsenal of bronzing products with me and while all the varieties I brought along have their individual merits, I loved using the Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes Bronzing Powder for an effortless swipe of finishing colour to my skin. Then again, it could be the addictive fragrance … either way, it’s a win-win.
Available through The Bay store & thebay.com, Sephora stores & sephora.com, as well as Holt Renfrew stores across Canada – links provided for your convenience. Find more information via guerlain.ca
Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
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