Filed In: Guerlain

Guerlain | Terracotta Terra Magnifica, Sephora Exclusive

Reigning supreme over all other bronzing powders, is the Terracotta range from Guerlain. For Summer 2016, the brand has created Terracotta Terra Magnifica, a lust-worthy product made exclusively for Sephora that also comes in a collectable/reusable tin that just begs to be displayed, although I can guarantee you’ll have much more fun actually using it.

Decorative world map by Nicolaas J. Visscher, 1657 (credit)

Guerlain | Terracotta Terra Magnifica, Sephora exclusive

Terracotta Terra Magnifica (CAN $76.00) | Filled with the brand’s bestselling 03 Natural Brunettes shade (previously reviewed), this version also has a sand-coloured centre portion that can be worn alone or combined with the darker hue coupled with raised gold “rays” on the surface, although these will definitely disappear within a couple of uses. Almost double in product size to that of the regular Terracotta bronzer (19g vs 10g), it comes housed in an oversized and highly collectible decorative tin, which has the added bonus of being reusable once all traces of product are gone — although I honestly don’t see anyone using this beauty up anytime soon.

The texture is simply sublime: ultra-fine milled and of the type that almost seems to ‘melt’ into the skin, providing the most seamless and flawless look you’ll ever get from any powdered bronzer. Earlier this year, Guerlain tweaked the fragrance of all their Terracotta bronzers and this version reflects that change with summery notes of freesia, orange blossom, tonic bean and vanilla to create that perfect tropical vibe. For those with sensitivities, it should be noted that the scent is quite evident and noticeable as soon as you open the tin, although it also seems to dissipate quickly enough once applied.

Guerlain | Terracotta Terra Magnifica, Sephora exclusive

Guerlain | Terracotta Terra Magnifica, logo detail

Guerlain | Terracotta Terra Magnifica, Sephora exclusive

Guerlain | Terracotta Terra Magnifica swatches (*Please note that the centre swatch portion should read Sand/Gold Section)

From the brand that has literally written the book on what a bronzing powder is supposed to do and how it should actually look upon your skin, the limited edition Terra Magnifica is the one I’ve been reaching for now that I’m back from holiday but still want to keep my beach glow going strong. With the added benefit of having hydrating properties built into the formula, you’ll find it hard to overdo your application since the texture has been created to be just that refined. Another perk in its favour is the size; when you factor in that the 10g regular size retails for CAN $60.00, then the CAN $76.00 price tag for almost double on this version is actually a pretty sweet deal. I really wish it were part of the permanent range, or barring that at least more readily available because if you’ve been on the hunt for that one perfect ‘natural-looking’ bronzer, then look no further … Terra Magnifica‘s got your back (or in this case, your face).

If you like what you see here, then hurry up & grab one for yourself at Sephora.com !

Feeling like a bronzed beauty/As always, all opinions are my own

buy Amoxicillin
buy celexa no prescription
buy Premarin online
Tadalafil no prescription

Guerlain | La Petite Robe Noire Fashion Show, Denim Jacket Nail Colour & meeting Thierry Wasser

July 20, 2016

A few weeks ago, I was thrilled to meet Thierry Wasser, “nose” and Exclusive Perfumer for Guerlain, creator of so many unforgettable scents (literally, too many to list here) and the genius behind the brand’s latest La Petite Robe Noire fragrance. As charming and funny as he is talented (seriously, we were doubled over laughing at times), this special event was held at Montréal’s Centre des Sciences and the evening featured several launches: the latest iteration for La Petite Robe Noire, Eau de Parfum Intense, along with new shades for both nails and lips in the La Petite Robe Noire Maquillage collection.

After briefing us about the inspiration behind this latest fragrance, we were then treated to an exclusive private fashion show featuring a variety of gorgeous black dresses (literally ‘la petite robe noire’, natch) with the makeup looks created by über-talent and Guerlain’s International Makeup Artist, Maxime Poulin. The breakdown (all using Guerlain products):

Skin: prepped with L’Or Primer, followed by Parure Gold Foundation & Precious Light Illuminator
Face: Terracotta Classique under cheekbones (to create soft definition), a touch of Morning Rose Blush on the apples of the cheeks and Meteorites Pearls used in the centre of the face and on tops of cheekbones for added radiance
Brows: kept soft with just a few pencil strokes, where needed

Eyes (three different looks):

Sultry Smokey: using an upcoming Fall palette and Khol Kajal as a base, with the deepest smokey look using the most pigmented black blended even above the crease, black pencil along the lower lash line and layers of Maxi Lash mascara.
Iconic: using upcoming new products with the lid kept ‘clean’ and the focus on the sharp liner
Deconstructed: Coloured liner used both on top and bottom lash lines, half-way and extended far out with blue or purple for a unique fun look
Lips: the 20 dresses seen in the show were all accessorized with a different La Petite Robe Noire lipstick and nail shade in unexpected mix & match ways

The show closed with the La Petite Robe Noire bride and Thierry Wasser riding off into the sunset (well, not really… just backstage) but the party continued and I was able to spend some quality time with my ‘Guerlain Family’, as I think of them all.

A review with swatches of the upcoming La Petite Robe Noire lacquer shade in Denim Jacket is at the end of the post — keep scrolling!

Photo Credits (Guerlain event): Tom Conides, aka: my amazing husband

My look: dress – Free People ♦ shoes – Christian Louboutin ♦ lace cuff – Sappho by Kim Smiley ♦ bag – Louis Vuitton

With Thierry Wasser

Thierry Wasser for Guerlain

Scenes from the La Petite Robe Noire exclusive fashion show

Here comes the bride…

Thierry Wasser closing the show

With Maxime Poulin — so grateful to call this lovely being my close friend

With Josianne Gauthier & Sandrine Breathe, Guerlain Canada

With William Lescure, Directeur General of Guerlain Canada (and yes, that’s cotton candy)

With Katherine Reusch, Guerlain Canada

Wanderlust #travelgoals (I’ll take any and/or all)

How could I pass up an opportunity to play the ‘La Petite Robe Noire girl’ with the creator of the fragrance?!

008 Denim Jacket Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour (CAN $27.00) | A true cornflower blue shade in a luxurious crème formula that can be summed up in one word: PERFECTION. With an excellent flow, density and opacity, this beauty is also self-levelling in application, comes to a glossy finish and is non-staining upon removal. As if all that weren’t enough, there’s the added bonus of it being scented with the La Petite Robe Noire fragrance, coming through once the polish has fully dried and which should last easily 48+ hours, although it can be revived with a layer of the matching top coat.

For those unfamiliar with Guerlain lacquers, you should know that their brush is one of my all time favourites; dense but slightly chiselled so that it splayed beautifully and evenly along the nail, making application effortless and a total pleasure.

Coats: 2, plus top coat

Guerlain | 008 Denim Jacket Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour

Guerlain | 008 Denim Jacket Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour swatch

La Petite Robe Noire Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour in Denim Jacket will be pre-launched at select Guerlain boutiques August 1, across Canada as of November 1

A huge thank you goes out to the amazing Guerlain team

As always, all opinions are my own

Guerlain | Summer Collection 2016 by Terracotta

May 25, 2016

From the brand that has perfected the art of bronzing, comes the latest release: introducing Guerlain’s Summer Collection by Terracotta, a capsule range aimed at providing your skin with its most luxe faux glow yet. With a spicy new cover adorning the iconic Terracotta bronzing powder, lipsticks that just beg to be taken out & applied in public, and a new innovation in the field of washable tans, it’s like Guerlain has brought the beach that much closer to home. Works for me.

Guerlain | Summer Collection 2016 by Terracotta

Guerlain | My Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes Summer 2016 Limited Edition

My Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes, limited edition (CAN $64.00) | Housed in the brand’s iconic tortoiseshell-pattern casing, this cult-fave product has been given a fiery new silicone outer sleeve for Summer 2016 (which adds a couple of dollars to the price, but it’s removable thus making it reusable, and provides some protection in the event the compact falls). The powder’s surface is embossed with a nautical-inspired rope design (that will wear down with use), and bears the newly reformulated Terracotta fragrance that consists of: freesia, orange blossom, tonka bean, vanilla & white musk — all of which combine to form the very essence of summer.

There really is no other bronzing powder currently available that is as finely-milled as that of Terracotta; the texture is so refined that once applied, it truly blends seamlessly upon the skin. Created with moisturizing properties to ensure skin stays hydrated throughout the wearing, there is no oxidation seen and it almost seems to get better (if that’s even possible) as it fuses with your skin’s warmth and natural oils.

Guerlain | My Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes Summer 2016 Limited Edition

Guerlain | My Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes Summer 2016 Limited Edition (swatches)

Guerlain | My Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes Summer 2016 Limited Edition

A veritable tower of bronzing ‘macarons’, done in Guerlain style

Since the Terracotta powders rank as one of my absolutely favourites, and depending on the season and what level of glow I’m aiming for, I have several versions that I alternate between throughout the year. Please note that in the swatch below, it should read as 01 Light Brunettes and not 01 Natural Brunettes.

Previously reviewed:

Guerlain | My Terracotta Summer 2016 Limited Edition & comparison swatches

Terracotta L’Eau Hâlée, limited edition (CAN $62.00) | The latest innovation in the Terracotta family is a bronzing water with a light-as-air texture and slight cooling sensation felt upon the skin upon initial application. Dispensed via a dropper, this is a non-transferable yet still washable veil of colour that is best applied with your fingers (brushes, beauty sponges or even cotton pads can also be used, but will absorb way too much of the product along the way) for the most seamless and natural look. Scented with a tropical Tiaré flower fragrance (that serves to instantly transport me to the beach — any beach), the texture has a slight gel-like quality and is quite fool-proof to apply, as it becomes quickly absorbed and thus easy to build up if desired. One way to use L’Eau Hâlée is like a traditional bronzing product and therefore applied to key areas of the face where the sun would naturally hit (upper cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and tip of the chin), or you can also mix a few drops in to your favourite moisturizer for an all-over natural sunny radiance.

This one universally flattering shade is totally customizable, meaning you can layer it to achieve the intensity you prefer and the best part? No commitment, since it’s also easily removed at the end of the day with soap and water (or your preferred makeup remover).

Guerlain | Terracotta L’Eau Hâlée Summer Limited Edition

Guerlain | Terracotta L’Eau Hâlée Summer Limited Edition (swatches)

Guerlain | KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Color Summer Limited Editions

342 Fancy Kiss, limited edition (CAN $43.00) | A soft peachy/apricot hue with semi-opaque coverage, in the brand’s hydrating formula that leaves lips feeling moisturized both throughout and after wearing. There’s just the right balance between pink and orange/coral in the base, to make this shade wearable by a wide range of skin tones and I can totally see this as the perfect counterpoint to a light tan.

Guerlain | 342 Fancy Kiss swatch

367 Kiss Blossom, limited edition (CAN $43.00) | Described as a ‘soft bohemian pink’, this is a pale rose hue that will be wearable by even pink-phobes such as myself, as there is an underlying warmth that comes through once applied. Slightly less opaque than Fancy Kiss but with the same long-term moisturizing properties, both lipsticks also bear a soft classic rose-lipstick fragrance which nevertheless seems to quickly dissipate after application.

Guerlain | 367 Kiss Blossom swatch

Guerlain, you’ve nailed it … again. The new L’Eau Hâlée has been seeing a lot of use from me lately, as I’ve yet to find anything that’s even remotely close to providing the same totally natural looking yet still subtle sun kissed glow, topped off with a light dusting of the Terracotta bronzing powder to give my skin a 3-dimensional radiance. Lipsticks used to be something I reserved for more formal occasions (I’m usually a gloss girl), but how can anyone resist anything labelled ‘KissKiss‘? Not this beauty aficionado, that’s for sure.

Available at Guerlain Boutiques & Institute and select counters. Visit Guerlain.ca

Feeling the sun through the kindness of Guerlain/As always, all opinion are my own

Guerlain | My Super Tips (Beauty Survival Kit)

May 17, 2016

Just in time for travel season, Guerlain has released a travel size collection of skincare heros that you really won’t want to be without. As a brand that is the very epitome of understated luxury, don’t expect fireworks and/or trumpeting; instead what you’ll get is four must-have products for your face & lips that produce results — quickly and effectively.

Guerlain | My Super Tips (Beauty Survival Kit)

Guerlain | My Super Tips (Beauty Survival Kit) swatches

SOS Cream (CAN $35.00) | A rose scented ultra-nourishing dense cream that becomes instantly absorbed into the skin, leaving a buttery soft feel behind. Created to give your skin a shot of TLC after being exposed to external irritants and influences, it can be used morning or evening — or whenever you feel the need for a little bit of extra pampering.

Midnight Secret (CAN $35.00) | A lightweight cream in a semi-fluid texture with a soft lavender fragrance, and that is meant to be applied in the evening before bed. Aimed at giving your skin a more refreshed and revitalized appearance, along with helping to reducing puffiness and a tired/dull complexion, this is the perfect product to have on hand to beat the late-night blahs. Seriously.

Radiance In A Flash (CAN $35.00) | A peachy pearlescent cream-lotion with a cooling feel upon the skin, bearing a light & fresh floral fragrance, this adds a jolt of luminosity to the skin with an instant tightening effect you can feel immediately upon application. Worn alone, it provides a light evenness of tone (not meant to camouflage like a foundation, however) and also works beautifully under foundation as a radiant-type primer. It can also be applied over foundation on strategic key areas to give your skin some enhancement.

Lip Hero (CAN $35.00) | Brimming with nourishing oils and butters, this lip balm aims to not only provide lips with an instant plumping effect (albeit, slight as it is), but will keep them thoroughly nourished with beneficial long-term effects. The convenient slanted tip makes application on the go a breeze, and the warm almost vanilla/butterscotch-like scent (my absolute fave) is positively delicious. I have two last words: Holy Grail.

Guerlain | Lip Hero swatch

A quick show of hands: Planning a quick weekend getaway? Need some conveniently-sized skincare helpers in your daily makeup bag? A fan of Guerlain’s amazing products? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, then you need to check these little treasures out. As someone who is somewhat obsessed with lip balms (and believe me, I’ve tried TONS), I now refuse to be without Lip Hero and love the difference it’s made to my frequently parched lips. I’m now a complete fan of how quickly Radiance In A Flash becomes absorbed into the skin, yet still manages to leave a nice base behind and as to Midnight Secret? Let’s just say that I had occasion to put it through vigorous testing this past weekend and was so pleased at the results. For anyone who’s a fan of rose-scented skincare, you’ll adore SOS Cream, but what will wow you even more is the way your skin will feel after application … impressive enough that I think I’ll petition Guerlain to create a full-body version.

Available at Guerlain Boutiques & Institute as well as www.guerlain.ca

Thank you to Guerlain for providing this amazing beauty survival kit/As always, all opinions are my own

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder

April 8, 2016

With warmer temps fast approaching (although having snow fall in April is a little discouraging), my mind turns to all things sunny and topping that list is one of my favourite products, the Terracotta Bronzing Powder from Guerlain. This past January, I attended the private launch of their newly expanded range of this iconic powder, which now comes in 8 shades (compared to 4 previously), providing colour options from the fairest to dark complexions.

This special event was held at Le Richmond, a trendy eatery bordering Old Montréal and upon arrival, I was able to sit down with my dear friend, Maxime Poulin, International Makeup Artist for Guerlain Canada (along with the lovely head of PR, Josianne Gauthier) for a personalized Terracotta consultation. Within seconds, the shade he chose for me was not one I would have initially thought to go for, but his keen eye and expertise were proven correct as 01 Natural Brunettes is an absolutely perfect match for my light-medium skin tone.

Originally launched in 1984, Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powders were one of the very first powdered bronzers commercially available, quickly reaching cult status – and with good reason; their sublimely fine-milled texture which is infused with a moisturizing ingredient for a total skin-comforting feel throughout the wearing, combined with a heavenly tropical scent and a totally flawless sun-kissed effect, has resulted in one Terracotta Bronzing Powder being sold every 25 seconds worldwide. And as if all that weren’t enough, throw in the slim-profile compact with its 3-D tortoiseshell-like design, and it becomes basically impossible to resist.

For 2016, the Terracotta range has been added to with four new shades (still labelled as either Blondes or Brunettes, but don’t let that deter you, as this odd-sounding system actually manages to cover basically all skin tones). Inspired by their best-selling Terracotta fragrance, the scent of the new Terracotta bronzers is a subtle blend “combining the fresh and comforting notes of bergamot and white musks with delicious sunny notes of neroli, jasmine and ylang-ylang“, managing to capture the evocative essence of sunshine, beaches, and lazy tropical days all in rolled into one (a sidebar: the fragrance is not of the subtle variety, and while I am quite obsessed with it, those with sensitivities should take note). Even the logo embossed on the surface of the powder has been enhanced, still bearing the brand’s double G’s, but now surrounded by a ring of geometric chevrons reminiscent of the sun’s bountiful rays.

Guerlain | Terracotta private launch

Guerlain | the venue: Le Richmond for the Terracotta private launch

Guerlain | Terracotta private launch, with Josianne Gauthier & Maxime Poulin

Guerlain | All eight shades of the new Terracotta Bronzing Powder

With Maxime Poulin, Guerlain International Makeup Artist (Canada)

Natalia Vodianova for Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder (credit)

Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes – the shade personally chosen for me by Maxime Poulin, Guerlain International Makeup Artist

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder

Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder (CAN $62.00) | With its legendary ultra fine-milled texture, shade 01 Light Brunettes, a light-medium tan hue with a slight beige undertone, is hands down the most perfect bronzing hue I have ever worn. According to Maxime Poulin, International Makeup Artist for Guerlain Canada (and a close personal friend – more like family, in fact!), the best bronzing powder for one’s complexion should be one that matches your skin tone when testing at the counter. And he’s absolutely right; initially thinking that this shade would be somewhat light for me, it turns out that not only does it work beautifully along my skin, but gives off the most realistic sunny glow – barring a day actually spent in the sun.

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder (logo detail)

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder swatches

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes The Bronzing Powder (compact detail)

While I have many bronzing powder options that I love using, I can’t deny that my personal favourites are those by Guerlain, not only for the wonderful way that they apply, but for the absolutely amazing results I get every single time. I happen to have quite a few varieties of Terracotta bronzers in my beauty vanity, but to keep things simple I chose to show how 01 Light Brunettes compares to two other shades in the range.

01 Light Brunettes – the seemingly lightest, but actually most neutral of the three
02 Natural Blondes – reddish undertones for more warmth
03 Natural Brunettes – the deepest of the three, more tan-leaning

Guerlain | Terracotta 01 Light Brunettes vs 02 Natural Blondes & 03 Natural Brunettes

Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder logo comparison, new (left) & old (right)

Guerlain is a brand that is not only steeped in history, but infuses everything they create with special touches of glamour and exceptional luxury. Their best-selling Terracotta Bronzing Powders are a perfect example of that, often imitated but never duplicated and quite possibly the ‘bronzers to rule them all’, in my opinion. This is a product that is basically goof-proof and once applied, seems to magically become even better with the wearing, fusing perfectly with your skin’s warmth and never oxidizing. For those who want that perfect & realistic faux-glow but without the actual sun commitment, then look no further: Terracotta is definitely the way to go. Worth every single penny.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder is available at The Bay, Sephora, and Nordstrom stores nationwide. Find more information on the brand via www.guerlain.com