Filed In: Guerlain

Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015

November 20, 2015

There’s no doubt that the holidays are a magical time of year, and nowhere is that more evident than with Neiges & Merveilles for Christmas 2015 from Guerlain. One of the star pieces of the collection, Météorites Flocons Enchantés (French for ‘enchanted snowflakes’), takes the brand’s cult-fave face pearls and transforms them into a Winter Wonderland – complete with a snowball-like casing. Have you melted yet?

Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Limited Edition (CAN $89.00) | Let’s begin with the case: luminous/pearly white & globe-shaped with a band of golden snowflakes, bearing a gold underlay imprinted with snowflake designs & the Guerlain ‘G’ on the lid, but which appears to be seen as though through frosted glass. Upon opening, you’re greeted by a kitten-soft white puff and its golden satin bow, that not only serves to protect the treasure held beneath, but makes for a useful applicator as well. Within, the skin-illuminating face pearls come in warm-leaning shades of nude, light beige/pink, and palest gold with a dash of coolness provided by the pearly white stars thrown into the mix. The product bears the brands iconic violet fragrance (and while clearly obvious at first, the scent dissipates fairly quickly upon application – or at least, I don’t notice it any more).

Trying to describe what Météorites do, is about as easy as capturing a mythical unicorn (see the swatch below; the varying tones are almost impossible to capture in photographs); basically this is a face setting powder that is meant to provide a natural and totally subtle luminosity to the skin. The powder of each pearl is incredibly finely milled – so much so, that it’s almost invisible or rather, it’s probably closer to the truth to say that this fine texture helps it meld and fuse with your skin, without being obvious or sitting at surface level. The slight gradation in tones also work to provide dimension and to avoid appearing flat & dull when swept along the face.

There’s something undeniably special about Météorites Flocons Enchantés, something you (and anyone looking at you) will be hard-pressed to say exactly what that is, but it gives the skin the most gorgeous radiance you’ve ever experienced – and never over the top. My preferred way of using these pearls, is by swirling a large face brush through them, then applying that to key areas: cheekbones, hairline, bridge of the nose, décolleté and cupid’s bow.

Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015

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Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015

Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés (swatched heavy for show only)

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Ever have someone ask what you’ve done to your skin to make it look so amazing? Well, THAT is the effect that Guerlain’s Meteorites provide, and this year’s Flocons Enchantés version with its Wintery theme adds an extra level of ooh-la-la via the addition of its shimmery white stars. I’m going to stop here, because this is something you need to try for yourself to understand what I mean; no amount of words or photos can capture its essence (and God knows I tried), but that might explain why devotees passionately collect these little balls of fairy dust. And even though this is a limited edition item and pretty much disappeared off the shelves before it could even be stocked, you may still be able to score one at your nearest Guerlain counter – but I wouldn’t wait too long.

The Guerlain Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015 Collection is available now through The Bay, Nordstrom, and Sephora stores across Canada. Find more information via www.guerlain.com

Press sample kindly provided by Guerlain for my unbiased consideration/Post may contain affiliate links

Guerlain | Terracotta Bayadère Face & Eyes Palette

November 2, 2015

From the luxury beauty house whose bronzing & face powders have launched countless imitations, Guerlain has recently introduced Terracotta Bayadère, a 4-in-1 palette for both face & eyes, exclusive to Sephora (online only). Bearing two shades of the brand’s cult fave bronzing powders, the palette also includes a soft gold highlighter and warm coral blush – all in one oversized and quite travel-friendly compact.

‘Bayadère (noun, French, textiles) – a fabric with contrasting horizontal stripes’

Guerlain | Terracotta Bayadère Face & Eyes Palette

Terracotta Bayadère Face & Eyes Palette (CAN $87.00) | The first thing capturing your attention upon opening the Terracotta Bayadère box, is the plush pink-coral hue of the velveteen sleeve. Housed within: an oversized black-lacquered compact, one narrow face brush with coordinating pink-tinged bristles, and one narrow-tipped sponge applicator. The shades include (from left to right):

Terracotta 03 Natural Bronzing Powder – natural camel tone, warm leaning
Gold highlighter/eyeshadow – pale gold with ultra fine gold shimmer
Terracotta 05 Medium Bronzing Powder – ash bronze, slightly cooler leaning
Coral blush/eyeshadow – pink tinted coral, ultra fine sheen

As with all Guerlain powdered products, all four shades of Terracotta Bayadère are scented with the brand’s signature violet fragrance (the bronzing powders bear a tropical monoï scent), and while quite apparent even when first opening the compact, this dissipates quickly after application (at least it does to my nose, but worth mentioning for those with sensitivities). The powders are also all infused with hydrating and moisturizing active ingredients for a finish that is long-lasting and comfortable to wear, fusing with the heat and oils of your skin to provide a natural looking glow. Known for their ultra finely-milled powders, only the highlighter shade deviates slightly from the Guerlain format with its addition of tiny glitter specs – although no fallout is experienced upon application.

There are many ways to use this palette; the two bronzing shades can be used the traditional way, although the 03 shade is best suited for actual bronzer application due to its larger size, while the narrower 05 shade is perfect for contour use. The golden highlighter works beautifully when applied to key facial features (tops of cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow) although this shade can also double as an eyeshadow, providing a bright gleam to lids & inner eye corner. The blush is another hue that can perform double-duty as an eyeshadow – although I feel it would be best used in this capacity only when swept in the crease (to avoid looking red-rimmed, do not apply along the lower lash line). As far as using this last shade as an actual blush, the narrowness of its size might prove challenging (tip: pinch the bristles of your blush brush together before dipping into the product), but its creamy blending factor makes it so worth the extra effort. Staying power for all four is quite excellent, seeming to get even better as the textures meld with your skin throughout the wearing. *Feel free to mix & match all shades and by layering them to create different combos for wearing either along the eyes or on the face.

Guerlain | Terracotta Bayadère Face & Eyes Palette

Guerlain | Terracotta Bayadère Face & Eyes Palette swatches (in sunlight)

Guerlain | Terracotta Bayadère Face & Eyes Palette swatches (alternate light)

If you’ve yet to try one of Guerlain’s cult-fave Terracotta Bronzing Powders, here’s your chance to indulge in two of their most popular shades in one compact — and at a price that makes it very tempting as well (compared to 1 Terracotta shade that retails for CAN $60.00). The perfect palette to take with you on holiday as well (with my tanning days pretty much behind me, I love perfecting a sunkissed look with these bronzers), the only thing you’ll need to add is a few coats of mascara, a swipe of lipgloss and … done. Bonus: this makes the perfect gift to give out, although you may just want one for yourself too. Just saying.

Guerlain Terracotta Bayadère (limited edition) is available now exclusively through www.sephora.com

Press sample kindly provided by Guerlain for my unbiased consideration/post may contain affiliate links

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette, Christmas 2015

September 16, 2015

Colder weather may still be several weeks away (I still have time to psych myself up), but Guerlain has me dreaming of a Winter wonderland with their upcoming Ors et Merveilles Collection for Christmas 2015 (launching November 1st). Kicking things off, is the Ors et Merveille Eyes and Blush Palette (CAN $95.00/limited edition), a two-tiered palette comprised of 5 eyeshadow hues (upper level) and 4 blush shades (lower compartment) in one slim-profile compact. Heads up: start saving, because I’m warning you right now that you will want Every.Single.Piece of this magical collection.

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette (just look at the snowflake detail printed on the inner packaging – love!)

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Palette Ors et Merveilles – Eyes | Considering all that it holds, the Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette is a relatively slim (and totally portable) rectangular compact in a luxurious brushed gold finish that has a nice heft to it, and which bears a large mirror on the inner lid — all housed in a protective velour sleeve with 3 included applicators: 1 dual-ended eyeshadow brush and 1 small blush brush. While I never bother with these types of applicators, I do appreciate how convenient they can be if you’re on the go and don’t want to carry a slew of brushes along plus I’m happy to see that they fit into the outside pocket of the protective sleeve, and do not take up valuable real estate within the compact, thus giving more room for the actual product.

Lightly scented with Guerlain’s signature violet fragrance, all five shades display a beautiful level of pigmentation, a buttery texture (with the exception of the gold hue that is thinner in feel and has ultra fine glitter, but without any of the fallout usually associated with this type of finish), excellent blendability with no powder stirred up by running brushes across the pans, and will be wearable by a wide range of complexions. The size of the hues also works in their favour, being large enough to pick up each individually with your brush, but without worrying about contaminating the shade beside it – props to Guerlain for including barriers between the colours. Staying power (when worn over primer) is amazing and will last without fading until removed.

Shade Breakdown (from the top):

milk chocolate with rose undertones, satin shimmer
plummy brown with slight pink reflects, satin shimmer
champagne, creamy iridescence
pale yellow gold with ultra fine golden glitter (also makes a lovely highlighter)
nude pink, matte

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette (detail)

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Eyeshadow swatches

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Eyeshadow swatches (alternate light)

Palette Ors et Merveiles – Blushes | Flipping the top deck of the compartment up reveals the four stunning blush shades below (clockwise from the top left):

pale pink, no shimmer (the coolest leaning of the four)
red based pink, no shimmer but with a slight sheen
coral pink with a golden reflective sheen
deep rose, satin sheen

Created to be worn alone or mixed and matched for a custom cheek colour, there is an interesting mix of both cool and warm tones – as well as finishes – with these blush hues. The downside to the 2 smaller sized shades (on the left), is that it makes it a little tricky for a conventional blush brush to access them without also picking up product from an adjoining colour, but it can still be done with a smaller fluffy-headed brush. The two larger pans are spectacular colours with off-the-chart pigmentation; the top right shade needs a light hand to start with, but can be built up if desired for more impact (imagine the way cheeks look after you come in from a brisk walk in the chill Winter air, and you get a better idea of this colour), while the bottom right shade reminds me a lot of NARS’ Orgasm, but with less bling factor, making it even more wearable (and needs to be released as a solo hue).

The texture is once again bang 0n, with a smooth and totally blendable application without any powdery kickback seen upon swirling my brushes through any of them. All four shades bear a stronger version of the Guerlain violet fragrance than their eyeshadow counterparts, and even though the scent dissipates quickly, it’s still worth noting for those with sensitivities. Staying power is excellent, with the exception of the palest hue that does not show up as much against my skin tone, but should work beautifully on those with fairer complexions.

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette (detail)

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Blush swatches (clockwise from top left in the pan)

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Blush swatches (same order, alternate lighting)

In a word? The Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette is SPECTACULAR, and I’m not usually one for all-in-one type beauty products such as this … but there is just so much to appreciate here. Overall warm-leaning (for both the eyeshadows and blushes), the shades are wearable and not holiday-crazy glitterbombs, while the compact itself is small enough to tote around and help get you ready in a flash for that unexpected after-work party. Price-wise, it may seem initially a little steep, but factor in that you’re getting five good sized eye colours plus four blushes (2 good sized, 2 smaller but still workable) with ALL amazing performers, and then it doesn’t seem so outrageous. All I can say, is that Guerlain devotees – and those new to the brand as well – will be swooning (yes, like Victorian maidens) when they are finally able to get their hands on this collection come November.

The Guerlain Ors et Merveilles Christmas 2015 Collection lands November 1st at all Guerlain boutiques and select counters across Canada. Find more information on the brand via www.guerlain.com

Press sample kindly provided by Guerlain for my unbiased consideration

Guerlain | La Laque Couleur 700 Blue Ocean

September 7, 2015

When Guerlain released their Summer collection, I was immediately drawn to 700 Blue Ocean (CAN $29.00), a shimmery aquatic confection that so perfectly reflected the feeling of Summer (and speaks to my beach-loving heart) … a season I’m nowhere near ready to let go of yet.

The breakdown: One of the most stunning aqua shades I’ve ever come across (or worn, for that matter), the formula of 700 Blue Ocean is near perfection in so many aspects: excellent density and flow (neither too runny nor thick, and will not pool around the cuticle area), a non-patchy & self-levelling application, and comes to a high gloss at the finish. The shimmer is exceptionally finely ground and flashes with a prismatic/silvery light at some angles, lending an added depth of tone to what is already a sublime hue. The first coat applies semi-sheer, but still provides decent coverage, while two coats will be much more opaque (those with longer nails will still see visible nail line – nothing that a third thin coat couldn’t take care of, although I personally love a slight translucency with this type of colour; gives it a more oceanic vibe).

I need to add that if you’ve never tried a Guerlain nail polish, then you’re missing out on not only an amazing formula, but one of the best brushes around; slightly bevelled and with the perfect combination of superior splay, flexibility, and density – all you need do is place this brush at the top of the nail bed, and let it do the rest for you. Flawless application in almost one swipe. For real.

Coats applied: 2 over Guerlain’s Nailift La Base base coat (which is phenomenal, by the way – review forthcoming), plus top coat.

Guerlain | La Laque Couture 700 Blue Ocean (Limited Edition)

The bad news: 700 Blue Ocean is a limited edition shade. The good news? Some counters may still have a bottle squirrelled away. That being said, if you’re a fan of aquatically-themed lacquer hues, or in the market for a spectacular nail polish, then I strongly suggest you try and hunt this little lovely down. It’s worth it, believe me.

Guardian beauty products are available at The Bay & thebay.com, Sephora & sephora.com, and Holt Renfrew across Canada. Find more information on the brand via www.guerlain.com

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes & A Special Giveaway!

June 22, 2015

For Summer 2015, Guerlain introduces a colourful way to dress up your favourite {Guerlain, of course!} bronzer with the help of a soft silicone sleeve; I’ve already shown you the aqua version (read about it here) and today I bring you the second limited edition option: My Terracotta 03 Natural -Brunettes (CAN $62.00). This hot coral sleeve is not only a fun way to jazz up your compact, but also provides an extra layer of protection to the casing – making it perfect for travel & to cushion any potential impact, along with being super easy to remove should you wish to do so. But why would you? I mean, just LOOK at it!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

As a way of thanking my wonderful readers for all their continued support, I have teamed up with Guerlain to give away a bronzing powder of your choice along with a selection of special edition coloured silicone sleeves, made only for this contest: these sleeves are not available anywhere else! Read on to the end of this post for all details.

My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes | With its luxurious extra-finely milled powder, this is a medium tan shade that provides a rich sunny hue to the face (and/or neck, décolleté). The formula has been designed to be easily buildable for a more intense tone and can even be used for contouring, in a pinch. Even those with fair complexions can use 03 Natural Brunettes for a sun kissed glow, providing it’s applied using either a large fluffy brush, or better yet, a large fan brush & swept along the skin with a light hand. There is a noticeable fragrance of tiare flower coupled with notes of gardenia & vanilla to this powder (basically, all things that remind me of Summer) and while I personally LOVE it, those with sensitivities should take note and test at the counter first – but I must say that the scent does dissipate fairly quickly upon application.

Guerlain seems to infuse their bronzers with some some kind of magical fairy dust; not only is the powder itself so ultra fine as to fuse with your skin tone and become one (as opposed to other products that just sit at the surface level), but the shimmer in the formula serves to add a special illumination to the skin, making you look so vibrant and ‘lit-from-within’ radiant. Lasting power is excellent and will vary with the amount applied, although I find it just continues to look better with the wearing and stays true until removed – without any oxidation, caking, or fading. As I’ve mentioned before in several other bronzer posts, this product will “develop” upon the skin – therefore, I suggest always starting with a light hand by sweeping 03 Natural – Brunettes along the high planes of the face where the sun would naturally hit (tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, tip of the chin) – although you’re also free to play with colour placement, then waiting a few minutes before adding more, as the colour will intensify to some degree. You really do NOT want to overdo your bronzer and it’s so much easier to add more, if needed, than to take any away.

*Note that the powder compact is part of Guerlain’s permanent range – only the silicone sleeve is limited edition as part of the Summer 2015 Collection.

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes (macro)

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes, logo detail

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes, silicone case removed to display compact

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes swatches (in sunlight)

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes swatches (alternate light)

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes (bottom) & 02 Natural – Blondes (top)

While both bronzing powders have the exact same formula, the difference lies in the undertones of the colour, with 02 Natural – Blondes bearing a slightly ruddier tint than the more yellow-leaning tone of 03 Natural -Brunettes (seriously, Guerlain…what’s with the hair colour designations?). I actually love using both in tandem, with 03 Natural – Brunettes applied all over as a base, then going in with 02 Natural – Blondes along the apples of the cheeks and upper cheekbones (and the teeniest bit along the bridge of the nose) to give that completed sunkissed look – you know, like you’ve just come back from the beach. If only.

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes & 02 Natural – Blondes swatches

Below, my special edition raspberry-coloured silicone sleeve, exclusively created and not available in stores

Guerlain | Limited Edition raspberry silicone sleeve (shown open)

Guerlain | Limited Edition raspberry silicone sleeve (shown folded over)

SPECIAL EDITION GUERLAIN SILICONE SLEEVE & TERRACOTTA BRONZER ~~GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!~~

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

To officially usher in the start of Summer, I have partnered up with Guerlain to give away three (3) Special Edition Silicone sleeves (raspberry coloured, as shown above) to three (3) separate winners (colours will be chose by me, at random). The rules are simple:

follow me (ommorphia) on Instagram and regram the contest post (MANDATORY)
follow Guerlain Canada on Instagram (MANDATORY)
extra entries can be gained by following on my other social media channels, as well as leaving a comment on this post (see below)

Guerlain has simplified the process of knowing which bronzer is best for you by providing the following survey (it’s quite fun too!)

Welcome to your Guerlain Terracotta Consultation

The contest will run for one (1) week starting from June 23, 2015 12:00 am (Eastern Standard Time) and will close on June 30, 2015 12:00 am (EST). There will be three (3) winners chosen who will then be announced via an Instagram post once the contest closes. The chosen winners will then have 24 hours to respond via email (ommorphia@gmail.com), failing which a new winner(s) will then be selected. DON’T FORGET THE TWO MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: to be following my Instagram account (ommorphia) & subsequently regramming the post, as well as following Guerlain Canada via Instagram.

Contest is open internationally to everyone of legal age (must be 18+ to enter), and duplicate entries will be automatically disqualified. No prize substitutions allowed.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Terracotta Bronzers are part of the Guerlain permanent range – the Aqua and Coral silicone sleeves are all limited edition and available through The Bay and thebay.com as well as Sephora & sephora.ca (links provided for your convenience)