I never used to look at Guerlain’s blushes for the simple reason that the brand does not excite me. I associate it with older women and the fact that the Guerlain counter at the malls are always quiet and manned by older ladies doesn’t help that image.
However, on a whim, I purchased 2 Guerlain Radiant blushes from StrawberryNET.com a couple of months ago when they were running a promotion. The two I got were Apricot Souffle D’or and Rose Pluie D’or. D’or in French indicates that there’s gold shimmer and I like shimmer in blushes.
Packaging
The blushes come in a large square case with a beaten gold cover. The bottom that houses the blushes is a clear plastic and the back has a large circle with a colour matching the blush inside and the name printed on it. I guess it makes it easier to locate the colour you want without having to open it up. The case is easy to open and it comes with a brush that I never use anyway. Its always a surprise to me to see that the blush is only half the case. There is 4.5g of product and I find the packaging too bulky to travel with.
Product
I must warn anyone sensitive to fragrance that this product has a very strong fragrance. I find it a tad cloying even if you take a big sniff of the product. However, it goes away after application which is a consolation.
The pigmentation is on the sheer side. Thats good for blushes, as you don’t want to end up with clown cheeks. So, sheer pigments allow you to layer for more colour without going overdone. The shimmer is subtle and it doesn’t give you that disco-ball look.
Apricot Souffle D’or is a peachy apricot colour that gives you a nice glowy healthy look. It looks bright but isn’t really. Since its so light, I’d only recommend this for fair-skinned girls. If you are medium to dark skinned, I’d just avoid it for it won’t show up at all. I’m pretty fairskinned and even I have to layer it a bit. However, after about 2-3 layers I achieve the glowy look which makes it look like I’m not even wearing blush! I fooled myself into thinking it did not work until I got compliments on my blush that day, so I guess it works in a very subtle way.
Rose Pluie D’or is a shimmery plum shade. I swiped this colour at the Guerlain counter and fell in love with it so I bought it. It applies slightly more pigmented than Apricot Souffle and shows up a plummy shade. I made the mistake of testing the shade on my hands only so unfortunately it doesn’t show up as prettily on my cheeks than on my hands. Its still a nice colour though, just be careful not to over do it and use a light hand or you’ll end up looking like you have bruises on your cheeks if you are fair skinned. However, if you are tanned or have medium-darker skin I think this would look lovely on you.
Lasting power was good. I had it on in the morning and it was still there at the end of the day. The powder is finely milled and it goes on smoothly. I did not use the brush that came with it so I cannot tell if its decent enough or not.
Overall Verdict
I’d recommend a buy on the Guerlain Radiant blushes. In fact, I’m eyeing more, but have to restrict myself lest I go overboard! If anything, it’ll be the scent that puts me off. Otherwise its a great product. StrawberryNET.com presently has the Radiant Blushes on offer for US$33 (RM112). I don’t know how much they are at the Malaysian counters, so do check out the price first and only buy it online if its cheaper there. If you are one of those with money to spare in paypal, then why not give this one a shot? Strawberrynet takes paypal and ships worldwide for free :)
Pros: Applies sheer and gives glowy look, long lasting
Cons: Expensive, Strong fragrance, packaging is too bulky to travel with
The apricot souffle looks quite yummy! I’m tempted to try it out myself… but then again, I hardly ever wear blush.
PB says: I love blush for colour else I look too pale. I started like you LOL and now I’m a blush whore :P Maybe try with something light like the apricot, but definitely sniff it first at the counter.