Of all the Spring releases to hit us in 2012, I will have to hand it to Dior for an overall beautifully executed collection. Their lovely 5 couleur eyeshadow palettes in particular deserve mention for the delicate and impressive eye for detail, as does their clutch. But if there is one item Guerlain pipped them at, it is in the powder.
It is no secret I’m a HUGE fan of the Guerlain illuminating powders and I think I’m going to be really silly and collect all of them as they come out. Guerlain releases new illuminating powders periodically in pressed and loose ball version and the Cruel Gardenia Meteorites illuminating pressed powder is the offering for Spring 2012.
Just look at that piece of art!
The Cruel Gardenia Illuminating Powder has a 3D flower rising up from the tub – absolutely breathtaking to view.
Whichever angle you look at it from, the powder is gorgeous. It is made like an intricate flower in bloom, and Guerlain has made it 3D so when viewed from the side, it literally pops out at you from the tub.
I must confess to a slight disappointment when I first removed the tub from the box. It is the black plastic tub that houses the previous Meteorites Pressed Illuminating Powders that I wasn’t quite enamoured by. It feels brittle and, if I might be forgiven to say this, cheap. I honestly do think Guerlain could have packaged this one powder in a prettier case, considering the Pressed Illuminating Powders have been discontinued – maybe they had spare cases floating around 😛
But packaging aside, the powder is a beauty to behold. In the tub, it is a pink-beige coloured powder with noticeable shimmer.
Left: swatched heavily twice Right: Lightly swatched once
A gentle swipe on a flower petal yields shimmer. Yes it is a shimmery powder, but hearteningly, not one that shows up overly shimmery on the skin. I ran a large fluffy brush over the surface and when applied to cheeks, you get a very subtle sort of highlight – but you will notice it. The shimmer is there. Just not chunky not overly sparkly. I prefer to keep it just on my cheekbones. However, if my skin is looking a bit dull as it is recently, a gentle dusting of it all over my face perks up the visage without me going “Oh look at me! I’m like a sparkly vampire!”
In many ways, this powder is unlike the regular Guerlain Meteroites powders, because it is more shimmery and more obvious on the skin. Regular Meteorites pressed powders are more matte. I had the opportunity to swatch the Chanel Poudre Universelle in Jasmin recently, and it is substantially more sparkly and shimmery compared to this one. So for a pressed powder, I’d prefer using this Guerlain version. Its also prettier 🙂
In a nutshell
An illuminating pressed powder in a breathtaking 3D flower design in the tub. The tub is plastic, and the cover screws on which I can forsee may result in accidents or chips on the flower. The powder itself is a pink-beige with shimmer. It is more shimmery than regular Guerlain Meteorites pressed powders. It works well as a highlighter and with a gentle hand, perks up the complexion…. provided you have steeled yourself enough to use it 😉
Pros: Beautiful design, Powder illuminates the skin if used gently dusted all over the face, The powder also can highlight if used slightly more on the cheeks
Cons: Limited edition, Plastic tub feels brittle
Oh the scent is much lighter than the violets scent in the regular Guerlain Meteorites powders. I read that the scent used is that of the Cruel Gardenia scent, which is one of Guerlain’s perfumes. I must go and take a sniff of the fragrance when I’m at the counter next!
If I were to compare the Cruel Gardenia Meteorites to the Christmas Belle de Nuit Meteorites, I’d say the Cruel Gardenia is more pink and less shimmery than the Belle de Nuit. On the skin, there isn’t much of a difference either way, because really, the colours are too sheer to make much of a difference and shimmer can be controlled.
This one releases mid-January at all Guerlain counters (next week eeks!!) but I will urge you to make a reservation because I’m told that stocks are very limited and I forsee them flying off the shelves. Oh wait, I don’t think they’ll have time to put them ON the shelves 😛 I had someone pick this up for me recently because I just couldn’t wait 😛
Are you eyeing the Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites powder too? Would you be able to steel yourself to actually use this? I suggest you do, because its as beautiful on the skin as it is to look at 😉
Paris B
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites Illuminating Pressed Powder Price: RM185 Availability: Guerlain counters Limited Edition: Yes
Aimee says
January 11, 2012 at 8:33 amI really want this but I don’t know how practical it is as I’d just end up being afraid to use it!
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:34 amI had the same feeling you did, so the first thing I did after photographing it was to swatch it! 😀 I will say however, that it does not wear down very quickly. I’ve used it a few times and it still looks brand new! 😀
Tracy says
January 11, 2012 at 8:36 amI WANT THIS SO BADLY!!!!
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:34 amIf its a consolation Tracy, its not a blush so you are allowed to get this 😛
LeGeeque says
January 11, 2012 at 8:44 amI’ve already decided I want this before Christmas; thanks to your enabling. 🙂 Strangely, I don’t find de nuit shimmery AT ALL! I used it as my finishing powder this morning in lieu of my regular loose powder and it gives me a fantastic, pretty glow. No disco ball for sure!
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:35 amBelle de Nuit isn’t shimmery in a true sense but I do find that next to the regular balls, its definitely more defining? I use it in the day regardless and like all Meteorites, my skin always looks so much better with it on than without 😀
Lisa says
January 11, 2012 at 6:03 pmI bought perles de nuit and I must declare I love this! The regular old packaged meteorites in 01 mythic don’t agree with me. I seriously see ‘nothing’ on my skin as with or without the powder. But with the Xmas edition version, I think I now finally understand the rave that has many meteorites fans gushed about.
I was keen on cruel gardenia too but thanks for the info that it’s similar to perles de nuit. I can save some money for some other collections that will be coming along in 2012.
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:34 amYay for discovering the allure of the Meteorites, even if its through a limited edition item 😀 Belle de Nuit is lovely on the skin. I find it gives better coverage and a nicer overall appearance than the regular one too. I think you can save on Cruel Gardenia, unless you are a collector *ahem* 😉
Hanny Daforcena says
January 11, 2012 at 9:06 amEeeeeks, soooo beautiful!!!!!!!! It looks as if I could water it and it will grow!!!! This puts all the Dior art pieces to shame!!!
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:35 amHaha… do not recommend watering this! 😉
rinnah says
January 11, 2012 at 9:26 amMore Guerlain enabling! Nooooooo… *runs away before I succumb to the temptation* 😛
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:35 amSorry, Guerlain fangirl speaking 😉
xin says
January 11, 2012 at 9:46 amit’s really really really beautiful! *melts*
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:38 am*scoops up puddle of Xin*
peach_ says
January 11, 2012 at 9:53 amSuch a beautiful piece of usable art. *le sigh* Thank goodness for photography because we can take photos of it, admire it, and then utilize it! 😀 Does Guerlain make a less pink version?
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:40 amHaha you are right. When I feel wistful for its pristine beauty I can look back at the photos 😀 This only comes in 1 shade unfortunately.
Nikki says
January 11, 2012 at 9:54 amOk, seriously! It’ll be a crime to use this lovely thing! Gosh!!!! I still have my Guerlain eyeshadow fresh from packaging , I have taken a photo of it but still can’t use it! HELP! hahahahahha
I know I know! It’s going to expire…ok..I hear you! *hides Guerlain eyeshadow*
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:41 amAhhh you MUST use the Guerlain shadow – their texture is very good! Besides makeup is only pretty when used yes? 😉
Tine says
January 11, 2012 at 10:03 amHoly schmoly how beautiful is this?!
PS: Btw I bought my first Guerlain bebola today from Strawberrynet. Can’t wait to try it out! 🙂
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:43 amYou will LOVE it. I promise you. Which one did you get?
Tine says
January 11, 2012 at 10:53 amI bought the Teint Rose. Geek recommended. I checked out your blog posts just now on the bebolas first before placing my order 😛
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:55 amAh good choice! An all rounder that one. I hope you’ll love it. In fact, I think you will 😀
LeGeeque says
January 11, 2012 at 11:41 amI heard my name…. someone called? Yes, I was an enabler this morning *preens*
Larie says
January 11, 2012 at 10:14 amThis is so pretty! So pretty! I love how 3D it is, too. Ugggh.
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:44 amIndeed! I think Guerlain hit it out of the park with this one 😀
plue says
January 11, 2012 at 10:19 amYOU ALREADY HAVE IT!!! sorry i got excited and caps lock it 😛
i would want this, like how i want the normal meteorite balls, so pretty lah. somehow i got no guts to go to guerlain, i feel like it’s so far beyond my reach lol.
comparing this to the bola version, would the bola version be better for everyday use and this one for special occasions, since it’s more shimmery? i’m looking at things i can use everyday (be it special or normal occasion), trying to cut down on “unnecessary” purchases ahaha
Paris B says
January 11, 2012 at 10:47 amIts a mindset thing 🙂 Guerlain isn’t out of the reach – they are pricey but these Meteorites honestly will last you forever so its a one time cost 😛 There are a few variations of the Meteorites available – loose pearls version and pressed matte version, both permanent. The loose pearls have shimmer and add some dimension to the skin while diffusing and adding a glow. The pressed matte version mattifies and adds a glow. I’d say either of them can be used daily. This one too can be used daily because if you use a fluffy brush, the shimmer isn’t as noticeable and if you use a denser brush or layer it, it can double up as highlighter. If you want something strictly for everyday, I’d suggest the loose pearls in the permanent line.
Monstro says
January 11, 2012 at 11:14 amSeriously??? Absolutely beautiful! Evil Paris strikes again!
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:27 amGood to know I haven’t lost my touch! 😉
Cynthia says
January 11, 2012 at 11:23 amSooooo beautiful!!! I have yet to owe anything from Guerlain..probably the price always scared me off.
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:28 amYes Guerlain prices are quite scary but their quality is superb! In the case of the Meteorites they will quite literally last forever (the loose pearles) so its a good option to get that one. Works out better in the long run 😉
Applegal says
January 11, 2012 at 12:34 pmThis looks very pretty! Love the fact that it is 3D! But I don’t think I will get it. I have a Bobbi Brown shimmer block that is pink and very shimmery (impulse buy in one of the Hong Kong dispensaries), and have never really used it 🙁
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:30 amI used to own Bobbi Brown shimmerbricks too, thinking they weren’t all that shimmery… but who was I kidding. It was discoball time every time I put it on so I don’t own anymore. This one is so subtle you don’t even see the shimmer unless you are really heavy handed 🙂
Soo Yin says
January 11, 2012 at 2:54 pmWhoa…that’s extremely pretty! Wouldn’t want to use it if I bought it, haha. By the way, thanks to one of your previous posts, I’ve finally succumbed to buying the Meteorites in Tient Rose when I was in Singapore and I totally love it. Thanks so much for sharing! =)
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:30 amYay! A Meteorites convert! 😀 I’m happy you love it *whew* 😉
gio says
January 11, 2012 at 3:01 pmThat’s so beautiful! But I don’t think I’d have the heart to use it lol.
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:32 amLOL Yes that would be the lament 😉
Malice says
January 11, 2012 at 5:25 pmSo pretty!!!! I want this but it shall be insanely overpriced in australia…
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:33 amA friend tells me its only due out in a few more months! But yes, I would expect it to be quite pricey there too.
Jamilla says
January 11, 2012 at 6:29 pmI love this, but I already have the Laura Mercier Illuminator which looks strikingly similar!!
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:35 amYes! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the Laura Mercier one 😀 But I saw swatches on line and the LM one is more pigmented so I guess its a case of which we would prefer 🙂
Jacqueline says
January 11, 2012 at 7:50 pmI am waiting for mine to arrive, I’m keeping my fingers cross that it will arrive in immaculate condition. Thanks for the review I’m glad I bought this.
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:36 amKeeping my fingers crossed it’ll get to you safely too! Is it not out in Singapore yet?
Jacqueline says
January 15, 2012 at 11:01 amHey Paris, if I’m not wrong it has not been released yet. I bought mine from Nordstrom. I bet the prices in Singapore will be marked up.
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 11:42 amOurs launches next week here (It better!) but even with the present conversion its working out substantially cheaper here vs US prices for which I’m very pleased 😀 Guerlain has always enjoyed better prices here vs US 😀
Nancy says
January 11, 2012 at 8:52 pmFor some reason this does not call to me. It is beautiful looking but I like the refillable Guerlain Compact Better.
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 10:38 amThe voyage one? I couldn’t bring myself to look at that one because of the price! But I have heard that it performs even better than the loose perles 😀
Nancy says
January 15, 2012 at 11:09 amIt is refillable the price is steep to start with but what is nice is that you can travel with it, keep it in your purse for touch ups. Its just like the little Rose loose balls only in pressed form. THe compact is heavy duty you could knock someone out with it.
Paris B says
January 15, 2012 at 11:43 am“THe compact is heavy duty you could knock someone out with it.” LOL How handy – a weapon in your handbag! 😀 I’ll be sure to take a 2nd look at it 😉