For Summer 2012, Guerlain once again hooked up with fashion designer Emilio Pucci. I say once again, because there was a Guerlain x Pucci collaboration back in 2007. I’d already owned the Meteorites in Mythic back then and naively thought I would need more than one tub. Ahhh the naivete of youth 😛
So when I got wind of this Summer’s Guerlain x Pucci collection, I made sure I wouldn’t miss out. And I didn’t! 😀 Ladies, I present you the Guerlain x Pucci Meteorites in Perles D’Azur. Some of you have been asking me about this and whether you should be getting it for your first Meteorites (yes, I feel terribly proud for enabling everyone into getting at least 1 tub of Guerlain Meteorites in their life 😉 ) so lets take a look. Settle back, because there are comparisons going on and I get all sorts of verbose about my favourite “can’t live without it” makeup item 😛
If you are familiar with the fashion of Emilio Pucci, you will recognise the design on the cover of the Meteorites tin, and on the inside of the box. The whole Terra Azzurra collection bears this very pretty design on the inside of the box.
Pucci designs are easily identified by the geometric and colourful printed fabrics, and this has been translated into the packaging and colours of the Terra Azzurra collection. Azzurra, meaning Azure or blue in Italian, the blue colour is a running theme, complemented by pink. The blue is inspired by the blue of the Mediterranean sea and dammit! I want to see it for myself! I will, some day 🙂
Unlike other Meteorites tins (Teint Rose and Perles de Nuit), the cover is plain, with no embossing, and bears a Pucci pattern. The body of the tin case is a deep blue as you see in the first picture. It makes a very pretty display on your dresser 🙂
This is what you get inside. Not much different from other Meteorites pearles, except that the colours of the balls are different. There are 5 different colours of pearls in slightly different textures, to perform different functions:-
- White – shimmer pearls for highlighting
- Bright Blue – slight shimmer, tones down yellow tones
- Pink – matte, tones down yellow tones and brightens skintone
- Beige – matte, warms the complexion
- Orange – slight shimmer, warms the complexion
- Light gold – shimmer, adds warm glow to the complexion
I will get one complaint out of the way about this particular item. I wish Guerlain had gone with a deep blue sponge for the inside, as opposed to white. As you see on the right of the picture above, the colours of the balls, particularly blue and orange, mark the sponge, and it looks diseased 😛 With the regular ones, its not so bad because the colours are lighter. With Perles de Nuit, they used a black sponge. I wish they’d done the same. I won’t toss the sponge though, because it keeps the balls from flying all over if I accidentally knock the tin over, or if I choose to travel with the tin. If you are more careful and don’t intend to travel with this, please feel free to toss the sponge.
Here are the individual balls. Only 5 because I accidentally missed the light gold one. It is very similar in colour to the beige except there is a shimmer sheen so it was easy to miss.
And here, I attempt to provide swatches of each individual ball as shown above. Quite a futile and ridiculous attempt because these are powders and aren’t meant to be swatched this way 😛
Guerlain Meteorites Perles d’Azur pearls swatched heavily (1) Blue/Azure (2) White (3) Beige (3) pink (5) Orange
But as I said, you aren’t supposed to use it this way. The way to use Perles d’Azur and all Meteorites powders is to dip your powder brush into the pot, lightly swirl it around and then brush it on your face. It will auto-magically blend and give you a lovely illuminated gentle glow to the skin. There is absolutely no way to show you this, because it isn’t something you can capture on film. You will know it works, because your skin will have a glow to it, even though you may feel like crap. I have said time and again that I can’t live without my Meteorites pearls. Nope, I can’t. Its what helps me look alive when I feel dead in the water.
So how is Perles d’Azur different from the regular Meteorites loose pearls and do you need it?
I’ll address the “need” part later but how is it different – good question. Here is a group shot of the 4 tubs of Meteorites pearls I presently own for comparison purposes.
Guerlain Meteorites Loose Pearls Illuminating Powder (1) Perles d’Azur (2) Teint Beige (3) Teint Rose (4) Perles de Nuit
I’d say that Perles d’Azur has slightly warmer tones than Teint Rose which is more for brightening. It is quite close to Teint Beige, but a little more shimmery. If compared with Perles de Nuit from last Christmas, I find Perles de Nuit more shimmery and more beige in tone. Perles d’Azur is noticeably warmer on skin thanks to the orange but does not look as shimmery on skin.
In terms of shimmer therefore, I’d say in ascending order it would be Teint Rose & Teint Beige – Perles d’Azur – Perles de Nuit. In terms of colour tone from cool to warm I’d put it as Teint Rose – Teint Beige – Perles de Nuit & Perles d’Azur
Did any of that make sense? 😛
Do you need Perles d’Azur?
I’d say that if you aren’t a collector or a fan of Guerlain Meteorites, and already own one tub then no. You do not need this. It is probably just like the one you already own, just slightly warmer. You can wait for something more special perhaps.
If you are looking to purchase your first Meteorites loose pearls and are considering Perles d’Azur, I’d recommend that you also check out Teint Beige, Teint Rose or Teint Or from the permanent collection before you put your money down. Perles d’Azur warms up my skin and personally, I prefer Perles de Nuit which seems to give a candlelit glow from within that I can’t seem to achieve with Perles d’Azur. But if you are a collector and a fan, I’m not holding you back! 😀
In a nutshell
Perles d’Azur is the limited edition Guerlain Meteorites loose pearls illuminating powder for Summer 2012 and is part of the Pucci collection. I find personally that Perles d’Azur has a warming effect on my skintone. It isn’t a very obvious powder but it does give me a slightly healthier looking glow, as opposed to a brightening glow that I experience with Teint Rose or Perles de Nuit. It is quite shimmery but isn’t apparent on the skin so I find that I can be quite liberal about this and still not walk around looking like I fell face first in shimmer powder. All in all, I’d say that for a Meteorites fan, this is definitely one to add to your collection. If you are looking to get your first tub, check also the ones in the permanent range.
Pros: Gives a slightly warmed glow to the skin, Illuminates skin and helps my base makeup look better, Used on bare skin, it diffuses light and makes dull skin look brighter and better, Its magical 😛
Cons: None (but if I were being picky: Pricey, Effect is very subtle so most people don’t “see anything” and then get disappointed and the white sponge looks dirty)
I have a trick to using Meteorites loose pearls (any one) and is this: You can tailor the colour/tint you want by simply shaking the tub. When you do that, the pearls mix up and you may find that there are, e.g. more blue and orange balls at the top. So, your powder that day will have a warmer tone but the blue will ensure you don’t look like you dusted orange powder on your face. On a different day, you may feel like you want something more muted but highlighted. So, bring the white and light gold balls to the top, and there you have it – a warm highlighter.
As I have said, if you don’t own a Meteorites loose pearls powder, then, yes you may want to check this one out. If you have a warm skintone, you may seriously consider this one because of the warm tint. The packaging is gorgeous, and for summer, this is really perfect to add effortless luminosity to your skin. If you already own one and aren’t crazy about them the way I am, then pass.
This isn’t all that the Guerlain Terra Azzura Summer 2012 collection has to offer of course. The star product is actually the bronzer/blush and it looks really good especially because it comes in a Pucci pouch you can filch and put in your handbag. Unfortunately, I’m still struggling with the Terra Inca bronzer from last year, so I passed on that. (You can read about it at Messy Wands) and the Capri eyeshadow palette is breathtaking too (see it at Beauty Reflections) There is also a Meteorites brush with dark blue bristles. It comes in a pretty Pucci print case so its worth a look too. I didn’t get it because I already have a brush that works, and I found it a bit scratchy 🙂
Are you planning to pick up the Guerlain Meteorites in Perles d’Azur? Will it be your first tub or are you a mad fan of Meteorites powders the way I am? 😀 I managed to get my hands on this through some serious wrangling, but the Guerlain Terra Azzurra summer collection goes on sale at all Guerlain counters from May 20 and there will be a promo at Isetan KLCC on May 25 where the brush is discounted as a purchase with purchase. I couldn’t wait 😛 So, tell me. Did I convince you to want this or just confuse you even further? 😉
Paris B
Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating powder pearls in Perles d’Azur Price: RM189 Availability: From May 20 at all Guerlain counters Limited Edition: Yes
NICE review! If I already didn’t have them, I’d be convinced! 🙂
I love mine and love the bit of healthy glow it gives. Nobody can beat Gueralin powders! And thanks so much for the link!
I agree with you 100% Tracy! Guerlain powders can’t be beat! Love how Capri looks on you. I looked at the palette and knew it was a pass from me.
I actually bought this one! I was going to resist, I have Mythic and never use it, but I loved the case and the warmness. I’ve already used it twice, actually. I don’t normally use highlighters or anything, but I use very matte foundation, so it helps to give it a little more naturalness.
Great review, by the way! When I was looking to buy them, I couldn’t find many indepth reviews. And I don’t think I found a single person who just swatched the balls, I think everyone just did face shots, as if that would somehow help lol
Yay!! So happy that you are liking this powder too. It’s such a subtle effect but so nice right? 🙂 I think there are one or two others who have swatched the individual colours but yeah, I wouldn’t do a face shot for this. There’s no visible effect on camera 🙂
I guess I’ll just have to wait for a time when I can afford them balls of magic! ^.^ Am currently using highlighting eyeshadows as face highlighter, huhuhu~ (Applied very sheerly, of course)
Time enough! I don’t think Guerlain are ever going to stop making these 🙂
Oooh i think it’s a matter of time before i end up grabbing every single one in this collection! Just curious, do you use the brush that Guerlain says is specially for the meteorites? Is it a necessity?
Haha fortunately there are permanent Meteorites for when you are ready to get them 🙂 I don’t use the Meteorites brush. I personally find it too stiff and scratchy so I use my own powder brush 🙂
I am definitely getting this one because I love Pucci and the deep blue packaging of the tub blew me away! Haha came out sounding superficial, didn’t it? =D
Am also wondering if this collection will be released on the 20th over here in the UK too.. Hmm..
Never, Sukie! I got these to make sure I don’t miss a meteorite and because I love the packaging too! 😀 I think it might be out in the UK already so I’d suggest you check in store soon so you don’t miss out!
The packaging reminded me so much of Water Marbling (Nail art). I seldom get these types of makeup as they are quite bulky inside my train case, but I have to admit, you made me want one!!!
Ah Nikki, this is one just for you. Not for your kit so you don’t have to share your magic secret 😉
Oooh that’s a lot of bebolas 😛 I’m very happy with my current tin of bebolas but I want this just for its gorgeous packaging. Maybe not so cost-effective I suppose? 😉
Haha yeah, I’m a bebola collector 😀 Happy that you are liking the one you have. I love it when people like this too because I met some people recently who looked at these and said “what are these for? I saw nothing on my face” and they were supposed to be pros. Well I just sat there and held myself from falling off my chair.
Hahaha maybe you can tell them “okay so you take one bebola, say the blue one, and then just rub it over your eyes. There you go, you can see it now”. Those so-called pros will most likely believe you 😉
ROFLOL!! I should have. They actually sat there, brushed aside the Meteorites and said “Oh I don’t know what these are for, I saw nothing on my skin” I guess for some people, makeup means “Must see, else its not makeup!”
I just bought this yesterday!
Initially I thought of dropping by Guerlain to make my reservation but I was told it’s already available :). I bought the brush too.
Yay!! I hope you like this too! The brush is so pretty and that pouch! You could use it for something else too. It’s so pretty!
I love it as much as my first can of “bebola” from the permanent range ;). I can’t believe that my first meteorites perles purchase and the Pucci one is just 1 month gap!
Oh the brush is just for collection to go along with the Pucci Meteorites :). It’s not always that they have a LE brush on sale lol.
Gosh, Fiona you’re catching up quickly 😉 glad to know you love them anyway. Amazing stuff right? 😉
You know you are not helping my wallet, right? 😛
I think I MIGHT pass, since I already have Teint Beige.
But every time I look at those damn blue balls, my heart will melt. Sigh.
Erm yes, guilty! 😛 I think if you have Teint Beige, you can hold out. It’s super pretty but not all necessary. I’m hoping against hope that they bring in a pink one. They made one a few years back that can be used as a blush, but I missed that.
i love the casing! but i’d probably like my teint rose more instead of these warmer balls
Yeah these aren’t as brightening on the skin, but the effect is still thee. Nice glowy warming effect 🙂
I didn’t own any meteorites yet. But I’m planning to buy one. It really do look tempting! But I don’t know which one should I get. The differences in the picture looks subtle too.
The effects are all very very subtle. I only have 2 permanent ones. Teint Rose is brightening while Teint Beige is suitable for those with a warmer skintone. Teint Or is for deeper golden skin tones 🙂
Paris, u just got me temping for these meteorites… I dont have any of them but dont know which one to get…u make it sound so magical… Which one do u recommend for Medium tone skin or Maybe some swatches…
Haha it’s like my life mission to make everyone own a tub of meteorites. Guerlain owes me big time 😛 for a medium skintone, I think look at Teint Beige from the permanent range. It’s less shimmery and the beige tones maybe more suitable than pink ones. But you can always head down to the counters and ask for their advice and to try it on your skin too 🙂
the reason i had wanted this was for the blue balls and the lovely tin casing, but since it’s of a warmer tone… not for me already. i very much prefer a brightening glow, skin looking sallow these days, well I guess my money’s saved!
Nope, it’s not safe! Time to get Teint Rose hehe… 😉
I can’t justify buying bebolas after pokaifying myself in Melbourne, but that pattern is gorgeous! (err…can I be super auntie and bribe you for the box? LOL!!)
Hahaha I’d have said to get it from Changi where it’ll be a bit cheaper 😛 erm, you can have the box but not the tin lol! So go on, bribe me 😉
Hello again Paris! Thanks for the review. It’s a bit clearer now that I don’t need it. Think I need teint rose more since it’s different from perles de nuit. But I don’t know what will happen if I see this in guerlain counters 🙂
Have a happy day Paris!
Hiya Joane! Glad this helped you decide! At least you might have better resolve once you get to the counter hehe… I actually really like Perles de Nuit. I think it’s absolutely wonderful and almost better than the permanent ones in terms of texture. Would be nice to see them do a pink one eh? 🙂
Yes! I picked this up. Hehe. First Meteorites, thanks to reading MWS for so long. I previously tried the permanent ones, but I just couldn’t decide which is for me. When the summer collection ads were out, and I saw Turquoise in it, I just knew it would be more balanced yet great for warm skin tones, and had my eyes on it. =D
Since it’s my first Guerlain adventure, I picked up the brush and purplish-blue mascara too. I am waiting for the purplish-blue nail polish which somehow was not shipped over. Skipped the bronzer because it is way to big and shimmery. I thought it would be a small one.
But I must admit that the brush is not as smooth as my own.
Woah! That was quick! Hehe… I hope you’re liking the Meteorites, considering its your first. I remember that you have mentioned you have a warm skintone so I think it’s perfect for you 😀 the SA tried to sell me the bronzed and mascara too but I decided to pass. The bronzer is large,as you have noted and I really can’t seem to get the hang of using a bronzer. The one from last year was easier to handle because of the sheer shimmer. But yay! Can’t wait to see what you think about my makeup must have 😀
haha, limited edition really sell fast, so I have no choice but to always chase the SAs for release dates, and make bookings. To be honest, I will need to learn to use this sparkly balls before deciding if it is good. I have sparkly balls from Skin79, and I find it kind of hard to control. Ended up chucking them aside after twice. Wonder if Meteorites will be so hard to use… …
Haha yes. It surprises me every time I hear about collections selling out here because I don’t see many women wearing makeup. I wonder where they hide them 😛 Just use the meteorites after your base. Swipe your brush over the pearls, then apply it over your makeup or your foundation and don’t expect too much. Ive tried a few shimmer balls in different brands and I’d say they’re different. They tend to emphasize on shimmer, but meteorites don’t. So you won’t see much shimmer on your skin 😉
The thought of Guerlain Meteorites always intrigued me, but Im still not sure what do you use it for?! That and the price have always hold me back from purchasing it. But now I feel the need to have it, cause it seems to be a must have for every grown up woman 😀
It’s used as a finishing powder. Something that makes skin look glowy without being shimmery yet helps pull the makeup look together. To me, skin looks just better and it makes my makeup just looks better 😀 not everyone seems to agree so you will also see people who don’t like it or don’t see the point. I see the effect so I love it 😉
Aargh I have to stop reading about this collection because I’m so tempted! Warmed glow totally sounds like my thing, and I don’t own any of these yet so I can justify the purchase riiiight?
Right!! Haha… I think this ones right up your alley actually, since you are much warmer than I am 🙂
That Pucci design is gawjus! But I’ll take your advice and check out the others first. Thanks for the review-awesome stuff as always!
As a designer, I think you can appreciate that design, right? 😀 it’s lovely. I used to think pucci designs looked aunty. Then I grew up, turned into an auntie and suddenly it doesn’t look all that bad! 😀
i swatched both this and the tient rose on my hands but i couldnt tell any difference…didnt see the magical glow!!! looks like regular finishing powder to me….and i swear i looked very very hard..under natural light, indoor outdoor…cant see!
T.T
is it that i must do it on my face?
i wanna see the magical glow!!!!
Ahh you can’t try it on your hand, Gin. It’s not made to be applied on hands 😛 you have to try it on your face and it’s not something you can see obviously. But you should see a nice diffusing effect. I like it best when under slightly dimmed lighting, my skin looks amazing. In harsh light, nothing can help 😛
ahhh…thats the reason i cant see it!
THANKS Paris!!!
hmmp, the brush they used at the counter seemed dirty..and streaky..
can i bring my own brush to swatch? think they allow? XD
how did u decide to buy at the very beginning? not seeing it in person and just give it a go? *curious*
Haha yes, try it again on your face and bring your own brush, why not? 😀 I picked up my first in Mythic because I read about it being raved online, and swapped for it with a friend who didn’t find any use for it. Fell in love and am a fan ever since 🙂
Ooo i see I see! Ok! Gotta go swatch it! Hopefully I won’t be too late… Am quite busy this few days xD