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
I have to applaud your fastidiousness: I cannot believe that you swatched each ball for us. How wonderful you are and I just love your blog. Thanks for all you do, and I am so glad to have found you here in cyberspace!! xoxo Beth in Pgh 😉
Hi Beth! Thanks so much and I’m happy that you find it useful, even if it’s just a swatch of powder hehe… It makes me happy to read your comments too. I love hearing from readers from all over the world. Hope you’re having a good day!
I don’t need this, I own Perles de Nuit, but I really want this! xx
Lol! Want! 😀 don’t you just love Perles de Nuit though? I Love the glow in that one.
I do!! That’s why I want more 😀
arrrggghhh…. helllppp!!! helllpppp!!!
Drowning?
Very beautiful and tempting! Sadly, I spent a bit too much on my recent vacation so now my wallet needs its own time off – for at least a month or two. Will resist. Ohmmmm….. Clearing mind now… Ohmmmmm…..
*ting* That’s me hitting the metal bowl to clear your mind LOL! There’ll be others to come, I’m sure. Guerlain usually does a Meteorites at Christmas. I wonder what it’ll be this year 🙂 Sounds like you had an excellent holiday!
ah, this post is up!
I want it! I want the dark blue brush too! although i believe that it can turn out to be a bit scratchy for me too (i am picky bout brush so i normally just use my finger to apply makeup) but i love the design so so so much! might just get it as collection~=p so i shall wait till 25/5 and use my isetan voucher to get it! I am so happy already! LOL
anyway, i will need to check which one is better on my skin (i am not quite sure i am a warm or cold tone, need to research tat on ur blog or on google in a while) as it will be my first meteorites!!! *u can see how excited from my words!!! =p*
Haha yes I can see you are very excited indeed! 😀 I hope you manage to get your hands on them and hey! How clever of you to save your vouchers for this 😀 Do give the counter a call and make a reservation just in case they run out of stock or something.
Oh.. do u have the number? Yest wanna stop by the counter when I past by klcc but isetan check stock day open late.>.<
Hmm… I don’t have the number for the Isetan at KLCC but for The Gardens its 22874764 and you can get the number from them I guess
Hi Paris
You are a great Meteorites pearl powder user. I been using this product(01) for about ten years long, now intend to buy another shade and their Llighting Diffusing Base because I now over 50 years old my skin looks a bit more darker maybe that aging sign! But I keep using this product till…… Cheers for Meteorites!!!!
Hi Angie, yep I love the glow meteorites give me. I don’t think there is much difference in the different shades, to be honest although new ones like the new Perles d’azur have a slightly warmer tint to the skin. Not too noticeable but those who have warmer skin may notice that it works better for them 😉
Hi Paris
Thanks for the reply, you are absolutely right. At my age I believe I shouldn’t wear noticeable power. Just like to share what I got so far;meteorites compact pressed powder 02 ( still look fresh after wearing long day) pearl powder 01,travel touch voyage powder mythic 01(now they both look noticeable on my face) and yesterday i just bought: pearl powder 02 and Light-Diffusing Base (that’s before your reply because I live in IRL) any how I don’t think I will regret! Expecially that Light-Diffusing Base is amazing….its smooths away fine lines,tone up my complexion, fresh,natural and radiant !( not greasy) Just like you said I see the effect so I love it! You guys were so lucky to contact the latest summer Pucci Design product, will check out whether they have it here or not! Cheers!
Hi Angie, I’m not sure where you are, but I think Perles D’Azur is rolling out all over e world so you can expect to see it near you soon, I’m sure 🙂 It sounds like you have a lovely collection of Meteorites! I never could bring myself to buy the Voyage Meteorites. They are so pricey! I was using the light diffusing base once but didn’t find it too magical. Maybe I should try it again 🙂
Hold your horses for those who wanna rush over to Isetan KLCC!
There’s going to be a promo from 25th to 31st May.
See here for the newsletter http://isetankl.com.my/flash/20120518/restyle/restyle.pdf
I just called my BA and cried on the phone haha. PWP for the brush is RM90 only :'(. Sigh.
Oh and Isetan KLCC number is 03-2026 1022.
The brush cost RM129,I bought yesterday.
The price makes me wince a little, but gosh, this is gorgeous. /tempted
Babe, it made me wince A LOT lol! It’s very lovely though and I don’t regret it, just will faint when the credit card bill arrives 😉
I missed out a lot here!
Oh my! This is very enticing especially the PWP, wow! 😀
I am just happy to own this. My first Meteorites and I love the packaging. Didn’t regret buying this (though it’s pretty expensive!). Gives a subtle glowy finish & great for Summer. 🙂
Aww you picked a pretty one for your first Meteorites! 😀 Congrats 😉
Hi Paris, what’s the difference between teint rose & beige? I’m NC25 chinese with yellow undertones. I recently got the teint beige, i was expecting the glowy effect that i’ve heard but sadly didn’t see much effect on my skin. I’m now thinking whether I should have bought the rose instead. Unfortunately, No exchange policy in our country 🙁 when you say brightening, does teint rose brightens, meaning your face will look lighter than the rest of your body? As it is, my face is already lighter than the rest of my body, that’ s why I initially chose teint beige to bring warmth to my face. Do you justify owning both colors? Hope you could help…
Hi Janelle, I’d say that both Teint Beige and Teint Rose have minimal differences. I personally find that Teint Beige applies a little more matte so I get a finished look but less glow as compared to when I use Teint Rose. It doesn’t make the skin look light at all unless you apply a lot. I only do a once or twice over the face with a fluffy brush. The effect is very subtle. Nothing noticeable outright but for me, it gives a more even finish. Im not sure what your expectations are actually. There is a Teint D’or which has a golden tone. I’m not sure if that might be something you’d prefer? I have pink tones so that didn’t do too well for me.
I own both. In fact, I have 4 but then I’m the exception rather than the rule 😉 I suggest that you go to a counter and ask them to try Teint Rose on your skin, then walk around and see if it gives you the effect you want.
Hi Paris,
After seeing promo pics for Guerlain’s 2012 Holiday collection (omg drool) I’m seriously thinking about purchasing my first ever meteorite perles. I don’t wear foundation so was wondering if this would still work on just bare skin (ie. moisturiser & primer – actually would I need primer too?).
Also I’m not sure about whether the Perles du Dragon colour would suit my skin tone or if I should go with one from the permanent line (Teint Rose?).
I’m Asian NC20 – actually I think I’m very similar in tone to you!
Sorry about the barrage of questions. Its quite an expensive purchase so I’m keen to get alot of use out of it 😉
Thanks!! Ps. Have you seen the Guerlain Holiday 2012 collection? That lip and eye palette is gorgeous… and that container for the Perles du Dragon (clearly I’m sold on the packaging :p)
Psst! I’ll have a review of Perles du Dragon coming up soon! I hope it’ll help you decide about whether to get it or get one from the permanent range. As a preliminary measure, I can tell you that Perles du Dragon is quite quite shimmery!
OMG! Awesome that would be incredibly helpfull!! Can’t wait to read that review 🙂 Thanks so much Paris!!
Thanks for the great review! I bought this as my first meteorites tub and I love it sooo much (my precious…) I loved it so much I went back the next week and bought the Guerlain Meteorites Voyage Compact! Im planning on getting the refill of the wulong powder when it comes out here in the philippines 🙂
Wow you splurged on the Voyahe compact! The Wulong powder is gorgeous. I couldn’t being myself to pay for it, so I just admired from afar 😀