This year, I have not been taken by any of the Christmas collections from most brands. Every collection seemed to look the same and as is wont at this festive time of year, every collection gets that bling factor that can sometimes be far too much for daily wear. I was all ready to shut my wallet and call it a day till Fall/Autumn 2014 when my eye fell on Guerlain. And just like that, I tumbled head over heels for 3 items in the Guerlain Crazy Paris collection. Damn you Guerlain, you just know how to grab me!
I’d shown you the photos of the items when I picked them up so this is mostly just my thoughts on the items I bought, why I love them so, and why I think they are worth considering if your budget allows it to be stretched that far.
The primary item I planned to pick up was the Crazy Meteorites Radiance Power. You see, as much as I love the Meteorites loose perles, they are a right bitch to travel with. The packaging is bulky, the balls will disappear and it creates a right royal mess if they open up in your travel pouch. So, I’ve been lusting after the pressed version for the longest time.
However, the Meteorites Voyage weigh in at a staggering RM400+ and that’s just mind-boggling. I may be mad, but I have my limits and I will not pay over RM400 for a face powder. When I saw the Crazy Meteorites Radiance Powder, I thought that like the Wulong powder from last year, it too would stagger me at prices over RM400. So, imagine my surprise when it wasn’t!
Guerlain Crazy Meteorites Radiance Powder – RM224
Sure, at RM224, it’s not exactly loose change either. It’s still very expensive and yeah, I have to be crazy to spend that much money on a powder. But hey, if I didn’t get it now, I’d never be able to buy it! And after 2 weeks of using it, I’m so happy I got it 😀
The powder reminds me of Mythic, the radiant finishing powder, but with more significant pink tones. Don’t layer on too much if you don’t want to have the pink tones show up on skin. I use a large fluffy brush, swirl it all over the powder and the apply it all over my face, to finish off my look, as it were. The effect is amazing. You can’t see anything, it’s a translucent powder after all, but it is almost as if you have taken a blur tool to your face in real life. It just makes my skin look better and natural. Pores and lines appear softened, skin looks smoother and brightened, it’s like photoshop in a compact. Love!
As you can see, my compact is already showing wear which surprised me a little. But I’m not too fussed because the compact will fit the refill pans of the Meteorites Voyage which come in under RM200 so I’ll be able to refill it as I go, and I plan to. If you don’t intend to pick anything up from any makeup collection this year, pause for a moment to consider the Guerlain Crazy Meteorites Radiance Powder. I have never been happier with a piece of makeup!
Guerlain Crazy Terracotta Healthy Glow Powder – RM224
This one was an impulsive purchase that I’m also very happy with. I’ve read so much about how wonderful Guerlain Terracotta bronzers are but all shades, including the light ones look muddy on me. I don’t wear bronzers well. But when I was about to pass on the Crazy Terracotta Healthy Glow Powder, I paused for a moment. It’s unusual to see a bronzer in a winter collection but it certainly caught my eye.
It looks quite dark in the pan, but all reviews pointed to it applying very sheer with a peach toned flush on skin. When I saw it in person, I had my misgivings. It’s so dark! But I bit the bullet anyway and I have never regretted it. This is a beautiful blush!
On fair-medium skintones, it shows up as a peachy flush which serves well as a blush. It makes skin look healthier and perkier with just the right amount of colour on skin without looking muddy or dirty. The texture is very transparent so you get that glow from within, and you can use any brush to apply it. I use a regular blush brush and it applies beautifully. You only need a little to give cheeks that beautiful flush of colour.
I’ve been using it a lot as well since I got it, and it’s barely showing any wear at all! The texture in pan is quite hard, and even when you try to swatch it, it’s very hard and doesn’t give off a lot of colour. The secret therefore is in using a brush. Any brush and the colour is picked up and deposited on skin with the right amount of glow without glitter. There is the signature scent of violets but I forgive them because it doesn’t last and the product performs so well anyway.
Oh and longevity is crazy! It lasts all day, looking perfect from morning to evening! I sometimes like to top up a little pink blush on the apples of the cheeks, but only when I want an extra flush of colour. Most of the time, I wear it on its own because it’s just so perfect. I never thought I’d ever wax lyrical about a bronzer, but here you go. This is the best thing I’ve ever used. Ever!
Guerlain Rouge G – Provocative 863 RM161
This is the bright fuchsia lipstick that you see in the picture and some better pictures of it brand new here. This is the Rouge G formula which is creamy, pigmented and super long lasting. They are among my favourite lipstick formulas simply because they are creamy and long lasting without being drying on lips.
The limited edition Provocative 863 is a bright fuchsia that reminded me at first glance of Madame Batifole but turns out more pink. Instead of the regular shiny metal case, we get a black metal case with a neon pink logo. I seem to find the violet scent a little stronger in Provocative than I’m used to. But again, it dissipates and I forgive it because it’s such an amazing colour against any skin tone.
Here are some swatches because you have no idea what I’m on about without seeing them in action right? 😛
Swatches! Left: Guerlain Rouge G Provocative Right: Crazy Terracotta Healthy Glow Powder
Provocative was swatched just one. Don’t you just LOVE how intense it is?! 😀
I had to rub hard at the surface of the powder to get Crazy Terracotta to show up but this gives you an idea of what it looks like if it were applied heavily. Despite the deep brown, bronzed shades in the pan, the product shows up as a peachy flush on skin, which is what sold me onto the idea of getting it in the first place.
And here’s an idea of how the products look when worn.
In the picture, I’m wearing the Crazy Meteorites applied all over, Crazy Terracotta on cheeks and Provocative on lips. Eyes were a mixture of colours from the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary palette.
You can’t actually see how the Meteorites look, but just trust me when I say that it acts like a diffuser so imperfections are blurred and diffused. The bronzer isn’t too dark, acting as a contour with a light hand, and as a blush on apples of the cheeks if you layer it on. The lip colour is pure gorgeousness.
In a nutshell
These 3 pieces of Guerlain’s Crazy Paris collection are to me, the best of the collection and quite underrated. This is a good time to pick up the pressed Meteorites because it’s more affordable than the regular Voyage version. Almost half the price! The compact is refillable. If you have been afraid of using a bronzer like I have then you will love the Crazy Terracotta powder which is essentially a light warmed peach flush on skin. The texture is hard to touch, but you only need a brush to lightly swipe across the surface and apply to skin for an instant healthy glow. They weren’t kidding! The lipstick will appeal to anyone who loves bright creamy long lasting lipsticks. All in all, I think these are winners and worth the splurge if funds allow. If you could just pick one, my suggestion is to pick either the Crazy Meteorites or the Crazy Terracotta depending on what you will use more of. I promise, you won’t regret it one bit. I haven’t 😀
Pros: Everything I’ve been raving on about above – they’re just perfection!
Cons: Pricey, Limited Edition, Violets scent in powder and lipstick are a little strong but dissipate
Who will like this: Anyone who already loves the Meteorites perles, Anyone who doesn’t like bronzer but wants a light healthy glow on skin, Anyone who loves longlasting creamy bright coloured lipstick
I realise these are pricey items so no, they aren’t must haves. If you are already in the market for something similar then these are there, at the top of the heap. Quality is excellent as I’ve come to expect from Guerlain and the finishing of the product and the case is lovely and luxurious.
Did you pick anything up from the Guerlain Crazy Paris collection? Are there other collections you’re eyeing?
These were all I picked up. The rest of the collection was blah to me and I cannot get over my dislike for the Crazy Paris Champs Elysees tin of pearls LOL It’s the only tub of Meteorites I haven’t bought since I started collecting them! 😀
Paris B
Guerlain Crazy Paris collection. Prices are as set out above Availability: All Guerlain counters Limited Edition: Yes, Chistmas 2013
Martina says
Just a quick question about the radiance powder.. I went to the Guerlain stall in Tangs Singapore and I was told by the SA that the powder is non-refillable. How are you planning to refill yours with the Mythic refills?
I’m considering buying the powder so just want a little more info..
Paris B says
Hi there I’m told it can possibly be refilled with the Voyage Mythic powder refill. It won’t be the same powder of course but is a pricier product. There’s a hole at the back where you can pop out the empty pan in due course. I believe the Voyage refill pan is the same size hence my intention to refill it in due course. This is of course conjecture at this point but I anticipate being able to refill 🙂
KL says
Hi Paris B ,
You got me really interested to try the Guerlain Radiance Powder. I seldom use makeup, hence the following newbie questions.
I use a tinted sunscreen cream , do I apply the Powder after the sunscreen cream ?
Another concern is does it come with a sponge or brush ? Is it good enough or should I invest in better brush ?
Paris B says
Hi KL, yes this is your last base step to go on your face so it goes on after sunscreen or foundation whichever goes on last. It does not come with an applicator, so you will need to use your own brush. I find a powder brush works although I use this one or sometimes the Lunasol Face Brush. You don’t have to use these, just a powder brush should do the trick.
Sw says
Hi PB, I just purchase the radiance powder and I notice it doesn’t help in shine control. Is it ok for me to put on pressed powder then only the radiance powder? just to add on I don’t have oily skin but it’s just the shine I get from bb creme by mid day.
Paris B says
Hi Sw, the pressed powder isn’t meant to control shine, only just to add some radiance to the skin. I’m sure you can layer it over your pressed powder 🙂 But put a thin layer of powder only or if it’s your BB Creme that’s causing the oil, blot first then powder then apply the radiance powder 🙂