I get asked some questions quite often, and among the most prevalent is this: What is the Guerlain Meteorites Powder used for, and if I were to pick one, which do I pick?
A close runner-up is the question : How do I use the Guerlain Meteorites powders? I mean, they’re expensive, and I don’t want to just buy and stare at them, as pretty as they are!
For some reason, people seem to think I’m an authority on Guerlain’s bestselling Meteorites Powder Pearls LOL! 😀
Well, I’m no authority, but I do own enough of them, and have used them long enough to know their quirks and how best to get around them by now.
My review on the Meteorites was among the first reviews I wrote on this blog way back in 2007 when I started MWS! That’s yonks ago.
So, here’s my quick 101 primer on the popular, Instagram-worthy Guerlain Meteorites Pearls (or what I affectionately call the “bebola” – balls in the Malay language, or just “balls” or as some friends will have it, “ballz”!) and which to pick, if you want just one, or want to get your first Meteorites 🙂
What are the Guerlain Meteorites powders used for?
The Guerlain Meteorites are what is known as ‘finishing powders’. To the naked eye, they serve little to no purpose, and you may never notice much of a difference. But the coloured powders meld together in a translucent glow, to give your skin a lovely, glow-from-within that is imperceptible; yet, when you catch that glimpse of yourself, you may notice how your skin just looks…. better.
It’s pretty magical, if I don’t say so myself, and while there are many who are happy to disagree with me, I stand by my experience.
It’s not something you can photograph, and it’s not even meant to control oil (so everyone complaining about how it does nothing for oil control? That’s your answer – it’s not supposed to! 😛 )
In fact, you can use loose/pressed powder to set your makeup and then use this powder over, to lift the complexion. Sometimes, if my base/foundation looks a little dull or flat, I use the Meteorites pearls in 02 Clair to boost the glow. No shine, no glitter, but just a natural looking lifting of the colour.
Other times, if my base looks too warm, a touch of 02 Clair does the same. Sometimes, if the base looks too light or shiny, 03 Medium comes to my rescue.
Think of these as a product you put right after you’re done with your makeup, just to bring it together. Not necessary at all, but magical when it happens.
If I were to buy my first tub of Guerlain Meteorites Pearls, which should I go for?
At present, there are 4 permanent shades, and I always suggest that you look at the permanent collection, as you will ever only need 1 tub, and you don’t really want to go for the limited edition tubs, which maybe pretty to look at, but from experience, are less functional.
- 01 Blanc de Perles – these used to be just a tub of pure white powders available only in Asia. The new version is predominantly white, with a smattering of pink, lilac and gold powders in there. I find this one a little “whitening” on skin so it works as either a very subtle highlighter or if used all over, lifts a very dull complexion. I’m not sure if it’s still only available in Asia so I’d appreciate confirmation 🙂
- 02 Clair – Previously known as Mythic and then, Teint Rose, this is the one most people are familiar with, as despite the name change, this combination has been with us for years and years! This is one in the bottom left of the picture above, instantly recognisable. This has a brightening effect to the skin and if not careful, can exude some shine/shimmer. If my skin looks or feels dull, this one lifts and adds a glow. If my base looks too flat (matte or anything too full coverage) then this one lifts it to look more flattering. While this is commonly touted as the “universally flattering” choice of Meteorites, I will not agree.
- 03 Medium – Previously known as Teint Beige, this is the one in the bottom right of the picture above. This is not the same colour combination as the even older Beige Chic which is more brown. Interestingly enough, this is the one I’d recommend for most people who ask me this question. The reason is thus. Although it says “Medium”, it isn’t very deep in colour. In fact, it is mostly translucent, with only a tiny hint of depth. The primary reason I suggest 03 Medium to most people, is because it contains the least shimmer. In fact, it has a more satin finish, and that is what most people prefer. Also, this has a nice unifying effect, perhaps due to the combination of shades, and suits most skintones, unless you are very very pale, in which case, it might be a touch warming. I use this one quite often, just to unify my base. If my foundation looks too pale or glowy (it happens) this tones it down. It just makes my makeup look better.
- 04 Dore – This is the deepest shade, but I hesitate to recommend this even if you have very deep colouring, because I find that it’s very brown and that can actually dull the skin. For me, this is my favourite bronzer because it is so translucent and gives such a subtle hint of shade to the skin so as to look natural instead of like cocoa powder. However, it is also very noticeably shimmery, which is why I hesitate to suggest this. For someone with a very deep skintone, even Medium could work, and might even offer some brightening effect.
IN A NUTSHELL
My suggestion for your very first tub of Meteorites, will be either 02 Clair (if you are fair or want something that will brighten the skin) or 03 Medium (for most skintones and if you prefer something not so shimmery).
Guerlain Meteorites Perles – 03 Medium aka Teint Beige – my recommended Meteorites
Do I need more than 1 tub of Meteorites?
Nope, absolutely not! In fact, you may even be wondering why you even own this one tub, if you feel you’re not seeing the magical effects everyone raves over. But whether you WANT another, that’s a whole different story altogether! 😀 Welcome to my world LOL! 😀
Should I buy the permanent or limited edition Guerlain Meteorites for my first tub?
My suggestion is always to go for the permanent ones, if you aren’t a collector or swayed by pretty makeup. The reason is simple.
I personally feel that the permanent range is more flattering.
From experience, the limited edition versions can sometimes be too warm (Pucci Meteorites) although that might suit some, too pale (Dragon Meteorites) or too shimmery (Aquarella, Perles de Nuit Meteorites – albeit the last is the one that gives the most beautiful candlelit glow to the skin).
Once in a blue moon, like a unicorn, a very nice one appears that is flattering (Rainbow pearls) but otherwise, I’d stick to the permanent range for your first tub.
Should I buy the limited edition Meteorites at all?
The short answer – only if you’re a collector. As I’ve noted, the limited edition Meteorites tend to be a little hit or miss. They work, but only if you are willing to get them to work.
The ones that are released for Christmas/Holidays tend to be fairly shimmery or pale. The ones released at other times of the year (occasionally Spring or Summer collections) vary in quality. Besides, these aren’t cheap and if you don’t plan to use them, don’t buy them. Well, unless you’re a collector, as I’ve noted.
Ok, so I want to buy one, how do I use the Meteorites?
Congratulations on making up your mind!
How to use the Meteorites is very simple.
Take a fluffy brush, swirl it or tap it GENTLY in the tub (be careful, the balls have a tendency to want to escape from their tub) and then, apply it all over your face AFTER you are done with your base (primer, foundation, concealer and/or powder) or after you’ve put all your makeup on.
Don’t worry if it seems like there’s no colour on your brush. Depending on the brush I use, it sometimes looks like it didn’t pick any product up, but it does.
Gently brush over your whole face, and you’re good to go. The new formula is more powdery than before, so brushes actually pick up more product now. Don’t overdo it. You aren’t supposed to SEE the powder on your skin. If you do, chances are, you’re using too much product.
I’ve seen people suggest to use Meteorites for highlighting. While you could, I don’t see the point, because they aren’t shimmery enough, nor can you pick up enough product to use just for highlighting. The powders are fairly light and translucent, despite how colourful they look in the tub, so to me, they don’t serve much of a highlighting function at all. You’d be better off using a proper highlighter instead.
What brush do I use with the Guerlain Meteorites pearls?
I can tell you what brush NOT to use with it – the one that Guerlain sells.
Guerlain sells a pink bristled brush under the Meteorites range and you may be persuaded to get it because it’s supposedly for use with these Meteorites perles and because it’s pink. DO NOT GET THIS PINK BRUSH! 😛
This brush is one of the WORST brushes I’ve ever come across, and it is so expensive too. It feels like a loo brush. That’s how stiff and rough it is, and it has absolutely NOTHING going for it but looks. Avoid like the plague – and this is coming from a huge huge Guerlain fan 😛
For me, I use any fairly dense but flexible powder brush. The reason I pick something more dense, is because I find that it picks up the powder more easily due to the surface area, and being flexible, it applies better on skin as well.
I use a bronzer brush by Trish McEvoy, but the Real Techniques Blush brush works just as well and I use them interchangeably. I’d even suggest using the Nars bronzer brush, which has a lovely dense and flat head, but in recent times, I’ve found it shedding and that pisses me off. So I’d actually suggest sticking to the Real Techniques brush – affordable and perfect for use with the Meteorites.
Do the Guerlain loose Meteorites travel well?
Short answer – no.
You see, the new metal tubs come with a flat lid that only covers the top of the tub. This can loosen easily and cover the inside of your makeup bag with a fine layer of shimmer. When they came in cardboard tubs, the cover would actually slide down all the way to the bottom of the tub.
Ironically then, it was more portable than now. So no. Unless you tape the cover down, don’t travel with these. You can get the pressed version if you prefer, which are more portable. To me however, I find the quality of the pressed Meteorites too inconsistent to recommend.
Should I get the mini travel sized Meteorites from duty free?
Short answer – no.
If you travel often, you may come across some mini Meteorites perles available at duty free counters. If they come with the brush attached or included, you’re faced with, and paying for, that terrible pink loo brush.
If they come in the mini tubs, you’ll find that they’re far too tiny and fiddly, and you’ll eventually hate it because it’s just too fiddly to use. The balls will disappear the minute you sneeze.
Personally, I feel that this makes a poor introduction to these cult powders, and I’d instead just get 1 full sized tub, and scratch that itch for good.
Are the Guerlain Meteorites worth the money?
This is arbitrary. I’d say yes but only because I totally GET that magic glow they give my skin. It’s the reason I’m such a huge fan of them, and extol their virtues to anyone who’d listen.
But I do not deny that these are expensive. At today’s prices, they’re something like RM195 or maybe more (US$62) and that’s a huge chunk of change for one makeup item. If you consider that it’ll last you nigh forever, then it makes sense as well, as the prices have been and will keep going up. But if it’s something you won’t likely use, or don’t get the hype about, then don’t spend that money just because everyone else is.
2019 update: It’s now RM269 | US$63 a tub. While the US prices hasn’t gone up by very much, the RM price is now hard for even me, a die-hard Meteorites collector, to swallow. For this reason, I have stopped collecting the newer ones post 2018, unless there is one that really catches my fancy.
Are there dupes for the Meteorites?
I’m sure there are – aren’t there dupes for everything out there? You can find similar looking colourful powders made in the form of pearls, or just similar colourful powders in many brands, from very affordable brands like NYX, Physician’s Formula and ELF to higher end brands like Shiseido Maquillage, Paul & Joe, even The Body Shop at one point.
From what I have seen, the ones from other brands tend to be heavy on the shimmer and are usually marketed as highlighting powders. The Guerlain Meteorites are more GLOW than SHIMMER and are marketed as illuminating powders, so there’s a very subtle difference, that translates differently on skin. Personally, I have not tried any of the ‘dupes’ so I will reserve comment. But if you find some dupes, and are happy with them, that’s great 🙂
What about the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders? Are they Meteorites dupes?
I’d say they aren’t. I did a little comparison when I reviewed the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Diffused Light. In short, Hourglass powders have more coverage and have more colour to them, so you have to be sure to get it right, or you won’t like them, or they might look off. Meteorites are far more translucent and much more forgiving as a result.
I hope I’ve helped answer some of the most common questions about these Meteorites perles powders. I thought it would be helpful to have them all in one place so I can just direct queries to this post, instead of repeating myself in every email reply I send LOL! 😀
Do you own any Meteorites Illuminating Powder Perles? Do you get the magical hype, or do you think it’s just another overhyped makeup product that serves no purpose but to suck your wallet dry?
I naturally love these, and I use them practically everyday. Sometimes, I use these powders over a thin layer of BB or CC Cream, and they do wonders to make me look awake and perky, when I feel like something the cat dragged in. Other times, I use it to finish and perfect my makeup so it looks just so. It’s not something I can pin my finger on and say “This makes me look flawless!” but it’s that moment when I catch the light, or I catch a glimpse in the mirror and I go “Man, you look amazing for an insomniac!” and that’s when I know – Meteorites Magic has done it again 😀 What say you?
Paris B
Paris, thank you for such a comprehensive and informative piece. This is so helpful. I’m one of those who bought the pearls but never quite know how to use it and Iast year I bought the compact to try hoping it will work better. The compact works more like a highlight because I can definitely see the shimmer. With this new found knowledge I’m going to try the pearls again and use it as the last step in my makeup routine. Cheers!
Glad to be of help! 😀 I bought one compact from a Christmas collection about 2 years back, and I loved it. Not shimmery at all! But i haven’t yet tried the new compacts. Definitely give the pearls another go – the right brush helps too 🙂
I’m a guerlain meteorites collector coz I love them. My most favorite brushes to use with them is the Wayne goss holiday brush 2015. It’s a soft brush and black so I can actually see how much it picked up. Those meteorites does last a long time.
Ah, we’re the same then – Collectors! 😀 I didn’t get his Holiday brush – kind of want it, but oh the price! >.<
Tnx for the explanation. Kinda makes me wanna get 1. I had 1 travel size which my mum bought frm airport n I think is no2. I still remember during uni time once I used it with Estee Lauder cyber white bb cream n the staff in the book store asked what I use as the skin looks nice. Haha. I m thinking which to buy as any bb or foundation tend to oxidize to darker color throughout the day even though I apply shade that r lighter than my skin tone.
Ah it sounds like you’ve been sold on the magic of the Meteorites! 😀 If the problem is to do with wanting to brighten your base, try 02 Clair. It gives more of a “glow” and brightening effect than Medium 🙂
Tnx for the tip. I m waiting for sephora 20% off sales to get the meteorites but my new year resolution is not to buy makeup. Haha
I recently splurged (after much contemplation) on the rainbow pearls towards the end of last year and I love my balls! I read all your blog posts on the meteorites and already gleaned the best way to apply them, thank you! I know what you mean about THAT glow that only you notice… It just sorts of smoothens out the complexion. I really wanted to take some with me on my holiday to Melbourne so what I did was pour out all the loose powder at the bottom of the tub into a small sifter container and took that with me! Worked like a charm so at least now I can still use it when I go outstation or travel, without taking the whole tub along. No matter how much I love them, I know I can’t afford to splurge on any more new tubs cos of the price. But I think I made the right choice with the rainbow pearls and they will last a long long time so I’m a happy camper as is!
Ooh you picked up a very good tub, Yu Ming! I thought the Rainbow Pearls were very good for a limited edition tub – actually very practical and useable! Happy you love it and that’s a great idea about using the crushed powder at the bottom of the tub for travel! I’ll nick that 😉
I wish this article came two years ago. I got suckered into the Guerlain brush and it’s now lying in my drawer unused. Nevertheless, this is a very informative read. You got right–Meteorites 101. Loved the post!
Yikes! Sorry to hear you got sucked into that brush hype >.< Seriously, it's one of the worst brushes I've ever come across! The only reason it sells is due to its colour - pink 😛 Glad you found this post useful otherwise Cecilia and I'm guessing you're enjoying your Meteorites? 😉
You were my enabler and convinced me 2 years ago to finally buy it.
I never regret it and like you said it was the one thing that bring it together.
Everyone kept saying I have this glow and pictures looks awesome.
No one would think it was that random stuff. But really. 181 when I got it. All worth it.
When I read your first line Jue, I almost had a heart attack, not knowing if you loved it or thought it a waste of money LOL! I’m glad it’s the former 😀 😀 You know I remember buying it at RM150 and thinking it was the most expensive makeup item I’d ever bought – ah those were the days! 😀
Interesting post! How about those in compact powder form?
Hey Fiona, glad you found this interesting! I only have one compact Meteorites, which was from the Crazy Paris collection a few years ago and I love it, because it’s just like the powder version, only pressed. However, the reason I didn’t mention the compact version is because previously, they only had the Voyage pressed Meteorites which are terribly expensive and I couldn’t bring myself to buy them. They’ve since (last year) launched a range of compact versions which are much more affordable but I haven’t tried them. When I do, I’ll be sure to share my thoughts on whether they work just as well, but another reader has mentioned that she finds it a bit more shimmery.
my first magical bebola is teint rose and your reviews were definitely one of the major factor that made me decide to get one! had never regretted jumping onto the bebola bandwagon, though i did miss a few collections (they are just so expensive!).
now my sister is contemplating in getting one, she have seen the magical things bebolas can do! wahahahahah!
Sadly, they’re only going to get more expensive, I’ve been told. Not sure how long I’ll go on collecting them to be honest. After a while, it crosses the line from “pretty to use” to just “pretty to look at” 😛 Perhaps it’s time your sis gets one for her birthday? 😉
I like the picture of you applying the powder while smiling at the camera lol. Great post, very informative! I too bought a tub full of glittery balls after reading your raves about them. Needless to say I only use it on special days cos mahal haha.
Ooh can you do a similar post to this but about sunscreen? (or a Youtube video?) I would love to see an updated discussion on sunscreen, you know, how much to apply (they say that the 1/4 of a spoon measurement is for European men who have larger faces?! LOL.), Western vs Asian sunscreen, physical vs chemical, over vs under moisturiser, recommendations for good sunscreens, all that jazz. 😀
Thanks Anis 🙂 You know, you could use these bebola every single day that you wear makeup and I dare bet you will barely make a dent in them! I’m not kidding, so break it out! Bebola’s aren’t just for special occasions 😉 As for the suggestion to do a piece on sunscreen, I will try. I’m not much of an expert in it so I’d rather not be sharing wrong information. Let me do some research and I’ll see what I can cobble together. As for the 1/4 teaspoon guideline, I actually do use about that much daily. With sunscreen, less certainly isn’t better! 🙂 Oh and just quickly, sunscreen goes on LAST over your moisturiser 🙂
Thanks so much for this writeup – its so informative! Please don’t throw rocks at me but I *think* they don’t work for me 🙁 I’ve always wanted them but when i finally did try it at the counter, these balls don’t really do anything to my face – i saw some shimmer and that’s just it. Could be the SA’s skill problem though :/
Maybe i should try again 😀 😀 😀
Not to worry Jenn, I won’t say that they’ll work for everyone! 😀 Consider Medium the next time and see if you’re swayed. Oh and don’t let them use that horrible pink brush on you. Yuck! 😛
that flatlay pics of your balls…. it’s too beautiful la!
buat tercuit hati aku!
Flatlay of my balls… hmm… like so salah LOL! 😉
Lovely write up Paris! I bought my bebola 2 years ago because of you and never regretted it :-). I own Teint Beidge and Perles d’Etoiles. I bought the latter when I was 7 months pregnant and had to get it because it was limited edition. LOL. I also use the same Real Technique blush brush for the pearls and it applies so well. Will definitely add to my collection if I had the extra money to splurge 😉
I actually remember you asking for recommendations on which to get, and I told you Teint Beige! Lucky you got it before the price hike and quantity drop 😛 The new ones are just going to get more expensive (and more gimmicky) There’s one coming out in the middle of the year, I’m told. Remains to be seen if I’ll get it – depends on the price I guess 😉
I remember how Meteorites were HUGE years ago. I personally have four different ones and should definitely use them more often!
Yes, and they still are, but perhaps less crazily 😀 Time to dig out the Meteorites, Marina!
Hi Paris,
Many thanks for your thoroughful review, as always 🙂
One cheeky question: have you ever used both Guerlain Meteorites and Hourglass Diffused Light together on your face?
I’m not sure the whole effect would show best by merely layering one after another lol!
Perhaps some strategic, non-overlapping placement?
Hehehe :)))
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 To answer your question, yes I have used both Hourglass and Meteorites together. Hourglass all over, and Meteorites on the “highlight” points. It doesn’t really show, if I’m to be honest. Neither of them do, because they work differently for me. Hourglass diffuses the complexion by evening out some redness without a lot of glow. Meteorites adds the glow – just don’t over do it! LOL
Hi Paris,
Needless to say, YOU are the reason how I got my very first run of meteorites!! I bought it in 2013 and it seems to still have much left (lol)! I recently bought the most recent Christmas limited edition one, it’s made in such a tempting snow globe design…. I couldn’t resist!!
May I ask, are you still keeping your tun from 2007? How soon will you decide before they “expire”? Do you still keep the ones back in the day? (I spotted the Red/Gold for Christmas 2014!) it would be great to hear from you! 🙂
Hi Grace, hope you have enjoyed your time with your Meteorites! 😀 The snowglobe one definitely tugged on a lot of heartstrings. It was so unique! As for me, yes, I still keep all my Meteorites. The one in the cardboard tub was given to my sister and she’s told me she’s still using it! I still keep and use all the ones I have, mostly because I’m not fussed about powder products expiring. They don’t really expire, if you keep them dry and thus far, no problems! *touchwood* 😉
Oh shoot, this is the nail in my figurative makeup coffin but thank you! ? The meteorites piqued my interest when I came across it by accident and was trying to justify splurging that much. I never really got onto the highlighting scene, but this is IT due to me preferring a subtle glow and uh, looking alive. Fortunately, I still have a 10% off at Sephora though I’m bummed I missed the Black Friday sales. Now, whether to get the loose pearls or the compact…
Hi Debbie, if you carry powders around for touch up or travel a lot, then the compact would be a better bet. But if you don’t, I’d do the loose pearls 🙂 Hope you’ll enjoy them whichever you pick!
Hi Paris, I’m wondering if you would recommend using this product for bridal or photoshoot makeup? Which one should l get as a universal one?
Hi Lydia, I don’t have enough experience with bridal or photoshoot makeup to know how well this will fare. It fares well for day to day wear, but I’m not sure if it’s too reflective under intense photography. For day to day use, I’d suggest either Clair or Medium, depending on whether you want a brightening or more neutral effect. It’s all quite subtle so you won’t go very far wrong unless you have a deep skintone in which case you may want to consider Dore (but I find it too shimmery to use all over)
This review is so informative! It anwered all my questions about this pearls and stopped my craving of those nice-looking limited editions! I think I am going to get the regular one 🙂
I’m glad you found this useful Fan 🙂 The regular ones are honestly, good enough. The limited edition ones do tend to just look pretty for the most part haha!
hello, i own no such powder but really tempted. i have olive skin, quite pale in the winter, and would love to try this out, although they do not have many colours available.
On sephora they have a 01 Teint Rose which is not your blanc one as it has more colorful pearls then 02 Clair. I have Fair to light skin and do want the shimmer so would you say 01 or 02 Clair for me?
Hi Jennifer, I took a look at Sephora.com and the 01 Teint Rose is actually the older version (this one here) 02 Clair is the more recent version. I’d suggest you go with Clair, if only because it’s more recent and therefore a fresher product 🙂