Monday, March 14, 2011

Guerlain Terracotta Collection for 2011 - Poudre Bronzante Hydratante Haute Tenue

Guerlain outdid themselves with this year's Terracotta Collection. Even if you own pieces from prior collections, you will want to carefully consider some of the new ones.

The cult powder for a natural, matte complexion that is simply unique.

Since its creation in 1984, Terracotta Moisturizing and Long-Lasting Bronzing Powder has become a legendary product and the secret weapon of women who looked kissed by sunlight. Its unique texture has always been Guerlain's not-so-well-kept secret. It leaves no lines or streaks - only a natural, radiant, luminous bronze glow. Its formula is enriched with moisturizing ingredients that hydrate the skin and ensure long-lasting radiance. Its lightness, ease of application, and bewitching and instantly recognizable light scent have made it a cult product.

The second I saw the collection for 2011, I knew I had to have one of the new bronzing powder shades (and I would like to have a second, but that's crazy). I also purchased the new Terracotta Spray, which makes me glow and smell divine at the same time. I'll tell you about it in a second feature this week. I'm waiting for a beautiful blusher to arrive at the store.

There are eight new shades of Poudre Bronzante Hydratante Haute Tenue ($49), the hydrating bronzing powder, on display at Neiman Marcus. I purchased #00, which Guerlain lists as perfect for fair blonds (the bronzer is pictured here in a darker shade).

Terracotta powder creates a natural looking bronze for all skin tones.
  • For blonds, there are three pink-toned shades: 00, 02, and 04, each progressively darker with the number increase.
  • For brunettes, there are four golden-toned shades: 01, 03, and 07, also progressively darker.
  • For ethnic skin, there is one copper-toned shade: 08, Ebony.
Bronzers aren't just for looking tan. They should be used to sculpt your face. Applied properly, they should be a part of your everyday makeup routine. While I'll admit to skipping bronzers often, I know they make my cheekbones pop when used with a light hand.

How will you decide what's the best shade? You can see little swatches of the shades at this French Sephora site. Neiman Marcus sent me a card to help me determine the best shade for my hair color and skin tone, but it had a bounce-back offer on it, and I left it with the store to get the complimentary lip gloss sample. You can see the card at Café Makeup, where the beautiful Amy shared it.

I applied shade 00 to my arm ridiculously heavily to get a swatch photo for you. I used a sponge-tipped applicator, something one would never do in "real life." I took the photo in full sun. This bronzer should be applied with a fluffy blush or powder blush. I wanted to show you the color, but you should know that what looks a little muddy on my arm is gorgeous when applied with a brush on my cheeks and the high points of my face. Today was definitely not a "let's model bronzer day," so you'll have to use your imagination!

There is a hint of sparkle in the bronzer, but not enough that it qualifies as shimmering. The overall effect is matte. Instead, the tiny amount of sparkle makes it glow, and the effect on the complexion is stunning.

You can find Guerlain's new Terracotta Collection for 2011 at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. I'm sure other sources, such as Bloomingdale's, must have it too, but I can vouch for Neiman Marcus and Nordies.

Photos at top courtesy of Guerlain and Neiman Marcus

11 comments:

Eileen said...

I've worn Terracotta for years. For winter contouring I prefer Edward Bess, but for a kiss of sunlight nothing beats Guerlain. Perhaps that's because I've always been able to find a shade that looks perfectly natural. Now there are more shades available in this classic so even more woman can discover the beauty of this bronzer. It's not shiny or shimmery. It just has a very soft and natural glow.

There are some beautiful items in this year's Terracotta collection. I'm looking forward to seeing the collection for myself.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen, I was wearing Blonde in Terracotta, but I don't know where I threw it before my surgery (in a box - I know that much). Need to do a huge search and rescue mission for my "missing" cosmetics!

The new spray has a divine orange blossom fragrance. You have to smell it to believe it!

Mamavalveeta03 said...

My quest is to find one without sparkle, that doesn't turn orange on my fair skin, and that looks like my natural tan color. (And I have NO earthly idea what that color is since I haven't tanned in decades!!)

Charlestongirl said...

Val, you should look at these in the store. Advertised as matte, I saw a tiny bit of sparkle, but the overall effect on the cheeks is more matte than shimmering.

Anonymous said...

Ooooh . . . Aaaah . . .orange blossom! One of my favorite scents. I'll definitely take a look at that spray. Thanks for the tip.

Eileen said...

I second Anonymous' response. How I love orange blossom! I'll put that spray at the top of my "must try" list. Between that and Jo Malone, I should be in orange blossom heaven until our citrus trees begin blooming.

Charlestongirl said...

Anonymous, I hope to get it written up tomorrow when I get home from work. It's gorgeous!

Charlestongirl said...

Eileen, I know you are going to LOVE it as much as I do. No color to speak of, just a divine, scented glow.

Charlestongirl said...

Just sprayed it on again. Swooning over sweet orange extract! Funny that the know-nothing at the counter said it was jasmine.

Straight Up Glam said...

I've never tried any of the Guerlain bronzers, but you have convinced me to give them a try! I love bronzers (actually recently did a post about all my favorites) and I feel like I need one of these to add to my collection!

Thank you so much for sharing this review!! =D

Andrée xx

Charlestongirl said...

You do, Andrée!

Guerlain is like the queen of bronzers. :)

There are almost too many, making it hard to select.