Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder in 00 Nude

"Terracotta Bronzing Powder is a woman's best friend when the sun’s rays are scarce. The secret to a radiant complexion and a flawless natural-looking glow, this irresistible bronzer can be customized at will. It’s an irresistible ally to any woman wishing to be kissed by the sun.” - Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director

The ultimate cult bronzing powder, one Guerlain Terracotta product is sold somewhere in the world every 20 seconds. The sheer magic of this legendary makeup line is its ability to duplicate the illusion of sun on skin with an astoundingly natural-looking glow. Often imitated but never equaled, its secret formula strikes a subtle balance between color and transparency, creating a flawless natural look that lasts all day.

The Terracotta 4 Seasons Bronzing Powder ($75), a centerpiece of the 2013 Terracotta Collection, allows women to create a tailor-made palette for each season. Each powder contains four shades, which can be mixed and blended to create natural color for all times of the year. To enhance the 4 Seasons experience, Guerlain has added four new harmonies of coordinated shades to better accommodate women’s varying complexions. With a total of six shades, Guerlain ensures that all women, fair or dark, can indulge in the pleasure of a Terracotta glow.

I purchased the new 00 Nude shade at Neiman Marcus (shown above). I was eager to get my hands on it. It met my expectations for a great bronzing powder for fair skin. I adore it. Nothing wrong with 02 Natural Blondes, but I wanted something lighter. I got my lighter shade, thanks to Guerlain.

I took swatch photos in full sun with a milky blue sky. I swatched heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, picking up all four shades evenly. Had I wished, I could have changed the color - for example, emphasizing pink - with a different mix. I created the larger swatch below using a dense face blender brush.

I love this neutral shade! It's not too cool, not too warm - exactly perfect for a light, sun-kissed look. I've applied it to my face in two ways: using it for contouring (magnificent) and sweeping it over the high points of my face (such as cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of my nose).

The finish of the 4 Seasons Bronzing Powder provides a sheen, with just a hint of sparkle. You won't look like a glitter princess when you wear it, but you will glow.

Because Guerlain is offering new shades, you must visit your favorite Guerlain counter to check them out. I think my local Neiman Marcus may have received the Terracotta Collection a bit on the early side, but keep checking. I purchased other pieces from the 2013 collection and can't wait to show you. This gorgeous line-up will be available beginning in March at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Update: These bronzers have sold through very quickly at Neiman Marcus. I talked to the Guerlain boutique in Las Vegas this afternoon. They would be pleased to take your reservation for this piece or anything from the collection. They hope to receive it this week. Give Beauty Advisor Rhonda Hethcoat (or anyone if you can't reach her) a call at (702) 732-7008. They will put you on the list.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty