Guerlain Terra Ora Compact for Summer 2013

Guerlain’s 2013 Terra Ora Collection is an invitation to summer. Using white and gold tones, which are showcased through stunning product composition and imagery, the Terra Ora assortment provides an unexpected and gorgeous contrast by playing with light and shadow, maximizing radiance and enhancing the inherent beauty of sun-kissed skin.

Guerlain’s newest, limited-edition signature compact, Terra Ora ($72), is a looker in the compact. It's composed of a pearly white gold and matte beige, which highlight and sculpt the face and décolleté. Terra Ora works for all skin tones and comes encased in a beautiful wooden mirror case with magnetic closure. There's something about magnetic closures that's elegant to my sense of touch.

When mine arrived - purchased from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas - I jumped for joy. The bronzer shade has more rose in it than I had expected, and that's a good thing for me. I've only begun to play with it, but I thought it would be fun to share the love.

I took swatch photos in full, morning sun. I swatched the golden shade in the center of the compact at the top of my arm. Right below that, I swatched the bronze shade. Then I swatched the two shades mixed equally. Those three swatches were heavily applied with a sponge-tipped applicator.

Then I used a big, fluffy, dense brush to apply a realistic, blended application to my arm below the stripes of color. I'll start with photos (immediately above and below) that show all swatches.

This photo shows the colors individually, the center shade at the top, the bronzer shade below, and the blended shades at the bottom.

The golden highlighting shade would be pretty on anyone. The bronzer is a nice shade that works on my pale skin. The blended shade is drop-dead gorgeous.

The photo below shows how perfect the bronzer is when the shades are mixed and applied lightly.

Terra Oro is typical Guerlain summer: absolutely perfect! Look at the color and gleam of the blended shades. It's just as pretty as Tom Ford's new Fire Lust. The difference? This one is a powder.

Want a pro tip for application? Starting at the outer area and finishing with the inner gold circle, swirl your brush in an “O” shape for that perfect hint of bronze and gold all at once.

If your favorite Guerlain counter does not have the Terra Ora Collection, call Rhonda at the Guerlain Boutique at (702) 732-7008. She would be glad to help you. If you can wait, Guerlain’s Terra Ora Collection will be available beginning in May at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Update: I wanted to return with a note about the intensity of Terra Ora. Many of us with fair complexions find bronzers hard to wear. They have to be just right to look natural. If that sounds like you, give Terra Ora a try. It's very sheer and pretty on my face, belying its depth in the compact. That's one reason the swatch photos of the blended shades are so light.

Photo at top courtesy of Guerlain; other photos by Best Things in Beauty