Thursday, April 17, 2014

Guerlain Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition, for Summer 2014

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Guerlain's Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush ($76), the special 30th Anniversary Edition. Now that I have, I'm even more hyped about it than I was when I first saw the press photos. It's magnifique! The compact is absolutely gorgeous, from the magnetic cover to the powder itself, and the look on the skin is as good as it gets (considering my own skin).

Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush is a limited edition, and I predict it will sell out quickly (I've been wrong in the past about such things, but not often). If you have an interest, purchase or pre-order it immediately. I had pre-ordered mine from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas, so it was shipped to me the moment it arrived at the store.

Twist off the glorious magnetic wooden cover with its own sun design, and you'll see this large, elegant quad of summer colors embossed with a vibrant golden sun. Its appearance is stunning - sure to draw compliments if you pull it out for a touch-up to show it off in public.

I took swatch photos in full, very late-afternoon sunshine. I swatched a "stripe" at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I used a blush brush to apply a larger swatch below. Both are heavy applications. I blended all four colors and made sure to pick up some metallic "sunshine" too. I did not swatch each individual color - all matte: summer peach, sunset pink, and a brown/tan. Because the compact is large, you can easily use the colors individually. I'll try that later. I wanted to show you this makeup museum piece right away.

You will see some sparkles in my swatches, but I think they result from the central sun. I've read that there is an overspray, but I'm not sure about that. If there is, those sparse sparkles will disappear with use. I know many of you prefer matte or satin bronzers, and I think this one fits the bill.

The powder itself is finely milled and compacted well, so it applies lightly. You have to work at it to over-do an application. It does not leave a powdery mess after you swipe it, no matter what applicator you use.

You can see that the blended color is a beautiful, light, golden tan. It looks natural on my face when applied to the high points. I leaves no mud behind, just a stunning sun-kissed effect. Had I wanted to make the color pinker, I could have used more pink. The same is true for all the colors, giving us ultimte flexibility.

It's too bad I had goosebumps when I snapped these photos. You can see on my arm how cold I was. We had a sudden turn from 86 degrees on Sunday to a sleet storm Tuesday evening. The weather may be telling me that Sun Celebration's time hasn't come, but I'm not buying that. I'll be wearing it the moment I want to look healthy and happy. Tomorrow?

I knew that anything Guerlain would name its 30th Anniversary Terracotta piece - drawing special attention to its golden franchise - would be good. I had no idea it would be magnificent.

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

18 comments:

Anahita said...

Isn't this collection amazing? I also just received my package from the boutique. I got the terracotta perfume which smells divine, the limited edition lipstick, gloss and nail polish. The only item that I wasn't in love with is the bronzing brush. Its a little scratchy for my liking but of course I was attracted to the red bristles.

I just ordered chanel summer and can't wait to receive it. I have so many new products and so little time.

Anonymous said...

Hi CG, thanks for the great review and photos. Is this one of their "moisturizing" powder bronzers or more dry? I've been dying to try one and this one looks beautiful. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anahita, I may need to go to a store and check out the Terracotta perfume... Thanks for the warning about the bronzing brush. I really dislike scratchy brushes. Is it included or separate?

Where did you find Chanel summer? I would love to see what's new and I can't find it anywhere!

Cheers!

Christina said...

Oh wow, that is really pretty! I always shy away from bronzers because they look muddy and flat on my super fair olive skin, but this looks great! I was expecting something a lot darker, but it is a very lovely light golden color as you have described. Thanks for the swatches!

Charlestongirl said...

Anon,

NM has Chanel summer on display. The Terracotta perfume is divine. The brushes are sold separately.

Charlestongirl said...

Anon 9:34, it is dry in my opinion.

Unknown said...

Sold! I just texted my Guerlain SA to order one when it comes in. It is stunning! CG, you always come through for us. What a great review once again. Thanks.

Lisa said...

So pretty! I wish I didn't have so many of these Guerlain LEs already! I may have to have it any way. . . . . . . .

Anonymous said...

Thanks, CG! I guess I owe Neiman's a visit :-)

Sara said...

This looks very pretty and not muddy at all. I just ordered one from sephora after seeing your post. I am also eyeing the bronzer from chanel summer! -Sara

Jo said...

This is gorgeous CG! Thanks for the preview.

Unknown said...

If you had to choose one item from this release which one would it be? To one and all, CG especially :).
Thank you,
Charli

*JW* said...

Because I trust your instincts, Ms. "Charley" Girl, I just ordered that gorgeous 30th Anniversary Edition Sun Celebration before it's too late. I am considering seriously putting the opened up compact in a glass box on my dressing table...for reasons of happiness! Thanks for the tempting review. Judy

Estelle said...

Lots of mention of the Terracotta perfume - can anyone please tell me if this is available online? I've googled it but to no avail (unless it's the Terracotta Voile D'ete?)... Thank you!

Charlestongirl said...

Estelle, you can call Jonathan at the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas to order it. Just search 702 on the blog for his number.

Might be too early to find online.

Charlestongirl said...

Charli, one item? I would choose this.

Louisa said...

Hi CG! I tried to resist, but alas, my willpower was not strong enough. Now I am eagerly awaiting my order of Sun Celebration from Sephora. How do you think the coloration of Sun Celebration compares to 4 Seasons Nude 00 and last year's Terra Ora? I have both of those, which is why I was trying not to cave in. Thank you!

Joey said...

Hi CG,
How does this one compare to the Guerlain/ Emilio Pucci collection 2ish years ago? Are the colors different enough to warrant a purchase?
Thank you for the lovely review!