Every year, Guerlain launches a limited edition Terracotta powder for summer. I’ve been able to resist the more recent releases but this year the flower pan design got to me. It’s been a while since I’ve tried the formula, and I’m able to report that things haven’t changed a bit.
Which is a good thing, since the Terracotta powders are amazing. This year’s edition shade is a light, very peach-leaning tan shade. The gold was just an overspray, but the peach and pink petals remain throughout the powder. I tried swatching them separately, but you could barely see the pink, and the peach was very close to the base shade. It’s not like it’s feasible to use the three colours individually anyway.
Texture and application: if you’ve ever had a Terracotta bronzer from Guerlain, you’ll be familiar with this texture. It’s in line with their previous releases: it is a smooth, soft, creamy powder that feels very velvety to the touch. It’s easy to pick up product with even the softest brush, and so it ends up having a bit of powder kick up in the pan. On the cheeks it is very easy to blend out.
Pigmentation and finish: pigmentation I would say it’s medium, being both easy to build up or sheer out. The finish is what one would call a natural matte: there is some soft luminosity that is very skin-like, without any shine or shimmer. On the skin it looks smooth, and even a bit blurring.
Longevity: lasted the whole day. I tested over foundation and powder (no setting spray). After 11 hours, this was still going strong. I found that it had barely faded when I finally took it off, and it was more around the edges.
Packaging and other info: The compact is very typically Guerlain. It’s slim yet luxe looking. There is a decent mirror on the inside, and the total amount is 10 grams, which is leaning on the bigger size for a bronzer/face powder. There is a lovely scent that is not necessarily subtle, but not noticeable when the product is on the skin either. Unlike all the other Guerlain Terracotta powders I previously got, this does not come with a velvet pouch. I know it’s a luxury touch, but honestly that was just a waste of material, so I think it’s better off this way. Full price is 57,85€, but where I live it is easy to find a 20% sale.
Final thoughts: on me, the strong peachy tones make it a blush, not a bronzer. That does not upset me at all. This is a pleasure to use, to wear, and to look at. It is a breeze to blend out, it looks good and wears well on the skin, and it’s just pretty. I love it.
