For as long as I can remember, Guerlain has been my favorite makeup brand. It didn’t happen overnight but gradually, it seemed like every product I tried from the brand, I absolutely loved. And before long, I was awaiting every new launch from Guerlain. Almost every product I would use on my face for my daily makeup routine was Guerlain: foundation, primer, powder, mascara, blush, concealer, lipstick- it was all Guerlain. Thus, I was fairly confident in telling anyone who would ask that my favorite makeup brand was Guerlain.
However, there is one thing that I don’t absolutely about Guerlain and that is there price point. It’s just a little outside of my budget and a little more than I would like to pay for my makeup. But with that being said, I do have to say that Guerlain is one of the few brands I can confidently say is worth the high price tag. I used to not mind the prices as much when I worked at Shoppers Drug Mart and got that hefty 30% employee discount but alas that is no more. So, I was just that much more excited to receive these products from Guerlain! It was quite the nice quarantine surprise.
Let’s talk about the new foundation from Guerlain first. This is the L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation ($67CAD/$60USD, 30ml). Guerlain really knows how to make a good foundation and they have never disappointed. Their (now discontinued) Baby Glow Foundation went down in history as my most favorite foundation ever. That’s a bold statement but it’s the truth.
And therefore, I was very excited to see how this L’Essentiel foundation would compare! This foundation is a light coverage, glowy foundation, suitable for all skin types. Usually, I stray away from more glowy foundations as I now have oily skin after stopping birth control (thanks hormones!) last year and they tend not to sit well on my face for longer than an 8 hour work day. However, this one promises a natural, glowing finish that lasts for up to 16 hours. I also really love Guerlain foundations because they often offer additional skincare benefits. This one is made with 97% naturally-derived ingredients, free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates and features extracts from Tara and Red Algae Gums to allow the skin to breathe and protect it from pollution. White Cocoa Bean Extract also helps to maintain the skin’s natural balance, support the strength of the cutaneous barrier, and provide hydration. My skin is incredibly comfortable after applying this foundation and throughout the day. It doesn’t feel heavy or drying and I don’t find it slips off my face when I get a little oily. Plus, this foundation has a huge shade range which is always exciting. I got the shade 00C – porcelain cool which is perfect for my pale skin in the winter!
The next Guerlain product I tried out is the Abeille Royale Anti-Aging Fortifying Lotion Toner ($90CAD/$75USD, 150ml). I know I already said how expensive Guerlain products tend to be but DANG. A $90 toner? That just seems outrageous. But, I promise you there is good reason for this hefty price tag. This lotion is so much more than your average alcohol-based toner. It’s described as a fast-absorbing, water-like toner that supports, balances, and protects skin from visible signs of aging, stress, and pollution. Ingredients like the Guerlain Exclusive Royal Jelly that is rich in exceptional nutrients and a natural source of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and vitamins to nurture the skin and protects the skin against pollution! In addition, Black Bee Repair Technology, a blend of exclusive Ouessant Island honey, Corsican honey, New Zealand clover honey, and Guerlain‘s Exclusive Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, trace elements, and high in fructose content to offer the essential ingredients that are vital to revitalizing the skin! I really love this toner because I actually notice a difference with my skin unlike the majority of toners I have tried! It makes my skin feel so smooth and hydrated and preps it for the rest of my routine!
And the last product is the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic eau de toilette ($92CAD/$95USD, 75ml). Like everything else from Guerlain, I am a huge fan of the brand’s fragrances. I own a couple (like the Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum and La Petite Robe Noir Eau de Parfum) that I absolutely love but I had never tried this one so I was super excited to add it to my collection. This fragrance is unlike any perfume I have ever tried before. It’s a fresh citrus fragrance with notes of mandarin, basil, cedarwood, green tea and orange blossom. It’s basically summer in a bottle although I like to wear in the winter to remind me of the warmer, better months that are to come. It’s quite a strong scent when you first spray it on but I find it fades so nicely throughout the day. And, as always, Guerlain completely knocks it out of the park with their packaging. This bottle is absolutely stunning.