Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites Review, Photos, Swatches
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Spring 2012: Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Debuting in January, Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites ($67.00 for 0.31 oz.) is a limited edition highlighter than can be used to highlight specific areas or as an all-over glow. It delivers a light pink with neutral-warm undertones with a shimmer-sheen. It reminded me of a lighter, pinker version of MAC Crystal Pink. Chanel Beiges Ombres Tissees is lighter, more beige/white. MAC Light Sunshine is more similar in color but is a bit lighter and has more of a sheen than shimmer.
It looked rather frosty when I swatched it on my arm, but it worked well when I applied it with a brush on my cheek bones to test out the wear. There’s no emphasis of pores, and there’s enough glow and sheen to perk up the face without looking like a disco ball. This is more shimmery than other pressed meteorites in my experience but not by much. I was really happy with the wear, which is really what I liked most about the product, which was ten hours undisturbed. No breaking up, migration, or looking like it was worse for the wear .It didn’t have the typical Guerlain violet scent; there’s a lingering scent, but it’s very, very subtle–I practically had my nose buried in the gardenia! When I finally caught the scent, it smelled a little soapy. It’s supposed to be Cruel Gardenia, though.
The powder is finely milled but dense and firm, which is why it doesn’t turn frosty on the face–the brush picks up the right amount of product. Sometimes a product can be too soft, like when you put your brush to the powder, it loosens a ton of product (more than you need), which can be wasteful. Nevertheless, it’s more of a sheen and shimmer than Parure de Nuit from fall.
BritishBeautyBlogger has an excellent write-up about how/why products can be similar (and looking at these two particular products). Industry insiders know that products are often planned at least one to two years in advance; often, the conceptual phase is 18-24 months out, while prototype production can begin a year or further out from launch–products have to move through various stages like creation, testing, reformulation, production, etc. Color agencies like Pantone often determine the trends we’ll see in upcoming months, so some similarities are entirely coincidental or par for the course.
Design similarity aside, though, the two don’t really compare in the way that matters–color. Cruel Gardenia is distinctly pink, and it will do more to flatter cooler complexions (but it is equally flattering on warmer complexions, because it’s a neutral pink), compared to the more bronzy Rose Rendezvous by Laura Mercier. I wanted to review Laura Mercier’s, but unfortunately, by the time I received my order from Nordstrom (boo, ground shipping!) and tested it (seriously, I photographed and started testing immediately after it arrived), it was sold out.
Where to Buy: January 2012 at Guerlain counters, $67
The Glossover
If you've been looking for a way to add a little glow and shimmer to the face and never have to worry about overdoing it, the texture of this product makes both of those things easy to achieve. Those who loved the feel and texture of Laura Mercier's Rose Rendezvous will likely love this one, too, and it's nice that they don't resemble each other in hue.
See more photos & swatches!
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites vs. Laura Mercier Rose Rendezvous Face Illuminator
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites on cheekbones (Guerlain Les Aquas on eyes)
Disclosure
This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm. Our priority is to you, and we honor that commitment by being honest! We don't do paid reviews or guarantee reviews. We're going to give you the truth and nothing but! For more information, please read our editorial/review policies.
Product & Review FAQ
Where can I purchase it? How much is it?
January 2012 at Guerlain counters, $67.
Is it limited edition?
Yes.
Any dupes?
It reminded me of a lighter, pinker version of MAC Crystal Pink. Chanel Beiges Ombres Tissees is lighter, more beige/white. MAC Light Sunshine is more similar in color but is a bit lighter and has more of a sheen than shimmer.
I'm so sad--I bought this product but was completely bummed/let down--even paid extra to have it shipped from a store b/c when I bought it (right after it was released!) it was sold out online. I found I was scraping at the product to get it to even come onto my brush and even then, it practically disappeared on my fair-toned (NC/NW 15) skin! :( But the packaging/design is so gorgeous I just had to hold onto it. Do you know of any highlighters that could be better for lighter skin? I'm so sad because it looks absolutely gorgeous/amazing on you! Then again, you're always gorgeous. :) Thank you so much in advance. I adore your reviews Christine!
Oh, I almost forgot. Part of it seems like my brush (MAC 168) just is hardly picking any product up, even if I dig at the product. If I apply the product with my fingers however, I can get more coverage...but I really hate doing that. Do you have any brush suggestions? Thank you so much!
Maybe a stippling brush?
Thank you, Christine! Using my MAC 130 definitely helped!
Yay!!
I missed out on this and was so disappointed but I saw it while I was in Canada this week & it retails in Canada for $85 before taxes.. but I was just happy to finally have it, very beautiful and elegant :)
That's strange. I was at my local Shoppers Drug Mart for $76 before taxes. In any event, you're enjoying it so the few dollars probably doesn't matter. :)
oops. Sorry for the poor grammar. It should read: "In any event, you're enjoying it so the extra few dollars probably don't matter."
I just saw this yesterday at Shopper's Drug Mart here in Canada. It's close to 80 bucks, I think (either 73 dollars or 78) which seemed awfully steep, even for something so lovely (I'd spend it for foundation or for skin care). Still, I'm very likely to break down and buy it the next time SDM has their "20X the points" offer - a deal that makes it very, very "easy" to buy more cosmetics!!! (Canadian gals will know what I mean!)
I just got mine at Shoppers tonight while getting snacks, haha. It's completely sold out in the States :( so I had no choice but to fork over the extra steep price.
This looks lovely! Does it compare in texture to the Modern Mercury highlighter from Estée Lauder? xxx
Similar, not as dry!
Does anyone know if this is still available and where I can get it from? I've looked online at Nordstrom, Neiman, Dillards, Sephora and none of them have it online. I know I'm a little late in the game, but can't see myself spending $100 for it on ebay :)
Guerlain has done it again with its breathtaking packaging and design. I'm taken away... such a product I want on my desk and stare at all the time! Hahhaa - if I ever get one, will cherish for many years to come! :)
Do you know if this would work on Darker skin tones? I am about a NC42-45 and I couldnt find the laura mercier any where :(
I think it would - as a highlighter though!
this entire Guerlain collection is simply gorgeous. The highlighter looks out of this world. This is one highlighter that I am going to purchase two of since it will be a liminted edition. It is just beautiful on your face, but what makeup doesn't. Just love your website. My husband says everytime I read your review it costs him money. Ha! Happy Holidays
Thank you, Aud Max! I beet you would love it!
Wow, looks amazing! ♥
Hi Christine! Have you tried Laura Mercier Face Illuminator? is this the same as that one? that one have good reviews too. Thanks.
Hi Venice, I compared this to that in this post!
Hi christine. Sorry i over read it. haha. so you like this better than Laura Mercier's?
It wears a lot better on me, so yes.
Freaking love this, Guerlain makes my heart beat faster.
Thanks for the fabulous review. I have been dying to see this swatched since I saw the preview photos for this collection. This is definitely on my list! I can't wait until it arrives at stores! The laura mercier one is amazing too! I saw a review online and fell in love with it. I checked everywhere online and it was sold out.... I was devastated! Yesterday I was at Saks to pick up a few things and stopped by the laura mercier counter just on a whim and I was in luck!!! They had four left, so I ended up buying 2 :-)) It was the best Christmas present to myself :-)).... So if anyone is looking for one still try Saks, you might luck out too. :-))
Glad you were able to track one down! I figure some stores will still have it, but I know it is 100% sold out online last I checked!
I do wish if u posted the review for laura mercier highlighter Coz, if it was sold out in the US, its not yet for other countries. Plus, Temptalia is now international LOL
It was sold out everywhere when I looked - including some international retailers. Sorry!
how would you compare this to Benefit's Watt's up? I know you gave that one a solid review as well. I love the rose design on the Guerlain one but the price is a bit steep for me. I was looking into Laura Mercier illuminator, but from the swatch... doesn't seem I'll like it too much.
Watt's Up is more golden, not really pink! They're all highlighters, so they function similarly, but Guerlain's will give you a touch of pinky glow, while Laura Mercier will give a bronzy one - Benefit is more neutral.
Thank you for the comparison. I went to Sephora today and although Laura Mercier was not in stock, they still had one on display that I could test. Um... yeah... I noticed what you meant by "coppery" lol; Seems like I might have to cave and get Guerlain's.
okay... I don't think you ever described it as coppery. Sorry for putting words in your mouth lol.
This is such a polished sophisticated look on u!!! Love it.
Thank you, Kristanna!
This is rally gorgeous and the packaging is to die for! :)
Glad ya liked it!
THis is the most beautiful make up piece I have ever laid eyes on and I haven't even seen the real thing!!
Hopefully you love it as much in person!
This look is INCREDIBLY beautiful on you! I love it!
Thanks, Italia!
Love this look on you!!
Thank you, Laura!
I love meteorite pearls, but use that all over my face as a finishing powder. How does this look all over? Is it too shimmery?
I'd say you could do it with this one but would likely be more shimmery.
How would you say this product compares with Amber Diamond (which I know you love)? Thanks for a great review, as always! You look STUNNING in the photo above!
Amber Diamond is sheerer and more bronzy than it is pink. This would compare better with Rose Diamond!
Oh my! This is stunning! I wouldn't even be able to use this because the design is so pretty! LOL :)
The design stays intact pretty well!
You look so gorgeous!! I am a recent convert to the awesomeness that is Guerlain and it is a slippery downhill slope. I will DEFINITELY get this one, it is too gorgeous to pass. Glow wise is it similar to the meteorites or different?
NVM, you already answered the question!
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